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Pet Insurance for Labradoodles

Find out all about Labradoodles and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 25th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500 –$3,500

Height

53cm - 63cm (standard)

Weight

23kg - 30kg

Personality

Affectionate, intelligent, goofy

Coat length

Medium curly, wavy or straight

Exercise needs

Moderate

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

10 - 15 years

Labradoodle

Overview

The Labradoodle is a crossbreed of dog, a mix of Labrador and Poodle. They were first bred in Australia in the late 1980s by Wally Conron to fill the need for a guide dog suitable for vision-impaired people who are allergic to dogs. Since that time the popularity of this cross-breed has spread worldwide, and started the ‘oodle’ trend. They are now a very popular breed of dog, loved as family pets but also extensively used as therapy pets. Many Labradoodles do have hypoallergenic coats, depending on their breeding genetics.  

Australian Labradoodles have also been bred with other dog breeds, mostly the Cocker Spaniel or Cockapoo. As a result, the coats of Labradoodles come in three different types – fleece, wool and hair. Fleece and wool coasts tend to be hypoallergenic, while those dogs with longer hair coats may still shed. The size of Labradoodles can either be mini or miniature (35cm – 43cms), medium (over 43cm but under 52cms) or standard (over 53cms.) They now come in a wide range of colours. 

Labradoodles are usually friendly and intelligent, although they can have a goofy nature and love to be mischievous. They bond very strongly to their owners and are affectionate and loving pets. They can be trained either to be therapy pets, guide dogs, active family pets or even lap dogs depending on their size and early socialisation and training. The larger Labradoodles tend to be very energetic and take a lot of maintenance.  

Common diseases and conditions of Labradoodles

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Another common orthopaedic condition that affects the elbow joints and can lead to lameness and mobility issues.  
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A hereditary eye condition that can lead to vision impairment or blindness. 
  • Ear infections: Due to their long floppy ears, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so care must be taken to keep them clean and free from bacteria.

Breed-specific issues:  

The adaptability of Labradoodles makes them suitable for many living environments, but they thrive on companionship and may become anxious if left alone for extended periods. They do suffer separation anxiety and can become hyperactive and destructive, chewing and digging if left alone and bored. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a Labradoodle?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Labradoodles

What is the difference between a Labradoodle and a Groodle?

Labradoodles and Groodles are both mixed breeds, but Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, while Groodles (also known as Goldendoodles) are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The main difference lies in their parent breeds, with Labradoodles having Labrador genetics and Groodles having Golden Retriever genetics. 

What sizes do Labradoodles come in?

Labradoodles come in various sizes, including standard, medium, miniature, and toy. Standards are the largest, while toys are the smallest. The size of any particular dog will vary depending on the Poodle parent's size and the generation of Labradoodle. 

Are Labradoodles high maintenance dogs?

Yes, they can be. Some curly-coated Labradoodles require a lot of coat maintenance and brushing, and in addition, they can be quite emotionally demanding dogs, wanting attention constantly. They can develop excessive barking tendencies if left alone too long, or if they are bored.  

Do Labradoodles bark a lot?

Yes, they can be vocal dogs depending on their Poodle genetics. While Labradors are generally quiet dogs, Poodles are known for their barking. Therefore, Labradoodles will vary in their barking tendencies. Some are quite vocal, while others are quieter. Early training and socialisation can help manage their barking behaviour. Providing plentiful mental and physical stimulation is also important to reduce excessive barking tendencies in Labradoodles. 

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Labradoodle

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