Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle: a friendly, clever and playful family dog. Coat, size and temperament can vary widely between puppies, so the parents and the breeder tell you a lot about what to expect.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed (Australian) Labradoodle by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 9 examinations:
- 7 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
The breeding programme also recommends 5 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (9)
-
Centronuclear myopathy (CNM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- HACD1: c.203_204ins[N[236];CACACAAAGGTTT]
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- DNM1: c.767G>T
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
-
Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SUV39H2: c.972T>G
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Stargardt disease (STGD)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCA4: c.4176dup
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- VWF: c.7437G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
Recommended examinations (5)
-
Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- COLQ: c.1010T>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- RPGRIP1: c.142_143ins[A[29]; GGAAGCAACAGGATG
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Ichthyosis 1 (ICHT)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PNPLA1: c.1445_1447delins TACTACTA
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Neonatal encephalopathy with seizures (NEWS, ATF2 gene)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ATF2: NC_006618.3:g.19078954A>C
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Patellar luxation (PT)
Kneecap examination once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- palpation of the kneecap
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme (Australian) Labradoodle, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 12/05/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Centronuclear myopathy (CNM), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia, Exercise-induced collapse (EIC), Hip dysplasia, Hereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK), Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA), Stargardt disease (STGD) and Von Willebrand disease type 1 (VWF1). The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), Progressive retinal atrophy – cone-rod dystrophy 4 (cord1-PRA/crd4), Ichthyosis 1 (ICHT), Neonatal encephalopathy with seizures (NEWS, ATF2 gene) and Patellar luxation (PT). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A Labradoodle needs plenty of exercise every day, such as walking, swimming and retrieving, plus mental work. The coat can be curly or wavy and needs regular brushing and clipping.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia and Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
With a Labradoodle, size, coat and temperament can differ from puppy to puppy, even within one litter. It is friendly, clever and very people-oriented, and has lots of energy as a youngster. Consistent, reward-based training and enough to do prevent boredom. Choose a breeder who can show the results of the mandatory examinations of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
