Here we will discuss everything you need to know about the lifespan of a Labradoodle including how long do standard Labradoodles live? Keep reading to learn more.
Labradoodles are among the most adorable puppy hybrids you can add to your family. They are a hybrid between a Labrador retriever and a Poodle, and they look just like the big teddy bears. They are good family companions since they are easy to train and often cheerful.
How Long Do Labradoodles Live?
The average lifespan of a Labradoodle is 12 to 14 years. This depends on various factors such as size and care. Standard poodles and Labrador retrievers have a lifespan of around 12 years. Therefore, if you have a standard Labradoodle, you should expect them to have a slightly shorter lifespan of roughly 12 years.
Generally, small dogs tend to live longer. Therefore, you can expect toy poodles and miniature poodles to live longer.
If your Labradoodle is crossed with one of the smaller breeds, you can expect them to live longer than those bred with average-sized poodles.
While the projections are based on the average lifespan of the parent pups, research has indicated that crossbreed dogs tend to live longer than their parents, by around two years more.
The Life Stages Of A Labradoodle
Labradoodles usually pass through 5 main life stages throughout their lives. These include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, and senior.
The exact time when a Labradoodle passes through these stages will depend on whether it is a miniature, standard, or toy cross.
Small-sized dogs tend to mature faster and live longer. On the other hand, larger dogs mature slowly and have shorter lifespans.
Puppyhood
A Labradoodle is classified as a puppy for the first five months of its lifespan. Since they grow quickly at this time, they pass through several stages.
0-7 Weeks
At this stage, the pup is just a ball of fur that stay close to the mother, growing, eating, and sleeping.
They will be more interested in their siblings and mother than they will be in humans. However, they will start to learn that there is a big world and will start to explore it in the next few weeks.
7-8 Weeks
At this stage, a Labradoodle puppy will start to become interested in the humans around them. They will also start forming bonds with people.
At this stage, a Labradoodle will start to move on to the dog food. This is usually a necessity since the mother refuses to suckle them because of the pain caused by their growing teeth.
8-10 Weeks
During this period, puppies are very playful and tend to get into everything. This is a vital stage as they are also impassionable.
Any negative experiences at this point can have a lasting impact on the personality of your Labradoodle.
Therefore, your Labradoodle will need plenty of praise, love, and attention. It is at this stage that they should start learning about the rules. However, they should not be punished, as that can only create anxiety and fear.
10-16 Weeks
At this stage, your Labradoodle will be more alert and interested to know what is going on. It is the best time to start training your puppy as it will easily internalize what it is being taught.
Training your puppies at this stage will also teach them about action and reward. This will make them easier to train to do various things when they mature.
They will understand that the right behavior can result in a good thing. You can also start exposing your puppy to new experiences and new people.
This is vital to the socialization process, so your puppy learns the correct thing to do when confronted by the unknown.
4-6 months
During this period, your puppy will become more independent and curious about the surrounding environment.
This is the best time to start taking your furry friend with you almost everywhere you go. Essential training should also go on throughout this stage,
Adolescence
Like human beings, during this stage, your Labradoodle puppy will seem like it is either sleeping or eating most of the time to manage big growth spurts. The period tends to last from around six months up to approximately two years of age.
At this stage, your furry friend will tend to be bored easily. When they are not sleeping, they will be very active. As the hormones start to play a role, they will get more unpredictable.
You can expect them to jump up a lot, want to play all the time, and do things that test your limits.
Your Labradoodle will also lose its awkwardness and seem more coordinated. Besides, it will start to show some agility and strength at this stage.
The puppy should have all the adult teeth. Therefore, you will need to provide them with chew toys to focus their destructive chewing.
It is also at this stage that you will notice some territorial behaviors. The pup will become more protective of its possessions and territorial of its home.
It may also start to bark at strangers. You will need to socialize your furry friend appropriately during this period so that these issues do not continue into adulthood.
This is also the right time to start watching out if your dog has not been spayed or neutered.
Adulthood
Depending on the type of Labradoodle, you can expect your furry friend to settle down into adulthood at between two to three years of age.
At this stage, your dog should be about fully grown. Therefore, you will need to worry about your dog getting fatter instead of getting bigger.
It is essential to keep an eye on their diet and weight. Your Labradoodle will also enter its mental and physical prime at this time, as they are more tranquil and much calmer.
You can also continue teaching them new skills during this period since they are easy to train and can be taught new behaviors and skills at almost any age.
Middle Age
Your Labradoodle will start to get into the later stages of its life at around the ripe old age of seven or eight years.
At this stage, it will still be a healthy and active dog, although it will start to slow down a little bit. You will also need to ensure that your furry friend does not eat a lot and does not gain much weight.
Their teeth will be a little vulnerable at this stage. Therefore, you will need to check and clean their teeth regularly, as a minor tooth problem can cause them a lot of pain.
In addition, their joints may become stiff, and they start to develop serious joint problems.
Senior
Your Labradoodle will be senior when it hits nine or ten years. At this age, the dog will need more attention and care. Joint pain is a common problem among mature Labradoodles.
Therefore, you will have to make a few adjustments to your home to accommodate your senior Labradoodle.
This can include getting your furry friend a bed that he does not have to step up to get into. You can also invest in a ramp to help them get in and out of your car.
Some Labradoodles also have a tendency to feel the cold more intensely and lose their eyesight in later years.
Health Problems That Can Impact Labradoodle Lifespan
Several health problems can impact a Labradoodle’s lifespan. Some of these problems can be prevented by breeding quality and healthy dogs so that hereditary illnesses are not passed down.
You can also prevent or treat others by regular check-ups and by seeking assistance from a vet.
Here are the common health problems that can impact the lifespan of a Labradoodle.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia happens when the hip socket of a dog does not form well. It is common in large breeds of dogs like Labradoodles and can lead to inability to walk or arthritis. You can minimize the possibility of this happening by ensuring that you purchase your Labradoodle from health-tested parents with good hip scores.
Eye Disease
Labradoodles are susceptible to various eye diseases such as Retinal Dysplasia, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Loss of vision in a dog is not life-threatening by itself. However, it can put your furry friend at risk of accidents if they do not see a hazard in time.
Bloat
Bloat is a condition where gas and food become trapped in the stomach. It is a dangerous condition that should be corrected through a surgical operation. Your furry friend may eventually die if it is not treated on time.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s Disease occurs when the adrenal glands of a dog do not produce enough cortisol. It is common in middle-aged dogs, and if it is not treated on time, it can cause damage to the dog’s kidneys. Fortunately, it can be easily managed if detected earlier.
Cancer
Like human beings, dogs can also develop cancer. If you notice any lumps on your Labradoodle, see your vet as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Labradoodles are adorable and intelligent dogs that can be an excellent addition to any family. The average lifespan of this crossbreed is 12 to 14 years. Several factors impact their lifespans, such as health and care.