The Miniature Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Miniature Poodle — combining one of America’s most beloved family dogs with one of the world’s most trainable breeds in a compact, lower-shedding format. Smaller than the standard Labradoodle, the Miniature Labradoodle suits families in smaller homes who want the Labrador’s warmth and trainability without the larger version’s space and food requirements.
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Miniature Labradoodle
Lifespan12 - 15
Average Price$1,500 - $3,000
Weight8 - 117 - 10
Height36 - 4133 - 38
PedigreeNo
Health tests availableOFA Hip Dysplasia Evaluation (Labrador parent), DNA test for Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC) — Labrador parent, DNA test for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) — Poodle parent, Patellar luxation evaluation (Miniature Poodle parent), OFA CAER Eye Evaluation (both parents)
NicknamesMini Labradoodle, Mini Lab Poodle Mix, Petite Labradoodle
Pros
Combines the Labrador’s legendary family warmth with the Poodle’s intelligence and lower-shedding coat in a compact, practical size
Exceptionally trainable and eager to please from both parent breeds
Compact size makes it adaptable to apartments and smaller homes while retaining full working-breed intelligence
Outstanding with children — the Labrador’s family devotion is a consistent feature of the cross
Cons
Coat requires professional grooming every 6–8 weeks and regular home brushing
Labrador food drive and weight gain tendency require consistent portion control
Separation anxiety is common — both parent breeds are highly people-oriented
Low-shedding coat outcomes are not guaranteed in every individual
The Miniature Labradoodle follows the standard Labradoodle’s origins but substitutes a Miniature Poodle for the Standard to produce a smaller dog. The Labradoodle was first intentionally developed by Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia in 1989 to create a guide dog suitable for people with allergies. The cross quickly expanded beyond guide dog work and became one of the world’s most popular designer breeds. Both the Labrador Retriever and the Miniature Poodle hold full AKC recognition. The Miniature Labradoodle is not AKC-recognized.
The Miniature Labradoodle is a small dog typically standing 33 to 41 cm at the shoulder and weighing 7 to 11 kg. The coat ranges from wavy to curly depending on which parent’s genetics dominate. Colors include cream, golden, chocolate, black, apricot, and red from both parent lines. Curlier, Poodle-influenced coats shed minimally; wavier coats shed moderately.
The Miniature Labradoodle combines the Labrador’s friendly, enthusiastic, and people-loving character with the Miniature Poodle’s intelligence and emotional sensitivity. These dogs are warm with virtually everyone they meet, form close bonds with their family, and genuinely enjoy being involved in daily household life. The Labrador’s food motivation and the Poodle’s trainability make this one of the most cooperative and rewarding small companions available.
The Miniature Labradoodle is among the most trainable small dogs available in the United States. Positive reinforcement with food rewards produces rapid, reliable results. The breed excels at therapy work, obedience, agility, and canine sports. Separation anxiety conditioning from puppyhood is an important early training investment.
Outstanding with children of all ages. The Labrador’s legendary patience and warmth with children is a consistent feature of the cross. Compact size is non-threatening for small children while the breed’s energy suits active play with older kids. An excellent family companion.
Hip dysplasia from the Labrador line; OFA hip evaluation of the Labrador parent is advisable. EIC (Exercise Induced Collapse) from the Labrador line; DNA test available. PRA from the Poodle line; DNA test available and Poodle parent should be tested clear. Patellar luxation from the Miniature Poodle; OFA evaluation advisable. A healthy Miniature Labradoodle typically lives 12 to 15 years.
The Miniature Labradoodle adapts well to apartment and smaller home living. Routine grooming, consistent daily exercise, and alone-time conditioning from puppyhood are the primary care commitments. Ear cleaning weekly. Dental care important given the small breed predispositions from the Miniature Poodle parent.
The Miniature Labradoodle's coat — typically wavy to curly — requires brushing twice per week with a slicker brush and metal comb to prevent matting around the ears, collar, and limbs. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is strongly recommended for a full coat trim and ear cleaning. Ear cleaning is particularly important for this cross — the floppy, fur-lined ears trap moisture and are highly infection-prone; clean weekly. Professional grooming sessions typically run $50 to $100 per visit.
The Miniature Labradoodle needs 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise including walks, fetch, and off-leash play in a safely enclosed area. The Labrador Retriever parent brings strong retrieving and swimming instincts; the Poodle parent adds intelligence and agility aptitude. This cross adapts well to apartment living provided exercise is consistent. Avoid overexercising puppies under one year — the five-minutes-per-month-of-age rule protects developing joints. Interactive training sessions count toward daily mental enrichment needs as well.
Feed the Miniature Labradoodle one to two and a half cups of high-quality small-to-medium breed dry kibble per day divided into two meals. Choose a formula with a named protein source, joint-supporting nutrients, and omega-3 fatty acids to support the characteristic wavy coat. The Labrador parent line's strong food drive means overfeeding is a real risk; weigh food rather than estimating cup amounts. The breed costs $1,000 to $3,000 from documented health-tested breeders; monthly food budget is typically $40 to $60.
Miniature Labradoodle puppies from health-tested parents in the United States typically cost $1,500 to $3,000. Request OFA hip evaluation and EIC DNA test for the Labrador parent, PRA DNA test for the Poodle parent. The ALAA (Australian Labradoodle Association of America) and responsible Labradoodle breeders follow established health testing programs. Lancaster Puppies features Miniature Labradoodle listings from established US breeders.
Request OFA hip evaluation for the Labrador parent, EIC DNA test, PRA DNA test for the Poodle parent, and patellar luxation evaluation for the Miniature Poodle parent. View the puppy with its mother. Lancaster Puppies is an excellent resource for finding family-raised Miniature Labradoodle puppies across the United States.