The mini Labradoodle is a shrunken variant of a beloved hybrid breed. Unlike the standard Labradoodle, which is a product of breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, the mini Labradoodle is a Lab-Poodle combo that involves a Miniature or Toy Poodle. Some sellers may refer to it as a teacup, micro, or mini Labradoodle.
Labradoodles of standard size are considered quite large with their standing height ranging from 24 to 26 inches and their weight ranging between 55 to 95 pounds. Nevertheless, the current trend is towards more practical and diminutive types of hybrids. This is where the toy Labradoodle comes in.
Where Does the Toy Labradoodle Come From?
Crossbreeding or creating designer dogs involves mixing two purebred dogs, but this approach faces considerable controversy.
When purebred dogs are bred, they conform to a specific criterion, so you can anticipate the look, size, and nature of the young. However, when two different dog breeds are crossbred, their traits can be uncertain. They may inherit features from either parent or display a combination of both. Nonetheless, mixing breeds results in greater genetic diversity, which may lead to better health, according to some studies.
Origins of the Toy Labradoodle
The story of Labradoodles dates back to the 1980s in Australia, where breeders aimed to produce a service dog with the amiable nature of the Labrador and the non-shedding fur of the Poodle, marking them as one of the early designer breeds.
Labradors and Poodles may seem like two very distinct breeds, but their origins trace back to being waterfowl retrievers. Labradors originated from the St. John’s Dog, a companion of fishermen from Newfoundland, Canada, while Poodles were developed over 400 years ago in Germany for the purpose of retrieving game from water. The Standard Poodle later gave way to Miniature and Toy Poodles, all of which are simply different variations of the same breed.
Fun Facts About the Toy Labradoodle
In 1994, Dr. Kate Schoeffel successfully bred the initial miniature Labradoodles by mating a male Toy Poodle named Snowy, who was white in color, with a Black Labrador named Holly. From this union, two puppies emerged and were named Wally and Polly.
Toy Labradoodle Appearance
Offspring from two purebred parents may favor one over the other in appearance, or exhibit traits from both. Although typically possessing a square and compact physique, Toy Labradoodles can range in height from 14 to 16 inches and weigh between 15 to 25 lbs. Yet, it’s important to note that these characteristics are not always a certainty.
Toy Labradoodle Coat
If you or someone in your household experiences allergies, you might be considering getting a toy Labradoodle due to their reputation as hypoallergenic. Although it is factual that Poodles shed less than Labrador Retrievers, both breeds still generate allergens. Hence, it is crucial to understand that no dog can be wholly hypoallergenic. Furthermore, the coat of a toy Labradoodle may differ significantly, ranging from dense and straight like a Labrador to thick, curly, and low-shedding like a Poodle.
Toy Labradoodles are available in a variety of shades, encompassing
- black
- chocolate
- golden
- silver
- white
- cream
- red.
To identify the coat type of your puppy, it is recommended to examine the parents.
Toy Labradoodle Temperament
Mixed breeds may display a combination of both breeds’ characteristics, including their temperament. Yet, when both parents are sociable and lively dogs that make exceptional family pets, the offspring will be the same. Labs are notably warm and extroverted, bonding quickly with the entire family and other dogs. Conversely, Miniature Poodles may be distant towards unfamiliar canines and people but are faithful and caring towards their own family.
Their outstanding intelligence and easy trainability make this breed highly renowned. Crossbreeding two such lively breeds is bound to result in offspring with high energy. Those who love Toy Labradoodles must ensure they engage in regular exercise and playtime.
Training Your Toy Labradoodle
It’s important to begin introducing your toy Labradoodle to socialization early on. These intelligent pups can start learning at just 8 to 10 weeks old. Any dog may exhibit undesirable behavior, even if they aren’t predisposed to aggression, if they haven’t been exposed to a variety of people, places, and scenarios in a proper manner.
It is recommended to utilize training techniques based on positive reinforcement when training any type of dog. According to a particular study, punishment has a negative impact on a dog’s conduct. Conversely, training methods that involve rewards may enhance a dog’s aptitude to acquire new skills.
Exercising Your Toy Labradoodle
Toy Labradoodles may be smaller, but they originate from two highly dynamic, laboring breeds. This means that they require ample exercise on a daily basis. Engaging in activities like walking, playing games and running in the yard is crucial for their physical well-being. In addition, providing them with mental stimulation is necessary to prevent monotony.
Caution should be exercised as Labradors are susceptible to experiencing exercise-induced collapse (EIC), hence it is necessary to ensure that your dog is not overly exerted, especially during hot and humid weather.
Toy Labradoodle Lifespan
Labradors have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, Miniature Poodles from 10 to 18 years. Small dogs tend to live a bit longer. But you can expect a toy Labradoodle to live anywhere from 10 to 18 years.
Toy Labradoodle Grooming and Feeding Requirements
The grooming needs of your toy Labradoodle will vary based on its type of coat. It’s usually necessary to groom curlier coats more regularly to avoid matting. Additionally, it may be necessary to seek the services of a professional groomer to clip their coat once a month or more. Regardless of the coat’s type, it’s advisable to brush your toy Labradoodle at least once or twice a week.
Toy Labradoodles can experience considerable shedding, especially during shedding season. Additionally, it is necessary to give attention to their ears, nails, and teeth. Their diet should consist of high-quality food that is proportional to their size and age. Owners should also take care to provide less food for less active dogs to prevent weight gain.
Do Toy Labradoodles Make Good Family Dogs?
Toy Labradoodles are known to have a friendly disposition and are loyal pets that enjoy playing. They tend to be very well-suited for children, but may need supervision around younger ones because of their exuberant behavior. As long as they receive proper socialization, they are unlikely to have any behavioral issues, as these dogs are typically intelligent and can be easily trained. However, it is important that they receive sufficient exercise and attention to keep them happy and healthy. If left alone for extended periods, Toy Labradoodles may experience separation anxiety.
BONUS: Dog training 101 — How to set realistic goals and where to get started
Kayla Fratt, owner of Journey Dog Training and a certified dog behavior consultant, suggests that an ideal objective for every dog is to have them feel at ease in their body and accustomed to the lifestyle they share with their owner.
Training is beneficial for all dogs, regardless of whether you just got a puppy from a breeder or have had your dog for a long time.
Starting the process can be challenging. When you search for “dog trainers near me” on the internet, it’s likely that you’ll feel overwhelmed with the options, vocabulary, and certifications available. Considering the vast amount of information available, we spoke with some experts to get their opinion on where to begin. Here’s what they recommend:
Identify your training goals
Basically, there exist two tiers of dog coaching. In case you want to teach your dog particular abilities and standard etiquettes, for instance, sitting, remaining calm, and lying down, then, you may require a skilled dog trainer. However, if your pet is facing issues related to its conduct like anxiety, aggression, or fear, you should contact a dog behavioral therapist, such as Brianna Dick from Pack Leader Help.
“The way that I approach dog training is behavioral psychology based,” says Dick, who is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. “We’re not looking at just the physical behaviors of dogs. We’re looking at their emotions and the relationship they have with their humans.”
If you require both behavior training and skills training for your dog, it is recommended to begin with the more challenging one, which is behavior training. While a dog trainer may have some knowledge on how to teach your dog to sit, a dog behavior consultant has more experience and expertise in assisting your dog to cope with separation anxiety.
Be realistic.
Fratt notes that not all dogs will develop a fondness for going to the park, in the same way that not all humans will acquire an appreciation for attending raves.
An applied ethologist, family dog mediator, and owner of The Dog Door Behavior Center, Kim Brophey authored “Meet Your Dog: The Game Changing Guide To Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior.” Brophey employs the L.E.G.S framework (learning, environment, genetics, self) to elucidate dog behavior. For instance, if your guests are being barked at by your dog.
Brophey suggests that this breed of dog may have been chosen for centuries to protect against intruders coming through the front entrance. As the natural instinct of a German shepherd to protect its territory cannot be eliminated through training, it may be necessary to modify your expectations.
Decide how you’d like to train your dog.
Regarding training options, there are several to choose from including group classes, one-on-one training, board and train, day training, and self-led training, which are the most frequently used. While group classes cost less, they lack individual attention. Fratt warns that board and train facilities are pricier and come with more potential risks.
“If the trainer spends all this time training the dog in this really specific context and then basically just hands you the leash, takes your check and walks away, there’s a very good chance you’re not actually going to be able to implement those new strategies and skills … successfully in your home.”
Your decision will be influenced by your financial capabilities and the objectives you have set for your training. Training your dog outside your home may not be effective if it displays aggression towards another dog in your household.
It’s important to be aware that you will need to participate in your dog’s training, but it won’t require a significant amount of your time. Fratt mentions that she devotes only five minutes per day to training. The assignments trainers assign can be enjoyable and simple to integrate into your daily routine as well.
To avoid spending a large sum on dog training, our specialists recommend utilizing these online resources that are either free or affordable.
- Kikopup on Youtube and Instagram
- Fenzi Dog Sports Academy
- K9 of Mine
Understand the methodologies.
There are no regulations governing the field of dog training, allowing anyone with a website, Instagram page, or store to proclaim themselves as a dog trainer. This results in a lack of standard guidelines for dog training techniques, leading to disagreement between trainers. However, most trainers can be classified into two general categories.
Fratt is an example of a positive reinforcement trainer. This training method involves rewarding your dog with something desirable, such as a treat, in response to good behavior to encourage them to continue behaving well. It may also involve using positive experiences to help your dog overcome their fear of something.
Balanced trainers, such as Brianna Dick, utilize positive reinforcement techniques but are also open to including corrections such as e-collars in their training methods.
According to Dick, the process of E-collar training requires the use of a collar that is worn by the dog and can be controlled by a remote to deliver a correction through a variety of stimuli such as shock, sound, or citronella spray. The use of E-collars, particularly those that emit a shock, is a controversial topic within the dog training community.
According to Dick, one should be cautious of trainers who use e-collars on all dogs since it is a standardized approach that does not produce satisfactory outcomes. He suggests seeking a trainer who takes the time to understand one’s relationship with their dog, lifestyle, and individual characteristics.
Find a good trainer.
A reliable way to locate positive reinforcement trainers or balanced trainers in your locality is to refer to lists created by different professional associations.
