Are Labradoodles Good With Kids?

Kids and dogs go together like peanut butter and jelly, but some breeds are a bit more child-friendly than others. If you’re planning to bring a Labradoodle into your home, you may be wondering whether they’ll be a safe companion for your little ones. 

Both Labradors and Poodles have a docile and family-friendly nature. But when you mix these two breeds together, can you expect the same temperament? In addition, can these dogs make suitable playmates for your children? 

If your children are allergic to dogs, it’s important to find a breed that won’t trigger a reaction. The standard Poodle has a hypoallergenic pelt — but what about the Labradoodle? 

As you read on, you’ll find the answers to all of these questions and much more. 

A Labradoodle’s Intelligence [Why That Makes it a Good Family Dog]

While most people associate them with fancy dog shows, the standard poodle’s origins actually lie in hunting. And according to The Intelligence of Dogs, Labradors are the seventh most intelligent dog species in the world! 

With two highly intelligent dog breeds in their heritage, it’s safe to conclude that Labradoodles are as smart as can be. 

A Labradoodle’s intelligence isn’t just impressive — it’s one of the many factors that make them an excellent family dog. 

When you have an intelligent dog, you have an obedient dog. With a dog as intelligent as the Labradoodle, you can expect to have an easy time training them. 

For the safety of your kids, especially smaller ones who are still learning the right way to play with pets, proper training is a necessity. Your dog knows what “no” or “stop” means could prevent your kids from getting hurt. 

We recommend that you get your children involved when you’re training your Labradoodle. Teaching tricks and commands is an excellent way to create a bond between your child and your new pet! 

A Fun-Loving, Playful Breed 

With the playfulness of its labrador parent, the Labradoodle makes an excellent playmate. 

These dogs are simply bursting with energy. A healthy Labradoodle can go for long walks without getting tired; just make sure you have plenty of water and treats on hand. 

Labradoodles are also excellent at playing fetch. As the name suggests, the labrador retriever has a natural instinct to retrieve things, so you can expect a Labradoodle to do the same. 

With their keen intelligence, you can teach your Labradoodle plenty of tricks that can make playtime all the more fun! 

Other Perks of Having a Labradoodle 

With all of the positive traits of Labradors and Poodles, the perks of owning a labradoodle are endless. 

Here are a few other reasons to consider bringing a Labradoodle into your home. 

They Get Along Well 

If you have other pets in your home, you can expect your Labradoodle to get along with them just fine. 

You may need to be careful upon the initial introduction, but it won’t take long before your labradoodle is living in harmony with your other furry friends. And yes, this includes cats! 

Less Shedding 

Because they have hair instead of fur, the Labradoodle doesn’t shed as much as other dog breeds. That means less cleaning and less sneezing for your family! 

Keep in mind, however, that you will need to groom your Labrador every so often. Their coat requires a fair amount of maintenance to stay soft and clean. 

If you’d like to teach your kids responsibility and help them bond with the new pet, you could have them do the dog grooming from time to time. 

Therapy Potential 

Do you have a child with a disability? These dogs have a reputation for being excellent therapy animals. 

Whether your child has autism or anxiety, these dogs can help calm their nerves during times of stress. They may have to go through some training, but it will be worth the effort. 

They’re Adorable! 

Nobody can deny how adorable these dogs are. Labrador lovers and Poodle lovers alike are sure to fawn over the labradoodle. 

With their soft, curly coats and irresistible eyes, what’s not to love? Your kids are sure to find these dogs simply precious. 

A Loving Family Dog 

It’s no secret that Labradoodles are incredibly affectionate. They’re always seeking out attention, whether it’s through playtime or petting. 

Labradoodles are also incredibly friendly. With a notably easygoing temperament, you can expect them to click with everyone they meet. 

Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? 

Poodles have a reputation for being hypoallergenic dogs. They have hair, not fur, which sheds far less often, and is less likely to trigger allergies. Their skin produces less dander than other dog breeds, too. 

Fortunately, the labradoodle often inherits these hypoallergenic traits from their poodle parent. So if you have children with allergies or asthma, a Labradoodle can make an excellent pet. 

Keep in mind that no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Labradoodles are simply less likely to trigger allergies or asthma-related symptoms. So while it is unlikely, there is a slight chance that your allergy-prone children may still react to Labradoodle fur. 

Potential Concerns 

As with any dog breed, there are a few concerns to consider when taking one of these pooches into your home. 

These factors can pose a slight risk to your children if you don’t take them seriously. To have the best results with your pet labradoodle, ensure proper training and educate your kids on how to safely play with and care for their new dog. 

Size 

Labradoodles can get pretty large. A male can reach up to 24 inches tall and weigh up to 66 pounds! While this isn’t a problem in and of itself, it can be a little risky when you have very small children in your house. 

No matter how gentle your dog is, there’s a chance they could accidentally hurt your child while playing. Whether it’s through playful pouncing or headbutting, it’s pretty easy for these huge dogs to do some damage to an infant or toddler. 

Because of this, you should always supervise your child when they’re playing with your Labradoodle. 

Bites 

No matter how docile they may be, any dog breed has the potential to bite. This can cause serious injury and lead to infections, so it’s essential to teach your children how to avoid dog bites. 

Make sure your child knows how to respect a dog’s boundaries. Teach your kids how to play gently without riling them up too much. They should also learn how to read a dog’s body language. 

Training your labradoodle can also help prevent biting. Puppies tend to nip while playing, and while this doesn’t hurt quite as much when they’re still small, this behavior can carry into adulthood. To avoid serious bite injuries in the future, be sure to train your dog not to bite while they’re still young. 

Maintenance 

These dogs will require a fair amount of maintenance. While this isn’t an inherently bad thing, some children may find these responsibilities a bit overwhelming. 

They require frequent grooming and attention, so you’ll want to make sure your family is willing to put in the time and effort to take care of these dogs before you take one home. 

Conclusion 

So, are Labradoodles good with kids? The answer to that is a solid yes! 

This breed is nothing short of a family-friendly dog. The notoriously family-friendly poodle and labrador combine to make an excellent friend for even the smallest children. 

With their docile and fun-loving personalities, these dogs are a wonderful addition to your home. Labradoodles are full of energy, making them the perfect playmate for kids who are constantly running around. And when it’s time to wind down, their soft coats make them an excellent cuddle buddy. 

As long as you take necessary precautions, train them well, and give them the care they need to thrive, you can expect your new labradoodle to get along wonderfully with the whole family!