Labradoodles are available in a range of colors and styles. Each pup offers its own unique color and hair type. Because Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle, and a third breed which in our Australian American Labradoodles lines is a cockapoo, each new puppy differs in color, hair type, and personality.
Labradoodle Colors
The most prominent shades of Labradoodle are Caramel/Apricot, Red, Black, Chocolate, and Cream. There are other Labradoodle varieties, such as the Parti Labradoodle, Merle Labradoodle, White Labradoodle, Tuxedo Labradoodle, and Sable Labradoodle. However, these are not as common. Although a puppy may be born with a particular coloration, there is no guarantee that its coat will maintain the same tone as an adult. The colors generated by one bloodline of Labradoodles do not imply that all Labradoodles can produce them. Genetics determines each coat variant.
The 4 Most Common Labradoodle Coat Colors
Black
One of the strongest genes in Labradors is that they were once totally black. Standard Poodles are almost always black as well. Black Labradoodles are completely black, with no other colors visible. These Labradoodles are rather common, with around one per litter.
Cream
Cream Labradoodles are moderately darker than 'white' Labradoodles. A cream Labradoodle's coat color can range from light to dark, with some having red flecks running through it. Although the color of the cream may vary, the entire coat should be the same color.
Caramel/Apricot
These Labradoodles are somewhat darker than a cream Labradoodle. The color can be known as caramel or apricot due to the fact that it can fluctuate from a lighter golden cream to a deeper orange-gold, many caramel and apricot puppies are born with white mismarks. At Cream Puff, many of our apricot doodles also have Tuxedo markings (a stunning white blaze down the front of their face, chest, and sometimes paws).
Chocolate
The Chocolate Labradoodle is one of the most popular fur variants. Their rich brown coat distinguishes them from the other Labradoodle varieties. A chocolate Labradoodle puppy can be born with a deep chocolate or brown shade, but it may fade to a light brown as it matures.
Coat Types and Textures
At Cream Puff Labradoodles, we breed for Black, Cream, Caramel/Apricot, Chocolate, Red (darker than apricot), Tuxedo, Phantom (black or brown with tan markings like a rottwieler). We pride ourselves on the diversity of colors our Guardian dogs are able to produce and carefully select puppies with the most superior genetics to ensure the vitality of colors.
These colors may appear in one of the following patterns:
Parti
The "Parti" pattern (short for “Partial”), is characterized by at least 50% white with spots of varying colors. Each Parti Labradoodle is unique: these dogs can have any color, and either color nose. Often, the colored markings on the cream/apricot/red/caramel parti puppies darken within the first six weeks. As an exception, "Extreme" Partis are predominantly white.
White Markings and Tuxedo Patterns
Often mistaken for the "Parti" pattern, dogs with white mismarks present a varied range of white markings. Ranging from minimal to extensive, these white markings, particularly moderate to heavy ones on the chest and face, are known as "Irish Spotting." A "Tuxedo" pattern, characterized by substantial white on the chest, paws, and face extending around the neck's back, is quite rare and highly coveted. Buying a Tuxedo Labradoodle, especially in a specific color, often entails a longer wait due to their rarity and demand.
Phantom
The "Phantom" pattern, a distinctive Labradoodle variety, is available exclusively in Chocolate and Black. These dogs exhibit tan points similar to those of a Rottweiler, and may also have white markings, typically on the chest. When three colors are present, the dog is referred to as a "Tri." Additionally, the Phantom pattern can show on a Parti Labradoodle, revealing parts of the Phantom markings where the solid colors are visible. Head over to our YouTube channel to watch our ALD Colors Explained: What is Phantom? video, where Megan, our Pack Leader shows off some phantom puppies and walks through their markings.
Coat Types and Textures
The coat type of a Labradoodle puppy is determined by the genes inherited from its parents. There is one purebred Labrador parent and one purebred Poodle parent in first-generation mixes, which makes for a wide variety of potential coat textures, including; hair, wool, and fleece.
Hair Coat
A Labradoodle with a hair coat will most closely resemble a Labrador. Their coat will be double-layered with a straight upper layer. If you look closely at your Doodle's coat, you will notice a dense, warm underlayer. Some hair coat Labradoodles have wavy fur, but not as wavy as the fleece variety. Their double coat, like the Labrador coat, helps regulate their temperature while protecting their skin from scratches and wounds. The hair coat Labradoodle sheds most of the time. They frequently shed during the summer months, thinning off their rich undercoat. They will shed moderately throughout the remainder of the year. However, frequent grooming can help to keep this under control.
Fleece Coat
A fleece coat Labradoodle will likely resemble a perfect cross between a Labrador and a Poodle. They will typically have a wavy coat or soft curls. Fleece-coated Labradoodles are ideal for allergy and asthma sufferers since they do not shed hair, fur, or other allergens. They will require more maintenance than a hair coat Labradoodle since their fur's waves and curls are more prone to tangles and knots. A fleece Doodle will require grooming several times per week, if not daily. This is the type of coat we breed for most here at Cream Puff Labradoodles. You can see a great example of this on most of our 6 week videos over on our YouTube channel.
Wool Coat
A Labradoodle with a wool coat will most resemble a Poodle. Just like fleece coats, wool-coated Labradoodles do not shed. Their fur will be either very tight ringlet curls or coiled. Individual strands of fur will feel quite abrasive to the touch. Your dog's fur's coils will trap shedding hairs and skin flakes. However, frequent brushing is much more vital because tangles and knots are more common. If they are left unbrushed, their fur can get matted, which is uncomfortable and frequently requires shaving to correct. Labradoodles with wool coats should be groomed at least once a day.
No matter what color or fur-type, or color Labradoodle you decide to adopt, know that you will still be gaining a fun, loving, and energetic addition to your family!