The Australian Labradoodle has come a long way since 1988, when Mr. Wally Conren of the Guide Dog Association of Australia crossed a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle in hopes of attaining an allergy friendly service dog. Rutland Manor and Tegan Park began breeding the first generation (F1) Labradoodles back to Poodles, producing F1B puppies. They also bred F1 and F1B Labradoodles to each other, producing Multigenerational Labradoodles. As their research went on, smaller Poodles were used to create smaller Labradoodles, and the researchers infused the early generations with select lines of Spaniels, most notably the American and English Cocker Spaniel and the Irish Water Spaniel, to stabilize the improved temperament, coat, conformation, and size. These infusions created the original Australian Labradoodle and–with consequent breedings–the Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle.
Coat Types
Wool-Dense curls, much like lambs wool. Brushing is necessary about once a week and coats should be trimmed three to four times a year. This is the best choice for sufferers of allergies or asthma.
Fleece-Wavy or loose spiraling coat. Brushing necessary every couple weeks to avoid mats. Coats should be trimmed once or twice a year. Allergy and asthma friendly.
Hair-Straight, feathering, scruffy, or mild wavy. Light to heavy shedding. Brushing necessary about once a month. Not allergy friendly.
Wool and Fleece coat Labradoodles will go through a coat change at around a year and a half that can last anywhere from a week to several weeks. Since these coats do not shed, you must groom the old coat out or have it trimmed. Brushing is recommended daily during this period to avoid matting or you can choose to try a shorter Doodle doo.
Note: Not all Labradoodles are allergy and asthma friendly. The success rate has been very high for dogs with wool and fleece coats, but there are no guarantees. If possible, test your reaction to a wool or fleece coat Labradoodle before making the decision to purchase one.
The Three Sizes
Miniature: 14-16″ and 15-30 pounds
Medium: 17-20″ and 30-45 pounds
Standard: 21-24″ and 45-65 pounds
Coat Colors
As you look for your new puppy, you will find that Labradoodles come in a plethora of color variations. The main colors are Cream, Chocolate, and Black. Each of these colors have multiple shades that can appear depending on the genetic make-up of the parents.
Creams: Chalk, Cream, Gold, Caramel, Red (rare)
Chocolates: Parchment (rare), Lavender (rare), Cafe, Chocolate
Blacks: Silver, Blue (rare), Black
In addition to the solid colors discussed above, you can find numerous multi-color variations, such as parti, sable, and phantom, all of which are rare.