A cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle, the Labradoodle was originally bred by Australian breeder Wally Conron to provide guide dogs for those allergic to dog fur and dander.
Due to their low-shed coat, kind temperament, and trainability, Labradoodles have become a popular and much-adored dog breed.
However, a marked variance in their height and weight means that many Labradoodle owners want to know…
What Is The Typical Size Of A Labradoodle?
The question itself poses a problem, as there is nothing typical about the Labradoodle.
Even in their most generic form (i.e. the standard range, wavy-haired Labradoodle), their physicality can vary significantly. This is because, as a hybrid or “mix breed”, the characteristics of early-generation Labradoodles cannot be consistently or accurately predicted.
However, selectively bred, multi-generational Labradoodles typically achieve trait consistency within four or five generations. After that, their physical characteristics are as follows:
Height: 21″ – 25″ (at withers)
Weight: 50 – 75 lbs or greater
Height: 16″ – 20″ (at withers)
Weight: 30 – 50 lbs
Note: The height of quadrupeds, such as dogs and horses, is measured at the withers. That is the ridge between the shoulder blades. The withers are typically the tallest point of their body.
What Is The Typical Size Of An Australian Labradoodle?
Distinct from the Standard Labradoodle, the Australian Labradoodle is bred not only from the Labrador and the Poodle, but also from the Curly Coat Retriever, the American and English Cocker Spaniel, and the Irish Water Spaniel specifically. The size of the Miniature and standard range Australian Labradoodles are:
Height: 21″ – 24″ (at withers)
Weight: 50 – 65 lbs or greater
Height: 17″ – 20″ (at withers)
Weight: 30 – 45 lbs
What Is The Typical Size Of A Toy Labradoodle?
While the medium-sized Labradoodle is referred to as “miniature”, the Toy Labradoodle (about half the size of the Standard Labradoodle) is a much more appropriate bearer of the title.
Despite their diminutive stature, the Toy Labradoodle is not accepted as a new mix breed. Rather, they are considered an ordinary Labradoodle whose Miniature Poodle parentage is incidental.
A “Toy” Labradoodle is no taller than 10 inches from foot to shoulder, according to the American Kennel Club. Although many breeders extend this classification to up to 15 inches. As with other Labradoodles, males and females do not differ appreciably in size.
Height: 10″ – 15″ or less (at withers)
Weight: 15 – 20 lbs
The Exception That Proves The Rule
When taking the measure of anything, averages are just that – averages.
The mean height for human beings is 5′ 4″. Yet the tallest man ever recorded, Robert Pershing Wadlow of Alton Illinois, reached a staggering 8′ 11″ tall!
There are always exceptions to what is considered normal, and 80-100 lb Labradoodles are not unheard of.
There is even a “micro” version of the Labradoodle that, fully grown, is a mere 10″ – 14″ tall!
Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes. But no matter how big or small, they are always the most friendly, loving, energetic, loyal and intelligent dogs you are likely to meet.