Australian Labradoodle Breed Traits & Facts

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

Quick Summary: The Australian Labradoodle is not just any standard Labradoodle. While a standard Labradoodle is a mix of two breeds (Labrador and Poodle), the Australian Labradoodle is a mix of six dog breeds – Labrador Retriever, Poodle, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, and Irish Water Spaniel. He isn’t actually Australian, either – but was bred by a man from Victoria, Australia, named Wally Conran. The Australian Labradoodle is a calm, gentle dog who loves his family and is affectionate to everyone he meets. He will need between 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, depending on whether he is a miniature/small, medium, or standard/large-sized dog. The Australian Labradoodle is a generally healthy dog but can suffer from certain health issues like joint problems (hip and elbow), ear infections, and eye problems. Australian Labradoodles can live for about 13 to 15 years.

The Australian Labradoodle is very playful and energetic, so there’s never a dull moment when he is around. He is a well-balanced pet that is loved by many families around the globe. He can be small or medium-sized, or any size between. His single coat is ideal for people with allergies. There is nothing to dislike about his adorable teddy bear appearance.

It’s important to note that he is not the same as the standard Labradoodle. If you’re interested in learning more about the standard Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle, we have a separate article about that.

Breed History and Background

The Australian Labradoodle isn’t actually Australian. He is called the Australian Labradoodle only because he was born in Australia! Wally Conran, a man from Victoria, Australia, was the first to breed him. He was designed to be the world’s first hypoallergenic assistance puppy for those with visual impairments and who are also allergic to dogs.

The Australian Labradoodle has been around for just under 40 years, which is quite new in the canine world. He is not considered to be a purebred puppy but a mix of several other breeds. He is not considered a novelty designer puppy, but he has been around for many decades, so his appearance and traits have remained consistent over the generations.

It’s not known if established breeders are working towards fully recognized status by recognized kennel clubs. However, if they are, it seems like they will be able to achieve this in the near future. While the Australian Labradoodle cannot be registered with the main kennel clubs, they can be registered with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA), and all reputable breeders will be able to provide you with registration papers.

He is also very different from the standard Labradoodle, which is simply the designer puppy of the Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. The standard Labradoodle is known by several other names, such as the American Labradoodle, the British Labradoodle, and the Early Generation Labradoodle, and these terms are all used interchangeably. Still, they should not be confused with the Australian Labradoodle.

Here’s the most exciting part. The Australian Labradoodle is a mix of six dog breeds, namely:

• Labrador Retriever
• Poodle
• English Cocker Spaniel
• American Cocker Spaniel
• Curly Coat Retriever
• Irish Water Spaniel

His extra genes are different from the standard Labradoodle in terms of appearance, personality, and other aspects. Let’s find out more about him to see if he is the right dog for your family.

Appearance and Size

The Australian Labradoodle will measure between 14 to 24 inches in height, from paw to shoulder, and should never exceed 25 inches. He should also weigh anywhere between 15 and 65 pounds. This is due to the fact that the Australian Labradoodle comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large.

Generally, he is a small to a medium-sized dog of good proportion. He is a round-eyed dog with a fleshy, square nose. His neck is longer than average, which gives him a more elegant appearance.

He is a compact, square dog with a deep chest. He is not too muscular, but he’s not small. The ALAA outlines the full breed standard of what he should look like.

Coat and Colors

The coat of the Australian Labradoodle can be any length; however, it should not exceed four inches. The coat should be single, non-shedding, and either wooly or fleece-like. It can be wavy or straight, but it shouldn’t be too dense or too thick.

His coat is available in many colors, including Caramel Ice and Caramel Cream as well as Caramel Red, Red Gold, and Apricot. Chocolate is the most common color. You can also find a variety of different coat markings in his breed standard.

The Merle color can also be found in the Australian Labradoodle genetic pool. However, this is an undesirable color, and reputable breeders won’t breed dogs with this color. Unreliable breeders may advertise this color as exclusive and charge more for it. He will not be allowed to be registered with the ALAA and will be susceptible to additional skin pigmentation-related illnesses.

Temperament and Personality Traits

The Australian Labradoodle is a well-balanced dog with a mixture of calm and excitement. He is calm and easygoing in his home, but he can be very excited and playful outside.

His owners often describe him as funny and clumsy when he is in play mode. The Labradoodle is hyper and can be found in the house. Therefore, the Australian Labradoodle offers a more balanced temperament.

He is also very loving and affectionate with his family and will love a cuddle or two on the sofa. He is friendly with strangers and outsiders, so he doesn’t make the best guard dog.

He will greet everyone at the door with a waggy tail, a smile on his face, and a warm welcome. He is sociable and can become quite anxious if left alone. Therefore, it is important to place him with someone who is going to be there for him 24 hours a day.

The Australian Labradoodle is also very intelligent. He knows how to respond to his family’s needs. If you feel sad, he will hug you and place a ball in your hands. He is a wonderful companion for people with anxiety and a wonderful therapy dog.

Training and Socialization

The Australian Labradoodle is super smart, thanks to his intelligent forefathers. Your pup will be the best at puppy training and doggy daycare.

This does not mean that he isn’t required to be trained. He still needs to learn commands and desired behaviors from somewhere. You will need to spend time training him to bring out his best behavior and personality.

His eagerness to please his master means that some praise is a good thing. So make sure you give him lots of praise and belly rubs for being a good boy. He is also known to inherit his Labrador Retriever parent’s gene that tells him he is full, so edible treats will also motivate him as this guy will always be hungry! This trait can be used to your advantage in training, but it is important not to overfeed the forever-hungry hound.

Again, early socialization is as important with the Australian Labradoodle as it is with any other dog. You should expose him to different sounds, both inside and out, and allow him to meet dogs and other animals.

Exercise and Living Requirements

The Australian Labradoodle will need between 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, depending on whether he is a small, medium, or standard size. He is a great partner for jogging and enjoys jumping in the pool or nearby lake.

If you want your dog to behave well in the house, then you need to exercise him regularly. Otherwise, he can become restless and bored, which can lead to undesirable behavior. He will likely become destructive in the home.

Again, his living circumstances will depend on his size. A small-sized Australian Labradoodle will do well in an apartment. However, a standard or medium-sized Australian Labradoodle would be happier in a home with a yard.

He is great with children of all ages because of his calm nature and well-balanced temperament. However, as with all dogs, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times. He is suited for multi-pet households because he is gentle and accepts other family pets.

Grooming Your Australian Labradoodle

The Australian Labradoodle has a single, non-shedding coat, but it should be highly groomed. To ensure his curls are not matted or tangled, they must be thoroughly groomed 2 to 3 times a week. Because he only has one layer of hair, it can become matted beneath, which could lead to having to trim all his hair.

His hair must be clipped at least 4 times per year. This can be done by you or by a professional groomer. There is no standard style for Labradoodles, unlike their Poodle parents. The preferred style is a teddy bear cut that follows his body lines and looks natural.

His ear hair, as described above, needs to be removed to avoid ear infections. The ears will be opened up by massaging ear grooming powder in the canal. This will make plucking much more enjoyable for both you and your dog. To remove the hair wax and dirt, you can use an ear cleaner. Although this is not going to be pleasant for your dog, it is important to teach him the practice early on and to immediately treat him with his favorite toy or bone.

All reputable breeders will teach you how to groom your Australian Labradoodle. Although it may seem daunting, this is a simple process that can be taught with the right tools and teachers.

Nutritional Guide

The Australian Labradoodle should be given 2 to 3 cups of food per day, but this will depend on the size of the Labradoodle. He should be given 2 cups of food if he’s a smaller dog. If he’s a bigger boy, he should get 3 cups.

He is always hungry, so he easily accumulates pounds. His food should be appropriate for his age and his treats should be closely monitored.

Health Issues and Lifespan

The Australian Labradoodle is a generally healthy dog who tends to live between 13 and 15 years of age.

The most common health problem to look out for in the Australian Labradoodle is ear infections, as his hair will tend to grow in his ear canals. This can be further explained in the grooming section. However, it is something you should watch out for and treat every month. If not treated properly, it can cause severe pain and other complications for your dog.

Exercise-Induced Collapse is also a condition that is found in Australian Labradoodles, which is inherited from the Labrador Retriever parent. This is characterized by weakness and eventually collapse following a period of strenuous exercise. Although most dogs will recover, some can die from it.

His parents need to be tested for Elbow and Hip Dysplasia as many of his forefathers have this condition. His parents should also undergo an Ophthalmologist evaluation to test for a variety of eye conditions, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which is prevalent in his Poodle parent.

Australian Labradoodles as Family Pets

• The Australian Labradoodle is a calm, well-balanced dog who can be trusted in their home.
• He loves to curl up on someone’s lap while watching TV.
• He’s a very active pup, especially when he’s outside playing.
• Dependent on his size, he will need between 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day.
• He’s very friendly and sociable with everyone.
• He can get anxious if he is alone.
• He should live with his family, who will be able to spend the majority of their day with them.
• The Australian Labradoodle is an intuitive dog that can sense his family’s emotions.
• If you feel down, he will quickly pick you up.
• He’s a gentle, calm dog that is great with children of all ages and would be a good fit for a multi-pet family.
• He requires a lot of grooming.
• He requires a family who can take care of his ears and fur.
• He is a hypoallergenic dog breed, so he is suited to families with dog allergies.

Reputable Breeders and Puppy Prices

The ALAA lists reputable Australian Labradoodle breeders state by state, and here they must agree to several best breeding practices, as well as pay an annual fee to keep up to date with news and health testing.

While you should still do your research and meet the puppies and breeders in person before paying a deposit, you can be sure that these breeding organizations are of high standing, so this is your best tool for finding a breeder. These gorgeous puppies are highly sought after, so be prepared for a long wait list.

If you want an Australian Labradoodle like the one described here, it is best to stick with reputable breeders rather than an unscrupulous puppy mill. You will never know where your puppy came from and its true health history.

The average price of an Australian Labradoodle from a reputable breeder is around $2,500, but this can vary slightly depending on the breeder and location.

Suppose a puppy is being sold for less than $2,000 or more than $3,500. In that case, this should ring alarm bells because although you might be saving money on the initial cost, you will be risking a lot more money in the future for Veterinarian bills and dog behavioral therapist classes.

Doodle dogs are the most sought-after designer breeds and are, therefore, one of the most profitable for puppy mills to sell. Please don’t get your puppies from them, as you will keep them in business!

Adopting From Rescue Centers and Shelters

The Australian Labradoodle is unlikely to be found at local rescue centers for two reasons. First, due to his high initial cost and the lengthy puppy-buying process, it is unlikely that a family will ever rehome their puppy.

Secondly, they may have to surrender the dog to his original breeders. If you find one of these guys at a rescue center, be sure to grab him quickly, as there will likely be many others who want him.

Conclusion

This guy is an excellent all-rounder. The only negative thing we can think about is the high price. However, as long your wallet allows it, he is well worth it.

What are you waiting for? Go find your Australian Labradoodle canine friend soon!