Australian or Labradoodle Origin - Is there a difference?

Yes.  As you’re learning about Labradoodles, you’ll certainly come across the term F1.  This term refers to the puppy from a Labrador retriever parent and a Poodle parent.  With a first generation cross, it is impossible to predict the results.  You don’t know if the dog will take on the non-shedding coat qualities of the poodle or if it will shed like crazy.  The appearance of the dog isn’t predictable either. 

You’ll also run into the term, F1b, which means they’ve mated an F1 back to a poodle.  With this cross there is more consistency in the coat, about an 6/10 chance that the puppy will be non-shedding if both the parents were non-shedding.  This is due to the large amount of poodle genetics

F1 = First cross between a Lab X Poodle

F1b = F1 X Poodle

LO = Labradoodle Origin: meaning there are only Labrador and poodle genes…so it is a Labradoodle.  You may see numbers following the LO, these would refer to the generations. 

Then there's the Australian Multigenerational Labradoodle. Remember, Australian Labradoodles have more than just Labrador and poodle bloodlines at work.  The Australian Labradoodle is an infusion of 6 parent breeds.   In addition to the Labrador and poodle, the following breeds used in the development of the Labradoodle are approved as parent breeds in Australia: the Irish water Spaniel, Irish Soft coated wheaton, Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.    When you purchase an Australian Labradoodle, you have a much better idea of exactly what you’re buying.  The size, coat, temperament, look, allergy friendliness, and non-shedding qualities are a lot more predictable. It’s these qualities that have created the Australian Labradoodle that we now know and love.

For a full explanation of the infused breeds please follow this link to the founders of the breed Rutland Manor  http://www.rutlandmanor.com/AboutInfusions.htm

 

What is the size of an Australian Labradoodle?

There are 3 sizes of the Australian Labradoodle, the measurements below are taking at the shoulder.

Standard:21-24 inches

Medium:17-20 inches

Miniature:14-16 inches,

All Australian Labradoodles, no matter the size are indoor dogs.  If you are interested in doing some serious physical activities with your dog such as running, agility, flyball or the like, stick with either a medium or a standard size.  On the other hand, if you’re interested in the perfect small dog, the miniature Labradoodle is a great lap dog size.

 

Are all Labradoodles non-shedding and allergy friendly?

The Australian Labradoodle was specifically bred for allergy sufferers.  If you or a member of your family has an allergy to dogs then the best way to find out if you are allergic to the Australian Labradoodle is to spend time with one.

For allergy sufferers, your best bet is to get an Australian labradoodle with either a fleece or wool coat.

F1 = First cross between a lab and a poodle

This is not a safe choice for allergy sufferers or those who don’t want shedding because the ability to identify which puppy will or won’t increase allergy symptoms and/or shed as an adult is all but impossible.   

F1B = F1 bred back to a Poodle

This is not the best choice for those concerned with allergies and/or shedding because there is only about an 8/10 chance that this dog won’t shed/be allergy friendly, depending on the previous generations.   

Australian Labradoodle

If both the Australian Labradoodle parents are allergy friendly and non-shedding then the pup should be allergy friendly and non-shedding. This is the best bet for those families who are looking for a non-shedding and allergy friendly dog.

 

How much grooming do they need?

As there are 3 different coat types for the Australian Labradoodle, the grooming requirement varies see below:

Wool

This coat is the most allergy friendly.  It’s soft, luxurious, thick and full.  The curls are like that of a poodle and this coat is considered to be non shedding.   Wool coats are easy to care for; clipping 3x a year should do the trick.

Fleece

Fleece is very soft and silky, a sort of chenille feel.  It’s absolutely gorgeous! A true fleece should not shed.  The curliness of this coat can range anywhere from wavy to a tight spiral.  This coat requires medium maintenance.  It can be scissored or clipped to a 2” coat twice a year and then allowed to grow back to its long flowing length.

Hair

The hair coat is similar to that of a lab.  It will shed.  Normally, this coat occurs in the early generation Labradoodles such as the first cross of a lab X poodle, F1b and sometimes in F2b.

N. B Fleece and Wool – the adult coat comes in around 10-14 months old.  Because the puppy coat doesn’t shed on its own, it will need to be stripped out or it will cause severe matting.  During this time of coat change, which could take anywhere from 1 to several weeks, it is recommended that the puppy receive daily grooming.

 

How much exercise do they need?

Puppies under 1 year old should have restricted time on the lead.  Jogging for miles or going on very long walks on the lead forces the puppy to perform the same mechanical movement at the same pace for long periods of time.  This is not natural for puppies.  Puppies are used to changing pace frequently, galloping one minute and then trotting the next.  If puppies are forced to maintain a pace for a long time, it can damage ligaments and immature joints.  Playing outside and short periods on a lead will provide puppy a safe amount of exercise.

Lead Times:

10 wks-4 months:  Puppies could safely do a 10 minute walk on lead.

4-8 months: Puppies could do up to 30 minutes daily as long as the walk is interspersed with free play.

8-12 months:  Puppies can handle 40mins long, walk once daily and maybe a shorter walk later the same day.

Running up and down stairs, jumping off high places, slipping and sliding on polished floors, and standing on just their back legs can cause damage to puppy’s joints.  Puppies should not be allowed to do any of the above.  Failure to observe these things can induce hip dysplasia and other joint problems even in a healthy puppy.

What health problems affect Labradoodles?

Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs. However, it is important that health test all breeding stock. Which for us as responsible breeders is a priority.  Labradoodles generally have a vibrant health status.  However, as with humans environmental and dietary factors are also very important.

 

How long will a Labradoodle live for?

It is expected that a healthy Labradoodle should live between 13 and 16 years approx