The term Labradoodle was first used in 1955 to describe a crossbred dog which was created by crossing a labrador retriever to a standard, miniature or toy poodle.
It was not until 1988 that the Royal Guide Dogs Association in Australia (R.G.D.A.A.) crossed a standard poodle to a labrador retriever that the term labradoodle became known. The R.G.D.A.A. had been approached by a blind woman living in Hawaii whose husband suffered from allergies to dog hair and dander. She needed a guide dog whose coat would be less of an irritant to her husband’s allergies. By crossing a standard poodle to a labrador retriever the R.G.D.A.A. aimed to produce a guide dog with a non-low shedding coat with the bidding gentleness and intelligence of the labrador. They hoped that puppies from this mating would prove be less of an irritant to the woman’s husband and other allergy sufferers. The result was successful. One of the puppies from the mating did not cause an allergic reaction in the lady’s husband. The dog went on to serve the blind lady as a guide dog for ten years.
Labradoodles are now used widely around the world as guide dogs, assistance dogs and therapy dogs as well as more recently becoming very popular family dogs.
The difference between the Australian & English Labradoodle
Many people do not understand the differences between the English labradoodle and the Australian labradoodle that we breed at Doodle Hall. The main differences between the two types of labradoodles is in their coats, conformation, sizing and temperaments.
The English Labradoodle.
These dogs are the result of the first cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. These are known as F1 (first filial) English labradoodles. If two F1 dogs are then bred to produce a litter then the puppies are known as F2’s (second filial) and so on. They are a lovely dog but quite different form the Australian labradoodle. Their size and look can be unpredictable as can their coat types which can vary in thickness and texture and may or may not shed. Generally speaking English labradoodles are taller and of a more slight build than that of the Australian labradoodles.
Puppy prices vary considerably with the English labradoodles. In some cases you may find a quality dog for less money but equally you could purchase a less desirable dog that is unreasonably expensive.
The Australian Labradoodle.
The two main breeds that make up the Australian labradoodle are once again the labrador retriever and the poodle but unlike the English labradoodles they are NOT just a labrador and poodle mix. To ensure a more consistent non-shedding coat and to influence the size, conformation and temperament of the new breed two breeders in Australia, Rutland Manor (R.M.) and Tegan Park (T.P.) carefully selected additional breeds to infuse into the labradoodle lines. These breeds included the soft coated Irish wheaten terrier, the show or working cocker spaniel and the Portuguese water dog . These infusions resulted in producing beautiful and very different dogs. They called them Australian labradoodles.
Breeders worldwide have gone on to develop their own lines of Australian labradoodles by selectively choosing the best dogs to breed with, sometimes adding the permitted breeds above maybe for colour or size. This has further increased the genetic diversity of the Australian labradoodle ensuring that above all else further generations are as healthy as possible. Interestingly all Australian labradoodles will have R.M. or T.P. somewhere in their family tree.
The Australian labradoodle has defined standards that relate to coat type and body structure. They have a unique Teddy Bear appearance. They are grouped into three sizes as follows;
Miniature 14-17”
10-15kgs (20-30 lbs)
Medium 18-21”
15-21kgs (30-45 lbs)
Standard 22-26”
22-42kgs (45-90 lbs)
Their coats can be wool or fleece or a mixture of the two and come in a variety of different colours. Because of their stunning coasts they really do resemble live Teddy Bears! Australian labradoodles do not moult and are odourless. They are popularly known as allergy friendly dogs but this can not be guaranteed. Many different types of allergies exist so if you do suffer from allergies then before purchasing a puppy it is important to spend time with the puppy and it’s parent(s) to assess any possible allergic reaction.
The conformation of the Australain labradoodle is constant. The they will have a more ‘blocky’ build with a lovely square head and shorter muzzle than most English labradoodles.
As well as looks the temperament of the Australian labradoodle is also consistent to the breed. They are intelligent dogs that are bright, comical and friendly with no aggression. They have a keen desire to please and are therefore easy to train. They are calm dogs that make loyal and loving companions.
Most importantly Australian labradoodle puppies come from generations and generations of health tested dogs. The gene pool of this wonderful breed is larger than any other breed. This incredible genetic diversity and rigorous health testing of breeding dogs has resulted in very robust dogs with fewer health issues.
Unlike the English labradoodles prices of the Australian labradoodle remains constant and does not vary much at all. With a few exceptions you really do get what you pay for in the world of labradoodles so please do you homework before purchasing your puppy. It is important to understand that good breeders spend time and money on their dogs by choosing the best and healthiest dogs to breed from. A good breeder will give as much support and guidance as you need in rearing your puppy and owning your Australian labradoodle.
Here at Doodle Hall I am NEVER to busy to talk about dogs!