If you search for the list of the most popular cross-breeds around, Labradoodle will always top the list! It will be hard to resist this cuddly furball with a pleasing personality.
If the Labradoodle’s color is everyone’s favorite, the Chocolate one is even more interesting.
Let’s find out more about Chocolate Labradoodles and check if being a yummy color spells a difference or none at all.
What is a Chocolate Labradoodle?
First, a Labradoodle is a mix between American Kennel Club (AKC)’s the most popular dog, the friendly, active and outgoing Labrador Retriever with the 7th on the list, the smart, active and proud Poodle.
Breeding these two together resulted in an overly adorable and hypoallergenic pooch, the Labradoodle.
Chocolate Labradoodle is just one of the colors of this breed which is a luxurious dark brown coat.
Where Did Chocolate Labradoodle Originated?
Many cross-breeds have unknown origins. Good thing for the Labradoodle, it is not the case.
Labrador Retrievers with Standard Poodles were first planned and arranged by the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia under the charge of Wally Conron in 1989. It was bred with the purpose of creating a hypoallergenic guard dog.
Sultan was the first dog produced by Conron through this cross-breeding. Sultan’s aptitude, intelligence and personality proved to be effective as a guide dog when it worked for a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband was allergic to dog hair.
With this success, other breeders saw the merit of crossing the two breeds and it rose to fame. In fact, it is one of the most sought after Doodle breeds- or a breed mixed with a Poodle.
Although Labradoodles are wonderful dogs, many of them are not fitting the standards of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia for a guide dog.
Both the Australian Labradoodle Association and the International Australian Labradoodle are taking steps to produce a recognizable and viable breed by achieving the same standards and having it as a registered breed.
How Does a Chocolate Labradoodle Look Like?
A Chocolate Labradoodle will look extremely cute, that is for sure with a rose or brownish colored nose.
Since it is a mix between a Labrador and a Poodle, its texture can fall into any of the below:
Hair Coat – this is the least popular fur since it is similar to the shedding breeds. Yes, this coat shed has the usual doggy odor. In that case, not all Labradoodles can be less-shedding or hypoallergenic. This coat, seen mostly in first generations, is avoided by breeders.
Wool Coat – it is called as such because it really looks like wool! Wool coats hang on loose curls and are not as dense. It also does not have that doggy odor and is non-shedding.
Fleece Coat – an Angora goat texture is what is usually used to describe this silky coat texture that can either be straight or wavy.
Yes, Labradoodles are low to non-shedders especially if they have wool or fleece coats. But do not expect a hypoallergenic dog with a hair coat Chocolate Labradoodle.
Speaking of hypoallergenic, no dog can claim its 100% veracity since all dogs produce dander.
How Big Will a Chocolate Labradoodle Get?
The size of a Chocolate Labradoodle can come in three different sizes:
Standard Labradoodle – a male dog’s height can grow from 22 to 24 inches while for females, 21 to 23 inches. In terms of weight, a Standard Labradoodle will weigh from 50 to 65 pounds.
Medium Labradoodle – males are 18 to 20 inches in height while females are at 17 to 19 inches. Weight can range from 30 to 45 pounds.
Miniature Labradoodle – the smallest of them all is between 14 to 16 inches and weighs only 15 to 25 pounds.
Grooming a Chocolate Labradoodle
The color Chocolate of a Labradoodle will not play a significant part in its grooming but the style coat does.
For thick-furred Chocolate Labradoodles who are Poodle-like in coats, once or twice a week is mandatory to prevent tangles, dirt and matting. That said, this Chocolate Labradoodle will also need regular grooming every six to eight weeks.
Chocolate Labradoodles also do not need frequent bathing. Bathe only as needed and that means if it is dirty or they smell already. A good shampoo, conditioner and detangling spray are good arsenals for their coat.
Since this breed loves the water, extra attention must be given to their ears by drying and cleaning it every time. Always check for dirt, bad odor or redness as these are indicators of infection. An ear wipes or cotton ball with a PH-balanced ear cleaner are good tools to clean their ears.
For their nails, clip it once or twice a month or when their nails click on the floor already. Remember that in cutting their nails, stay clear from the “quick” or where their blood vessels are to prevent bleeding (and eventual trauma for them).
Dental health is also important and twice or thrice weekly brushing will ensure tartar buildup and other gum diseases can be prevented.
The Temperament of a Chocolate Labradoodle
Chocolate Labradoodles are popular because they are a perfect addition to the family. They love to be around their family members and will always shower them with love and affection.
They are great with kids and they will shower them with love but older children are much advisable. Not that they are aggressive, but Chocolate Labradoodles are just so exuberant, they can easily knock small kids down.
As with any breed, kids must always be taught how to interact with dogs properly and that means no pulling of ears and tail. This also means never to disturb them when sleeping or eating. No matter how gentle the dog, no kid must be left unsupervised with it.
Since they love to be with humans and interact with them, they should not be left alone for long periods of time or they will suffer from separation anxiety.
They are also very sociable and can live with other pets at home. That said, they are not great guard dogs as they will welcome strangers with open arms; although they will bark to give attention.
In addition to those general traits, Chocolate Labradoodles are said to be more excitable based on a 2014 study published in the journal Applied Animal Behavior Science. In addition, they become more agitated when ignored and lower trainability.
Of course, since there is no standard yet amongst Chocolate Labradoodles, it does not mean that all with these negative traits will be exhibited by it.
Exercise Needs of a Chocolate Labradoodle
Chocolate Labradoodles are very energetic and they need lots of exercises to work their endless energy off! This high-energy dog needs at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise and won’t say no to more.
With a retriever running in their genes, they love swimming and very well accustomed to a game of fetch. They will also enjoy walking, running, hiking or any adventure the family is up to.
Since Chocolate Labradoodles are very energetic, an apartment setting is not ideal for them. They need a big space where they can run free and play!
Chocolate Labradoodles are very smart too; they need mental stimulation in a form of games. If they become bored or do not get enough exercise, they can get destructive and rowdy.
Training a Chocolate Labradoodle
Chocolate Labradoodles are very smart and it is no wonder why. Both parents, the Labrador Retriever and Poodle are in the top 10 list of the most intelligent dogs. The Lab is at the 7th spot while the Poodle parent is high above the 2nd spot!
This means that they can understand new commands in just less than five repetitions and known commands can be followed with 95% accuracy.
With this, Chocolate Labradoodles are very easy to train and even first-time dog owners will have a breeze through it. Positive training methods, consistency and training while still young are three great ingredients to training this intelligent and eager to please designer breed.
Where areas of training are concerned, include also socialization, crate and potty training. Speaking of crate training, they must only be trained to use it when sleeping or resting. They should not stay in their crate for a long time as they need exercise and lots of it.
Taking Care of a Chocolate Labradoodle
The recommended daily diet of a Chocolate Labradoodle is 1 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food split into two meals to ensure that they will not go overboard in weight.
To check if your Chocolate Labradoodle is overweight, an eye and hands-on test are handy. First, you should be able to make out of their waist just by looking at it. Next, place your hands on their back, run your thumb on their spine with hands spread downward, you should be able to feel their ribs without pressing too hard.
Always choose a kibble with high-quality ingredients. In terms of treats, make sure to choose only those low in calories but high in nutrition which is basically fruits and vegetables.
Vitamins or supplements recommended by the vet are also welcome as well as regular visits to their doctor for routine check-ups.
Common Health Issues of a Chocolate Labradoodle
It is said that Chocolate Labradoodles have higher risks of inheriting health problems from their parents. Since chocolate is a recessive coat, two chocolate-colored pups must be mated resulting in a narrower gene pool.
Some common health issues of Chocolate Labradoodles are:
Ear infections – this is because their floppy ears tend to trap moisture causing the infection
Hip Dysplasia – a condition that can be inherited where the hip joint is improperly formed resulting in loose joints
Elbow Dysplasia – also similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is also a degenerative disease involving the elbow-joint of the dog
Epilepsy – mild or severe seizures characterized by unusual behavior such as staggering or falling down and a lot more
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – an eye disease that can eventually lead to blindness
To ensure that the Chocolate Labradoodle is healthy and reduce their likelihood of suffering from these conditions, always select a reputable breeder. They will always test for genetic health problems and will never breed unhealthy dogs just for the sake of money.
Life Expectancy of a Chocolate Labradoodle
A Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years while a Poodle is expected to live longer at 10 to 18 years.
Given those, a Labradoodle can live anywhere between 13 to 15 years.
Selecting a reputable breeder, good diet, regular check-up, exercise and proper grooming will all contribute to a long, healthy living Chocolate Labradoodle.
How Much is a Cute Chocolate Labradoodle?
If you want a Chocolate Labradoodle, the price range is anywhere from $1000 to $3000.
Adopting a Chocolate Labradoodle at a local shelter is also a great option. No dog deserves to be left alone by his family.
Conclusion: Is a Chocolate Labradoodle The Right Dog For You?
If a Chocolate Labradoodle has a grade, it would be stellar. It came from popular and very intelligent parents in a hypoallergenic and fuzzy package.
Go for a Chocolate Labradoodle if their lifestyle fits you. That means if you are up for daily exercise, open to adventures and have a space for this highly energetic dog. If you would rather just sit on a couch and binge-watch, this breed is not for you.
Ultimately, go for a Chocolate Labradoodle if you are resolved to love it and take care of it for the rest of its life. Be rewarded then with a lifelong best friend.
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