What is a Parti Labradoodle? [Photo Gallery & FAQs]
There are a seemingly endless number of color options to consider when adding a Labradoodle puppy to your family! There are classic, solid colors like chocolate or red as well as more exotic patterns like phantom or merle that you may not have heard of before.
One of the more unique patterns is the parti Labradoodle. As adorable as they are, there are lots of prospective dog owners out there who’ve heard this term used but aren’t sure exactly what it means. If that’s you, you’re in the right place!
So, what is a parti Labradoodle? A parti Labradoodle is a popular, multi-color coat pattern. The coat of a parti Labradoodle will be at least 50% white and feature markings or patches of one or more secondary colors. While no specific pattern is necessary for the secondary color(s), symmetrical markings on the head are highly desirable.
Keep reading as we’ll answer all your questions about this color pattern and feature lots of adorable examples of these dogs!
Apollo is a black and white parti colored Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of @apollo__cohen on Instagram.
How Do You Get a Parti Labradoodle Coat?
Through extensive genetic testing, responsible breeders are able to predict with relative accuracy the potential coat colors of a litter of puppies.
The parti color pattern is a recessive trait carried by the Poodle but not the Labrador Retriever. In order to have true parti Labradoodle puppies, both parents need to carry this gene. This is why you’ll see this color pattern present in higher generation Labradoodles as well as backcrosses.
Gubroo is one example of a standard Labradoodle that’s black and white parti colored. Photo courtesy of @gubroo_labradoodle_parti on Instagram.
Are Parti Labradoodles Rare?
Parti Labradoodles are not as common as other solid and bi-color Labradoodles due to the recessive gene that produces this pattern. While not difficult to find if you’re searching for them, they won’t be as inexpensive or readily available as solid color Labradoodles.
Some of the most common Labradoodle colors include chocolate, white, black, red, or a combination of these. The most rare options include sable, merle, phantom, and tuxedo.
One thing to be aware of is sometimes breeders mix in other breeds of dogs to achieve rare color patterns. While the Australian Labradoodlecontains DNA from other breeds, a regular, American Labradoodle will contain only Poodle and Labrador Retriever DNA.
Huxley is one example of a brown and white parti F1B Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of @huxleysadventures on Instagram.
Do Parti Labradoodles Fade?
In many cases, a parti Labradoodle’s secondary color will fade or lighten as they get older.
For example, a black and white parti Labradoodle may fade to a more subtle blue color. A red and white parti Labradoodle may fade to an apricot and white, tan and white, or cream and white color.
Milo is one example of a blue merle parti Labradoodle puppy. Photo courtesy of @milopartidoodle on Instagram.
How Much Does a Parti Labradoodle Cost?
The average price of a parti Labradoodle from a reputable breeder is between $1,500-$3,000. Whether your puppy falls on the high or low end of that range depends on what size they are, their generation, and the location of the breeder among other factors.
The higher price of parti Labradoodles is because fewer are available from rescues and breeders tend to charge more for rare and intricate color patterns.
Roux has nine siblings but was the only parti in her litter. Photo courtesy of @roux_parti_labradoodle on Instagram.
Where to Find Parti Colored Labradoodle Puppies for Sale
While there are many great rescues and shelters that have Labradoodles, specific color patterns like parti will be very hard to come across.
If you’re specifically looking for this color pattern, finding a reputable breeder in your area is usually the best way to find parti colored Labradoodle puppies for sale.
As you search for a Labradoodle puppy, especially a higher-priced one such as the parti color, be wary of scams and unethical breeders.
Zoey is one example of a chocolate parti F1B Labradoodle. Photo courtesy of @zoey_doodle_adventures on Instagram.
To help, we have an entire article dedicated to how to avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders that you can click here to read. A few of the major things you want to look for in a breeder:
Performs genetic testing and health checks on the parents.
Has years of experience breeding Labradoodles.
Will let you meet the puppy’s parents.
Small, family operation.
Always look for reviews and testimonials from previous customers and beware of scammers on social media looking to take your deposit and disappear.
Ranger is one example of the cream and white parti color pattern. Photo courtesy of @thedebaughdoods on Instagram.
Caring for Your Labradoodle’s Coat
No special care is needed for a parti Labradoodle’s coat compared to other colors. However, given that parti Labradoodles are often backcrossed to the Poodle, their coat tends to be very curly.
Unlike straight coat Labradoodles, dogs with curly hair are very susceptible to tangles and matting. To avoid this happening to your dog make sure to brush them frequently—at least every other day. Getting your dog a short Labradoodle haircut can also help make your life easier. Finally, choosing the right slicker brush can make a world of difference!
My recommendation for Labradoodle owners is the Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush. I used to struggle keeping my doodle’s coat mat-free, but after switching to this brush I haven’t had that problem since!
