This classic example of logical and planned crossbreeding was created in the country of Australia in the 1980s. The goal of the Australian clubs is to create a new “breed” with the best attributes of the original breeds. Wally Conron’s objective was to produce assistance dogs that do not shed hair (for people with allergies). Australian Labradoodle guide dogs have been successfully trained and placed in Australia and Hawaii, but as yet the non-shedding characteristic of the Standard Poodle has not become a fixed a tribute. The Australian Labradoodle started out as a simple cross between the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle or Miniature Poodle and is still widely the case in North America. Australians, on the other hand, have taken the Labradoodle a few steps further. In mid-2004 it was announced that the Australian Labradoodle was not just a Labrador x Poodle cross but was a breed in its own right developed over many years with particular goals in mind.
To accomplish these goals, further development was done with parent breed infusions added to the already blooming Labrador x Poodle cross lines. The developers of the breed sought out the best way in which to compliment the Australian Labradoodle breed, and to develop the qualities that they find and love in these dogs. In 1997 the very first Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard was written which reflected these goals. The Australian Labradoodle currently consists of 6 different breeds in its origin. The confirmed and approved parent breeds of the Australian Labradoodle are the Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy), Labrador Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel.
Athletic and graceful with a compact, medium-boned body. Should not appear heavyset nor overly fine. Coat is non-shedding and easy to manage.
First-Cross Labradoodle puppies technically should exhibit more hybrid vigor (healthiness) as two completely unrelated breeds have been crossed. Coats can vary from short and shaggy, to long and shaggy, wiry, very curly, or flat. First Cross puppies lack the predictability of Multi-Generation Labradoodles.
Second-Generation Labradoodle or backcross puppies result from a First Cross Labradoodle bred back to a Poodle. This is done when the desired coat has not been achieved. These coats may not be suitable for those with allergies and is not non- shedding. In crossing back to a Poodle, the resulting coats will be more predictable relating to non-shedding characteristics. The choice of Second Generation Labradoodles or backcross puppies works well for those whose criteria is based on non-shedding and allergy friendly as the principle characteristics desired in a Labradoodle.
Multi-Generation Labradoodle puppies were first bred in Australia in 1989. Many years of selective breeding have gone into the development of their coats. These coats maybe the best choice for allergy suffers. Multi-Generation Labradoodles consistently produce wavy to curly coats which is great for those wanting a non-shedding companion.
Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodles and first cross Labradoodles (Poodle to Labrador Retriever) can and do have tremendous differences. Predictability as a result of breeding for color, coats that are non-shedding, and allergy friendliness is usually more dependable in Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodles. Selective strict breeding programs have enhanced the genetic positives of the Australian Labradoodle. We have found that most positive temperament and behavioral characteristics found in Australian Labradoodles has come from the practice of selective breeding stock. Multi-Generation Australian Labradoodle puppies quite often cost more than other Labradoodle puppies due to all the factors mentioned above.
Trotting gait is effortless, smooth, powerful and coordinated in mature dogs. Should have a good reach in front and drive from behind for forward motion. Silent movement and light gait are essential.
Extremely clever, sociable, comical and joyful. Energetic when free and and quiet when handled. Should approach people in a happy, friendly manner. Keen and easy to train. Should display an intuition about emotional state of family members or handler’s current emotional state or needs. This ability to “know” is what has made the Australian Labradoodle an excellent dog for individuals with special needs.They are a very people oriented dog. They tend to not enjoy being left outside alone or left behind all day and night. They are true members of the family and would rather be where their people are.
NECK – Well-proportioned, of good strength and moderately long, lending an air of elegance. Slightly arched and flows into shoulders with no appearance of abruptness.
FOREQUARTERS – Shoulders blades and upper arms should be the same length. Shoulders should be laid well back, and elbows should be set close to the body. Forelegs should be straight when viewed from the front. Out-toeing is a fault.
FRAME – (Bounded by height [to wither] and length [from sternum to point of buttocks] should appear square and compact, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. There should be a good tuck up, and the loins should be strong and muscular.
HINDQUARTERS – In profile, the croup is nearly flat, though slight sloping is acceptable. Stifles should be moderately turned to propel forward movement, and hindquarters should be well-muscled for power in movement. Hock to heel should be strong, short and perpendicular to the ground. Should appear parallel to the rear. Must not be cow-hocked.
Moderately broad with well-defined eyebrows. Stop should be moderate, with eyes set well-apart. Head should be of moderate width, developed but without exaggeration. Foreface should appear shorter than skull. Head should be clean-cut and free from fleshy cheeks. The whole head proportionate in size to the rest of the dog.
The distinctive characteristic of an Australian Labradoodle is it’s long beard and muzzle.
Should follow topline in repose or when in motion. May be carried gaily, but should not curl completely over the back. Tip should not touch the back nor curl upon itself, and have the look of a feather duster or pom pom.
Round and of medium size, with well-arched toes and thick, elastic pads. Should not turn in or out.
EYES – Large, expressive and slightly rounded.
MOUTH – Must be a scissor bite. Upper teeth to just overlap the bottom teeth.
NOSE – Should be large, of square appearance and fleshy.
EARS – Should be set slightly above eye level and lay flat against head in proportion with the skull. Leather should be of medium thickness and should not hang below the lower lip line. Excessive hair in the ear canal is undesirable.
