Dog Breed 101: What is a Miniature Labradoodle?

Last Updated on April 27, 2023

The Mini Labradoodle is simply the smaller version of the Standard Labradoodle and it’s a crossbreed between the Toy or Mini Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, also known as the Miniature Labradoodle or the Mini Labrador Poodle mix.

It’s characterized as small in size, measuring 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm) tall and weighing around 15 to 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg). The average lifespan of the Mini Labradoodle is around 12 to 14 years.

Mini Labradoodle puppy
Source: @marleysdoodleadventure / IG

Miniature Labradoodles have similar looks and characteristics to regular Labradoodles. You can expect that they are smart, affectionate, and loyal making them excellent family pets. Mini Labradoodles are also friendly with kids and toddlers. If you’re planning to own a Miniature Labradoodle puppy, you can get it between $1,500 to $2,500 from a reputable breeder.

We will cover all you need to know about the Mini Labradoodle breed. From its origin, temperament, diet, exercise, and grooming needs, to its common health issues. Read our complete guide and see if this highly active and playful doodle mix is right for you!

The Origins of the Miniature Labradoodle 

Although the creator of the first Doodle has spoken about what he finds troubling with designer breeds, they were made with the best intentions. The Standard Labradoodle was bred to be a hypoallergenic service dog, which is very much appreciated by dog lovers up to this day.

From then on, the Labrador-Poodle cross got more popular, and more Doodles were being discovered left and right. And if other mixes were being produced, so were their size variations.

This doggo is considered relatively new in the paw world, and as with most mixed breeds, there’s not much information about how and when they originated. But there’s a theory that an Australian breeder was the one to produce the first Miniature Labradoodle in 1988.

The goal for this hybrid is to create a dog that is helpful to owners, especially the elderly while having an odorless and low-shedding coat. Now, Mini Labradoodles are an all-around breed.

For recognition, popularity isn’t part of the criteria. So, if you’re wondering if the Miniature Labrador-Poodle mix is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC), they’re not. The Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) does recognize most crossbreeds, including this petite Labradoodle.

Even though this crossbreed is not part of the purebred roster of top canine associations, its parents are! So let’s see what qualities the Labrador Retriever and Poodle have that their hybrid offspring could inherit.

Labrador Retriever: One of the family favorites

Black labrador retriever on green grass
Labrador Retriever

Endearingly nicknamed as Lab, Labradors were once called lesser Newfoundland dog or St. John’s Dog, which were based on where they originated. They were initially bred to retrieve game of hunters and eventually were developed to be the perfect gundog.

Labs are still used for hunting, but they’re commonly seen as family pets, or employed in different types of work such as service dogs. They got recognized by the AKC in 1917 where they formally became a member of the Sporting Group.

This type of Retriever is a medium- to large-sized breed that has a height of 22 to 24 inches (57 to 62 cm) and a weight of 55 to 79 pounds (25 to 36 kg), whereas females are a little bit smaller than males.

Labrador Retrievers are attractive canines, too. They have this athletic conformation and a weather-resistant, double-layered coat that can be black, yellow, or chocolate. Their clean-cut head, broad skull, and powerful jaws may be intimidating, but they are expressive fidos with kind eyes. Their good temperament and intelligence add up to their top-notch traits.

The elegant and smart Poodle

White Mini Poodle in the outdoors
Miniature Poodle

It’s no wonder why Poodles are often chosen to mix with other breeds. They have pretty curly hair that’s low shedding, or some consider hypoallergenic, and they’re one of the most intelligent dogs in the world!

These smart Poos are also athletic and versatile. In terms of temperament, they’re very loyal, and playful, but they can also be a bit high-strung and extremely sensitive.

For size, Poodles come in three varieties or size variations: Standard, Mini, and Toy.

Let’s focus on the Mini and Toy Poodle as both of them can be used to produce the Miniature Labradoodle.

A Mini Poodle stands about 11 to 15 inches (28 to 38 cm) tall and weighs 15 to 17 pounds (7 to 8 kg). Toy Poodles are smaller and can only reach a height of 10 inches (25 cm) and a weight of 6 to 9 pounds (3 to 4 kg).

Regardless of the size, Poodles have a distinct look aside from their coat. They have dropped ears and a long muzzle, as well as a leggy appearance that makes them move with a springy, lively gait.

With a lot of distinctive features between these two parental breeds, we can expect a surprising result for their mixed breed pup.

Physical Traits: What Does a Miniature Labradoodle Look Like?

The Miniature Labrador and Poodle cross may tend to inherit looks from one parent over the other. Even if their conformation isn’t 50/50, there are some traits that we can expect from this cutie.

Generally, Mini Labradoodles have round heads with medium-length snouts, and their floppy ears have rounded bottoms.

Their playful yet soulful eyes can either be brown or hazel, but for cases where the coat color is merle, Mini Labradorpoos can have blue eyes, or one eye has a different color from the other.

Here’s a video of Lily, the Miniature Labradoodle puppy, that might convince you that this designer breed may be the cutest teddy bear dog around:

What is the size of the Mini Labradoodle?

With the huge difference in height and weight between the Labrador Retriever and the Miniature Poodle, their hybrid offspring’s size will vary, as well. The Mini Labradoodle has a height 14 to 16 inches (36 to 41 cm) and a weight of 15 to 25 lbs (7 to 11 kg).

If we’re going to compare their average size with a Standard Labradoodle, they’re considerably bigger as they stand about 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm) tall and can weigh up to 65 pounds (29 kg).

Because Mini Labradoodles are on the smaller side of the dog scale, they’re suitable to live in all types of homes, even apartments!

In case you’re wondering, the Miniature Labradoodle becomes fully grown by the age of 13 months.

Another factor that can affect this breed’s size is its lineage or generation. The common terms related to Doodles are F1, F1b, F2, and so forth.

F1 or first-generation Miniature Labradoodles are the litter of pups produced by mating a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature Poodle.

From there, breeders will observe to see if those F1 puppies will be partnered to another Mini Poodle to produce a smaller offspring or to enhance more Poodle traits, like the coat. The litter produced in this process is called F1b or back cross. The process can continue to “multigens” or Australian Labradoodles.

Here’s a thorough explanation of generations in Doodles and other hybrids, and show images of how the family tree or lineage works.

Coat & Color of the Miniature Poodle and Labrador mix

Different-colored Mini Labradoodles on a white blanket
Source: @blue.river.doodles/ IG

Speaking of coats, the fur of this doggo can come in three textures. Those with a shaggy or wavy coat have more Labrador in them, but it’s usually low to non-shedding.

If they inherited the Poodle’s hair, then they’ll have curly locks. It can range from tight to a loose barrel curl. Most of the time, this type is non-shedding.

The rarest of the coats that this Doodle may have is a straight coat. This one doesn’t give that charming teddy bear look. They’re considered low shedders compared to their Lab parent.

Mini Labbidoos come in a delightful array of colors, too. You can find them in black, cream, apricot (also known as gold), caramel, chocolate, red, silver, lavender, parti, blue.

Take note that these pups will still change their color around six weeks to two years of age. For example, a milk chocolate Mini Labradordoodle can start getting a few stray gray hairs.

What’s the Mini Labradoodle’s Personality? 

Mini Labradoodles have oodles of love to offer, like their parents. They are excellent service dogs due to their friendly and people-pleasing personalities.

This sociable pooch is very loyal and will have no trouble being a good family dog whenever there are kids and other pets around.

So, whether you’re a novice or an experienced owner, you can definitely go for this hybrid!

As a precaution with most miniature and toy breeds, playtime with toddlers and larger dogs should be supervised to avoid injuries or accidents.

Do Mini Labradoodles bark a lot?

Overall, the Labrador-Poodle mix is a calm and peaceful canine, and they don’t tend to be aggressive. But we’re sure that some of the current owners of this breed are excessive barkers.

This undesirable behavior often happens whenever they see other people, dogs, or animals outside their home. They may also bark whenever you have a visitor.

Two Mini Labradoodles running in the backyard
Source: @crossfielddoodles / IG

Don’t fret because Mini Labradoodles are a highly-intelligent crossbreed, which means you shouldn’t have any problems training your four-legged friend.

Like any canine, this fido will do best when trained and socialized as puppies.

Mini Labradoodles have tons of energy, and we recommend that you take advantage of this to keep behavioral problems at bay.

If you’re a runner, take your pal with you on your 5K training sessions. They can also be excellent swimmers, especially if your dog’s toes have webbing like his Poodle parents.

Being a social butterfly, your Miniature Labradorpoo may develop separation anxiety.

Some can be taught to get used to being separated from their human, but they’re probably more suitable for homes where someone is always home.

How to Care for Mini Labradoodles?

This designer dog may be compact and doesn’t require much space, but fur balls filled with fun and energy needs to stay in tip-top shape.

As owners, our job is to provide overall care and maintenance by grooming, feeding, and exercising our fur babies.

Grooming a teddy bear Miniature Labradoodle

It’s a general rule to give this pooch a bath every 4 to 6 weeks and brush its fur twice a week. But it will still depend on what type of coat your Mini Poodle & Labrador mix has, and the amount of time she spends outdoors.

For those who prefer to have their Miniature Labradoodle cleaned daily, you can use a multipurpose canine cleaning wipe, while giving extra attention to her belly, under the tail, and bum.

Some owners bring their Doodle to the groomers every month for a complete cleanup. If you’re confident and experienced with trimming your pet’s nails, do it every six weeks, as well.

Ear cleaning and plucking are necessary for Poodle mixes. Here’s a video explaining why and how to do it:

How much should a Miniature Labradoodle eat?

Don’t be fooled by how small your Doodle is because a Mini Labradoodle would need 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry kibbles formulated for miniature to medium-sized breeds. If you prefer to feed your pup based on his daily caloric requirements, here’s how you can compute it. 

The type of diet and amount we give our pets should be based on their age, size, activity level, as well as their health.

Do NOT free-feed your teddy bear dog as her Labrador parent is known for being an overeater. Try giving her 2 to 4 meals throughout the day. If your Miniature Poodle-Labrador Retriever mix eats fast, you can use interactive feeders to slow her down, as well as when giving her treats.

Not only will they avoid overeating or weight gain, but it will probably entertain your pup, too!

Exercise needs of a Mini Labradoodle

This crossbreed requires at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise a day. Two long walks around the neighborhood would be sufficient to satisfy your fido’s need for physical stimulation.

In case it’s not possible to go outside due to the weather, or you’re busy with chores around the house, a classic game of fetch wouldn’t fail you. Why not take your pup out in your spacious backyard and let her chase her favorite ball around, or even just lay around the grass after a few laps?

Even playdates or a trip to the doggy park will make your Mini Labbidoo happy!

Health and Life Expectancy of Mini Labradoodles

Mini Labradoodles are generally healthy and have an average lifespan of 10 and 15 years. 

Although mixed breeds are known to be healthier compared to their purebred parents due to hybrid vigor, it’s still possible for your Miniature Labradoodle to inherit genetic ailments.

Some of the health conditions Labrador Retrievers and Poodles can pass on to their offspring are Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), bloat, hip and elbow dysplasia, Cushing’s Disease, Addison’s Disease, Chronic Active Hepatitis, and Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC).

If you’re very much interested in getting a Mini Labradoodle puppy, it’s best that you get an understanding of these conditions, as well as their symptoms. Doing so helps owners get on top of their pet’s health so that we get to enjoy more years with them.

Buying Guide: How Much Does a Miniature Labradoodle Puppy Cost?

Miniature Labradoodle puppies swaddled
Source: @doodlesmakingadifference / IG

Mini Labradoodle puppies have an average price of $500 to $2500. Costs are affected by factors such as the litter size (which is an average of 8 pups for this breed), bloodline or pedigree, popularity, and location of the breeder.

Keep in mind that a very expensive or cheap puppy doesn’t guarantee its quality. That is why screenings or questions are essential between breeders and potential buyers.

Be wary of those who would sell you a puppy just to get their payment. There are health and psychological concerns raised about breeding designer dogs without the dogs’ best interests at heart. Puppy mills and irresponsible breeders cause harm by keeping unhealthy dogs breeding for a quick profit.

Aside from asking crucial questions, request to visit the puppies to meet the parents and her littermates.

It’s also an excellent opportunity to observe the surroundings of the dogs to know if they’re well taken care of, how they react when they see their current owner, and when meeting strangers.

While you’re there, ask to see the medical documents of the parents of the pups. If the pups already had a few shots and have vet records, then a reputable breeder would even proactively show it to you.

Miniature Labradoodle breeders & kennels

Ready to start your search for your very own Mini Labradordoodle puppy? Good news! You won’t have to go out anymore to search for breeders where this breed is available. Thanks to technology, it’s easy to find a kennel for specific breeds and mixes.

Take a look at these websites that sell Miniature Labradoodle puppies. They might be even near your area, which means if you buy from them, it will be easy to check them out and pick up your pup!

  • Mini Labradoodle Puppies (Greenville, SC)
  • Barksdale Labradoodles (Magee, MS)

These marketplaces are worth checking out, too, like Greenfield Puppies and Lancaster Puppies.

Mini Labradoodles to rescue or adopt

Adopting a dog or a puppy is much easier in your pocket as they usually cost around $300. The amount often covers vaccinations and care provided for the dog during their stay in the shelter. Some of them are even trained while they were there!

If you’ve never rescued a fur angel before, you should know that their backgrounds aren’t always known, such as their parents. Sometimes, even their specific breed mix!

Either way, rescuing or adopting a dog is such a noble thing to do. It will give one of those poor canines another chance at life to love and be part of a family.

Maybe one of these fur babies will steal your heart and is the companion you’ve always been looking for:

  • Goldendoodle and Labradoodle Rescue (Reinholds, PA)
  • Doodle Rescue Inc. (Warwick, RI)
  • Doodle Rock Rescue (Dallas, TX)
Kane the Mini Labradoodle playing with a ball
Source: @kanetheminilabradoodle / IG

Are You Going To Have One of These Darlings in Your Family?

Mini Labradoodles are a fantastic dog to have in the family. They’re especially exceptional pets if you, your partner, or your kids are active and available to engage their bodies and minds.

These low- to non-shedding Doodles come in a rainbow of colors and fur types to suit your taste. They’re also loyal, incredibly tenderhearted, and fiercely smart.

What do you think? Are you bringing one home? Or do you have one already? Let me know in the comments.

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