ABOUT AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLES
To be classified as an Australian Labradoodle the dog’s pedigree must include a combination of these three breeds (Labrador Retriever, the Poodle, and the English OR American Cocker Spaniel) and it’s helpful if it can be traced back to the kennels in Australia where the breed first originated. There are different classifications of Labradoodles based on how many generations they have been bred. The multiple generations of breeding, should produce the finest coats, qualities, and appearance.
The Australian Labradoodle tend to be multigenerational, with both parents being Australian Labradoodles. While Labradoodles can be a variety of generations from early first crosses to multigenerational. Australian Labradoodle puppies are the result of generations of breeding time and investment. They are low to no-shedding and allergy-friendly.
Australian Labradoodles come in three basic sizes:
· Miniatures are 17″ and under
· Mediums are 18-21″
· Standards are 22″ and over
Australian Labradoodles have two types of coats:
· Fleece textured coat is a soft texture, similar to the Angora goat. It can have a straight wavy look or a soft spiraling curl look. It is easy to manage a textured coat.
· The wool textured coat is like a lamb’s wool in texture. It should have the appearance of looser spiraling wool which opens up easily to the skin. It should not appear thick and dense or tightly curled.
Organizations like the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) work to ensure a consistent, predictable pet with the kind, gentle, intelligent nature of a therapy-quality dog. With the temperament of a service dog and being allergy and asthma friendly, they are the perfect fit for any family!
HISTORY OF THE LABRADOODLE
The Australian Labradoodle breed dates back to the 1980’s and was initiated by Wally Conron of Royal Guide Dogs, located in Victoria Australia. The intent was to create a breed that was allergy and asthma friendly with the temperament of a service dog. This journey was inspired by a vision-impaired woman in Hawaii who needed a Guide Dog which wouldn’t aggravate her husband’s allergies. Of the 31 Labradoodles bred at Royal Guide Dogs, a staggering 29 made it through as guide dogs, an accolade of unparalleled proportion for this “new breed” of guide dog.
The general public became interested in these smart and easy to train dogs and their non-shedding, allergy friendly coats have played a huge part in their current success and popularity. The Australian Labradoodle breed was further developed with the infusion of other breeds into the line such as the American and English Cocker Spaniel to add other desirable traits. While originally developed in Australia, responsible American breeders are dedicated to the continued development of this wonderful and unique breed.
Organizations have been formed to protect the continued development of the Australian Labradoodle lines, and guidelines for the continued introduction of English and American Cocker Spaniel are followed carefully. It is an exciting time to be involved in the development of this breed!
