Are Labradoodles AKC?
Labradoodles are a well-known and well-loved dog breed. To be precise, it’s a combination of two breeds: the Labrador and Poodle. This friendly dog with a well-balanced temperament is often the perfect family pet.
If you have a Labradoodle or you’re thinking about getting one, maybe you wonder whether you’d be able to register your dog with the AKC (American Kennel Club). After all, the two breeds that are used to create this dog, the Labrador, and Poodle, are purebred dogs. The Labradoodle is a crossbreed dog.
No, the Labradoodle is not an AKC dog. In other words, you cannot register it with the AKC. While purebred Labradors and Poodles can be registered, the Labradoodle cannot.
Why Aren’t Labradoodles AKC?
As touched on earlier, the Labradoodle is a crossbreed. The AKC only registered purebred dogs. The AKC will not recognize crossbreeds like the Labradoodle, also known as “designer dogs,” because of the variability you see in the puppies. For example, one Labradoodle may have more poodle characteristics while another is much more like a poodle.
There are numerous variations seen in Labradoodles. It’s impossible to predict what group of characteristics you will see in each litter. In contrast to purebred dog breeds, you also cannot predict how a puppy’s appearance may change when it grows up.
There are Labradoodles in a wide variety of colors. Some include:
- Caramel or gold
- Apricot
- Red
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Black
- Brown/blue
- Chalk white
- Abstract
- Phantom
- Parchment
These dogs are also found with different coat textures. In some cases, a Labradoodle may have a combination of these types. There are hair-coated labradoodles, fleece-coated labradoodles, and wool-coated labradoodles. To make things even more confusing, a Labradoodle’s coat color and/or texture can change as it gets older and matures.
On top of all that, there are also different Labradoodle sizes. There are standard-sized, medium-sized, and miniature-sized Labradoodles. A standard-sized male Labradoodle will have a height of between 22 and 24 inches. A female of the same size type will usually be between 21 and 23 inches in height. Both males and females tend to weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.
A medium-sized Labradoodle male’s height is generally between 18 and 20 inches, while a female will have a height between 17 and 19 inches. Both male and female medium-sized Labradoodles weigh between 30 and 45 pounds.
A miniature Labradoodle’s height is between 14 and 16 inches. This animal’s weight is between 15 and 25 pounds. Be aware that no matter what size Labradoodle you have, there may be quite a bit of variation. It isn’t considered a problem if your dog doesn’t perfectly fit in one of these categories.
Additionally, Labradoodle breeders and owners notice how much difference there can be in Labradoodle faces. In some cases, the faces of two Labradoodles can be strikingly different, even if they are different breeds.
With all these realities, it would be impossible for the AKC to accept and treat the Labradoodle as a purebred dog. For one thing, what standards would they use for judging the dog and evaluating its quality? There are many different kinds of Labradoodle, and their value and quality depend on how they suit and please their human companions.
What are Purebred Dogs?
There are onerous requirements that must be satisfied in order for a dog to be considered purebred and registered with the AKC. Its father (also known as the sire) and mother (also known as the dam) must both be recognized as purebred dogs by the AKC. They must also be the same breed. So, for example, a purebred Poodle must have a purebred mother (dam) and father (sire).
To be registered with the AKC, the father and mother will also need confirmed family trees (also known as pedigrees). This must be documented in detail, with nothing missing. Purebred dogs are valued for how they offer predictable characteristics. For example, the purchaser of a purebred dog can be assured that the dog will have specific physical attributes and the breed-appropriate temperament.
What is the American Kennel Club (AKC)?
Established in 1884, the American Kennel Club is the country’s most prominent and expert organization in the area of dog breeds, training, and health. Most significantly, it’s a registry body where purebred dogs are recognized and registered.
The American Kennel Club is essential for maintaining purebred dog breed lines. Americans wanting to purchase a purebred puppy can find reputable breeders through the site’s Find a Puppy page. Owners of purebred dogs will also find the Find a Groomer section useful.
This organization has branches all over the country, and these focus on a variety of different things. There are training clubs, performance clubs, national clubs for each breed, confirmation clubs, agility clubs, and obedience clubs.
Are there Other Options?
Yes, you may register your Labradoodle in the AKC Canine Partners Program. In fact, this program is open to every mixed-breed dog. No matter what your Labradoodle’s age, you can enroll it in the AKC Canine Partners Program.
There are numerous advantages to taking part in this program. For example, the AKC Canine Partners Program gives your dog the chance to take part in special AKC events and sports. There are obedience and agility events, as well as the AKC Rally.
When your dog is an AKC Canine Partners Program member, you can enroll in the program’s optional pet insurance. You’ll also have access to a complimentary visit to a veterinarian with the AKC Veterinary Network.
Your Labradoodle will have to be neutered or spayed when it becomes an adult if you want to register it in the AKC Canine Partners Program. You’re allowed to register a non-neutered or non-spayed puppy as long as you commit to neutering or spaying your dog as soon as your veterinarian says it’s old enough.
If you’re like me, you know how important spaying and neutering is in helping reduce the population of unwanted animals. There are surprisingly large numbers of mixed-breed dogs, including Labradoodles, waiting to be rehomed in shelters. We should limit breeding as much as possible in most circumstances. The AKC Canine Partners Program’s spaying and neutering requirement recognizes this reality.
The spaying and neutering requirement for the AKC Canine Partners Program is diametrically different from the AKC’s requirements for their purebred dogs program, where animals must be kept intact if you want them to compete in the organization’s conformation shows. A spayed or neutered purebred dog can still be registered, though.
Should You Buy a Labradoodle?
Labradoodles are wonderful dogs, but they’re certainly an investment. After all, puppies in this designer breed can be expensive. In some cases, they may cost as much as $2,000. Given how much money you’ll have to pay, maybe you’re disappointed you won’t have the prestige of registering your dog with the American Kennel Club.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog with completely predictable characteristics that you can register with the AKC, get that kind of dog. Do your research and find the breed that best suits you. If, however, you want a loving family dog that is wildly popular for a reason, the Labradoodle may be the perfect pooch for you.
