The Australian Labradoodle is another designer dog breed that is certainly worth the hype. They are quite friendly and get along with all members of the household.
However, with so many doodles in the canine world, dog finders must be aware of the differences! Take the time to learn about the Australian Labradoodle before introducing one to your home. That’s where this blog is for!
In this guide, we’ll summarize everything you need to know about them — from their surprisingly recent origins to their family and guide dog potential. Continue reading to see if this is the correct hybrid for you.
What Is an Australian Labradoodle?
The Australian Labradoodle isn’t an Australian native Labradoodle dog. Instead, this hybrid is a mix of six different breeds — the Labrador Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever, Irish Water Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, and Poodle.
The Australian Labradoodle is also popular with its other names, such as Australian Doodle and Aussie Labradoodle.
This pooch is stocky like a Labrador with the wavy, curly fur of its Poodle and Cocker Spaniel roots. They are calm and friendly dogs that get along well with their family and any strangers they encounter.
Unlike the Poodle and its other parent breeds, the Australian Labradoodle is currently not recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club and other major kennel club organizations in North America.
This is because the Australian Labradoodle is technically a mixed breed of six different purebred dogs.
They are only recognized by their own dog registry, the Australian Labradoodle Association, and other hybrid clubs.
What’s the Difference Between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle?
At first impression, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle. Significantly, the main difference that distinguishes the two dog breeds is their parent breeds.
The standard Labradoodle is a mix of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. This mix is referred to as the first-generation Labradoodle.
Meanwhile, the Australian Labradoodle descended from the English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, Poodle, and Labrador Retriever.
That said, there are obviously some differences between Australian and standard Labradoodles in terms of appearance, characteristics, and health factors.
Comparing these two distinct breeds, Labradoodles are generally larger in size than Australian Labradoodles. Also, Labradoodles can have curly, straight, or wavy coats, while Australian Labradoodles can have shaggy and curly coats.
Regardless of their differences, both of these dogs are intelligent and sociable. Both of these doodles are also prone to obesity and need a lot of activity to keep in shape.
Australian Labradoodle Origin and History
The Australian Labradoodle was created in the 1980s by Wally Conron of Royal Guide Dogs in Victoria, Australia. The idea was to create a purebred dog that is hypoallergenic, asthma-friendly, and with a service dog temperament.
First, he began with a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever mix, believing that these breeds are the right mix.
Continuing the Labradoodle lines, Tegan Park and Rutland Manor brought the English and American Cocker Spaniels, Curly Coated Retrievers, and Irish Water Spaniels to complete the breed.
This developing breed became a success because it has allergy and asthma-friendly features, sheds very little, and has a service dog temperament perfect for family companions.
Shortly thereafter, the breed became popular among other Labradoodles throughout Europe. Today, Aussie Labradoodles can be found working as great service dogs, therapy dogs, and much-loved family pets all around the world.
Australian Labradoodle Appearance
Most Australian Labradoodles have a teddy bear-like appearance that will surely make you cuddle them. They owe this look to their adorable wool textured coat and a pair of huge and round, dark brown eyes.
However, some of them may have eyes that are dark amber to soft hazel-green in color. Also, Australian Labradoodles have medium-thick floppy ears positioned flat against their heads at eye level.
Another thing to note is that they have a square-shaped nose that resembles so much of a teddy bear.
Even so, the Australian Labradoodle’s nose can be black, rose-colored, or rosy brown/pink, depending on the color of its curly coat.
Aussie Labradoodles have a variety of coat colors, including black, red, white, apricot, caramel, chocolate, and parti. Their coat type may also differ — they may either be fleece textured or wool textured.
Regardless of the coat types, their body structure has a square and stocky build with a tail that constantly wags whenever their dog owner is around.
Australian Labradoodle Size and Weight
There are three sizes of Australian Labradoodle: standard, miniature, and medium. The standard Australian Labradoodle measures between 21 and 24 inches tall and weighs 45 to 77 pounds.
Meanwhile, the miniature Australian Labradoodle stands 13 to 17 inches tall and weighs 22 to 44 pounds. Lastly, a medium-sized Australian Labradoodle Measures between 18 and 21 inches tall and 33 to 55 pounds.
No matter the size, these aren’t different breeds but rather different sizes of the same dog. Further, these dog breeds will only be able to achieve their ideal size limit if they receive sufficient nutrition and have a healthy lifestyle.
Australian Labradoodle Temperament and Personality
The Australian Labradoodle is a great family companion, but it can also be a guide dog, therapy dog, or assistance dog.
These pooches are likely to get along with children and other pets since they are extremely gentle, friendly, and sociable.
This guide dog loves the interaction with their human families. So, spending most of your time with them would be a great idea. Even though they are naturally people-pleasers, early training and socializing are also encouraged.
Unfortunately, not everyone is suited to own this hybrid. For instance, Australian Labradoodles are not well-suited to living in an apartment.
Larger homes with securely fenced outdoor spaces are preferred for this mix because it is very energetic and requires a lot of space to explore and burn off their energy.
Also, if you like spending a lot of time away from home, they might not be the ideal choice. As mentioned, they love to be with their owner. If left alone, they may become bored and develop bad habits such as chewing things.
Australian Labradoodle Lifespan and Health Issues
The average life expectancy of a happy and healthy Australian Labradoodle is 13 to 15 years. This number is considerably long for dogs, so expect to have a constant companion for many years.
Australian Labradoodles are generally healthy, but like other breeds, they are prone to some health problems.
Although not all will suffer from any of these diseases, it’s crucial to be aware of them if you’re thinking of getting one.
Below are the common health problems your Australian Labradoodle may encounter:
Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation, often called kneecap dislocation, is a disorder that makes walking difficult for dogs. Though it is usually not painful, Australian Labradoodles may experience discomfort when their kneecap slips out of the ridges that are supposed to keep it in place.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a genetic disorder in which the ball of the leg does not fit properly into the hip socket. Australian Labradoodle’s ability to walk is harmed by the frequent rubbing, and in the worst-case scenario, the dog will be unable to walk appropriately.
Von Willebrand’s Disease (VWD): Von Willebrand’s disease is a severe condition that affects the blood and clotting ability of some dogs. Unfortunately, Labrador and Poodle have been diagnosed with this condition, so it’s probable that the Aussie Labradoodle inherits it as well.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Progressive retinal atrophy is a vision problem that affects the retina. There is presently no treatment for this condition, though a well-balanced, low-fat diet may be beneficial.
It is your responsibility to ensure the health of your Australian Labradoodle. Proper care and taking some preventative financial measures, such as pet insurance, can help you prepare for the possible health problems of your pet.
How to Take Care of Your Australian Labradoodle
The Aussie Labradoodle is an incredible hybrid known for its loving and devoted nature. However, before adopting one of these canines into your family, you need to learn about their maintenance requirements.
Check out the details below to learn more about how to keep these furry friends happy and healthy.
Food and Diet
The daily amount of dog food recommended for your Australian Labradoodle is one to three cups of high-quality dry food a day.
Feedings should be divided into two meals rather than one large meal to reduce the risk of bloat in your dog. Giving your dog healthy dog treats is also a good way to supplement its diet.
If you have any concerns about changing your dog’s diet, you should always see your veterinarian first. While dog food companies and pet bloggers provide helpful feeding recommendations, they should be viewed as suggestions.
Every dog is unique with its own set of requirements, and only a veterinarian is qualified to check your dog’s exact nutritional requirements. So, always get advice from them regarding your dog’s nutrition.
Cleaning and Grooming
Australian Labradoodle coats need to be brushed and groomed on a regular basis. Set out at least 60 minutes every two weeks for brushing their coats. Meanwhile, bathing should be done at least once a month or as needed.
Soft cotton balls should be used to remove moisture from their ears after a bath to avoid irritation.
Also, trimming their nails once a month will help them walk more comfortably while brushing their teeth will keep oral infections away.
For best results, you may also consult or send your Australian Labradoodle to a professional groomer. It doesn’t make you less of a pet owner if you cannot groom your dog.
Training and Exercise
Despite being highly intelligent, the Australian Labradoodle breed still needs training. It is essential that you employ positive reinforcement and reward-based approaches in your training sessions.
Although they are easy to train, Australian Labradoodles may be goofy during training sessions.
Be very patient with this pooch and avoid any type of mistreatment as they may be demotivated to learn and cooperate with you.
Aside from training, this breed requires at least 35 minutes of daily physical and mental stimulation. They like games such as chase, fetch, and hide-and-seek, as well as competitive sports like flyball and agility.
Check out this video to have an idea of how to train and socialize your Australian Labradoodle:
Rolo - 10 Week Old Australian Labradoodle - 6 Weeks Training & Socialisation<a href="https://youtu.be/FnWOwYR7Lnk" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FFnWOwYR7Lnk%2F0.jpg" alt="Rolo - 10 Week Old Australian Labradoodle - 6 Weeks Training &amp; Socialisation" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
How Much Does an Australian Labradoodle Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
An Australian Labradoodle puppy might cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 from a reputable breeder. This breed can be quite costly when bought, but some rescues rehome them for $250 to $800.
However, you should be mindful of the consequences of rescuing, as many of these dogs come with no paperwork or inadequate health care.
Apart from the purchasing cost, you’ll also be responsible for your Australian Labradoodle’s continuing expenses, such as food, vet bills, training, etc.
For a list of the initial expenses of having a standard Aussie Labradoodle, see the table below:
The table above contains a list of the most essential things you’ll need if you decide to own an Australian Labradoodle.
Though the numbers may surprise you, your actual spending may still vary, depending on your preferences for the items.
Places to Find Australian Labradoodle Puppies for Sale and Adoption
The Aussie Labradoodle isn’t just found in Australia. Throughout the years, many breeders have invested in developing this kind of hybrid due to its gentle nature and remarkable features.
When buying from Australian Labradoodle breeders online, be cautious about who you transact with and conduct thorough background checks before anything else.
Check out our puppy buying guide for detailed instructions on how to spot a responsible breeder online.
To give you a head start, here is a list of reputable breeders that offer an Australian Labradoodle puppy for sale:
Lazy Mountain Labradoodles – Lazy Mountain Labradoodles is the first breeder in Alaska to offer purebred, multigenerational Australian Labradoodles. They are dedicated to their puppy’s health, which is why they ensure that their breeding canines meet or surpass the Australian Labradoodle Association of America’s testing requirements.
Red Rock Doodles – Red Rock Doodles is a multi-generation Australian Labradoodle breeder based in Arizona and Colorado that conforms to the Australian Labradoodle breed standard. This is one of the best places to find top-notch Australian Labradoodle lines.
Royal Paws Labradoodle – Royal Paws Labradoodle is a family breeder that produces Australian Labradoodle litter located in Texas. They are recognized by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America and awarded as one of the good breeders by Good Dog for their excellent health testing practices.
If you want to save a lot of money, you may adopt an Australian Labradoodle puppy from a rescue or shelter rather than buying one.
However, you should keep in mind that some of them were abused and neglected by their past owners.
Here are the following options where you can adopt an Australian Labradoodle:
Poodle and Pooch Rescue – Poodle and Pooch Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Florida. Since 2008, they have saved over 5,500 dogs. Its mission is to save as many “leftover” dogs as possible, primarily from animal control, including the Australian Labradoodle.
IDog Rescue – IDog Rescue was established in 2006 as a national, foster-based, non-profit dog rescue. They specialize in supporting Poodle mixes that are in need of rehoming or rescue from shelters. According to their website, they have assisted in relocating over 2,600 doodles into new loving homes.
NorCal Poodle Rescue – NorCal Poodle Rescue is a volunteer-run rescue organization based in California that has been in operation for 35 years. Their goal is to rescue all types of Poodles and Poodle mixes, including the Australian Labradoodle, and rehome them in good families.
Adopting an Australian Labradoodle may take a long time, so to help you set your expectations, you may want to read our ultimate guide on the adoption process.
But if you need more options where you can find an Australian Labradoodle, you can visit our list of the best Labradoodle breeders and Labradoodle rescues.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Australian Labradoodle
Aussie Labradoodles were purposely bred to be perfect companions and guide dogs. However, like any other dog, this popular mix can come with its perks and challenges.
To begin, consider the positive aspects of owning an Australian Labradoodle:
Teddy bear appearance: An Aussie Labradoodle will always have a cute and fluffy appearance like a stuffed toy. You’ll surely adore them as it’ll be difficult to tell if they’re real, except when their tails are wagging.
A great friend for children and other pets: This hybrid has a gentle temperament inherited from its parent breeds. They like social contacts, so it’s no problem even if you are a stranger to them.
Highly intelligent companion: Since the Poodle, one of its descendants, is a very clever dog breed, you should anticipate the Australian Labradoodle to be smart as well. They are easy to train and will comprehend your commands with ease.
The next thing to consider is the negative aspects of owning an Australian Labradoodle:
High maintenance: The most time-consuming aspect of owning an Australian Labradoodle is grooming them. Their curly coat requires frequent brushing to prevent knots and matting from occurring.
Lack of aggression: Australian Labradoodles are friendly in nature. They are good watchdogs, but they don’t randomly attack intruders and other animals.
Highly active dogs: Your Australian Labradoodle needs a lot of activities every day. They require a variety of activities to keep them engaged; otherwise, they will be annoying or might even develop destructive behavior.
Overall, this Aussie Labradoodle dog breed will do best as long as you expose them to early socialization and proper training. I hope that this list of pros and cons has given you insight regarding purchasing them or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian Labradoodles Bark a Lot?
Australian Labradoodles are classified as light barkers. Although they are very vocal and communicative canines, they do not bark a lot. They typically bark for some reasons, including attention, food, or out of frustration.
Can Australian Labradoodles Be Left Alone?
A fully developed Australian Labradoodle is fine to be left alone for up to eight hours occasionally. On the other hand, an Australian Labradoodle puppy under the age of six months should not be left alone for more than two hours.
Though leaving them alone is not suggested, if you don’t have a choice, you must offer them chew toys, puzzles, or tug toys that will keep them occupied throughout the day.
Do Australian Labradoodles Smell?
Australian Labradoodles are not known to have an odor, unlike other dog breeds.
However, they can develop foul odor due to ear infections, dirty coats, allergies, dental issues, or anal glands. To prevent this, give them a regular bath.
Are Australian Labradoodles High Maintenance?
Australian Labradoodles are high-maintenance dogs. Since they are considered high-energy level dogs, they require constant activities to burn down their energy. Also, their elegant coats require regular grooming.
Do Australian Labradoodles Shed a Lot?
Australian Labradoodles don’t shed a lot. They are low-shedding dogs. In fact, their tightly curled coats make them minimal shredders, and frequent brushing makes their shedding even more manageable.
Are Australian Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?
Australian Labradoodles are hypoallergenic. This hybrid is good for allergy sufferers since they are considered low to non-shedding dogs. This means that their risk of triggering allergic reactions is minimal.
Final Thoughts: Is an Australian Doodle the Right Dog for You?
The Australian Labradoodle breed is exceptionally clever and friendly. This adorable teddy bear dog will bring a grin to anyone’s face with their silky fur.
However, this is not a dog for those who live a relaxed lifestyle. They require daily stimulations, or they may develop destructive behavior, leading them to become hyperactive teddy bears roaming around the home.
Also, they will require a lot of mental stimulation due to their intelligence. So play games with them and provide them with plenty of toys and puzzle feeders.
I hope that by thoroughly going over the nature and needs of this amazing mix, this guide has helped you out. If you have any questions or thoughts about the Aussie Labradoodle, leave a comment below.
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