How Much Does a Labradoodle Cost?

Do you want a dog that has the intelligence and aesthetics of a poodle and the friendly, loving nature of a Labrador? Then the Labradoodle is the best choice for you!

A Labradoodle (also called Labrador Poodle) is a highly intelligent and sociable dog that can be easily trained to perform high-level tasks. They are often used as guide dogs for visually impaired people. Unlike its parent species- the Poodle, Labradoodles get along very well with other dogs and don’t have the same assertive attitude as a poodle does. They are also more intelligent than Labradors.

Labradoodles are available in three sizes: standard, miniature, and medium. The size depends on the Poodle parent. 

Its low shedding fur coat and affectionate behavior are a few of the many reasons why this puppy has been gaining so much popularity recently.

Labradoodles easily get accustomed to any environment and adapt to their surroundings swiftly, hence making them one of the easiest and best dogs for a beginner owner. Their dense fur coat effectively keeps them warm in the winters, but they may become slightly uncomfortable in the summers without proper ventilation or air conditioning.

They are easy to groom and you don’t have to worry too much about their fur shedding. Generally speaking, Labradoodles are not prone to many genetic diseases, but they do have a slight tendency to over-eat and gain weight, especially if fed freely.

Due to their high energy levels and intellect, these dogs are generally very curious and playful. Hence, they demand a lot of exercise and mental stimulation on a daily basis. Ideally, a Labradoodle must be taken out for a walk at least 3 times a day for a minimum of 20 minutes each walk. Owners are also encouraged to invest in dog games and puzzles to ensure they get enough food for thought. Make sure to reward them with treats to celebrate their good behavior and performance!

Looking to add this adorable new member to your family? Well then keep reading to know about its price and maintenance costs. In case you’re in a hurry, here’s a summary:

How Much Does a Labradoodle Puppy Cost?

A Labradoodle is a mixed breed and hence they haven’t been given the attention and interest they deserve by most major breed associates. Due to this, they are often sold at a much lower price than their purebred parent species.

That being said though, Labradoodles are usually sold at a higher price than most other mixed breed dogs due to their popularity and superb intelligence.

Usually, breeders charge anywhere between $1000 to $3000 for a well-conditioned and groomed standard Labradoodle puppy.

You can also try to adopt one from a rescue shelter for free, but make sure to take them to the vet to test them for any diseases that they may have acquired from another dog in the shelter. Their effective cost is dependent on many factors.

Factors Affecting Labradoodle Cost

Location

Location plays a big role in determining the price of a Labradoodle. This is because the effective cost of living and maintenance of a Labradoodle changes according to the area where you are buying them. Places with warmer climates generally have a higher cost of living for Labradoodles due to the requirement of proper air-conditioning systems. This is why you may find that the cost of these puppies may be lower in areas with a cool climate. Sometimes this price difference can be over $300.

Size

The overall size of a Labradoodle puppy can impact its price greatly! Generally, smaller puppies go for a much larger price! This is why a lot of breeders try to breed Labradors or Labrador retrievers with toy Poodles. It is very difficult to successfully breed these two breeds, which is why small Labradoodles are considered extremely rare and go for seemingly exorbitant prices!

Coat type and Color

Labradoodles can have 3 coat types:

• Curly (resembling coat of a poodle) – The most sought-after coat type, as it is low shedding and relatively low maintenance. It is also very allergy-friendly and usually has no odor. Labradoodles possessing this type of coat have the highest price amongst the three.
• Flat (resembling the coat of a Labrador): Usually puppies having this type of coat are sold the cheapest amongst the three. These puppies shed a significant amount of hair, especially in summers, so you have to be ready to clean up after them! This type of coat is non-allergy friendly and can emit odor. On the bright side, flat coat Labradoodles don’t have many tick or flea-related issues as it’s difficult for any pests to hide in their coats.
• Wavy (mix of both): Have aesthetics similar to that of the curly-hair coat but possess more shedding problems in comparison. This coat is allergy-friendly and does not emit any odor. Prices of these dogs fall in between that of flat hair Labradoodles and curly hair Labradoodles.

Apart from coat type, coat color also plays a big role in determining the price of a Labradoodle puppy. This breed has a large variety of color combos which may cause some puppies to go for a much higher price than others. Black, chocolate, white, and red colored Labradoodles are the most expensive.

Where you buy them from

As mentioned before, Labradoodle puppies sold by breeders go for pretty high prices ($1000 to $3500), while the ones that you can find in rescue shelters come for free (excluding a small adoption fee of around $300 to $400).

 Most people tend to buy from breeders as they are a much more reliable source when it comes to selling you a healthy, disease-free puppy. Moreover, the reputation of the breeder also plays a big role in determining the selling price of a Labradoodle. The better the reputation of the breeder, the higher the selling price.

Quality of parents:

If the parents of the puppy are of high quality (well-groomed, disease-free, good coat) then their puppies are also expected to have superior characteristics in comparison to most other dogs due to their great genetics. 

Generally, puppies that come from a crossbreed between a pure Labrador and a pure Poodle are sold for a much higher price than those which come from a breed between two Labradoodles. Furthermore, if either (or both) of the parents were contest winners, the prices for their puppies can be much higher in comparison to Labradoodles with normal parents (price differences may be greater than $2000).

Basic Supplies costs for Labradoodles

Food and water bowls

Food and water bowls are essential items that you need to own. While looking for a food or water bowl some factors you should keep in mind are:

Food bowls made of stainless steel are very durable. They do not crack easily when dropped and are lightweight and portable. They also resist corrosion and are hence the ideal material to make food bowls from. You can buy a stainless steel food bowl for around 14$-25$.

Avoid buying plastic food bowls for your dog! If your dog accidentally chews off a piece of plastic and ingests it, it may develop hormonal imbalances and digestive problems. Ceramic food bowls are heavy and are more expensive than stainless steel bowls.

You could also consider elevated food bowls as they can prevent speedy eating in dogs.

Taking these different types into account, the estimated cost of your Labradoodle’s food bowl should come in the range of $30 to $50.

Harnesses, collars, and leash:

Always opt to buy a body belt/harness over a neck collar. Neck collars are dangerous as you may end up hurting your dog while pulling them back or even while giving the leash a small tug.

The price of a harness greatly depends on the size of your dog. Labradoodles are considered to be large breed dogs, and hence their harness cost lies between $20 and $40.

The leash cost depends on the length of the leash you use. Ideally, the length of a leash should be around 5 feet. Most dog leashes are made of leather or nylon these days. 

Avoid buying chain leashes as they are heavy, expensive, and carry the risk of corrosion. They may also potentially hurt you or your dog if it slips out of your hand. 

Good quality nylon leashes are sold at around $15. You can also find many deals online that offer you a leash and harness combo for around $20.

Grooming tools

Labradoodles have very beautiful and delicate coats. Hence it is imperative to properly groom and trim their coats from time to time. Every Labradoodle owner is recommended to invest in the following grooming tools:

• Brush (specifications and price of the brush depends on the coat type of the Labradoodle)
• Long toothed Comb: can be bought at a price of around $20
• Small pair of trimming scissors: usually they are sold in grooming kits for around $20.
• Thinning shears: sold at around $15.
• Detangling solution: sold at around $25.
• Shampoo and conditioner – $15
• Toothbrush and paste – $10

As mentioned before, Labradoodles have different types of hair coats- curly, flat, and wavy.

• For flat hair coats, shedding is a very common problem. Hence you require a very good brush that can effectively comb out any stubborn shed hair that’s stuck to your Labradoodle’s coat. A stiff bristle brush is a best-recommended brush for fur like this. You can get a brush like this for around $25.
• For wavy hair coats, you should use a soft brush to prevent any damage to their locks of hair. Soft bristle brushes are recommended for coats like these. Their price comes to around $15.
• For curly hair coats, combs with long teeth are recommended to effectively penetrate and comb through multiple, thick layers of hair. Generally, a good-quality long tooth comb falls in the price range of around $20.

Bed and crate

If you don’t want to share your bed or sofa with your Labradoodle, then you should invest in a dog bed. Like humans, dogs can also develop body aches and pains if their bed doesn’t allow them to sleep in a comfortable position. Hence it is very important that you buy a bed of the correct material, shape, and size.

For regular-sized Labradoodles, a dog bed of size 40”-50” is perfect! For mini Labradoodles, a dog bed of size 36” is more than enough.

Dog beds come in many different shapes and sizes.

• A medium-to-large bed with a heating pad comes for $50.
• A higher-quality elevated bed made with chew-proof materials can cost around $150.
• Cooling raised beds for summers can cost around $40.
• Orthopedic foam beds cost around $50.
• Crate for a standard Labradoodle- $50-$75

Toys

Your smart puppy will benefit from sturdy toys as they will keep him occupied. Toys prevent boredom and also stimulate your buddy mentally. Chew toys can also soothe your pet’s inflamed gums during teething. Basic toys for Labradoodles include squeaky toys, balls, rope toys, Nylabones, and Kong toys. You can expect to spend around $50 on these.

Here is a summary of the costs of basic supplies for Labradoodles:

Training Costs for Labradoodles

There are multiple options before you when it comes to training your Labradoodle. Whichever option you select, training is a must! Without training, these smart dogs can quickly get spoilt! You certainly do not want that. Therefore, firm handling from the very beginning is a must.

In 2022, the dog training costs in the USA are as follows:

Expect to pay between $30 and $80 per class with an average price of $50 per hour. There is also the concept of dog obedience schools. Here, your pet will learn several basic commands while also interacting with other puppies. These can cost between $200 and $600 on a weekly basis.

You also have the option of sending your Labradoodle pup to the trainer for residential training. This boot camp training is said to be highly effective and your little one will surely be a changed dog afterward! However, it does come at a cost – expect to pay between $500 and $1250 per week for this high-end boot camp training.

Labradoodles make excellent therapy and service dogs, so you could consider this specialized training too. However, it takes several months of training. You could spend nearly $120 per session for therapy dog training.

Here’s a quick table for your reference to show you different training options and approximate costs:

Labradoodle Food Costs

Your breeder will give you some of the food for your puppy which you can continue feeding for a few weeks. It is important to take your pet to the vet so you can assess its growth. If your pup is in the proper weight range, your vet might ask you to continue feeding the same food. As your pup grows into an adult, they will transition to adult dog food.

A Labradoodle pup needs 3-4 meals per day. An adult can do with 2 meals per day. Here are some feeding guidelines applicable to Labradoodles:

• A 6-7 week old Labradoodle puppy weighing around 5lb. Needs 400 calories per day.
• Labradoodles come in 3 size varieties, so your vet can recommend the exact calories to feed per day.
• An older, less active standard Labradoodle will need about 1000 calories per day.
• In adulthood, the standard Labradoodle should weigh between 50 and 65 lb.
• A medium Labradoodle weighs between 30-45 lb.
• The small variety (Miniature Labradoodle) should ideally weigh between 15 and 25 lb.

Here is a table showing the feeding costs for standard Labradoodles:

Dog Food Comparison for Labradoodles

Labradoodles are high-energy dogs. They need food that can provide them with that energy. At the same time, they could gain weight rapidly and that is why you must strictly stay within the feeding guidelines.

In addition to the quantity of food, the quality is very important. There are many different options in commercial dog food and it can get overwhelming to determine which one is the best.

Kibble/dry dog food

Most people prefer feeding dry dog food or kibble to their Labradoodles. It is convenient, stays fresh longer, and also is better for your dog’s teeth. You also get a lot of variety in terms of food for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. Look for kibble which contains meat as the first ingredient. You can also get ‘natural’ and organic variety in kibble.

Wet food

Wet food is good for Labradoodles that need more moisture in their diet. Many Labradoodles love wet/canned food as it has a richer flavor. The downside to wet dog food is it is more expensive than kibble. Look for food free from preservatives, fillers, and artificial colors.

BARF diet

BARF is the raw diet that many dog owners prefer. It can help prevent many health issues. The BARF diet is also good for the skin and coat. 

Watch out for food sensitivity and allergies

Some Labradoodles are known to be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients in commercial dog food. These could be grains like wheat, soy, etc. Sometimes, they could have protein allergies. If you suspect an allergy in your Labradoodle, speak to your vet about novel protein-based diets. These could help your dog tremendously.

Here is a table showing you different food costs for Labradoodles:

Labradoodle Medical Costs

Vaccinations are very important and you must follow the schedule given in your pet’s yearbook. Your breeder will have performed the early vaccinations so make sure you do not double vaccinate your little buddy.

Most doctors charge up to $40 to $75 for basic vaccines. If you also opt for flea and tick prevention and deworming, then expect to pay around $100 to $150 for booster shots with spot treatment with deworming pills.

In the first year, you may also want to discuss desexing your pet. Ideally, females should be spayed after their first heat cycle whereas male dogs should be neutered before the age of 1 year. The cost of desexing surgery is $100 for male dogs and $250-$400 for bitches.

Most core vaccines cost between $75 and $100. The rabies vaccine costs around $20. Non-core vaccines like Leptospirosis cost around $30. Not all dogs need non-core vaccines and they depend on the area you live in.

Here are some other medical costs you could incur as a dog owner:

Health Issues in Labradoodles

If you buy your pet from a reputed breeder, then chances are they will have tested their dogs prior to mating them. This can ensure healthy puppies. As such, hybrid dogs have fewer health issues and the same is true with Labradoodles. However, there are some illnesses that come up in this breed from time to time:

Epilepsy

The exact cause of idiopathic epilepsy in Labradoodles is not known. However, there is a genetic link, so it is very important not to breed dogs having the condition. Symptoms of epilepsy in dogs are seizures, collapsing, drooling, foaming at the mouth, etc. The cost to treat it can run between $200 to $500 per month.

Hip and elbow dysplasia

Larger dog breeds often suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. This can pass on to the offspring, so make sure your breeder has tests conducted on the parent dogs prior to mating. The painful condition causes slow movements, reluctance to move, painful joints, and limping. It can cost around $2000 per joint for surgical treatment.

Addison’s disease

This condition is seen in Poodles and Labradors, therefore, it is a high chance of getting passed on to the puppy. It causes inadequate ACTH hormone production which results in a host of symptoms like lack of appetite, diarrhea, high heart rate, excessive thirst, urination, etc. The cost of diagnosis itself is up to $1500 and medical treatment can cost $50 to $500 per month.

Should You Purchase Pet Insurance for your Labradoodle?

Pet insurance is very popular these days. It can help cover some of those unexpected and expected medical costs mentioned above. Illnesses, injuries, and even routine exams for dogs can be very high priced and could be difficult for the average dog owner to afford. Pet insurance could ease some of that burden and give you peace of mind.

Note that many pet insurers do not cover pre-existing conditions and vaccinations, but some do. Some pet insurers require dog owners to cover the costs/bills first and then reimburse them later.

Others may only require you to pay a co-pay amount while they take care of the rest of the vet’s bills. In any case, check out different companies and plans and study their details carefully. Only then choose a company that will meet your requirements.

Here is a table showing the cost of different pet insurance plans:

Additional Costs of Owning a Labradoodle

Here are some more costs that owners could incur when they buy a Labradoodle:

Cost of dog-proofing your home

Once your pet is home, you may want to make some changes to make it safer. If you have an unfenced yard, then there is a risk of your dog running away. Installing a sturdy fence can help make it secure. This could cost up to $500.

Some landlords also ask for a pet deposit to account for dog messes. This fee can range between $200-$400. You might also want to consider home insurance if you own the house to cover for damage done by your boisterous pup.

Costs of Travel with your Labradoodle

In case you travel frequently, you will have to think about boarding your pet or taking it along. In any case, you will have to shell out hundreds of dollars. The cost of one-way airfare with a special dog carrier/crate can be $300. Boarding your pet can also ve costly: most pet hostels charge between $50 and $75 per day.

You could also consider hiring a pet sitter to watch your pet. Most charge between $25 and $40 per day depending on the services.

Dog walker

If you hire a dog walker to exercise your Labradoodle, expect to spend almost $360 per month if you have them walk your dog daily for 30 minutes. 

Grooming

Thankfully, you won’t spend too much on Labradoodle grooming. But if you choose to take your pet to the professional groomer’s, they can charge between $30 and $90 for basic grooming. Basic grooming entails bath, blow dry, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and, sometimes, anal gland expression.

Key Takeaways – How Much Does a Labradoodle Cost?

Whether you buy or adopt a Labradoodle, the costs of owning one can quickly add up. Here is a summary of all the costs to expect when it comes to owning a Labradoodle.

Initial costs of keeping a standard Labradoodle

The initial costs of Labradoodles include its price or adoption fees. In case of standard Labradoodle, this comes to around $3000. The price is even higher for Toy or miniature Labradoodles.

The initial costs also include basic supply costs like bed, collar, bowls, leash, etc. Add to this the cost of vaccinating your pet and you could easily spend $5000 on your puppy in the first year alone.

Monthly costs

The monthly cost of keeping a standard Labradoodle as a pet includes the recurring costs on monthly basis. This includes food, medical, flea and tick prevention, and pet insurance. Food costs alone could be about $100 a month on premium dog food. Expect to pay anywhere between $200 and $400 on month to month basis.

Yearly costs

Annually, you will have to renew your dog’s license which can come to $25. If you travel, you could spend up to $500 on boarding. Combined with other basic monthly costs, you’d easily spend up to $2500 tp $4000 on a standard Labradoodle annually.

Lifetime costs

Assuming you spend up to $2500 per year, and your Labradoodle lives up to 12 years, then you’d easily spend up to $30,000. This is just a rough estimate. The actually cost will vary based on your location, your dog’s health, and also your style of pet parenting.

We hope this guide helps you estimate the cost of dog ownership and also decide if owning a Labradoodle is right for you.