Two individuals, Rutland Manor and Tegan Park, are known as the founders of the breed we know today as the Australian Labradoodle. Somewhere in the late 1980s, a process was begun by these individuals to put a number of other breeds into the early generations of poodle/lab crosses, all in order to enhance such characteristics as coat, temperament, size, and conformation. Today, you may find these dogs at an Australian Labradoodle breeder. Montana residents interested in one of these furry friends may learn more about this breed below.
In the country of Australia, the Australian Labradoodle is recognized by the International Australian Labradoodle Association, Inc. and the Labradoodle Association of Australia. It is being bred to produce a dog that is purebred.
Origins of the Breed
Initially, the Australian Labradoodle began through simple combination between a Standard or Miniature Poodle and a Labrador Retriever – and these combinations are still widely available in North America. In the country of Australia, however, the Labradoodle has developed several steps beyond the American variety. Currently, the Australian Labradoodle stems from six different breeds. These are:
- Labrador Retriever
- Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard)
- Curly Coat Retriever
- Irish Water Spaniel
- English Cocker Spaniel
- American Cocker Spaniel
As a hybrid dog, the American Labradoodle is bred but a cross between a Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The Australian Labradoodle name is sometimes used for multi-generation Labradoodles that have different breeds other than the Poodle and Lab included in the mix. These multi-generation hybrids are not the same as those bred by an Australian Labradoodle breeder.
Dog Temperament
The Australian Labradoodle breed is a very suitable dog to have around children. It also socializes well with other dogs. It is a very smart breed that is easy to train and learns special tasks very quickly. You want to be a firm but calm and consistent pack leader with this breed and be sure to give him a daily exercise, both physical and mental, he needs to refrain from any potential negative behavioral issues. This is a nonaggressive dog that is very loyal to its family.
Grooming Needs
An Australian Labradoodle breeder may explain to you the grooming needs of these dogs. In essence, this breed sheds very little hair if any throughout the year. They may be an option for someone who has allergic sensitivities. Their curly coats can benefit from routine grooming every couple of weeks. A few times a year you may need to trim them by clipping or scissoring to keep your dog looking nice and neat.
You can always contact an Australian Labradoodle breeder for more detailed information about this breed. If you give this furry friend enough exercise and train it properly, you can expect to have a buddy that can give you and your family much love and fun over time.