General Description: There are two distinct types of Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle and the American Labradoodle. Australian Labradoodles are purebred dogs, while the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog. Australian Labradoodles are agile and graceful in appearance, but they have substantial musculature and medium boning. They are slightly taller in stature than they are long, but their overall build is compact. Their legs should have properly-angulated shoulders and firm elbows. Australian Labradoodles have a broad head with defined eyebrows and a medium stop. Their wide-set, large eyes are slightly round and very expressive and their ears are set flat against the head. The breed’s tail may be low set and saber like or high set and playful. Australian Labradoodles have a large, square nose and teeth that meet in a scissor bite. The breed’s coat is 4 to 6 inches in length and can be straight, wavy, or slightly spiraled. There are three types of Australian Labradoodle coats: hair, fleece, and wool. The Australian Labrador’s coat exists in a wide variety of colors that are acceptable for show including chalk, cream, blue, black, silver, chocolate, café, gold, apricot, and red. Australian Labradors built for the show ring do not have any markings.
Character: Australian Labradoodles are easy to train and quick to adapt and learn special tasks. They are jovial, clever, and clownish at times. A non-aggressive breed, the Australian Labradoodle is great with children and gets along well with other dogs. They are sociable and friendly, and they are very loyal to their family. If improperly disciplined, Australian Labradoodles may try to outsmart their owners.
Size: 17 – 24 inches
Weight: 30 – 77 pounds
General Health: Australian Labradoodles are prone to HD, PRA, and VonWilabrands. They also are capable of acquiring elbow and patella disorders. Typically, the Labradoodle lives for 13 to 15 years.
History: The Australian Labradoodle started out as a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle or Miniature Poodle. The plan was to create a breed of dog that possessed positive attributes of the original breeds. In 2004, the creators of the Australian Labradoodle announced that their version of the Labradoodle was not just a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, but rather a breed that was developed over many years with specific goals in mind. In order to accomplish these goals, creators of the breed developed the Australian Labrador with parent breed infusions. They also sought specific qualities and characteristics to compliment the Australian Labradoodle breed. The first Australian Labradoodle standard was written in 1997. There are currently six different dog breeds (Standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, Toy Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Curly Coat Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Irish Water Spaniel) that are acceptable parent breeds of the Australian Labradoodle.
Maintenance: Australian Labradoodles with curly coats need regular grooming on a bi-weekly basis. Brushing the coat with a slicker brush on a regular basis will keep knots and tangles at bay. Two to three times per year, Australian Labradoodles should receive a trim and clipping to keep the coat tidy. Australian Labradoodles shed little to no hair, and many believe they are hypo-allergenic.
Ideal Environment: Australian Labradoodles need plenty of exercise. They are content to live in an apartment or small household if they are given daily walks. The breed is moderately inactive indoors and is happiest with at least an average-sized yard.
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Australian Labradoodle information.