Black Labradoodles
February 10, 2021 2022-02-19 7:02Table of Contents
The Labradoodle is next to the Goldendoodle the most well-known type of Doodle dog. A cross of Labrador Retriever and Poodle, he is a large, goofy and always happy dog.
While this Doodle mix can come in a variety of colors, the most popular one by far is black. Today we want to look at black Labradoodles in particular. How much can you expect to pay for a black Labradoodle? Are they hypoallergenic? Do they turn grey with age? Let’s dive in and find out!
Origin
The black Labradoodle comes – like Labradoodles of all colors – from a pairing of Labrador and Poodle. The Poodle parent is typically a Standard Poodle.
Labradors themselves come in three distinct colors: Black, yellow and chocolate. Poodles have a larger color variety: They can be black, apricot, brown, grey, silver, white … and also have irregular patterns, such as in the Phantom Poodle or Parti Poodle.
Color genetics can be complicated. It is not always possible to accurately predict an offspring’s coat color. The best way to guaranteed get black Labradoodle puppies is to cross a black Labrador and a black Poodle. In such a litter, most of the puppies should be black.
Are Black Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
If you have spent any time researching Doodle breeds yet, you know that this is not an easily answered question. On the one hand, there is no such thing as a guaranteed hypoallergenic dog. On the other hand, chances are that your Labradoodle will be a lot more hypoallergenic than most other dogs out there.
Whether your Labradoodle is black or a different color does not play a big role when it comes to their coat qualities – a black Labradoodle will be as hypoallergenic as a yellow Labradoodle. What can determine your dog’s coat a lot more are his genetics and the parents’ and grandparents’ coat type.
Training
Labradoodles require consistent and positive training in order to turn into well-behaved companions, regardless of their color!
As very energetic and outgoing dogs, it is crucial to teach them to be calm and focused in public and have good leash manners. Since these dogs become invisible at night due to their color, it is advisable to walk them on an LED collar in the dark.
Coming when called is a very important skill to add to the list, as well as politely sitting and greeting visitors. You should not delay getting started in training your Labradoodle – the early you begin, the faster your dog will learn. Plus – he won’t have time to ingrain unwanted habits!
Labradoodles are typically very food-driven. Use high-quality treats and food for your Labradoodle, and he will happily learn any trick you want to teach him!
Grooming
The fact that your black Labradoodle will not shed does not mean that he won’t require grooming.
Any Doodle’s coat will grow very long and has the tendency to form mats and dreadlocks quickly. You have two basic options for dealing with your Labradoodle’s coat:
- Clip it
Especially if you live in a hot climate, spend a lot of time outdoors or don’t have the time to brush your dog daily, keeping your black Labradoodle in a short haircut will benefit you all. You can either buy some clippers and groom your dog at home or take him to a local groomer. - Brush & wash it
If you like the shaggy, adorable look of your Labradoodle’s locks, you can keep them longer as well. It goes without saying that this will be tied to daily brushing and monthly baths with a good shampoo. The longer your pup’s hair is, the more time you have to allot for maintaining it. Do not let it mat or your dog will suffer from painful skin sores!
Here you can find our recommendations for the best brushes for Labradoodles.
Do Black Labradoodles turn gray?
You might have gotten a black Labradoodle puppy, but within the first year he seems to become more and more grey. If this is the case, your dog was likely never “genetically black” in the first case.
Dogs have a “dilute gene” that does literally this – dilute the dog’s color. This dilute gene can be passed on without being expressed. That means that two parents who do not appear to have a “diluted” color can produce offspring that do.
Dilute puppies often look black when first born and start to lighten during the first year of their life. This might appear as if your black Labradoodle is turning grey – but in fact, he was just a grey Labradoodle all along who looked to be darker as a young puppy.
If you have a true genetically black Labradoodle, he might start to get grey and white hair around his muzzle in his older years.
Do they get hot in the sun?
Like all black dogs, black Labradoodles’ coat heats up quickly in the sunlight.
If you live in a hot climate you should consider keeping your dog in a short coat. Both the Labrador and the Poodle are waterdogs – meaning that your Labradoodle will probably gladly cool off in any kind of pool, puddle, pond or stream he can find.
By wetting him down frequently you can prevent him from overheating in the sun. Remember that dogs cannot sweat and panting can only regulate their body temperature so much. Providing shade and cool water is crucial for keeping your black Labradoodle happy and healthy in the sun.
How much is a black Labradoodle?
Black Labradoodles will cost around the same as brown or cream Labradoodles.
Most breeders price them around $1,000. Yes – they are not cheap.
However, it is really important that you do not price-shop when looking for a puppy!
It is impossible to breed and raise healthy, well-mannered puppies with a good temperament for low prices. Labradoodles are prone to inheritable conditions such as hip dysplasia, and you need to make absolutely sure that your breeder tested both parents for potential issues.
Do not purchase a black Labradoodle puppy for $300 – there is no way this puppy comes from health-tested parents and was raised with care!
