Labradoodles are a terrific combination of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. Their beginnings go back to the 1970’s in Australia when a request came for a service dog that would not cause allergic reactions. A standard Poodle was bred with a Labrador Retriever. In the first litter there were three dogs born. One was found to be allergy friendly. Two of the dogs were trained for service dogs.

It was at first hard to get families to take the young pups in for training. They weren’t purebred! The clever breeder got the local media involved and gave the mixed breed a name: Labradoodle!  Things took off from there.

As generations progressed, it was hard to have a line of dogs that had the qualities that were looked for. It was hit and miss. Two research centers took on the project: Tegan Park and Rutland Manor. From there great things happened!

The Australian Labradoodle is a result from their works. A dog that has hair that is allergy friendly and odor free.

A person can find on the market Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles.  The number of generations back and the control of the breeding is the difference. You will find many people very happy with their Labradoodle, and rightfully so. However, there is a definite difference in the fur and the temperament in the two.

 

Labradoodle Lingo!

If you are new to labradoodles, and you talk to someone who is into doodles, you might get lost in all their “doodle lingo”.  Here is a little reference guide to help you through.

Generation Lingo
F1 = 50% Labrador and 50% Poodle

F1-B = 25% Labrador Retriever and 75% Poodle (F1 Labradoodle and Poodle cross)

F2 = F1 Labradoodle and F1 Labradoodle cross

Labradoodle (Labradoodle Origin – LO) – This term describes the dogs above or dogs that have exclusively Labrador and Poodle Parent Breeds in their background.

Australian Labradoodle (AL) - a dog made up of six different breeds : Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, Curley Coat Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel. These breeds were selected over many years by researchers in Australia to develop specific traits and qualities.  These dogs must have over three generations of AL-to-AL in their pedigree to be considered an Australian Labradoodle.

Multi-generation = This can be an F3.  Italso is referred to as an Australian Labradoodle Foundation Dog (ALF) – This term describes dogs that have both the Labradoodle Origin (LO) and an AustralianLabradoodle (AL) Parent Breed in their heritage.

Now for some Doodle Sizing Lingo
Standard: Height: Over 20 inches

Medium: Height: 17-20 inches

Miniature: Height: 14-17 inches

Laradoodles come in a variety of colors and coat types.  They can be black, silver, brown, lighter brown, shades of cream and red.  Their coats can be curly or wavy, fleecy or more straight.

A Few Interesting Notes about the Labradoodle:

1.  The combination of breeds makes for a healthier dog in what is called “Hybrid Vigor.” In the Labradoodle you have a dog who is coming from different genetic pools, so to speak.  The weaknesses of a particular breed are lessened because of this.

2. They come from two dogs that rate in the top 5% in intelligence rating.  They are easily trained. Many suggest you train it right away, or it will be training you.  They have been rated as a good candidate for therapy dogs and in agility competitions.

3. Labradoodles’ coats vary. First cross, or F1 Labradoodles have a very high percentage of shedding coats. There is well over a 50% probability that they will shed. Back cross, or F1-B Labradoddles, tend to be lighter shedding because of the higher percentage of poodle in their genes. Multi-generation Labradoodles tend to be the best for people with allergies or someone who is looking for a non-shedding dog.  We breed both MULTI-GENERATION LABRADOODLES and F1-B LABRADOODLES.

Labradoodles love to play!  They need to have some time outside to romp.  They also love to be around their human family.  They are adaptable to most family situations.  They love kids and adults who treat them with respect and will have every family member glad to have them in their family.