Why Dogs Eating Poop Is Common in Labradoodles & Stop
Explore why dogs eating poop (coprophagia) is common in Labradoodles, understand the genetic and behavioral causes, and learn proven vet-backed strategies to stop it.
The Labradoodle: Parent Breed Breakdown
The Labradoodle is one of the most recognizable designer breeds in the United States, originally developed in Australia in the late 1980s when breeder Wally Conron crossed a Standard Poodle with a Labrador Retriever to create a hypoallergenic guide dog. While the experiment succeeded in producing a capable service animal, the resulting puppies sparked a designer-dog revolution that continues today.
| Trait | Labrador Retriever | Standard Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Weight Range | 55–80 lb / 25–36 kg | 40–70 lb / 18–32 kg |
| Height | 21.5–24.5 in / 55–62 cm | Over 15 in / 38+ cm |
| Coat Type | Double coat, dense, water-resistant | Single coat, curly, low-shedding |
| Energy Level | High (60–90 min/day) | High (45–60 min/day) |
| Trainability | Excellent — food-motivated | Excellent — praise-motivated |
| Common Health Issues | Hip/elbow dysplasia, obesity, EIC | Addison's disease, bloat, sebaceous adenitis |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 12–15 years |
| Coprophagia Tendency | Moderate-High (oral fixation breed) | Low-Moderate |
Understanding both parent breeds is essential because any Labradoodle can inherit traits from either side — including the Labrador's notorious tendency to put everything in their mouth, which is directly relevant to the topic of dogs eating poop, clinically known as coprophagia.
Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen Labradoodles
Generation Terminology Explained
- F1 (First Generation): Direct cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Poodle. Maximum hybrid vigor potential but highest trait variability. Coat can range from straight to curly.
- F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 Labradoodle bred back to a Poodle. Results in approximately 75% Poodle / 25% Labrador genetics. More predictable low-shedding coats but narrower gene pool.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Labradoodles bred together. Produces the widest variety of coat types and sizes in a single litter — the least predictable generation.
- Multigen (Multi-Generational): Both parents are Labradoodles of F2 or later generations. Australian Labradoodles (ALF) are typically multigen with additional spaniel or retriever lines introduced for temperament refinement.
Generation matters for coprophagia risk because F1 Labradoodles with stronger Labrador genetics tend to exhibit the oral fixation and scavenging drive more intensely than F1B or multigen dogs with heavier Poodle influence. However, this is a tendency, not a guarantee — individual variation always applies.
Labradoodle Size, Coat, and Trait Variability
| Size Category | Weight | Height | Poodle Parent Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 50–75 lb / 23–34 kg | 21–25 in / 53–64 cm | Standard Poodle |
| Medium | 30–50 lb / 14–23 kg | 17–21 in / 43–53 cm | Medium/Miniature Poodle |
| Miniature | 15–30 lb / 7–14 kg | 14–17 in / 36–43 cm | Miniature Poodle |
| Trait | Predictability | What Varies |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Moderate | Littermates can differ by 15–20 lb; generation and parent size are the best indicators |
| Coat Type | Low-Moderate (F1) / High (F1B) | F1 litters may include straight, wavy, and curly coats; F1B more consistently curly |
| Shedding Level | Low-Moderate | Some F1 Labradoodles shed heavily like Labs; F1B typically low-shedding |
| Color | Low | Black, chocolate, cream, gold, red, parti, phantom, abstract — even within one litter |
| Temperament | Moderate | Generally friendly, but individual dogs range from Lab-bold to Poodle-reserved |
| Coprophagia Risk | Low-Moderate | Influenced by genetics (Lab oral drive) AND environment, training, and diet |
Coat Type Possibilities
Labradoodle coats fall into three general categories:
- Hair coat (Lab-dominant): Straight to slightly wavy, sheds moderately. Most common in F1 Labradoodles. Requires weekly brushing.
- Fleece coat (blend): Soft, wavy to loose curls. Low to moderate shedding. Needs brushing 2–3 times per week and professional grooming every 8–10 weeks.
- Wool coat (Poodle-dominant): Tight curls, very low shedding. Requires brushing 3–4 times per week and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Closest to "hypoallergenic" but no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
Why Labradoodles Are Among Dogs Eating Poop: The Coprophagia Connection
If you're searching for answers about dogs eating poop and you own a Labradoodle, you're not alone. A 2018 study published in Veterinary Medicine and Science found that coprophagia affects an estimated 10–25% of dogs seen in veterinary practice, and breeds with strong oral drives — including Labrador Retrievers and their crosses — are disproportionately represented.
Genetic Factors Specific to Labradoodles
The Labrador Retriever carries a documented genetic variant in the POMC (pro-opiomelanocortin) gene associated with increased food motivation and appetite. Research published in Cell Metabolism (Raffan et al., 2016) found this variant in approximately 23% of pet Labradors. When this gene is passed to a Labradoodle, it can manifest as:
- Intense scavenging behavior on walks
- Rapid eating with minimal chewing
- Interest in feces — their own or other animals'
- Counter-surfing and trash-raiding
Behavioral and Environmental Triggers
Beyond genetics, several factors can trigger or maintain coprophagia in Labradoodles:
- Nutritional deficiency: Diets lacking in digestive enzymes, fiber, or B-vitamins may drive dogs to seek nutrients in feces
- Malabsorption: Conditions like exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) or intestinal parasites cause undigested nutrients in stool, making it smell like food to the dog
- Anxiety or boredom: Understimulated Labradoodles may develop coprophagia as a displacement behavior
- Attention-seeking: If the owner reacts strongly when catching the dog, the behavior can become reinforced
- Mimicry: Puppies raised around coprophagic mothers may learn the behavior early
- Punishment history: Dogs previously punished for indoor accidents may eat feces to "hide the evidence"
Schedule a veterinary exam if your Labradoodle's stool-eating is accompanied by any of these red flags:
- Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
- Chronic diarrhea or greasy, foul-smelling stools
- Vomiting after eating feces
- Sudden onset in a previously non-coprophagic adult dog
- Excessive thirst and urination alongside the behavior
These symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition such as parasites, EPI, diabetes, or Cushing's disease. Your veterinarian can run a fecal panel, CBC, and chemistry panel (typical cost: $150–$350) to rule out medical causes before pursuing behavioral treatment.
Labradoodle Temperament: Best-Case and Challenging Scenarios
Labradoodles are generally friendly, intelligent, and eager to please — a combination that makes them excellent family dogs and successful service animals. However, the range of possible temperaments is wide.
Best-Case Temperament Profile
A well-bred, well-socialized Labradoodle typically displays:
- Outgoing friendliness with strangers and children
- High trainability — responds well to positive reinforcement methods
- Adaptable energy — playful but able to settle indoors
- Low aggression toward other dogs
- Strong bond with family members
Challenging Temperament Scenarios
Less predictable outcomes in some Labradoodles include:
- Separation anxiety: Both parent breeds are human-oriented; a Labradoodle left alone 8+ hours daily may develop destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, or coprophagia
- Hyperactivity: Without adequate exercise (minimum 60 minutes of structured activity daily for Standards), some Labradoodles become mouthy, jumpy, and difficult to manage
- Sensitivity to handling: Poodle-influenced individuals may be more reserved or reactive to rough handling by young children
- Resource guarding: Food-motivated Labradoodles (especially those with the POMC variant) may develop guarding behaviors around food bowls, toys, or stolen items
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor Reality Check
The concept of hybrid vigor (heterosis) suggests that crossbred dogs benefit from a wider gene pool, potentially reducing the incidence of recessive genetic diseases. While some evidence supports this — a study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that mixed-breed dogs had lower rates of certain inherited conditions — hybrid vigor does not eliminate all health risks.
Conditions Labradoodles May Inherit from Either Parent
| Condition | Inherited From | Prevalence Estimate | Screening Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Both parents | 10–15% of Labradoodles | OFA/PennHIP radiographs |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Both parents | 5–10% | OFA elbow radiographs |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Both parents | 3–5% | DNA test (prcd-PRA) |
| Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) | Both parents | 2–5% | DNA test |
| Addison's Disease | Poodle lineage | Estimated 2–4% | No reliable screening test |
| Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) | Labrador lineage | Carrier rate ~15% in Labs | DNA test |
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) | Both (deep-chested breeds) | Lifetime risk ~5–8% | Preventive gastropexy available |
| Sebaceous Adenitis | Poodle lineage | 2–5% | Skin biopsy if symptomatic |
Always consult your veterinarian about breed-appropriate health screening. Reputable Labradoodle breeders should provide OFA or PennHIP certifications for hips, CERF/OFA eye exams, and DNA test results for PRA, EIC, and vWD for both parent dogs.
Connection Between Health and Coprophagia
Some health conditions common in Labradoodles can directly contribute to stool-eating behavior:
- Intestinal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, giardia) compete for nutrients, potentially driving coprophagia. Annual fecal exams cost approximately $40–$65.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) prevents proper digestion, leaving stool nutrient-rich and appealing to the dog. EPI is managed with pancreatic enzyme replacement (typical cost: $40–$80/month for enzymes).
- Food allergies or intolerances can cause malabsorption. If your Labradoodle has chronic soft stools and coprophagia, your vet may recommend a hydrolyzed protein diet trial ($60–$120/bag).
Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care
Grooming Requirements by Coat Type
- Hair coat: Brush 1–2x/week with a slicker brush. Bathe monthly. Professional grooming every 10–12 weeks ($50–$80/session).
- Fleece coat: Brush 2–3x/week. Use a detangling spray on ears and feathering. Professional grooming every 8–10 weeks ($60–$100/session).
- Wool coat: Brush 3–4x/week to prevent matting. Line-brushing technique recommended. Professional grooming every 6–8 weeks ($70–$120/session).
All Labradoodles need regular ear cleaning (weekly for floppy-eared individuals), nail trims every 2–4 weeks, and dental care — daily tooth brushing or veterinary dental cleanings every 1–2 years ($300–$800 under anesthesia).
Exercise Needs
Standard Labradoodles require 60–90 minutes of structured exercise daily, including:
- Two 20–30 minute leash walks
- Off-leash play in a secure area (fetch, swimming — both parent breeds love water)
- Mental stimulation: puzzle feeders, scent work, training sessions
Miniature Labradoodles need approximately 45–60 minutes daily. Insufficient exercise is a documented trigger for coprophagia and other nuisance behaviors in this cross.
How to Stop Your Labradoodle from Eating Poop: Proven Strategies
Addressing coprophagia in Labradoodles requires a multi-pronged approach combining veterinary care, environmental management, and positive reinforcement training. Never use punishment-based methods — shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls will worsen anxiety-driven coprophagia and damage your bond.
Step 1: Rule Out Medical Causes
Before implementing behavioral strategies, have your veterinarian perform:
- Comprehensive fecal analysis (parasites, giardia antigen) — $40–$65
- CBC and chemistry panel — $120–$250
- TLI (trypsin-like immunoreactivity) test if EPI is suspected — $80–$150
Step 2: Dietary Adjustments
- Switch to a high-quality, AAFCO-complete diet with adequate fiber (3–5% crude fiber)
- Add a digestive enzyme supplement (e.g., ProZyme or NWC Naturals DogZyme — $15–$30) to improve nutrient absorption
- Consider a coprophagia deterrent supplement containing Yucca schidigera, chamomile, or garlic derivative (products like For-Bid or CoproBan — $10–$25). These make stool taste unpleasant. Note: effectiveness varies between individual dogs.
- Feed smaller, more frequent meals (2–3x/day) to improve digestion efficiency
Step 3: Environmental Management
- Immediate cleanup: Pick up feces within 60 seconds of elimination — this is the single most effective intervention
- Leash supervision: Keep your Labradoodle on a 6-foot leash during potty breaks until the behavior resolves
- Teach "Leave It": Train a reliable "leave it" cue using positive reinforcement — start with low-value items and progressively work up to treats placed on the ground, then (on leash) near feces-like items
- Teach "Come" after elimination: Immediately after your dog finishes defecating, call them to you and reward with a high-value treat (freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken). This creates a competing behavior that is incompatible with turning back to eat stool
Step 4: Address Underlying Anxiety or Boredom
- Increase daily exercise and mental enrichment
- Provide food puzzle toys (Kong Classic, Outward Hound Nina Ottosson puzzles — $10–$35)
- If separation anxiety is suspected, consult a certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) or a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA)
Cost of Labradoodle Ownership and Where to Find One
Purchase Price Ranges (2026 Estimates)
| Source | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible breeder (health-tested parents, AKC/ALAA registered) | $2,500–$5,000 | Health guarantee, first vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter contract, take-back clause |
| Australian Labradoodle specialist breeder | $3,500–$6,500 | Multigen pedigree, extensive health testing, temperament testing, early neurological stimulation |
| Backyard breeder / online listing | $800–$2,000 | Typically no health testing, no genetic screening, no take-back clause |
| Breed-specific rescue (e.g., IDoodleRescue, Doodle Rock Rescue) | $300–$600 | Veterinary exam, vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, behavioral assessment |
| General shelter / humane society | $50–$350 | Basic veterinary care, vaccines, spay/neuter |
First-Year Ownership Costs
Beyond the purchase price, budget for approximately $2,500–$4,500 in the first year including:
- Veterinary care (initial exam, vaccines, spay/neuter, heartworm prevention): $600–$1,200
- Food (quality kibble or balanced diet): $400–$800/year
- Grooming (professional sessions): $300–$720/year
- Supplies (crate, leash, harness, bed, toys, puzzle feeders): $300–$600
- Training (group classes or private sessions): $200–$600
- Pet insurance (recommended): $400–$800/year (providers like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, or Lemonade)
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Labradoodle
Best Fit
- Active families with time for 60+ minutes of daily exercise
- Households with mild dog allergies (F1B or wool-coat Labradoodles specifically — always spend time with the individual dog before committing)
- Owners experienced with positive reinforcement training methods
- People who work from home or can arrange midday exercise breaks
- Families with children ages 6+ (Standard size; Miniatures for families with younger children)
Poor Fit
- Owners away 8+ hours daily with no dog walker arrangement
- First-time dog owners unwilling to invest in training classes
- Households seeking a guaranteed hypoallergenic dog (no such guarantee exists)
- People who want a low-maintenance grooming commitment
- Those expecting a perfectly predictable adult dog from a puppy — mixed breeds carry inherent variability
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up a Labradoodle?
A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle (Standard, Medium, or Miniature). Australian Labradoodles may also include Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, or Irish Water Spaniel in their multigen pedigrees.
How big will a Labradoodle get?
Standard Labradoodles typically weigh 50–75 lb (23–34 kg) and stand 21–25 inches tall. Medium Labradoodles range from 30–50 lb (14–23 kg), and Miniatures from 15–30 lb (7–14 kg). However, individual variation is significant, especially in F1 and F2 generations.
What will a Labradoodle's temperament be like?
Most Labradoodles are friendly, intelligent, and trainable. However, individual temperament ranges from bold and outgoing (Lab-dominant) to more reserved and sensitive (Poodle-dominant). Early socialization (before 16 weeks) and consistent positive reinforcement training have the greatest impact on adult temperament.
Is a Labradoodle hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. F1B and wool-coat Labradoodles tend to be low-shedding and may be better tolerated by people with mild allergies. However, F1 Labradoodles with Lab-dominant hair coats can shed as much as a purebred Labrador. Always spend extended time with the specific dog before making a commitment if allergies are a concern.
What health issues might a Labradoodle inherit?
Labradoodles may inherit hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, PRA, Von Willebrand disease, Addison's disease, EIC, bloat, and sebaceous adenitis from their parent breeds. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions. The Merck Veterinary Manual provides detailed information on each of these conditions.
How much does a Labradoodle cost?
Expect to pay $2,500–$5,000 from a responsible breeder with health-tested parents, or $300–$600 through a breed-specific rescue. First-year total ownership costs typically range from $5,000–$11,500 when combining purchase price, veterinary care, food, grooming, and supplies.
Why is my Labradoodle eating poop and how do I stop it?
Coprophagia in Labradoodles is often linked to the Labrador's genetic food drive (POMC gene variant), nutritional gaps, parasites, or behavioral factors like boredom and anxiety. Start with a veterinary exam to rule out medical causes, then implement immediate feces cleanup, leash supervision during potty breaks, positive reinforcement "leave it" and "come" training, and dietary adjustments. For persistent cases, consult a certified veterinary behaviorist.
Are Labradoodles good with children?
Well-socialized Labradoodles are generally excellent with children. However, large Standard Labradoodles can accidentally knock over toddlers during play. Supervise all interactions between dogs and children under 10, and teach children to respect the dog's resting space.
Anouk Beaumont
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
