Before scrolling down this black Labradoodle guide, check out these other similar content: Labradoodle Dog Breed Guide and Blonde Labradoodle Guide.
What is a Black Labradoodle?
Depending on whether a Labradoodle is an F1 or F2 generation, its parents will be either a labrador and a poodle, or a Labradoodle and a poodle, respectively. This means that a black Labradoodle can have different coat types depending on its parents, but the color will always be black.
Related: Red Labradoodle Coat Guide and Australian Labradoodle Guide.
History of the Breed
This was done out of the need to produce a guide dog that would not trigger an allergic reaction. The result was a few Labradoodle puppies, one of which had fur and saliva that proved not to aggravate the client’s allergies. It was this litter of Labradoodles that sparked the beginning of the Labradoodle craze.
Color and Coat Type
While most people think of Labradoodles as the offspring of a labrador and a standard poodle, this is not often the case. Labradoodles are categorized into generations based on their parentage. For example, puppies born from a Labrador and a Poodle are considered an F1 generation.
The most common type of Labradoodle, however, is what is known as the F1B generation. F1B generation is a Labradoodle whose parents are a Standard Poodle and an F1 generation Labradoodle. Because F1B Labradoodles have a higher percentage of Poodle DNA than their F1 counterparts, their coats will favor the Standard Poodle, which is more allergy-friendly than that of the labrador.
There are also F2 generations, Labradoodles bred from two F1 generation dogs, or an F1 dog bred with a second-generation or higher dog. Multi-generation Labradoodles are defined as third-generation or higher.
It is important to consider which generation a Labradoodle puppy belongs to determine what type of coat it is likely to have as an adult. The more Poodle DNA a Labradoodle has, the more likely that their coat will be hypo-allergenic. Because of this, F1B generation Labradoodles are the most popular, as many people enjoy the low-shedding and allergy-friendly coats of these dogs.
Fading
Fading can occur for several reasons, including:
- Dilute Gene: The “D” or Melanophilin gene, known as the dilute gene, will cause black Labradoodles to appear a light gray color. This is because the dilute gene disperses the coat’s shade on the hair shafts, resulting in a lighter hue. The dilute gene is recessive, meaning a dog must inherit two recessive “dd” genes from its parents. Since a dog can carry this gene without showing any symptoms, it is hard to know if this trait will be passed on to puppies.
- Kemp Hair: Kemp-hairs are coarse white hairs that usually appear in adult Labradoodles. Appearing most often around a dog’s eyes and down their backs, these hairs can break up the solid color of a black Labradoodle.
- Health: Some health issues, such as hypothyroidism and liver and kidney problems, can cause a black Labradoodle’s coat to lighten in color. It is important to consult a veterinarian about any sudden changes to your dog’s appearance, as it could be caused by illness.
Temperament
In addition to coat type, the genetics of black Labradoodles will also determine their temperament. Both the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle have friendly, even-tempered dispositions. However, the Poodle is a bit more standoffish than the Labrador and tends to be more independent. This is why Wally Conron chose to create the Labradoodle instead of simply training a standard Poodle to be a guide dog.
If you are looking for a black Labradoodle to work as a service dog, it is a good idea to consider selecting an F1 generation Labradoodle, as these dogs will have an even amount of DNA from both the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle. Compared to the other color varieties, there is nothing about the black Labradoodle’s temperament that sets them apart.
After all, coat color does not affect a dog’s temperament. Instead, that is determined by the genetic makeup of the dog. While there is no guarantee of what a black Labradoodle puppy’s temperament will be, carefully considering its genetics and parentage can give you insight into its potential as a service dog or friendly companion.
Related: Are Labradoodles Good with Kids?
Grooming
All Labradoodles require a fair amount of grooming, and black Labradoodles are no exception. Depending on the type of coat, grooming can range from once a week to once a day. Labradoodles that favor the Poodle’s curly coat, for example, will require daily grooming to prevent mats. At the same time, those with the short, flat coat of the Labrador can be groomed every week to minimize shedding.
Related: Labradoodle Grooming Guide.
Exercise
Recommendations: Best Dog Playpen for Hardwood Floors.
Size
Black Labradoodles are available in three sizes: Standard, Medium, and Miniature. Standard Labradoodles typically weigh between 55 to 65 lbs, while Medium doodles weigh around 30 to 40 lbs. The miniature is the smallest size available, weighing no more than 25 lbs. With three different sizes, it is easy to find a black Labradoodle that fits your lifestyle.
Related: Labradoodle Size Guide.
Conclusion For “Black Labradoodle Information, Facts, Images”
For more Labradoodle guides, you can check out:
- Toy Labradoodle Puppies For Sale
- Mini Labradoodle vs. Mini Goldendoodle
- When Do Labradoodles Stop Growing?
Learn more about the Labradoodle by watching “Labradoodle Dogs 101” from Animal Facts down below: