What Need Do Australian Labradoodles Meet?
Australian Labradoodles are a relatively new breed created in Australia with the intent to provide non shed, less allergenic dogs for use as service dogs for the blind, hearing impaired and other needs.  The steady, calm disposition of the Labrador Retriever coupled with the noted smarts of the Poodle, along with judicious small additions of other breeds, seemed to be the perfect combination for the creation of a new dog breed.  Much work has also gone into selecting for a soft, loosely curled coat that does not demand as much grooming as the poodle coat often needs.  The fleece coats should not require more than an occasional trim and weekly brushing, making them an easy care dog for those with disabilities.

The traits that make a perfect service dog are also the traits that are highly desirable for the perfect family pet...  A dog that is sensible, smart, loyal, calm, loves people and void of aggression in a non shed, allergy friendly, easy care "wrapping" describes the ideal qualities looked for in a family pet.  There is a huge demand for well bred Australian labradoodles and wait lists are common for reputable breeders.  Good breeders are working hard to ensure that health testing is done on the dogs used in the breeding program to try and prevent the health problems commonly found in many breeds today.  And when you are choosing a breeder, you should ask questions about what health testing has been done on their breeding stock and what health guarantees they offer.

What Is An Australian Labradoodle?
Most breeds originated for use as hunters, herders, guard dogs or draft animals, and breed traits were selected for that purpose.  Australian labradoodles bear the distinction of being a breed created to be companions and helpers to people.  The Australian Labradoodle is a distinct breed in its' own right, differing from straight poodle/lab crosses of various percentages.  This is due, in part, to generations of selection based on temperament and type, and to the infusion of other breeds that contributed to the characteristics now seen in the breed.  Australian Labradoodles are characterized first and foremost by temperament.  They are to be a sweet, friendly, loving intelligent dog void of aggression.  The founder of the breed has said that they particularly focused on breeding for excellent temperament and health.  Only non dominant males and females were used in their program, regardless of what other attributes they may have possessed...  generations of this kind of selection has now consistently produced a sweet natured, friendly dog.  They are a solid bodied dog, sturdy in type, with a non shed coat.  The Australian Labradoodle breed is now a recognizable breed in its own right with a breed standard of its' own and will breed true to itself.  Here at Copper Canyon Labradoodles, we have chosen to begin our breeding program with multigenerational Australian Labradoodles direct from Tegan Park Breeding and Research Centre, one of the breed founders, and will continue to breed carefully, so as to maintain the high standards of this lovely breed.
Click here to go to the Australian Labradoodle breed standard.

How Is The Australian Labradoodle Different?
Since the very first crossings done in Australia over twenty years ago when the breed was developed, there are a range of other types of labradoodles being bred to meet the demand for this popular new breed.  First generation crosses (poodle x lab) are called F1 crosses and will have attributes of both the lab and poodle.  Many F1's will shed to some degree (though generally less than a pure lab or other hair coated dog) and some will not.  Other breeders are breeding a first generation cross with a standard or miniature poodle (75% poodle 25% lab) and calling that cross an F1B.  F1B's do not tend to shed and show more of the characteristics of the pure poodle in type.  Second generation crosses (F1 x F1) will show more variation, both in body type and in coat type, with some of them showing a flat lab type coat,  a low to moderate shedding  coat and some a non shed poodle or 'fleece' coat and varying degrees of lab or poodle body type.  By the third generation (F2 x F2), both body type and coat type will be more predictable, depending on the individual dogs selected in the breeding program.  It is not enough to only choose for coat type, the whole picture should be kept in mind.  It is a challenge to breed for temperament, coat AND type when developing this breed from 'scratch', not forgetting the health testing of parent stock along the way!

Also gaining recognition are other various 'doodle' breeds.  Shepadoodles, goldendoodles and aussiedoodles all have their loyal following.  The same discussion above regarding coat types and shedding applies to these other doodle breeds as well.

Special Requirements
Australian Labradoodles are not a breed that will suit every person!  They are a smart breed and need stimulation, attention and some grooming.  They will not suit a family or person where they are kenneled for most of the day or left to their own devices in the house, as left to their own, they may find their own amusements!  They are a very social breed, learn quickly and want to be with their people as a part of the family.  They will need brushing once a week, a light trim every two or three months and baths occasionally.  A well bred labradoodle is a pleasure to have around, is remarkably healthy and has an average life span of 12 to 15 years or longer.  If you are looking for a family companion that is loving, smart, playful, non shedding and you have the time to train and love a dog, an Australian Labradoodle may be the dog for you!