Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?

July 25, 2025

Are Labradoodles Hypoallergenic? Let’s Break It Down

If you’re asking are Labradoodles hypoallergenic, chances are someone in your home has allergies—and you’re trying to find the perfect dog that won’t trigger sneezing, itching, or nonstop vacuuming. And as a breeder who’s raised countless doodles in a real, family setting, I totally get it.

The short answer? Labradoodles can absolutely be hypoallergenic—but not all of them are. It depends on their coat type, how they were bred, and even how they’re cared for once they come home.

We work with many families who need a lower-shedding, allergy-friendly dog, and we’ve placed Labradoodles successfully in homes where other breeds would’ve been a no-go. But it’s important to understand what “hypoallergenic” really means—and what to look for in a Labradoodle if this is a priority for you.

Let’s break it all down so you can feel confident making the right choice for your home (and your sinuses).

What Does “Hypoallergenic Dog” Really Mean?

This is one of those terms that gets tossed around a lot, especially when talking about doodles. But here’s the truth: no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. That’s just not how it works. All dogs produce some amount of allergens, mostly through dander, saliva, and skin oils.

That said, some breeds—especially doodles—tend to produce less of these allergens. And that’s where the term “hypoallergenic” comes in. It means:

Lower shedding = less fur floating around to carry dander
Curly or wavy coats = more allergens trapped in the coat, not released into the air
Less drool/saliva exposure = another allergen trigger reduced

What makes Labradoodles stand out is their blend of the Labrador’s friendly, loyal personality with the Poodle’s low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat. But not every Labradoodle inherits that Poodle coat—which is why the next section really matters.

Labradoodle Generations and Allergy Friendliness

Here’s where things get interesting. A Labradoodle’s allergy-friendliness depends a lot on their generation, meaning how many steps they are from the original Lab + Poodle cross.

Let me break it down simply:

F1 Labradoodle = 50% Lab, 50% Poodle
Coat may be more shaggy or straight
May shed more—not always best for allergy concerns

F1B Labradoodle = 75% Poodle, 25% Lab
This is what most allergy-sensitive families want
Curly or wavy coat, low to non-shedding
Much better for managing allergies

Multigen Labradoodles = multiple generations of doodles bred together
Often intentionally bred for consistency in coat type and low shedding
Great option if raised responsibly

Here at Crooked Creek, we’re very mindful of these differences. When someone tells us they have mild to moderate allergies, we often recommend they look at F1B Labradoodles specifically, since those pups tend to be the most allergy-friendly.

Do Labradoodles Shed? It Depends on the Coat

One of the top reasons people search for hypoallergenic doodle breeds is to avoid shedding—and that’s totally fair. But again, not all Labradoodles are created equal when it comes to shedding.

What we’ve seen here over the years:

Curly-coated Labradoodles (more poodle influence) tend to shed very little to none at all
Wavy-coated Labradoodles might shed a small amount, especially during seasonal changes
Straight-coated Labradoodles (more Lab influence) are not ideal for allergy sufferers—they shed much more

If coat type is a deciding factor for you, we highly recommend reading our article on hair coat types and grooming requirements. It explains what to expect from each coat, how to maintain it, and which is best for low-shedding homes.

The bottom line? Yes, Labradoodles can be non-shedding—but you’ve got to know which generation and coat type to look for. That’s where we come in.

What Makes a Labradoodle Good for Allergy Sufferers?

So now that we’ve covered coat types and generations, let’s talk about why Labradoodles are such a popular choice for families with allergies. It really comes down to a few specific qualities that make them more manageable than most traditional breeds.

Here’s what makes them allergy-friendly:

Low dander production – Dander is the biggest trigger for most allergy sufferers. Labradoodles, especially those with curly coats, tend to produce far less of it.
Hair vs. fur – Poodle-like coats are made of hair rather than fur. That means fewer allergens floating through your home.
Minimal drooling – Unlike breeds like Bulldogs or St. Bernards, Labradoodles are not known for excessive drooling, which also reduces allergen spread.
Tighter curls trap dander – Curly coats trap more of the loose hair and dander until you brush it out—keeping it off your furniture and in the brush instead.
Gentle on sensitive skin – We’ve had families with eczema or other sensitivities report fewer issues with their Labradoodle than with other breeds they’d owned before.

We’ve worked with plenty of families who were hesitant at first because of allergies—and they now send us updates saying, “We can’t believe how smooth this has been!” That’s exactly the kind of feedback we love to hear.

If your family needs a pup that’s gentle not just in temperament, but also on your sinuses, a well-bred Labradoodle is one of the best dogs for allergy sufferers.

Best Practices for Managing Allergies (Even with Hypoallergenic Breeds)

Even with the best low-shedding, allergy-friendly Labradoodle, it still helps to do your part around the house to keep allergens at bay. Trust me—these simple habits make a huge difference, especially if someone in your household is on the sensitive side.

Here are a few real-world tips we’ve seen work well:

Brush regularly – Especially with curly coats. Brushing 2–3 times a week keeps dander and loose hair from building up.
Use an air purifier – A good HEPA purifier in your main living areas can trap pet allergens and improve air quality.
Wash bedding and dog toys often – Allergens can hide in soft materials. Keeping things clean makes a big difference.
Wipe paws after outdoor time – This helps limit pollen and dust coming back in with them.
Professional grooming – A regular bath and trim every 6–8 weeks keeps coat oils and buildup in check.

We also recommend choosing high-quality shampoos that are gentle on both your dog’s skin and yours. We’ve had great success with the products we mention in our post on what shampoo our puppies are used to—especially helpful for families with sensitivities.

How We Help Match Families With Allergy Needs

This is something we take very seriously. When a family reaches out and tells us they have allergies, we listen carefully. Because choosing the wrong puppy can be a stressful experience—but choosing the right one can be life-changing.

Here’s what we do differently at Crooked Creek:

We help families choose based on coat type and temperament, not just looks.
We explain the differences between generations (especially F1B Labradoodles for allergy-prone homes).
We guide you through grooming and care expectations to help minimize allergens once your puppy comes home.
And we’re always honest—if someone in your home has severe allergies, we’ll tell you upfront what to expect and help you make the most informed decision possible.

We’ve placed puppies with families where one parent had mild dog allergies and a child had eczema—and they’ve written back to say how relieved they were to have a low-shedding companion that didn’t cause flare-ups.

If you think a Labradoodle might be right for your family, start by checking out our Labradoodles page for more about their traits, coats, and what makes them so special.

Real Stories From Families With Allergies

Sometimes the best way to understand if a Labradoodle really is hypoallergenic is to hear it from people who’ve been in your exact shoes. We’ve had dozens of families come to us over the years with allergy concerns—and the success stories never get old.

One mom told us she had mild allergies her whole life and had always assumed a dog was out of the question. But after falling in love with a curly F1B Labradoodle from one of our litters, she gave it a shot. She now shares her house—and couch—with a big fluffball named Milo, and hasn’t had a single issue.

Another family had a child with sensitive skin who would break out from certain animals. They told us they were nervous but hopeful. We helped them pick a puppy with the softest coat in the litter, and now that same kid naps every afternoon with his arm around his doodle, snuggled up tight.

These are the moments that make it all worth it. Labradoodles may not be magic, but for a lot of families, they’re the closest thing to a hypoallergenic dream dog.

Comparing Doodles: Are Goldendoodles or Labradoodles Better for Allergies?

We get this question all the time—“Should I get a Labradoodle or a Goldendoodle if I have allergies?” And honestly? The answer depends more on the individual dog’s coat and generation than the doodle type itself.

That said, there are a few key differences we’ve noticed between the two when it comes to allergy concerns:

Goldendoodles (Golden Retriever + Poodle) often have a slightly softer, wavier coat. They can be just as allergy-friendly, especially in F1B or multigen generations, but may require more grooming depending on curl tightness.
Labradoodles (Labrador + Poodle) sometimes have coarser or denser coats, especially in early generations. But once you get to F1B or multigen Labradoodles, they’re right up there with Goldendoodles for non shedding and low dander potential.

In both cases, curly coats = more hypoallergenic. And both breeds have the potential to be amazing choices for allergy-sensitive homes if you choose wisely.

Want to learn more about how these breeds behave around the house—not just in terms of allergies? Check out our post on Goldendoodle barking habits for a deeper dive into their calm and gentle personalities. Spoiler: they’re quieter than you think.

When allergy concerns are high, we’re always happy to help you compare the coat types we currently have in upcoming or available litters. It’s not just about breed—it’s about fit.

Ready to Find a Low-Shedding Companion? Start Here

If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly doing your homework—and we love that. We believe every family deserves a dog that fits their lifestyle, including allergy needs. And when raised with care and matched thoughtfully, Labradoodles can be an amazing option for homes with allergies.

From their curly, low-shedding coats to their calm, people-loving nature, they check so many boxes. And here at Crooked Creek, we raise every pup like they’re staying in our own home—so they’re not only allergy-friendly, but emotionally ready for life with your family.

If you're ready to take the next step:

Browse our latest litters and learn more about upcoming pups on our Labradoodles page
Reach out with questions or specific allergy needs via our Contact Us page
Want to see how we handle early care, crate training, and grooming? You’ll find tons of real answers in our other posts like crate training and grooming types

Whether you're just getting started or ready to welcome home your new best friend, we’re here to help you find the doodle that fits you—allergies and all.

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