Petite Labradoodle

Characteristics

Health & Longevity

Average Life Span: 10-15 years
The Petite Labradoodle is unique because it mixes three distinctive breeds: Toy/Miniature Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel. Also known as the Petite Labrapoo, this adorable pup has a mixture of minor health issues that are inherited from the parent breeds. Luckily, many of the health problems the Petite Labradoodle inherits are easily controlled through vet-prescribed medications, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.

Diabetes

Type I Diabetes is the most common, and most severe, form of the disease in dogs. You might notice a loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, excessive urination and thirst, lethargy, and vomiting. Your Petite Labradoodle might also seem grouchy or depressed, which are both completely out of character for a dog with such a naturally sweet disposition. If your pup is diagnosed with diabetes, the vet will prescribe either a pill or an at-home shot to manage the disease.

Cataracts

Unfortunately, Poodles are prone to eye problems. This health issue can be passed down to the Petite Labradoodle, but it rarely makes an appearance until your dog is older, perhaps between 5-6 years old. You might notice a cloudiness over one or both eyes, followed by disorientation and an uncoordinated walking pattern. As the cataract worsens, your dog might bump into things or bark when nothing is there. A vet will do a thorough examination to determine severity, then suggest medication or surgery to correct the issue.

Other health problems that your Petite Labradoodle could inherit include hypothyroidism, chronic ear infections, allergies, and hip dysplasia. The average lifespan of a Petite Labradoodle is between 10-15 years.

Temperament & Train-ability

Probably one of the sweetest crossbreeds ever created, the Petite Labradoodle has a gentle, kind, loving disposition that makes her a great family pet. She shows affection regularly with kisses, cuddles, and little yips of delight when she sees her loved ones. While cautious around strangers, she warms up to new people quickly. She is rarely sensitive, never aggressive, and always friendly. Her natural friendliness also makes her a great service dog or first pet for children (with adult supervision).

The Petite Labradoodle is small, so she’s fragile. If you have children, make sure they understand how to handle her and show her affection. She would be easy to hurt or accidentally drop, so keep pets, hugs, and cuddles on the ground. She loves to play and run, so she’ll have tons of use for other dogs, toys, and rambunctious youngsters. Plus, her adorable antics make her quite an entertaining spectacle herself.

Exercise-wise, the Petite Labradoodle can be boisterous and bouncy. Her energy levels can get quite high, but she is very laid-back and relaxed once she tires herself out from playing. If you are going to keep her in an apartment, be sure to walk her at least twice a day to avoid destructive chewing of your shoes, furniture, or other personal belongings.

One of the easiest crossbreed pups to train, the Petite Labradoodle is eager to please and keen for attention. You are her whole world, so she will give you her undivided attention. This makes her easy to train, as she picks up commands quickly without too much repetition. Have meaty nibbles ready to reward her obedient, good behavior.

Grooming

The Petite Labradoodle’s parent breeds, especially the Cocker Spaniel, are known for their longer coat. Poodles are the exception, but it is rare for a Petite Labradoodle to inherit the fur type of that particular parent breed. Instead, you can expect your Petite Labradoodle to have silky, lengthy hair.

Her coat needs to be brushed once a day. Bathe her monthly with a gentle dog shampoo or take her to a professional groomer for a full doggy spa treatment, including a bath, dry, brush, and trim. They will likely clip her nails and clean her ears, as well.

Diet

Good, high-quality, dry dog food is essential to the good health and well-being of your Petite Labradoodle. Feed her at least one cup of dry kibble, twice daily. She needs protein, fat, carbs, and fiber to help her grow at a healthy rate, so invest in wholesome, hearty dog food. It might be a little more expensive than off brands, but you’re paying for good nutrition. Check the ingredients to make sure there are no preservatives, fillers, or chemicals in her dog food. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, or don’t know what an ingredient is, then chances are your Petite Labradoodle should not be eating it.

For good behavior, reward your Petite Labradoodle with meaty, bite-sized morsels. Again, these treats should be hearty and nutritious, despite being indulgences.
 

Find A Petite Labradoodle Breeder

Petite Labradoodle Puppies For Sale

Adopt A Petite Labradoodle

Cost

Because of their miniature size and overall cuteness, Petite Labradoodles are in high demand. The process of creating one of these pups requires three dogs, not two, so the price reflects the challenge that breeders face in making these crossbreed dogs. For a Petite Labradoodle puppy, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000. Then there is an initial vet visit, vaccines, flea protection, toys, and food to consider as well.

Albeit rare, you could look for a Petite Labradoodle for adoption at your local shelter. Ask around. Adoption fees are between $250-$350, but again, you have to think of the long-term investments that come with the responsibility of caring for one of these crossbreed pups.

Paws ‘N’ Pups Ranking

Paws ‘N’ Pups ranks every breed out of 4 with 1 being easiest to integrate into your life and 4 being the toughest – The lower the ranking the better.

Ranking takes into account a few basic factors including cost, skill level needed, high vs low maintenance and how critical regular training is to success. The Petite Labradoodle scores a 1.5 on the Paws ‘N’ Pups ranking. While this pup can be extremely expensive to attain, she is sweet, loving, and easy to train. Her household needs are minimal, she rarely causes a fuss, and her grooming requirements are doable. As with any dog, your Petite Labradoodle will be a big responsibility, but she is worth it. She would make a great family dog, especially for families with caring, gentle children.

 

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