Labradoodles are one of the most popular doodle crossbreeds in the entire world. They are beloved by many pet parents for their easy-going nature. They have great temperaments, and usually get along well with children, as well as other household pets.
However, something that many potential Labradoodle owners struggle with is understanding just how much they shed. Do Labradoodles shed? Yes. In fact, there is no such things as a completely hypoallergenic dog. Labradoodles do shed less than other breeds, and there are also ways to manage their shedding so that it doesn’t become a nuisance in your home.
In this article, we look at how much Labradoodles shed, their coat types, how their coat colors can impact the fur visibility they leave behind, and finally, the easiest ways to keep shedding in check so it doesn’t dominate your home. Let’s jump in!
Reasons for Labradoodle Shedding
Simply put, your Labradoodle is shedding since it got Labradoodle Retriever hereditary qualities as opposed to the non-shedding Poodle hereditary qualities. Labradoodle shedding mostly relies on what Generation Labradoodle you bought. To learn more about which generational Labradoodle is most nonshedding, read our Labradoodle Generation guide.
If your Labradoodle is shedding, chances are you bought an F1 Labradoodle, F2 Labradoodle, or F3 Labradoodle which is half Labrador Retriever genetics and half Poodle genetics. The F1, F2, or F3 Labradoodle Generation is most inclined to shedding because there is a 50% chance that it inherits the Labrador Retriever genetics which is a straight and flat coat. Labradoodles might be considered hypoallergenic, but that doesn’t imply that they will never shed. It’s always left up to chance whether they will inherit a straight and flat coat. If your Labradoodle coat is wavy or curly, it is less likely to shed.
How to Stop Labradoodle Shedding?
While they do shed, there are actually some fairly easy steps to controlling their fur loss! Labradoodles have lower grooming needs than other breeds due to the consistency of their coats. You’ll find that you have to do the following far less than with other heavy-shedding dog breeds.
Consistently Brush Your Labradoodle
You need to make sure that you are consistently brushing your Labradoodle at least every few days. By far, the best de-shedding Labradoodle brush is the Furminator Deshedding Tool if your Labradoodle is shedding. Likewise, you’ll want to make sure you have a normal brush apparatus like the Hertzko Brush. These brushing devices are inexpensive and you will use them several times a week. Making sure you have a good brush is the best way to prevent your Labradoodle from shedding.
If you’re going to shop for other types of brushes for Labradoodles, the best types of brushes are called slicker brushes. Slicker brushes have numerous thick adaptable metal pins that work superbly gathering shedding fur.
Wash Your Dog Regularly
Another incredible method to limit Labradoodle shedding is to routinely wash your dog by giving them a bath at least once or twice a month. Using a specialized shampoo like the Furminator Deshedding Shampoo will also limit how much fur your dog will shed. Bathing your dog helps to wash off the dead fur that will inevitably fall off when your dog sheds. In the hotter months, you should highly consider giving your Labradoodle a shower at least two times every month to restrain the amount of fur that is shed.
Provide Adequate Nutrition
Excessive Labradoodle shedding can some of the time be caused by poor nutrition or lack of supplements. Your Labradoodle’s skin and coat are a reflection of the nutritional supplements that they are eating. Numerous veterinarians and dog owners have accepted that Omega 3 unsaturated fats help to prevent Labradoodle shedding by providing a healthier labradoodle coat and skin. Consider buying Omega 3 chews for your dog to limit the amount of fur that is shed.
Another great supplement that prevents shedding is methylsulfonylmethane which is commonly called MSM. Many dog veterinarians profoundly trust in the Nutramax MSM which has over 4.5 stars and more than 4,000 reviews on Amazon. MSM is a sulfur that gives collagen and keratin nutrients to your dog’s skin to guarantee which promotes growth and less shedding. Furthermore, MSM promotes glutathione growth which is great for your Labradoodle’s skin.
Manage Your Labradoodle’s Stress
All dogs can get stressed just like all humans can get stressed. If your dog receives a large amount of stress, their body will react in various different ways. Unreasonable Labradoodle shedding could be a sign that your pooch is highly stressed. For example, an adjustment in their living or housing conditions, insufficient physical exercise, or the death of a close friend or owner will cause stress. On the off chance that you just brought your Labradoodle home, they may be shedding because they are adjusting to their new home.
If your Labradoodle is experiencing significant life changes that cause stress, the best thing you can do is give them an every day schedule to walk, eat, and rest. Creating a regular routine for your Labradoodle will help ease unknown stress. Obviously, lots of petting and treats will help as well!
Is your Labradoodle Shedding Excessively?
If you there is excessive Labradoodle shedding, then you should immediately see a veterinarian. An example of too much shedding would be constant shedding, bare or bald spots spots, or constant itching. There are known medical conditions that can cause an overabundance of shedding including:
Insects, lice, or vermin mites
Bacterial or infectious diseases
Dog Allergies
Current prescriptions
Cushing’s or other kidney, thyroid, or liver issues
Cancer
Immune system issues
Which Labradoodle Generation Sheds the Least?
There are several Labradoodle generations that are highly likely to have a limited amount of shedding. For example, a F1B Labradoodle (75% Poodle and 25% Labrador Retriever) is less inclined to shedding then any F1 Labradoodle, F2 Labradoodle, or F3 Labradoodle. Any Labradoodle generation that has 75%+ nonshedding Poodle genetics will most likely have a wavvy or curly coat that is nonshedding.
Other popular Labradoodle generations that will likely be nonshedding are the F1BB Labradoodle (87.5% Poodle and 12.5% Labrador Retriever), F2B Labradoodle (62.5% Poodle and 37.5% Labrador Retriever), and F2BB Labradoodle (81.25% Poodle and 18.75% Labrador Retriever).
Just know that it is all probability whether or not your Labradoodle will shed. For example, on the off chance that you have a F1 Labradoodle (half Poodle, half Labrador Retriever) you may luck out and have a nonshedding pooch. It is basically like flipping a coin for whether your F1 Labradoodle will shed. Furthermore, many Labradoodle owners experience small shedding for the first year as the Labradoodle sheds their puppy coat and develops their adult coat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my labradoodle shedding more than normal?
As mentioned above, there could be many reasons that your pup is shedding more than normal. You’ll want to rule out any potential stressors, which includes life or routine changes. Also, make sure that their diet wasn’t changed recently. If you can rule those out, contact your veterinarian for advice
How can I prevent my labradoodle from shedding?
Regular brushing and grooming maintenance will help keep shedding to a minimum. You’ll need to make sure you are brushing your pup at least once per week, and washing them no more than once every eight weeks.
Are labradoodles shed-free, or hypoallergenic?
No dogs are shed-free. Even the Chinese Crested (hairless dog) can shed. Anyone saying that a dog is truly hypoallergenic, isn’t accurate. Labradoodles do shed far less than other dogs, including their purebred Labrador parents.
Do F1 or F1b labradoodles shed more?
F1 Labradoodles in theory, have a greater chance to shed than an F1b. This is because there’s a chance an F1 (first generation) takes more after their Labrador parent’s shedding habits. F1b’s are one generation removed, which means they should shed less as they are more “doodle” at that point.
Final Thoughts
Unnecessary Labradoodle shedding is caused because your dog inherited the Labrador Retriever shedding hereditary qualities. As a Labradoodle owner, you will probably see regular shedding in the hotter months of the year as Labradoodles will shed their winter coat during this time. You can help limit your Labradoodle’s shedding by brushing your Labradoodle at least every coupe days, regularly washing your dog, limiting their stress, and providing the right nutritional enhancements.