Australian Labradoodle
Known for their outstanding temperament and beautiful, soft, non-shedding coat, the Australian Labradoodle is bred in three different sizes and a wide variety of colours.
They were originally bred in Australia as service and therapy dogs for allergy and asthma-sufferers; comical and intelligent, but easy-going and highly trainable, they make exceptional family pets.
Breed History
Wally Conron was the first to intentionally breed a Labrador with a Poodle in efforts to produce asthma and allergy-friendly service dogs. His early attempts in the late 1980s were of limited success, but two Australian breeders took over where he left off, and carefully infused an additional four breeds, namely the English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever and the Irish Water Spaniel. This made Rutland Manor and Tegan Park co-founders of the wonderful Australian Labradoodle, which excelled in service and therapy work with asthma and allergy-sufferers. The breed made its way to the USA in the 1990s and first landed in the UK in 2006. Today, Australian Labradoodles can be found in service and therapy work, and as much-loved family companions, all around the world.
What makes them Australian?
Australian Labradoodles are different to other Labradoodles, and it is not because they came from Australia or because the breed originated there! Labradoodles which are not Australian are often referred to as: Labradoodles, Early Generation Labradoodles, Labradoodle Origin, American Labradoodles and British Labradoodles. These dogs derive from Labrador and Poodle lines only and do not have the additional breed infusions which would make them Australian Labradoodles. There are significant differences between Australian Labradoodles and other Labradoodles, so make sure you are well-informed if you are buying a "Labradoodle".
Australian Labradoodle
Labrador
+
Poodle
+
American Cocker Spaniel
+
English Cocker Spaniel
+
Curly Coat Retriever
+
Irish Water Spaniel
=
Australian Labradoodle
Other Labradoodles
Labrador
+
Poodle
=
Labradoodle
or
Early Generation Labradoodle
or
Labradoodle Origin
or
American Labradoodle
or
British Labradoodle
...they look different!
The Australian Labradoodle's coat is thick, soft, luxurious and non-shedding.
The Early Generation Labradoodle's coat is thinner with a shaggy or scruffy appearance. It does shed to varying degrees.
...their temperaments are different
Compared with Early Generation Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle's temperament is:
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Calmer
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Better balanced
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More trainable
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More intuitive
Compared with Australian Labradoodles, the Early Generation Labradoodle's temperament is:
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Higher energy
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Less balanced
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A little harder to train
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Less intuitive
...and Australian Labradoodles are more consistent.
Australian Labradoodles are bred multi-generationally. There are many generations of Australian Labradoodle x Australian Labradoodle breeding behind them, and so their traits and characteristics are consistent and predictable. In a litter of Australian Labradoodles, all the puppies will be very similar.
Early Generation Labradoodles are, well, early generation! This means that genetically, they are not far away from either the Labrador or the Poodle. Their traits and characteristics are not consistent or predictable. In a litter of Early Generation Labradoodles, the puppies can be very different.
Temperament
Australian Labradoodles tend to steal the hearts of everyone they meet! They definitely think they are human and seem to understand every word you say; their noses tend to be out of joint if passers by do not stop to say hello. They are comical and full of fun, yet very trainable, relaxed and affectionate. Australian Labradoodles adore children and are particularly tolerant.
Australian Labradoodles are very social and do not do well in homes where they are left home-alone for longer than 3-4 hours regularly. If your schedule does not allow for this, perhaps consider a dog walker or dog day-care.
Whilst Australian Labradoodles are highly intelligent and intuitive, they still require proper training. Thankfully, they are quick on the uptake; you should be able to check off toilet training inside a week if you are diligent and committed.
To sum them up in a few words: well-balanced and a pleasure to live with.
Size
Australian Labradoodles are bred to three different sizes
Miniature
13 - 17" to the shoulder, 8 - 15kg
Representative size comparison: Cocker Spaniel
Medium
18 - 21" to the shoulder, 15 - 22kg
Representative size comparison: Springer Spaniel - Labrador
Standard
22" + to the shoulder, 22kg +
Representative size comparison: Golden Retriever - Standard Poodle
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Colour
Australian Labradoodles are bred in a wide variety of beautiful colours
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Coat Type
Australian Labradoodles can have four different coat types
Australian Labradoodles are known for their beautiful, non-shedding fleece and wool coats, but the hair coat does shed to varying degrees, just like the Early Generation Labradoodle. Hair-coated Australian Labradoodles are not something that breeders produce intentionally, but every now and again it can happen. An experienced breeder will easily identify the hair coat at a young age and will ensure that puppy is matched with a family that is happy to have a shedding dog.
Loose Fleece
The loose or "wavy" fleece coat has a very soft texture and usually has a little wave to it, but can also be nearly straight. It is thick and luxurious.
Non-shedding; compatible with most allergy and asthma sufferers.
Curly Fleece
The curly fleece coat has a soft texture, but has large, loose curls. It is not sprung and blows in the wind like loose fleece. It is thick and luxurious.
Non-shedding; compatible with most allergy and asthma sufferers.
Wool
The wool coat is coarse, curly and sprung; very much like that of the Poodle. The spring gives the illusion the dog is taller. It is thick and luxurious.
Non-shedding; compatible with most allergy and asthma sufferers.
Hair
The hair coat is coarse, thin, short and flat. It feels like "normal" dog hair and does not tend to grow particularly long.
Shedding; not compatible with dog allergy and asthma sufferers.
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Are you ready to start planning for your new Australian Labradoodle puppy?