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Big Rock Labradoodles

About Australian Labradoodles

Get to Know The Australian Labradoodle

Explore the charming world of Australian Labradoodles, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and allergy-friendly coats. This page is your gateway to understanding everything about these Wonderful Woofies.

From their historical origins to their delightful temperament and diverse sizes, you’ll gain an appreciation for the unique qualities that make the Australian Labradoodle a treasured companion. We’ll also guide you through the various coat types that cater to different preferences and lifestyles. For any lingering questions, our Australian Labradoodle FAQs are a rich resource, ensuring you have all the knowledge to get acquainted with these wonderful dogs.

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About Australian Labradoodles

The Australian Labradoodle is a lovable breed known for its friendly nature, adaptability, and allergy-friendly coat. They come in various sizes and coat types, catering to different lifestyles. With their intelligence and low to non-shedding coats and low to no dander, these intelligent dogs make fantastic companions for both individuals and families.

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Australian Labradoodle History

The Australian Labradoodle has a fascinating origin story that begins with the desire to create a hypoallergenic service dog. Here’s a brief overview of how this unique breed came into existence.

The Quest for an Allergy-Friendly Guide Dog

The Australian Labradoodle’s story begins in the late 1980s when an Australian breeder, Wally Conron, attempted to develop a guide dog for a blind woman whose husband had allergies. To achieve this, he crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle, aiming for a hypoallergenic coat.

Perfecting Traits from the First Hybrid Mix

The first-generation cross of a Labrador and a Poodle produced a dog with a low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat. However, these dogs didn’t consistently exhibit the desired qualities, and Conron decided to cross one of these hybrids with a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, further refining the breed’s characteristics.

Laying the Groundwork for a New Breed

This second cross produced dogs with the desired traits of a hypoallergenic coat, intelligence, and a friendly disposition. They were initially called “Labradoodles”.

Australian Expansion and the Evolution of Traits

The Labradoodle gained popularity in Australia, with breeders continuing to develop the breed. Some breeders introduced other breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel, to enhance and soften the coats.

Introduction of the American Labradoodle

In the 1990s, the Labradoodle began to gain recognition in the United States, where further crossbreeding with other breeds occurred — these efforts aimed to standardize the breed’s characteristics and develop a consistent type of dog.

Crafting Consistency with Multigenerational Breeding

Breeders worked to create multigenerational Australian Labradoodles, carefully selecting for specific traits. This involved crossbreeding Labradoodles with other Labradoodles and Poodles to establish consistent coat types, sizes, and temperaments.

Establishing Standards for a New Breed

The Australian Labradoodle Association was founded to promote responsible breeding practices and create a standard for the breed. This organization played a significant role in the recognition and standardization of the Australian Labradoodle.

The Australian Labradoodle’s Path to Recognition

Today, the Australian Labradoodle is recognized as a separate breed or type of Labradoodle, known for its hypoallergenic coat, intelligence, friendly temperament, and versatility as therapy and service dogs. It has become a popular choice for families, individuals with allergies, and those seeking a loyal and adaptable companion. The breed’s unique origin story has resulted in a dog that is both exceptional and beloved by many.

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Temperament

Australian Labradoodle Temperament

The temperament of a Standard Australian Labradoodle is truly exceptional. These dogs are known for their loving, friendly, and gentle nature, making them ideal family and therapy dogs. Here are some key characteristics of their temperament:

  1. Friendly and Social: Standard Australian Labradoodles are incredibly social dogs. They love being around people and other pets and are typically very welcoming to strangers. This makes them great for families and those looking for a companion animal.
  2. Intelligent: These dogs are highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them relatively easy to train. They excel in obedience training, and their intelligence allows them to learn quickly.
  3. Loyal: Labradoodles are known for their loyalty to their families. They form strong bonds with their owners and are often protective of them.
  4. Playful: Labradoodles are quite playful and energetic, making them great companions for active families. They enjoy games and physical activities, which can be a lot of fun for both the dog and their owners.
  5. Adaptable: These dogs are adaptable to various living environments. Whether you have a big backyard or live in an apartment, they can adjust as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
  6. Therapeutic: Many Standard Australian Labradoodles are used as therapy dogs due to their calm, comforting, and astute nature. They have a natural ability to provide emotional support to those in need.
  7. Non-Aggressive: Labradoodles are generally non-aggressive and get along well with other dogs and pets, which is great for multi-pet households.
  8. Easygoing: Their easygoing temperament means they can handle various situations and environments without becoming anxious or aggressive.

Temperament can vary among individual dogs, even within the same breed. However, the Standard Australian Labradoodle’s typical temperament characteristics make them excellent choices for families and individuals seeking a loving, intelligent, and adaptable canine companion.

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Labradoodle Sizes

From the Original Majestic Standards Down Through to Minis

Australian Labradoodles come in a range of sizes, from the Miniature to the more robust Standard. While these affectionate dogs are available in various statures, our breeding program specializes in the Standard size — the largest of the breed — ensuring a big-hearted companion for those who love a larger-sized dog.

  • Miniature. 13″-17″ at the shoulder, 15 – 28lb
  • LG Mini/SM Med. 16″-18″ at the shoulder, 24-33lb
  • Medium. 17″-21″ at the shoulder, 28 – 44lb
  • Standard. 22″+ at the shoulder, 56lb+

For over a decade, we’ve been dedicated to restoring the original regal size and beauty of the true Standard Australian Labradoodle. Our commitment is to these dogs — ensuring the grand lineage continues. We do not breed dogs that will be smaller than 40 lbs.

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Coat Types

Australian Labradoodle Coat Types

Multi-generational Australian Labradoodles can exhibit a variety of coat types due to their diverse genetic heritage. Coat types can even differ from one puppy to the next within the same litter due to the influence of genetics.

While coat appearance is important for aesthetics, it’s equally crucial to consider the hypoallergenic qualities and maintenance needs when choosing a Labradoodle with a specific coat type. Regular grooming is required to keep their coats healthy and free from matting.

Below, you’ll find a detailed list of the various coat types found in Australian Labradoodles.

  • Wool Coat: The wool coat is often dense, curly, and soft to the touch. It resembles the texture of sheep’s wool and is highly hypoallergenic. This coat type is ideal for individuals with allergies.
  • Fleece Coat: Fleece coats can include anything from a spiral curl down through to a straight appearance. Wavy to Curly is the most common. They have a soft and silky texture and tend to be minimal to non-shedding, very low-no dander, and hypoallergenic.
  • Combo Coat: Combo Coats are very dense, often having kemp fiber throughout, which sheds and is not allergy-friendly. This coat is beautiful, though it requires more grooming as it is prone to matting and pelting compared with other coats.
  • Hair Coat: Hair coats have minimal waviness or curl, and they tend to have a double coat that sheds. They are not hypoallergenic.
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