Australian Labradoodle Dog Breed: Facts, Traits, Character and Look

Australian Labradoodle is the name to define a designer breed originating in Australia. The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a large, standard, or miniature Poodle, resulting in three sizes of Labradoodles. Because he comes from two popular dog breeds, of which each possesses some exceptional characteristics, your Labradoodle could inherit any or all of the attributes from one or both dogs. The Labradoodle’s lifespan is 10 to 14 years.

These puppies are often laid-back, playful, and eager to please. The best adult Labradoodles are ones that were consistently well-trained from puppyhood, so potential owners need to understand that raising a labradoodle puppy will require a serious time commitment. New owners should do plenty of research and consider enrolling their puppies in training classes early on so that they can get the most enjoyment out of their new furry companion.

Naming your Australian Labradoodle involves essential building blocks, including the significance of the sound. The Doodle’s name will mean something to the humans in the dog’s life, but as far as your canine companion goes, only the sound matters. Australian Labradoodles respond best to two-syllable names that are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like “sit,” stay,” “come,” and “down.” However, the names should not be long enough to become puzzling.

When choosing your furry pup’s name, feel free to use inspirations such as dogs that starred in movies or TV sitcoms, the night sky, or whatever you choose. It is always a good idea not to rush into choosing a name. Spend a week or so with your new Labradoodle, and its character traits might be all the inspiration you need. Call out any name-ideas, using different tones for the two syllables, and watch your puppy’s reaction to the sound. Remember, you must compose a sound that your Doodle will recognize from a distance, among many other sounds. 

Choose a name that could sound different in regular interaction and yelling or calling your Australian Labradoodle. Below is a list of suggestions of names inspired by any Labradoodle’s typical vibrant, exuberant, jumpy, and excited behavior, and also a few paying honor to your Doodle’s roots.

What is the History of the Australian Labradoodle?

Many people think the Australian Labradoodle is just a fancy name for a ‘Labradoodle,’ but there are some critical differences between the two. The original purpose of the Labradoodle, which came into being first, was to cross a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle to create a hypoallergenic service dog. However, as the popularity of Labradoodles took off, unregulated breeders jumped on the bandwagon and tainted the Labradoodle’ brand’ by breeding for prettiness and profit.

The authentic Labradoodles followed a request received by Wally Conron, the breeding manager for the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, in the late 1980s. A blind woman whose husband was allergic to dogs inspired Wally Conron’s quest to breed a non-shedding, hypoallergenic guide dog.

He ruled out initial trials with only Poodles because they lacked the temperament and skills necessary for guide dogs, although they had minimal shedding coats. The sensible next step was crossing the two breeds after careful selection of the most suitable Poodle and a working Labrador guide dog, leading to the birth of the first litter of Labradoodle puppies. 

The Australian Labradoodle was later created from the original ancestry and strict breeding stipulations and registration requirements. The breed would have a controlled lineage, become officially recognized, and continue to fulfill its original purpose as a hypoallergenic service dog.

What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of Australian Labradoodles?

Australian Labradoodles display a unique sense of intuition. Similarly, their gentle nature makes them great additions for families with children. There’s a sense that these pups have an uncanny ability to connect with humans. The fact that they are a hypoallergenic breed is a bonus on top of it all.

What are the Physical Traits of the Australian Labradoodle?

The Australian Labradoodle comes in four sizes with heights as listed below.

• Miniature: Between 14 and 16 inches high with a weight of 15 to 25 pounds
• Medium: Between 17 and 20 inches high with a weight of 30 to 45 pounds
• Standard: Between 21 and 24 inches high and a weight of 50 to 65 pounds

Australian Labradoodles shed either no hairs or very little during the transition from puppy to adult. They are naturally hygienic and have no unpleasant odors. Doodles have soft and silky coats that are never spongy and come in two possible types listed below.

• Wavy hair: This wave falls with movement and is easily finger-combed. It is curlier when it is short, but the wave extends and relaxes when left to grow.
• Ringlet hair: This type has more defined curls that fall in spirals, forming ringlets. When cut, the curl intensifies, and the coat appears denser.

There are three distinct coats within the Australian Labradoodle breed, including fleece, combination, and wool. Each creates a unique appearance and has its own benefits to consider.

• The Fleece Coat 

Fleece coats are notoriously wavy and silky to the touch. They also repel dirt and are resistant to lingering odors that are common in other breeds. An Australian Labradoodle with a fleece coat enjoys minimal shedding.

• Fleece/Wool Combination Coat:

The coat if grown long looks like long spirals, truly beautiful but must be cared for by a groomer who knows how to brush or cut this type of coat. Brushing or cutting this coat too much or too often can change the texture of their coat for the worse, so be careful how much and how short your Australian Labradoodle gets cut when groomed.

• The Wool Coat:

Pet lovers who own an Australian Labradoodle with a wool coat are generally able to avoid allergy concerns. While the wool spirals are certainly beautiful, this coat sheds minimally and is free of most odors. Maintenance is made simple with a wool coat, as well. The time between washings can be extended, thanks to an odor-free coat.

What is the Average Maintenance Cost for an Australian Labradoodle?

The Australian Labradoodle should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for its size. Miniature Labradoodles need a different formula than the large or giant variety. It would be best to consider annual expenses related to the maintenance of a Labradoodle and its wellbeing before bringing one home. 

The first year will be the most expensive, as puppies require extra vet care and more one-time purchases like microchips, spaying or neutering, etc. You can expect to spend about $3,000 for your dog’s first year. After that, the price will go down to about $1,700 a year. 

The estimated annual cost of having a medium-sized dog like an Australian Labradoodle is $650 for food and medical expenses only, excluding toys, cages, doggy blankets, beds, etc. 

Typical monthly expenses are listed below. 

• Food items
• Veterinary care
• Vaccinations
• Preventive medicine
• Toys
• Pet insurance
• Pet Supplies

Other potential expenses include training, socializing, doggy daycare, dog sitters, dog walkers, etc. An Australian Labradoodle’s hair does not shed and continues to grow, and it is up to their owners to decide whether to grow or cut their furry friend’s hair. Those who choose the shorter hair look will likely have to include the fees of a professional groomer in their monthly dog-related expenses. Daily brushing of the Doodle’s coat is essential.

The Australian Labradoodle is an average drooler. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. The Australian Labradoodle has a moderate risk of obesity, especially if it becomes a couch potato with insufficient exercise. Daily walks should be on the schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together.

What is the best diet for Australian Labradoodles?

Your dog’s adult size determines its dietary needs through all life stages. Thus, base your Australian Labradoodle’s diet on the size variety of your pup. Miniature Labradoodles have unique nutritional and digestive needs throughout their different life stages, compared to medium, large, and giant.

It is always a good idea to discuss your dog’s dietary needs with your vet to ensure you are prepared to deal with age-related issues as their Labradoodles grow. A veterinarian can advise on diets, portion sizes, meal frequencies, and all nutrition matters to ensure your furry friend lives a long life with optimal health. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and some of the essential nutrients are listed below:

• Protein
• Fatty acids
• Carbohydrates
• Minerals
• Vitamins

Avoid feeding your Labradoodle from the table; all it does is add weight. Instead, follow the advice below to ensure your Labradoodle friend’s optimal health.

Australian Labradoodles need food that contains animal proteins and carbohydrates for energy, vitamins, and minerals for digestive and immune health, and omega fatty acids for coat and skin wellness. Base your Doodle’s nutrition on its activity level and demeanor to ensure its food contains balanced portions of the above-listed ingredients.

The number of cups of food required daily will again depend on the size Doodle you chose. Follow the package instructions and split the daily food into several meals to avoid life-threatening bloat. Another matter to consider is the life stage of your Doodle because puppies, adults, and senior Doodles have different nutritional needs. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

One of the best dry dog foods for Labradoodles is Instinct Raw Boost Kibble. Below is a list of the benefits offered by the 14 Instinct. Raw Boost Recipes

• Protein-Packed: With responsibly sourced real meat as the first ingredient, these recipes are packed with animal protein for strong, lean muscles.
• Omegas 3 and 6: Naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin and coat health.
• Antioxidants: Antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits help support immune health.
• Probiotics: Guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics are included to support your dog’s digestive health.
• Raw Coating: Instinct crushes and tumbles their freeze-dried raw with their kibble, ensuring raw is on every piece.

Instinct Raw Boost Dry Dog Food with Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces are made without fillers, and these recipes are made without grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, or artificial colors or preservatives. When Armant Dogs are healthy and active, every day is an adventure. That’s why Instinct Raw Boost is crafted with everything dogs need to thrive, starting with real protein as the first ingredient.

How Much Should an Australian Labradoodle Puppy Eat? 

The Australian Labradoodles come in four different sizes; however, they have the same nutritional requirements. It is crucial to divide their food into several meals per day. Puppies under 12 weeks should get four bowls of food per day. When Australian Labradoodles become three months old, owners can feed them three meals per day until they reach six months, reducing the food intake to 2 meals per day. Only high-quality and branded puppy food is acceptable. Guidance for feeding puppies is listed below.

• Australian Labradoodle puppies need slow, sustained growth to help prevent orthopedic problems, such as hip dysplasia. Raise them on a diet designed for large-breed puppies. Whatever diet you choose shouldn’t overemphasize protein, fat, and calorie levels.
• Labradoodles should be fed according to a schedule, spreading meal times over two or three times per day. Getting the puppy accustomed to meals at specific times is better than leaving food out to allow feeding throughout the day.
• Doodles with medical conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar are the exception because they need to nibble bits of food throughout the day.
• Never feed your puppy from the table. It only encourages begging. Everyone in the family must follow this rule.

What are the common health problems of Australian Labradoodles?

The Australian Labradoodle breed gets a clean bill of health as it has been meticulously DNA health screened for successive generations, with carriers of known diseases removed from the breeding programs of MDBA registered breeders. However, a Labradoodle puppy bought from a questionable source could have devastating consequences.

Breeding dogs are required to be DNA Health Screened before registration for the following disorders:

• Ear infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears. The ears trap moisture and should be regularly checked.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy also called PRA, is an inherited progressive disease of the retina that leads to blindness in affected puppies.
• Hip dysplasia is a deformation that occurs and develops as puppies grow. It is caused by loose joints that prevent the ball part of one bone from sliding smoothly in the socket of the other joint bone. Instead, it grinds and rubs in the joint, causing painful wear and tear damage as the dog grows and becomes heavier. Although it could start in puppyhood, it usually only becomes evident in adult dogs, making annual medical examinations crucial.
• Elbow Dysplasia is similar to hip dysplasia, but in the elbow joint. It is the most common cause of lameness in the forelimbs in large and giant breed dogs like Labradoodles.
• Epilepsy is a disorder that causes seizures in dogs. Epilepsy can be treated with medication, but it cannot be cured. A dog can live a full and healthy life with the proper management of this hereditary disorder.
• Allergies are a common ailment in dogs that come in different types. Certain foods cause food allergies, and contact allergies are caused by a reaction to something that touches the dog, such as bedding, flea powders, dog shampoos, or other chemicals. Inhalant allergies are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and mildew.
• Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder in which the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels.
• Hypothyroidism is insufficient thyroid hormone production, causing hair loss, dry skin and coat, and susceptibility to other skin diseases in Doodles.

What are the nutritional needs of Australian Labradoodles?

The nutritional needs of an Australian Labradoodle include high levels of specific nutrients. The essential nutrients for the Labradoodle are listed below.

• Protein: Australian Labradoodles need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids they contain essential for Labradoodle’s health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
• Fat: Animal protein provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Australian Labradoodle’s metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adults and senior Doodles need lower fat levels than puppies.
• Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Australian Labradoodle sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though, too much carbohydrate can lead to obesity.
• DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Australian Labradoodle puppies, and DHA develops cognitive development in puppies and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of Labradoodles.
• Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health. Other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in Labradoodles are chondroitin and glucosamine.
• Minerals: Beneficial minerals for an Australian Labradoodle’s growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Labradoodles.

Where to Buy or Adopt an Australian Labradoodle?

Before starting a search for an Australian Labradoodle puppy, ensure you know where not to buy a puppy. Following the initial success achieved with Labradoodle breeding, a vast range of breeders who are not governed by regulations or standards continue to mass-produce Labradoodle Puppies, often advertising the pups as Australian Labradoodles.

In some cases, other breeds have been introduced into the lineage. This has resulted in inconsistencies in appearance, temperament, and health of the resulting puppies, making them largely unsuitable as service dogs; nevertheless, they continue to be highly popular and lucrative, sold as a ‘designer breed.’

If you are considering bringing an Australian Labradoodle home, you have a choice of buying a puppy from a reputable, registered breeder or adopting an older retired Labradoodle. Various breeders and other organizations are keen to assist potential buyers or people who want to adopt. Reaching out to any of the entities below can prevent heartache after buying a “fake” unhealthy puppy from a puppy mill or an online scammer.

• The Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) has been internationally recognized as the breed’s leading expert since 2004 and represents breeders in Canada, Europe, and the United States
• Highlands Australian Labradoodles have been breeding Australian Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles since 2007. They would be happy to help answer your questions. To buy or initiate the adoption process for a puppy. 
• Spring Creek Labradoodles is an Oregon Labradoodle breeder and one of the first in the U.S. since 2001.
•  WALA – Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association
• Canadoodle Australian Labradoodles 
• Animal Rights and Rescue Canada
• Carolina Poodle Rescue
• Lucky Lab Rescues Texas (TX) Midwest (MW) New England (NE)
• The ALAEU is a European association of breeders of Australian Labradoodles

It might take some time to find a legitimate breeder, and travel may very well be in the cards. Steer clear of backyard breeding by avoiding sales sites and ad pages. When you select a breeder, make sure they have proof of successful, healthy litters with any documentation necessary.

Although you can buy or adopt an Australian Labradoodle from abroad, not all countries allow the import of adopted dogs. Those whose countries allow the importation of Labradoodles may find the logistics challenging. Procedures include obtaining certification from a vet to prove the Australian Labradoodle is fully vaccinated and providing all the additional required veterinary documents before the travel.

Furthermore, your country must approve the veterinarian to authorize the importation, and it will be your responsibility to ensure you use the services of a certified vet. The same process applies to importing rescued dogs.

What Dog Breeds are Similar to the Australian Labradoodle?

Early Australian Labrador genes were used along with other breeds to develop Australian Labradoodles, distancing themselves entirely from those bred by unregistered breeders chasing profits. Similar dog breeds are listed below.

Golden Retrievers: Australian Labradoodles share a similar temperament and appearance with Golden Retrievers. They are intelligent, trainable, affectionate, and ideal family pets and companion dogs.

Labrador Retrievers: Australian Labradoodles were bred from Labrador Retrievers and Standard Poodles. The character traits Doodles inherited include their love of children, intelligence, and trainability. To know more about Labrador Retrievers‘ social life, care & diet information.

Standard Poodles: Like Labradors, Standard Poodles were used to breed Australian Labradoodles. Doodles received exceptional smartness and obedience and a craving for family love from the Standard Poodles. They take time to warm up to new people, but they are friendly and loyal to their families. Furthermore, Australian Labradoodles also scored the low-shedding trait from Standard Poodles.