Labradoodles are all the rave right now. You’ll find that these dogs are popping up all over the place, and for good reason.
They’re a combination of Labrador retriever and poodle genes, which tend to work really well together. After all, you’re getting the retriever energy of the Labrador with the high level of intelligence of the poodle. What’s more, their coats are easier to manage compared to some other breeds, especially both breeds individually.
So, are labradoodles smart? The short answer is yes, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Read on to learn more about how smart labradoodles can be.
What Is a Labradoodle?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what a labradoodle actually is. Labradoodles are a cross between Labrador retrievers and poodles, so they come in many different shapes and sizes.
You have smaller labradoodles that are closer to miniature poodles on one hand, and on the other you have larger labradoodles that are closer to the size of a Labrador retriever or a standard poodle.
Due to the nature of crossbreeding, there’s a lot of variation in the breed, so keep this in mind before you consider adopting or purchasing one. Still, most labradoodles will have the same level of intelligence regardless of their size, so you shouldn’t have any issues with their intelligence.
Are Labradoodles Smart Dogs?
Yes, labradoodles are some of the smartest dogs around, and you won’t be able to find many breeds smarter than them. They inherit their intelligence from both the Labrador retriever and poodle genes in them, and they can learn new things, understand complex commands, and much more. Ultimately, you’ll get out what you put in with labradoodles.
While this may be the case, if you want to make the most out of their intelligence, you’ll need to train and spend time with them. Failing to do so, well, you’ll find that their intelligence can quickly turn against you in a hurry.
Unfortunately, they can become stubborn, especially if you don’t play with them to help them burn through some of their near limitless supply of energy.
Are Labradoodles Emotionally Intelligent?
Yes, labradoodles are emotionally intelligent. They have no problem understanding human emotions, and labradoodles can even cheer people up when they’re sad or struggling with mental health disorders. In fact, this is why labradoodles are popular options for emotional support animal work and service animal work.
In order for a labradoodle to be an emotionally intelligent dog, though, they need the proper training. While this isn’t necessarily important for emotional support animals (training isn’t required for them), it is a key part of having a psychiatric service dog (PSD).
Are Labradoodles Easy Dogs to Train?
Yes! Labradoodles are one of the easier dog breeds to train. When you pair their Labrador retriever genes with their poodle genes, these dogs are smart enough to complete complex tasks and are eager to please their handlers.
Of course, it helps if you start right away, and we recommend using toys and training sessions that mentally stimulate them. If you don’t, well, a lot of that intelligence may turn into stubbornness in a hurry.
Luckily, you have plenty of training options. You can train your dog online with courses or you can opt for in-person training options. What’s more, you can always train them by messing around and playing with them; labradoodles just want your attention, love, and care at the end of the day.
Are Labradoodles Smart? Our Final Thoughts
So, are labradoodles smart? At the end of the discussion, yes, labradoodles are smart dogs. In fact, they’re some of the smartest and most disciplined dogs out there.
That said, you need to make sure you get a healthy labradoodle from a reputable breeder. If you don’t, unfortunately, you’ll run into a handful of problems down the line.
The good news is that great organizations, like Dog Academy, can help you find labradoodle puppies for sale in your area. So, if you want to bring home an intelligent labradoodle, plenty of options are available for you to choose from. Plus, you can always consider the adoption route.
