There are a seemingly endless number of color options to consider when adding a Labradoodle puppy to your family! There are classic, solid colors like chocolate or red as well as more exotic patterns like phantom or merle that you may not have heard of before.
One of the more unique patterns is the parti Labradoodle. As adorable as they are, there are lots of prospective dog owners out there who’ve heard this term used but aren’t sure exactly what it means. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!
What is a Parti Labradoodle?
A parti Labradoodle is a popular, multi-color coat pattern. The coat of a parti Labradoodle will be at least 50% white and feature markings or patches of one or more secondary colors. While no specific pattern is necessary for the secondary color(s), symmetrical markings on the head are highly desirable.
Keep reading as we’ll answer all your questions about this color pattern and feature lots of adorable examples of these dogs!
Parti Labradoodle Temperament
Labradoodles are the ultimate family companion, loving and kind with children, intelligent with adults, patient and devoted to the elderly and are sociable with other animals. Labradoodles are always eager to accompany you for a walk or bike/horse riding but are equally as happy receiving pats or snoozing close to you. Running, fetching the ball, swimming, cuddles and stretching out for a nap are some of their favourite pastimes.
Are Parti Labradoodles Rare?
Parti Labradoodles are not as common as other solid and bi-color Labradoodles due to the recessive gene that produces this pattern. While not difficult to find if you’re searching for them, they won’t be as inexpensive or readily available as solid color Labradoodles.
Parti Labradoodle Information
Some of the most common Labradoodle colors include chocolate, white, black, red, or a combination of these. The most rare options include sable, merle, phantom, and tuxedo.
What is a Parti Labradoodle?
One thing to be aware of is sometimes breeders mix in other breeds of dogs to achieve rare color patterns. While the Australian Labradoodle contains DNA from other breeds, a regular, American Labradoodle will contain only Poodle and Labrador Retriever DNA.
How Do You Get a Parti Labradoodle Coat?
Through extensive genetic testing, responsible breeders are able to predict with relative accuracy the potential coat colors of a litter of puppies.
The parti color pattern is a recessive trait carried by the Poodle but not the Labrador Retriever. In order to have true parti Labradoodle puppies, both parents need to carry this gene. This is why you’ll see this color pattern present in higher generation Labradoodles as well as backcrosses.
Common generations of Parti Labradoodles include F1B, F1BB, and F2
How Much Does a Parti Labradoodle Cost?
The average price of a parti Labradoodle from a reputable breeder is between $1,500-$3,000. Whether your puppy falls on the high or low end of that range depends on what size they are, their generation, and the location of the breeder among other factors.
While our survey results of over 500 owners indicate the average price of a Labradoodle was $1,352, parti Labradoodles will usually cost more.
The higher price of parti Labradoodles is because fewer are available from rescues and breeders tend to charge more for rare and intricate color patterns.
Do Parti Labradoodles Fade?
In many cases, a parti Labradoodle’s secondary color will fade or lighten as they get older.
For example, a black and white parti Labradoodle may fade to a more subtle blue color. A red and white parti Labradoodle may fade to an apricot and white, tan and white, or cream and white color.
Where to Find Parti Colored Labradoodle Puppies for Sale
While there are many great rescues and shelters that have Labradoodles, specific color patterns like parti will be very hard to come across.
If you’re specifically looking for this color pattern, finding a reputable breeder in your area is usually the best way to find parti colored Labradoodle puppies for sale.
As you search for a Labradoodle puppy, especially a higher-priced one such as the parti color, be wary of scams and unethical breeders.
A few of the major things you want to look for in a breeder:
Has years of experience breeding Labradoodles.
Performs genetic testing and health checks on the parents.
Will let you meet the puppy’s parents.
Small, family operation.
Always look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers and beware of scammers on social media looking to take your deposit and disappear.
Caring for Your Labradoodle’s Coat
Parti Labradoodle Grooming
Parti Labradoodle grooming can be more time consuming than grooming other colors.
Partis are around 50% white in color. So, dirt and debris is more likely to show up on this lighter fur than it would on black or chocolate Labradoodles.
On top of this, white or light dogs are more prone to stubborn tear stains. So, parti Labradoodles with white on their faces need plenty of gentle care.
Invest in quality products and prepare to brush and bathe your Doodle as needed.
Labradoodles should be bathed once every three to four weeks. Don’t over-bathe your parti Doodle unless they are particularly dirty.
Overbathing can lead to skin and coat issues.
Cleaning Without Bathing
You can gently wipe away dirt or tear stains from your parti Labradoodle’s white patches rather than bathing them, if you’ve bathed them quite recently.
Or, try brushing dirt gently out of their fur. If in doubt, you can always take your parti pup to a professional groomer, who will be able to give you the best tips.
As well as routine bathing, brush your Labradoodle regularly. During grooming sessions, check their ears to keep them clean and free of wax.
Their teeth should be brushed regularly with a dog safe toothbrush and toothpaste.
And, trim their nails regularly to keep them from cracking and splitting during play.
