About the Breed
Labradoodles are not simply a cross between a poodle and a Labrador Retreiver. Australian Labradoodles have some cockapoo or cocker spaniel in their linage. The Labradors, cocker spaniels and poodles are chosen for temperament, coat and confirmation. In the 1980's, breeders in Australia began carefully infusing several other breeds until it was discovered adding the cocker spaniel improved confirmation and coat. After several generations of select breeding, the multi generation "Australian Labradoodle" was born.
Australian Labradoodles are friendly, happy, loyal, playful , affectionate, intuitive and intelligent Their coats are lush and low to non-shedding and allergy friendly. Even when the other types of Labradoodles are bred for generations, the result is not an Australian Labradoodle. Australian labradoodle breeding dogs are carefully selected for coat, temperament and intelligence. In addition, extensive genetic testing is conducted on each breeding dog, including hips, eyes, heart and DNA screening for certain disease.
The Australian Labradoodle should be athletic and graceful, yet compact with medium boning. Happy and energetic when free, then gentle and quiet when handled or resting. They should approach people in a friendly manner. They love to learn and are easy to train. However, like all dogs, time must be spent in training and handlers should have a loving, gentle, patient approach for ideal development. Coats are free flowing wavy or curly that does not shed like hair and is allergy friendly. Allergies are unique to each individual so this should be tested. Sizes are mini, medium, and large.
Australian Labradoodles offer a wide variety of colors and include various shading such as solid, mismatched, and parti (two colors). Puppies might fade or darken as they mature and since labradoodles love the outdoors, sun kissed coats are expected. Colors include black, chocolates (which come in many shades and are not totally predictable), caramels, reds, and apricots to name some.
Coat types are not totally predictable and many dogs can have variations within their coat. All coats should be brushed out weekly and groomed every 3 months, if brushing in between. The Australian Labradoodle has a single coat. Coat types are as follows:
Fleece
The Fleece coat texture should be light and silky, similar to an Angora goat. This coat can range from loosely waved to a more curly wave. Fleece coats shed very little, if any. The At about one year, all labradoodles will lose their puppy coat and an identical coat will grow in. You may want to have your puppy shaved at this point as matting can easily occur.
Wool
These wool coats are more dense to the touch and feel like a sheep's wool. Curls are springy. It is rare for a wool coat to shed. To keep the wool coat long and flowing will require more maintenance. The wool coat looks beautiful cut shorter and is very easy to maintain this way.
To ensure tangle free hair, all labradoodles should be brushed 20 minutes per week. Initially, use a slicker brush , one layer at a time, and then a detangler comb. Cut out any matting, wet with a spray bottle and comb fleece to blend.
Clean the ears weekly with a good ear cleaner that includes a drying agent. Squirt the cleaner in the ear and wipe with a cotton ball. This helps prevent ear infections. Also clean the ears after bathing or swimming.
Generations
Multi-Generational Labradoodles are 3 generation or greater of labradoodle to labradoodle.
To qualify as a purebred Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodle (Multi-gen) or Purebred Australian Labradoodle: The offspring of 5 or more consecutive breedings of a Multi-gen Australian Labradoodle (or Purebred Australian Labradoodle) to a Multi-gen Australian Labradoodle.
We chose to breed the Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodle for our breeding program since from the multiple types, this breed offers the most consistent coat and appearance, is the least likely to shed and offers the most dependable sizing.
F1 (first generation): 50% Poodle and 50% Labrador
This type of Labradoodle does not have a consistent coat. They are most likely to shed and are usually standard in size.
F1B (first generation Labradoodle bred to a poodle): Because this cross results in a dog that is 75% poodle, the dog may look more like a Poodle. The coat type of this type of dog varies. This Labradoodle type may still shed and have size restrictions.
F2 (parents for this dog are BOTH F1’s): Pups from the same litter have inconsistent characteristics. Some may appear to be more “Poodle-looking” while others may look more similar to Labradors. The dogs’ coats may be more hair-like (Labrador), or Poodle like, depending on the puppy.
Multigeneration Labradoodles or Multi-gen - When a labradoodle is 3 or more generations in to the breed they are considered Multigeneration Labradoodles. This allows knowledgeable breeders to refine the personality, physical attributes, and coat types. The Multigeneration Labradoodles are allergy friendly and have a more desirable coat in texture and quality.
Size Categories
Labradoodles come in three different sizes. Measuring should take place from the floor to the top of the shoulder, not to the top of the head.
Standard 22 to 24 (not over 25) inches from the wither to ground measurement. Weight range tends toward 50-65 lbs.
Medium 17 to 20 (not over 21) inches from the wither to ground measurement. The ideal size for the female is 17-19 inches and the male is 18-20 inches. Weight range tends toward 30-50lbs.
Miniature 13 to 16 (not over 17) inches from the wither to ground measurement. Weight range tends toward t 15-26 lbs.
Labradoodle Life Expectancy
When provided with regular checkups, proper care and a healthy diet, average life expectancy is between 12 and 15 years.
Labradoodle Care and Maintenance
The Labradoodle will require daily exercise as well as play time in order to be happy and healthy. Dogs that are not provided with sufficient play and exercise time are likely to become bored. The exact grooming needs of a Labradoodle will depend on the type of coat that the dog has. With their love of people, the labradoodle does best living inside as a part of the family.
