"Not monsters, more like big fluffy clouds," 7 things all Labradoodle owners know to be true.

The Labradoodle population is currently experiencing a bit of a PR crisis.

It’s been 31 years since Wally Conron bred Labrador with a Poodle, but the Victorian man has told the ABC podcast, Sum of All Parts, that he regrets the decision to this day.

“I opened a Pandora’s box and released a Frankenstein’s monster,” he said.

“I find that the biggest majority are either crazy or have a hereditary problem. I do see some damn nice Labradoodles but they’re few and far between.”

In more important doggo news: Dogs can tell when you’re upset and they want to help you. Post continues below.

Initially, the Labradoodle was bred for a blind woman in Hawaii who required the help of a guide dog, but due to her husband’s allergies, she needed a dog which didn’t shed.

“[I was aware of this] poor lady sitting in Hawaii with no guide dog,” said Conran, who was working as the breeding manager for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia.

At first Conron tried training a standard poodle to be a guide dog, but when that failed he resorted to creating a cross breed. The result was “a dog with the working ability of the Labrador and the coat of the poodle,” he said.

Now look, Conron is definitely correct in saying that there are irresponsible breeders who capitalise on the Labradoodle’s popularity and produce dogs with genetic issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and a bleeding disorder called von Willebrand’s disease.

But we must acknowledge this: IT’S NOT THE DOG’S FAULT.

At their best - and when bought from a reputable breeder - Labradoodles are hypoallergenic angels, who are easy to train and will love you with the intensity of a thousand burning suns.

So in defence of the breed, here are seven things all Labradoodle owners know to be true...

1. Labradoodles are deftly unaware of their own size.

It doesn't matter that the average adult Labradoodle might be the size of a small bear, it will still expect you to carry it like a stuffed animal.

Don't let their cloud-like fluffy appearance fool you, these doggos are notoriously unaware of their own strength, and this combined with their boundless enthusiasm means you've got a raging 13 to 20 kilogram comet competing for your undivided attention at all times.

Alas, it's all worth it for the hugs and cuddles.

via GIPHY

2. They get the zoomies.

This is their poodle side coming out. If you've ever seen a poodle run around in a large circle for no apparent reason at all, the official term for this behaviour is called 'the zoomies'.

Labradoodles are known for their unwavering energy levels, and sometimes they just need to release a little excess 'pep' by doing a few laps of the dog park, or your garden or living room.

Their energy levels go from zero to 100 in 3.5 seconds. Image: Getty.

3. Get ready to spend a fortune on grooming.

Get ready to become great mates with your local dog groomer. Either that or prepare to commit to a serious wash-and-brushing routine.

According to Mamamia Labradoodle owner, Sarah Dabro, she says she spends more money on her dog's hair, than she does her own.

"You have to fork out the $90 for a groom and cut and it hurts inside every time," she adds.

"They resemble a sheep when not brushed or groomed, and I had a friend enquire if my dog even had a face once  I left it for too long in between trips to the groomers."

Yep...

via GIPHY

4. Labradoodles love to stare into your eyes, and will not break eye contact until you do.

You've probably caught yourself wondering if your Labradoodle can read your mind, especially when they tilt their head in response to whatever you're thinking.

Labradoodles are emotionally intelligent and intuitive breeds, and they're the perfect company when you've had a rough day and need some down time. It's like they can sense it.

Not monsters more like big fluffy clouds ⛅️ #Labradoodle pic.twitter.com/mw2z351XOZ

— Bec (@beccahammond211) September 26, 2019

5. They love the water.

You will never see a happier Labradoodle than when it's frocklicking in the water. Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs by the English nobility so they could 'retrieve' waterfowl and other animals from bodies of water,  and this trait has been passed down to the crossbreed.

While not all Labradoodles will love the water with the same intensity, most will be in their element splashing around at the beach, or paddling along-side you in the pool.

Yep. A Frankenstein worthy of my heart. #Labradoodle https://t.co/TpPvx2LOw3

— rebecca (@FrancesssStyles) September 27, 2019

6. Your Labradoodle will eventually outrank you in terms of popularity.

Everybody loves a Labradoodle. Everybody.

When you take your pupper out for walks, you'll get hoards of strangers enquiring about your dog, and stopping you for pats. In fact, your barista will probably learn your dog's name before yours.

It's just the 'dog tax' that comes with owning a Labradoodle.

On the bright side, they also bring you fame and friendships, and connect you to your local communities.

7. You're conflicted about owning a 'designer breed'.

On one side, you feel a little guilty for not adopting a dog from the pound, but you also know you've found your OTP - one true pup - in your Labradoodle.

From their allergy-friendly coat, to their affectionate personality, there's a reason why they're one of the most popular dog breeds in existence.

Are you the puppy parent of a Labradoodle? What are some other things only Labradoodle owners will know?