Labradoodles began as a cross between
the Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever. Wally Cochran first started
this cross breed in Australia in the 1970's. He was prompted to do this
by a blind woman who suffered from allergies to dogs. The first mating
between the Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever was successful and
produced three low allergy pups. It became readily apparent that
the hybrid produced was able to surpass the best qualities of both
breeds. This provoked a surge of Labradoodle breeders in Australia. But,
as the first crosses continued, the results were inconsistent with some
of the offspring, some being low shedding and allergy resistant while
others were not. In the 1980's two research facilities ( Tegan Park and
Rutland Manor) were developed in Australia to further develop successful
Labradoodles. Today, there are many exceptional Labradoodle breeders
throughout North America. To ensure that you purchase your Labradoodle
from a reputable breeder, be sure your breeder is an accredited breeder
member (not just a member) with one of the recognized associations:
International Australian Labradoodle Association, International
Australian Labradoodle Association – Canada, International Labradoodle
Association – American, or the Australian Labradoodle Association in
Australia.
Labradoodles combine the best of the 2 base breeds that went onto their
development.
First Generation Labradoodles: Within the Labradoodle First Generation dogs there are two main
types of coat. A flat cot that is wiry and the soft feel fleece coat.
First Generation Labradoodles may be a great dog but they are NOT the
choice for the family looking for a non-shedding dog. Most first
generation Labradoodles shed at least to some extent, and some, heavily.
Second Generation or Higher Labradoodles
If you are looking for a very low shedding dog, a Second generation
Labradoodle with a fleece or wool coat may be a good choice. A higher
generation labradoodle, third or fourth with both parents who do not
shed, should not shed.
Australian Labradoodle
If you want a non-shedding dog then the multi-generational Australian
Labradoodle with either a fleece or a wool coat is your best choice. If
both parents of your puppy do not shed, then your puppy should not shed
either.
Labradoodles are known to possess
the gentle, sweet disposition of the retrievers combined with the
intelligence and allergy friendly coats of the poodles. Labradoodles
are wonderful with children and people who have special needs. They
are non-aggressive, highly intelligent dogs that are extremely easy
to train. They want nothing more than to please their people.
Labradoodles coats vary. First
cross or F1 labradoodles have a very high percentage of shedding
coats. There is well over a 50% probability that they will shed.
Back cross labradoodles tend to be lighter shedding because of the
higher % of poodle in their genes. Multi-gen doodles tend to
be the best for people with allergies or someone who is looking for
a non-shedding dog. WE ONLY BREED MULTI GENERATION AUSTRALIAN
LABRADOODLES. Ours are labradoodles that have gone through the
foundation stock breeding scheme.
There are 3 different sizes of
labradoodles.
Height (in.)
Weight (lbs)
Standard
21-24
50-65
Medium
17-20
30-45
Mini
14-16
15-25
Colour: Colour varies from chalk (milky white), shades of cream,
apricot/cream, gold, black, chocolate, Cafe au lait, red, caramel
and silver.
Coat: Labradoodles usually have no body odour, require minimal bathing and
brushing and rarely, if ever, attract fleas. They seldom shed hair
but will need to be groomed. There are three coat varieties:
Wooly: Somewhat like a poodle. Requires regular grooming and is allergy
friendly.
Fleece: The ultimate coat. It is easily maintained, non shedding, allergy
and asthma friendly.
Hair: Anything from flat and straight to curls down the back and possibly
wavy. It can vary from minimally to profusely shedding. Not likely
to be allergy friendly.
Allergy and Asthma sufferers take
heart - Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodles may be the breed for you!
