Have you ever seen a dog that resembles a live teddy bear? Well, mini Australian Labradoodles might be the closest thing to it. These adorable and fluffy little pups can put a smile on anyone’s face.
Keep in mind that these aren’t purebred dogs. Instead, they are an intelligent and friendly mix across three breeds: the miniature Poodle, Labrador, and American or English Cocker Spaniel.
Each of these dog breeds has distinct personality characteristics – but when all of them are combined, the result is a clever, friendly, and joyful dog breed.
If you have fallen in love with a miniature Australian Labradoodle and in search of your next furry friend, this guide will help you become the best fur parent of one.
I’ll discuss everything you need to know about these tiny pups and some well-tested tips to make the most out of your companionship.
What Is a Mini Australian Labradoodle?
A charming blend of three breeds: the miniature Poodle, Labrador, and American or English Cocker Spaniel, mini Australian Labradoodles are friendly and eager to please.
This crossbreed is regarded as a “designer breed” since they were bred to combine all the lovable qualities of their parent dogs.
In particular, the mini Australian Labradoodle is the smallest, most popular variant of the Labradoodle breeds. Notably, they take after the size of their Poodle parent – a miniature Poodle.
They easily fit into a smaller space and require slightly less exercise than the larger sizes. If you live in a condo or apartment, the size of a mini Australian Labradoodle might be ideal.
Some breeders call the minis that belong to the smaller end as toy Australian Labradoodles or micro Australian Labradoodles. They are tiny versions of the mini Australian Labradoodle, weighing less than 20 pounds typically.
Note, though, that toy Australian Labradoodles and micro Australian Labradoodles have serious health issues every prospective owner needs to be aware of.
Ideally, you’re better off choosing other dogs as your next furry pet. But if you really want this designer breed, make sure you look for a reputable breeder to buy from.
Size and Weight: How Big Do Mini Australian Labradoodles Get When Fully Grown?
Photo from @marvelous_marsali (IG)
A full-grown mini Australian Labradoodle ranges between 14 and 16 inches in height (withers) and weighs less than 30 pounds. A rough estimate would be somewhere between 15 and 25 pounds.
Generally, most Aussie Labradoodles are considered fully grown at around 12 to 18 months. At the age of one year, your mini Australian Labradoodle puppy will have almost reached its full height. However, weight gain may continue at a gradual rate for another six months.
Genetics is the main determining factor of the size of your adult mini Aussie Labradoodle. Consider the size of their Poodle parent, a miniature Poodle, when estimating your puppy’s size when fully grown.
Despite this, they come in a wide range of sizes, with some turning out smaller or larger than expected.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Appearance: What Does a Mini Australian Labradoodle Look Like?
Appearance-wise, here’s a brief run-down of what these miniature designer cross breeds look like:
General Appearance: They are athletic and graceful-looking with a compact body. Healthy Aussie Labradoodles do not appear cloudy, heavy, or overly delicate. Their coat is well-known to be non-shedding and easy to manage.
Mouth: Displays a scissor bite. The upper teeth overlap the bottom teeth.
Nose: Their noses have a large, square, and fleshy appearance.
Neck: Well-proportioned, displays good strength, and moderately long. It is also elegant and slightly arched, and it flows right into the shoulders without any abruptness.
Forequarters: The shoulder blades and upper arms are about the same length. Its shoulders should be well laid-back. The elbows are set close to the body, with straight forelegs in front view.
Body: Their general build appears square and compact, with a deep and well-sprung chest. They have an excellent tuck-up.
Hindquarters: The croup is almost flat but might also be slightly sloping. Hindquarters appear well-muscled, with a solid and short hock to heel. Views from the rear are parallel to each other and not cow-hocked.
Feet: They have medium-sized feet, round and well-arched toes with elastic and thick pads.
Tail: In both repose and motion, the tail should obey the topline. It should be held loosely but not entirely over the back. The tip does not hit the back or curl inward.
To help you visualize, watch this mini Australian Labradoodle training video and get to know what life is like with this designer crossbreed:
Best Dog Training Toledo, Ohio! 6 Month Old Mini Australian Labradoodle, Luna!<a href="https://youtu.be/mZGGe4TeSMw" 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%2FmZGGe4TeSMw%2F0.jpg" alt="Best Dog Training Toledo, Ohio! 6 Month Old Mini Australian Labradoodle, Luna!" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Mini Australian Labradoodle Coat Colors
Australian Labradoodles come in any color after their Poodle or Labrador parent. This mixed breed comes in various shades, including:
Apricot Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @mocha.the.doodle (IG)
This color coat resembles the inside of a ripe apricot to various shades of dark gold. Some are born with lighter colored coats that darken over time, while others might be born apricot only to develop into a light cream shade as they age.
Caramel Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @greatbridgelabradoodles (IG)
Caramel-colored mini Australian Labradoodles have coat colors that vary between the shades of light yellow and red.
If you’re wondering about the main difference between a caramel dog and a cream or apricot dog, the answer is their nose color. Caramel ones generally have liver (brown) noses.
Black Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @olliebear.thedood (IG)
Black mini Australian Labradoodles are usually in solid pitch-black color with little to no patches of other colors throughout the coat. If they do, white markings are often found on their chest area.
Chocolate Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @frassethedoodle (IG)
A chocolate-colored mini Australian Labradoodle is best described as dark-colored, from the shade of rich mahogany to a dull pecan color. It’s best to note that the majority of chocolate dogs fade color over time.
Cream Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @eleventhedoodle (IG)
Cream-colored coats can have a wide variety of shades in a generally creamy appearance. They are slightly darker than white mini Australian Labradoodles, with some having tints of gold or apricot. Typically, the dog’s nose pigment will be black.
Red Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @milotheaustralianlabradoodle (IG)
Authentic red mini Australian Labradoodles are rich and dark in color, with no lighter roots. Depending on the pigment’s intensity, reds may appear to have a deep red shade all the way to a light brown color. Like chocolate dogs, this coat tends to fade over time.
White/Chalk Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @i_am_the_haru (IG)
A chalk-colored mini Australian Labradoodle takes on a primarily white coat. Some dogs would appear to be more chalk-white than pure white, though.
Their fleecy coat is trendy among many designer crossbreed lovers, which is either straight or wavy. Some are also noted to have a wool-type coat.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Markings
Miniature Australian Labradoodles can have a range of markings such as:
Tuxedo Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @couleedoodles (IG)
A Tuxedo Australian Labradoodle is also called a black and white Aussie Labradoodle due to its black and white coloring. It also has specific imprints that are not the same as a black and white dog.
For instance, the Tuxedo Labradoodle only has a white tummy and white legs, with the rest of the body donning a black color (face and back).
Parti Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @misterbrewthedood (IG)
Parti describes an Australian Labradoodle who is primarily (at least 50%) white, with visible patches of any other color. Generally, their nose will be similar to their secondary color.
Cafe and Parchment Mini Australian Labradoodle
Photo from @living.the.juneau.life (IG)
Cafe and parchment typically refer to a chocolate-colored Aussie Labradoodle. They usually appear to have a milkier chocolate color at birth, but just like chocolate dogs, their coat will fade as they grow.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Temperament: Are They Great Family Pets?
Is the mini Australian Labradoodle an excellent family pet? Yes, they are! Their gentleness and size make them great with children and other pets.
These dogs are also affectionate and friendly, as they adore spending time with their families.
To give you an idea, here’s how they typically deal with others at home:
With Children and Toddlers: These dogs get along well with children since they are gentle, loving, and oozing with energy. They look forward to playing with the kids, and given their small size, they make great best friends.
With Other pets: Usually, mini Aussie Labradoodles do well with other dogs and pets in the household. They also have a good likelihood of getting along with cats, given proper socialization at an early age. Early exposure will also help in making them comfortable around new pets.
With Strangers: This calm and gentle dog tends to be affectionate not only towards family but even with every stranger that he comes across. However, if your mini Australian Labradoodle has strong Labrador genes, it may grow wary of strangers.
Before you adopt or buy this designer crossbreed puppy, it’s encouraged to research the dog or its parents to get an idea about their overall disposition. It can help you figure out whether the pup will complement your lifestyle, household, and the like.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Lifespan and Health Issues: Are They Healthy Dogs?
Photo from @olliebear.thedood (IG)
Since the Labrador has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, the miniature Poodle with 13 to 15 years and the Cocker Spaniel breed generally has 12 to 14 dog years, expect that the mini Australian Labradoodle can live for 13 to 15 years.
Crossbreed dogs like the Aussie Labradoodle may live longer than purebreds since they are generally healthier.
However, their average lifespan significantly boils down to their diet. If they were fed right, they wouldn’t be underweight or obese which leads to a multitude of diseases.
But just like many other crossbreed dogs, the mini Australian Labradoodle may also inherit the health issues from its parent dogs, particularly the common health problems in both breeds.
If you’re planning to adopt one, here’s an overview of common health conditions to be aware of:
Addison’s Disease: This condition affects your dog’s pituitary gland and may cause vomiting, lethargy, and acute collapse. It can be treated but requires lifelong medication. Dogs with Addison’s must not be bred.
Eye Disorders: Poodles and Labradors are known to have genetic eye disorders. Hence, the mini Australian Labradoodle is prone to around 15 inherited eye problems. Your dog may also develop other eye diseases later in life.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: Like Hemophilia in humans, this genetic bleeding disorder may occur in Poodles and related hybrids. It is caused by a protein deficiency necessary to aid platelets (blood cells used in clotting) to stick together and form clots to seal broken blood vessels.
Ear Infections: Many Labradoodles suffer from hard-to-control, chronic ear infections. A parent Labrador’s allergic ear problems can be compounded if the doodle inherits a Poodle’s hair-filled, waxy ear canal.
Epilepsy: Idiopathic epilepsy is observed in many Labradoodle dogs. Its exact cause remains unknown, but possible causes include liver disease, kidney failure, brain tumors, brain trauma, or toxins. Fortunately, you can control this condition with lifelong monitoring and medication.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): This condition makes your dog’s intestine or digestive tract constantly inflamed. It is commonly observed in many breeds, most specifically in doodles. Your dog may deal with recurrent or chronic vomiting, diarrhea, and a poor appetite.
Sebaceous Adenitis (SA): This rare skin condition is caused by an inflammatory reaction targeting the sebaceous glands. Poodles are prone to this condition, leading to a poor haircoat. SA requires lifelong treatment, which prospective owners need to consider.
How Much Does a Mini Australian Labradoodle Cost? Puppy Prices and Other Expenses
A mini Australian Labradoodle typically costs about $1,500 to $2,000 from a reputable breeder.
Although smaller variations such as the toy, micro, or teacup Aussie Labradoodles are theoretically miniature, they will cost significantly more as they are more difficult to breed.
Typically, they are created by reproducing the “runt” of a litter over many generations.
Refer to the table below for the possible expenses in the monthly and yearly upkeep of a mini Aussie Labradoodle:
If you’re a prospective owner of this designer crossbreed, be prepared to shell out roughly $113 to $296 for your new pet’s monthly maintenance. The figures don’t include the emergency trips to the veterinarian, though.
With that in mind, you can also opt to get pet insurance for your mini Australian Labradoodle, which may cost you an average of $25 to $45 per month. The price typically depends on where you live and the deductibles you include in your chosen plan.
Some pet insurance plans allow you to visit any vet clinic in the country, including emergency clinics and designer breed specialists.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Breeders to Find Puppies for Sale
If you’ve decided to add a miniature Australian Labradoodle into your family, it’s time to find the most reliable breeder in your area or local neighborhood.
Check out this list of trusted mini Aussie Labradoodle breeders in the United States if you’re planning to buy these designer crossbreed puppies:
Dixie Mini Doodles (Texas) – This breeder has years of experience breeding healthy and happy mini Aussie Labradoodle dogs in Austin and San Antonio. If you’re interested in buying a puppy from them, you can pay an initial deposit to secure a spot on their waiting list. You’ll receive an email notification to move forward with the adoption process once there’s a litter scheduled.
Hidden Beach Mini Australian Labradoodles (California) – Their mini Labradoodle puppies undergo thorough health testing before breeding. These dogs are also only bred a total of three times to ensure their quality of life. Most puppies are ready to be welcomed into their new families at around eight weeks old.
Mini Labradoodles of Long Island (New York) – Since 2006, this reputable breeder has been raising and caring for designer puppies. They are recognized by the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA). You can secure a spot on the waiting list for a puppy after completing your family profile online.
Faithful Doodles (California) – This family-run operation offers Aussie Labradoodle puppies raised with utmost love and attention. Every dog is registered with the ALAA and is given complete health testing. Prospective owners may also see the genetic background of a puppy’s parents in determining what kind of mini Aussie Labradoodle to expect.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Rescues and Shelters for Adoption
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), more than 3 million dogs are put in shelters every year in the United States, with mini Australian Labradoodles among them.
Although they are a designer crossbreed, you can adopt miniature Australian Labradoodles from local rescues and shelters.
Adopting one will be significantly cheaper than paying a breeder for a puppy. Most importantly, you will be saving a puppy in need of a loving home.
Here are mini Australian Labradoodle rescues you can consider browsing to begin your pet search:
Doodle Rescue Collective Inc. – This rescue collective has rescued and rehomed Labradoodle and Goldendoodle dogs in need since 2005. Since its inception, more than 4,000 dogs have been saved. They focus on proper rehabilitation and medical care for Doodle breeds.
Doodle Rock Rescue – This non-profit rescue focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming overlooked Doodle dogs in Texas. The rescued dogs are placed in temporary foster homes as volunteers tend to their welfare and look for a suitable forever home for them.
Poodle and Pooch Rescue of Florida – This Poodle rescue in Florida was first established in 2008. In the years since they started, they have rescued over 4,000 dogs. They provide essential care and fostering services before they can find a permanent home for these dogs in need.
NorCal Poodle Rescue – This rescue organization has been in operation for 35 years in Northern California. Their passion is to rescue all types of Poodles and Poodle mixes (including mini Australian Labradoodles) and rehome them in loving homes.
How to Care for Your Mini Australian Labradoodle’s Basic Needs?
To provide your miniature Australian Labradoodle with the best home and life possible, it is your responsibility to meet all of your dog’s needs.
Make sure to provide your pet with the proper nutrition, adequate physical activity, grooming, and TLC.
Food and Diet
Australian Labradoodles and their cheerful appetite make it easier for pet owners to choose among four different feeding methods: dry kibble, wet or moist dog food, and raw food.
These adorable miniature designer cross breeds also have an easy feeding schedule to follow. You can start feeding them kibbles four times a day when they are still a puppy and shift to a twice-a-day meal when they reach the adulthood stage.
Owners can follow this regular feeding schedule throughout the Labradoodle’s entire life.
The amount of food you need to feed your mini Aussie Labradoodles has to be proportional to their body weight. But for the specific measurement, 1 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dog food a day is an excellent daily diet for them.
Keep in mind that a puppy Aussie Labradoodle’s diet should consist of 22% high protein and 8% fat. In comparison, an adult’s diet must contain 18% of protein, 5% fat, and digestible carbohydrates.
Training and Exercise
If you are the type who only exercises moderately, the mini Australian Labradoodle is the ideal pet for you. They only require 30 minutes of exercise 2 to 3 times a day.
You can also introduce different exercise routines such as walking, nose-exercise, and puzzle-solving to add some variety to your mini Aussie Labradoodle’s daily activities.
With the mini Australian Labradoodle’s high intelligence and trainability, they constantly need to be challenged physically and mentally. They can quickly excel in various active training activities such as fetch, chase, hide and seek, and obedience training.
If you wonder what training method suits them best, it is none other than reward-based training and positive reinforcement.
Cleaning and Grooming
The ideal time to take your Australian Labradoodle to a professional groomer is every 6 to 8 weeks. However, grooming them daily on your own is also essential to maintain your mini Aussie Labradoodle’s coat and shedding.
Brushing and combing your mini Australian Labradoodle must be done daily, and they must be given a bath at least 2 to 3 times a month. It will ensure that your dog’s coat is healthy and clean until his next professional groomer visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Difference Between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle?
The parent dogs are the most significant distinction between the two Labradoodle breeds. The Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and Labrador Retriever all have genetics in the Australian Labradoodle.
The Labradoodle, on the other hand, is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle.
What Are Other Sizes of Australian Labradoodles?
Aside from the mini Aussie Labradoodle, there are two other size variations of this mixed breed. Firstly, the medium Australian Labradoodles measure up to 17 to 20 inches, with 30 to 45 pounds.
Secondly, the standard Australian Labradoodle has a height of 21 to 24 inches and approximately weighs 50 to 65 pounds. The size greatly depends on the size of the Poodle used for first-generation breeding.
Do Mini Australian Labradoodles Shed?
Yes, since all dogs shed to some extent. However, the mini Aussie Labradoodle is low-shedding. They only lose a small amount of dead hair – ranging from very low to average shedding, especially those having a Fleece or Wool coat.
Are Mini Australian Labradoodles Hypoallergenic?
There is no such thing as a 100 percent hypoallergenic dog, but mini Australian Labradoodles come close! These designer crossbreeds are considered allergy-friendly.
Since they shed less than other dog breeds, they’re easier on your family members with existing allergies and your furniture or bed sheets.
Final Thoughts: Is the Mini Australian Labradoodle the Right Dog for You?
How do you figure out if the mini Australian Labradoodle is the perfect dog for you?
These high-demand lap-sized dogs are suitable for: people who live in compact apartments, singles and families with children and other pets, people who do not have much time in a day to devote to physical activities or exercise, and people with allergies.
Friendly, loving, and playful – there is never a dull day when the mini Australian Labradoodle is around.
If you’ve decided to add a mini Australian Labradoodle into your family, I hope you’ll find some luck buying a pup from a reputable breeder or rescuing an overlooked one in need of a loving home.
Make sure to do some research to fully understand what kind of care your new dog will typically need. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for your upcoming fur parent responsibilities.
However, if you believe this tiny designer crossbreed is not the right fit, continue to browse along. You’ll find the perfect match for you soon enough!
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