Do labradoodles shed? Yes! Like other dog breeds, they shed their fur, too. How much depends on the filial generation they belong to and other factors like stress, allergies, and skin infections.
So, labradoodles are famously hypoallergenic. Does that mean they don’t shed?
Sorry to burst your bubble, but the answer is no.
Shedding is normal in all breeds and labradoodles are no exception.
Therefore, the correct question should be: Do labradoodles shed a lot?
Let’s find out!
Since they are a designer breed, it’s difficult to predict how much labradoodles will shed. As rescue founder Lydia Kunzler from Utah points out, some are hardly noticeable while others may leave a trail wherever they go. This is a persistent issue to mixed breeds.
How bad a Labradoodle sheds depends on a host of factors, including the filial generation to which it belongs. Meaning, the proportion of poodle to labrador DNA determines how much their offspring sheds.
Sounds like a complicated math problem? Very well, let’s simplify things. The chart below gives a better idea of what this is all about:
| Generation | Parents | Intensity of Shedding |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | Purebred Labrador + Purebred Poodle | Moderate |
| F1B | F1 Labradoodle + Purebred Poodle | Low |
| F1BB | F1B Labradoodle + Poodle | Very Low |
| F2 | F1 Labradoodle + F1 Labradoodle | Moderate to Heavy Shedding (similar to labrador retrievers) |
| F2B | F2 Labradoodle + Purebred Poodle | Low to No Shedding (good for people with allergies) |
| F2BB | F2B Labradoodle + Purebred Poodle | Very Low |
| F3/Multigen | F2 Labradoodle + F2 Labradoodle | Low to Moderate |
Based on the above, the answer to “what type of Labradoodle doesn’t shed?” would be F1BB or F2BB generation dogs. They shed the least and are great for owners sensitive to animal hair.
What The Fact! Even dogs that shed very little can trigger allergic reactions in some people. Err on the side of caution and ensure your sofas, beds, and other surfaces are always clean. And don’t forget to take your dog for regular grooming sessions.
One of the best things about labradoodles is no shedding! Black puppy, white sheets, no problem 🐶 pic.twitter.com/WLmkeiqWly
— Kate Rowland (@helloiamkathryn) July 12, 2016
Aside from heritage, why else do Labradoodles shed their fur?
Well, these dogs come in different types of fur coats. Each is unique with its own grooming needs. Here’s how shedding varies by coat type:
Also known as the shaggy coat, this is the most common type of labradoodle fur that gives their characteristic appearance. It’s generally light and loose with wavy “curls” in some places.
The good news is that shaggy coats don’t require intensive grooming. Brushing your dog once a week is enough to keep it looking great.
And because shaggies are low-shedding, they’re the most hypoallergenic as well.
Is getting a labradoodle that doesn’t trigger your allergies a priority? Go for a shaggy-coated one!
Wooly or curly labradoodles are the second most common among all its filial generations. This fur coat often resembles that of a sheep, hence the name wool coat.
Curly coats matt easily and need daily grooming. Also, since they are thick, soft, and intense, they require a fair bit of brushing.
How bad does a labradoodle shed if it sports a wool coat? Not too much. Curlies are low-shedding in nature so you don’t need to worry if you’re prone to allergies.
The rarest type of coat found in labradoodles, the hair or straight fur make these dogs resemble their labrador retriever parents more and shed like them, too. That means the hypoallergenic traits of the other two don’t hold true for straight coated ones.
On the upside, they also require the least amount of grooming out of all three.
If you don’t mind the shedding but need a low-maintenance dog at the same time, go for a labradoodle with a straight coat.
Why is my Labradoodle shedding so bad?
Apart from genetics, other factors contribute to excessive shedding.
Watch out for:
Due to their genetic makeup, labradoodles are highly susceptible to nervousness and separation anxiety. These intelligent dogs get extremely attached to their humans. They pick up on cues and sense when you’re about to leave the house without them.
Even the simple act of putting on your shoes without getting your labradoodle on a leash can make them feel abandoned. This may cause extreme stress in them, leading to excessive shedding.
Your pet labradoodle may also suffer from stress when it’s not getting enough physical activity or mental stimulation to indulge its curious mind.
To find out if it is indeed suffering from stress or anxiety, observe if it’s:
Should you notice one or more of the above symptoms, be assured that there are several things you can do to address them.
As DVM David J Shuman of Santa Cruz, CA tells us, training combined with behavioral medication can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs.
Make sure to keep your labradoodle engaged and give it ample love and attention to hold mental distress at bay.
Do labradoodles shed very much?
They do when suffering from some sort of allergy or parasite infestation.
Like any dog, allergic reactions make their skin feel itchy, leading them to scratch the area vigorously, which causes loss of fur in patches.
One of the most common allergens is pollen found in grass. Grass allergies affect almost every dog breed and can creep up all of a sudden, without notice.
So whenever you take your labradoodle out for walks, be extra careful and keep an eye out for potential allergens.
In addition, ectoparasites like mange mites, ticks, and fleas can also cause hair loss in this breed. In worst case scenarios, excessive tick infestation leads to fever and severe anemia.
Check your pet’s coat for ticks and fleas every time you come home from a walk or an outdoor play session. Even if you find only one skin parasite, treat it immediately.
Allow your dog to be carefree in exploring the great outdoors. These supplements protect against fleas and ticks and are a natural pest protection.
Your dog’s skin is one of its body’s vital organs so skin infections can affect its overall health.
Microbial infections can cause hair loss in dogs, including labradoodles. Bacteria, yeast, or fungus trigger skin infections that lead to increased shedding, hair loss in patches, sores, and pustules.
Hair loss triggered by skin infections is especially visible around the neck, eyes, ears, and mouth. The tricky part is, you may not notice it until the bald spots become glaring.
How do you recognize the problem early on?
Dr. Alison Diesel, Clinical Assistant Professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, says: “There are many different types of skin conditions in dogs. As we try to figure out what type of condition may be affecting your pet, we have to answer one question first, ‘Is your dog itchy?’”
If so, then it may be suffering from some kind of skin disease.
Skin infections make your labradoodle uncomfortable. Once you spot something, consult a vet without further ado.
While some argue that labradoodles are healthier than purebred dogs due to their inherited gene pool, there’s not much proof to support this claim. On the contrary, they can obtain certain hereditary illnesses from either of their purebred parents.
One such condition is sebaceous adenitis, an inflammation of the sebaceous glands that causes progressive hair loss in labradoodles. They may be afflicted with this rare skin disease if their poodle parent is particularly susceptible to it.
Unfortunately, there are no genetic tests that can pre-determine the disease in your pet, and it can affect them at any age.
The commonly prescribed course of medication for sebaceous adenitis is not a permanent cure, either. It can only keep the disease under control.
Owing to labradoodles having widely varying coats, some pet parents have the tendency to use a boatload of shampoos and other hygiene products on them.
Keep in mind that not all of these items are safe to use on your dog, labradoodle or not.
For instance, heavily scented dog shampoos or those containing harmful chemicals can cause excessive shedding in Labradoodles. These silent culprits may go unnoticed!
Instead of debating how much do Labradoodles shed hair, check the products you’re using. Avoid those that include the following ingredients:
Steer clear of merchandise containing these compounds and go for milder, safer formulas that your vet prescribes.
Infused with omega 3,6 and vitamin E, this mild dog shampoo comes with a 5/5 from vets around the country. It visibly reduces shedding in your pet, leaves the skin soft and the coat shining bright and fresh.
Massive ball of hair 😅😅😅
Thankfully #labradoodles don’t shed! ❤ pic.twitter.com/VjSqQR81Wq— Veronica Gliatti (@vgliatti) February 15, 2019
To reduce shedding in your beloved labradoodle, you should observe these best practices:
From brushing its fur regularly to taking it for trims, you need to do as your pet’s coat demands.
For example, gentle brushing once a week will suffice for straight-coated Labradoodles, but curly-coated ones need to have it almost daily.
Deshedding shampoos (mind the ingredients!) also help in arresting hair fall, especially during seasonal changes. In fact, some glycoprotein or antihistamine-based shampoos can help reduce shedding caused by allergic reactions.
Pro Tip: Chart out a grooming routine specific to your labradoodle’s needs and stick to it!
Also, unless you’re confident about it, do not attempt to groom your dog at home. You may not be fully equipped to get the job done in a hassle-free manner and end up agitating your pet.
Schedule a visit to a local groomer other pet parents recommend. That way, even if you’re new to dog grooming studios, you won’t feel alienated.
Do Labradoodles shed when on any particular diet?
Generally, nutritious food is crucial to the overall health and well-being of your dog, including its coat of fur. Like most breeds, labradoodles thrive on a protein-rich meat diet. You can feed them either commercial or homemade dog food as long as it meets their dietary requirements.
Vets usually recommend high-quality dry kibble (22.5% protein) to promote healthy teeth. Alternatively, you could try a BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach you can take to feeding your labradoodle. As dog lover Vickie Anderson from Hooterville points out, you will never find a “labradoodle-specific formula in commercial dog food.”
It’s gonna be a trial and error method, one that you and your vet can discuss and decide on, depending on your pet’s preferences.
Labradoodles are sensitive dogs. A lot of factors, including strict dog training, could cause them anxiety and stress.
Cindy Ludwig, the Owner of Canine Connection LLC and certified professional dog trainer, shares a very interesting observation regarding stress in dogs: asking them to “obey commands” can appear threatening to some breeds, making them fearful of training sessions.
In the long term, exposure to such training sessions leads to stress.
As for labradoodles, matters can go from bad to worse because they’re particularly susceptible to it.
Remember to give your labradoodle ample tender loving care and be generous with your patience. You can consider socializing or frequent pet boarding if you feel that you would sometimes be leaving it on its own.
Exercising can also help labradoodles spend their built-up energy, thereby reducing stress from lack of physical activity.
Not all labradoodles are hypoallergenic. Some can show moderate to high shedding and are not ideal for households with people allergic to animal hair. However, you can control shedding in such dogs with the help of a proper grooming routine.
If a low-shedding dog is what you are looking for, try and find a Labradoodle that belongs to the F1BB or F2BB generation.
It could be stressed, has skin infections, or is on a poor diet. The only way to tell if your dog is shedding more than normal is to watch out for bald spots or fur loss.
F1BB and F2BB labradoodles.
Most dogs do when they are not groomed regularly. However, shedding has nothing to do with how they smell. Even if you own an F1BB or a F2BB labradoodle, if you don’t bathe it as often as necessary, it will certainly give off an unpleasant odor.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
