The Australian Labradoodle

Source: Australian Labradoodle Association of America

The Australian Labradoodle breed dates back to the 1980’s and was initiated by a Royal Guide Dogs Association trainer in Australia. The intent was to create a breed that was allergy-friendly with the temperament of a service dog. This journey was inspired by a visually impaired woman in Hawaii needing a Guide Dog which wouldn’t aggravate her husband’s allergies. Of the 31 Labradoodles bred at Royal Guide Dogs, a staggering 29 made it through as Guide Dogs… an accolade of unparalleled proportion for this “new breed” of Guide Dog.

Breeders in Australia began breeding Labradoodles determined to produce litters with consistent conformation, coat type, and temperament. During the 90’s, a number of other dog breeds were bred into the Labradoodle lines to assist in this effort. Most often, the English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel were the breeds used; however, it is reported that a few other dog breeds were also introduced into certain lines. DNA evidence of these dog breeds are still found in a few lines today, while others were bred out and not reintroduced into any other blood lines.

The Australian Labradoodle is considered to be a cross between the Poodle, Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever, while the Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle only. The multi-generational heritage of the ALD yields predictability in offspring, and no other “doodle” crossing has been developed over generations like the ALD.

ALAA Breed Standards

The Australian Labradoodle is athletic and graceful with a compact, medium-boned body. Should not appear heavyset nor overly fine. Coat is “non-shedding”* and easy to manage. They are clever, sociable, comical and joyful. Energetic when free and quiet when handled. A natural intuition about family members emotional state has made the Australian Labradoodle an excellent dog for individuals with special needs. They are people-focused with exceptional eye contact and a desire to please.

SIZE ranges from 14 to 24 inches (35 to 63 cm) in height at wither with weight between 15 and 65 pounds (7 to 30 kg), range identification is as follows:

• Miniature: 14 to 16 inches in height at wither
• Medium: 17 to 20 inches in height at wither
• Standard: 21 to 24 inches in height (not more than 25 inches)

COAT can be spiral curls, wavy or straight and is typically referred to as either “fleece-coated” or “wool-coated”:

• Can appear wavy or straight or form spirals, but should not be too thick or dense, nor should it be fluffy or fuzzy. Should be a single coat; any sign of an undercoat is a serious fault. Ranges between fleece and wool in texture. Extremely harsh hair is highly undesirable.
• Fleece coat is soft in texture, as in the Angora goat. Can have either a straight, wavy look or a soft, spiraling, curly look.
• Wool coat is similar to a lamb’s wool in texture. Should have the appearance of looser, spiraling wool, which parts easily to the skin. Should not appear too dense or too tightly curled.

COLORS: Caramel Ice, Caramel Cream, Caramel, and Caramel Red, Red, Gold, Apricot, Cream, Chalk, Chocolate, Café, Lavender, Parchment, Black, Blue, and Silver. There are Black and Liver (brown) Pigments.

PATTERNS: Solid, Solid with white markings, Abstract, Parti, Phantom, Sable and Brindle (Note: Merle is not acceptable in the breed standard and is registered as limited and should not be bred.)

Visit the ALAA site for photos of each color/pattern type.

Labradoodle Care Info from ALAA

We greatly appreciate the resources and community provided by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America and other recognized breed organizations. Working together for the advancement and betterment of this special breed is important to the future of this phenomenal family and adept service dog. ALAA Breeder Member ID: ALAA-008089-0920

*non-shedding: absence of an undercoat and the long, curly, furnished coat traits create this characteristic. Owners should note biology dictates some release of hair as part of the natural hair life cycle, just as you and I lose small amounts of hair throughout our lives. Brushing and grooming removes any lose hair. An ALD should never have an undercoat, eliminating the seasonal shed associated with many breeds.