About the Australian Labradoodle

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The Australian Labradoodle is a purposefully developed breed known for its intelligence, trainability, and allergy-friendly coat. While often confused with the early Labradoodle (a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle), the Australian Labradoodle is distinct. It was carefully developed over several generations to become a reliable companion dog, with consistent traits and a predictable, low-to-non-shedding coat.

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      Origin and Development

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The original Labradoodle was bred in the late 1980s in Australia, when a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle were crossed to produce a guide dog suitable for individuals with allergies. While the cross showed promise, early generations had inconsistent coats and temperaments.

To achieve greater consistency, Australian breeders introduced other breeds that added desired traits like coat texture, size variety, and temperament. The recognized and approved foundation breeds of the Australian Labradoodle are:

• Poodle (all sizes)

• Labrador Retriever

• Irish Water Spaniel

• Curly Coated Retriever

• English Cocker Spaniel

• American Cocker Spaniel

These breeds were used selectively and are no longer introduced into the bloodline. Today, ethical breeders focus solely on breeding Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle to maintain predictable traits and uphold the breed standard.

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     What Is a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle?

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A Multigenerational (Multigen) Australian Labradoodle is a dog whose parents are both Australian Labradoodles, and whose lineage includes at least four to five generations of Australian Labradoodle breeding. These dogs offer the most reliable temperament, coat type, and size, and are eligible for registration with organizations such as WALA and ALAEU.

Multigen Labradoodles are known for:

• Non-shedding coats

• Allergy-friendly qualities

• Consistent temperament

• Established physical characteristics

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    Temperament & Intelligence

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Australian Labradoodles are highly intelligent, eager to please, and gentle by nature. Their parent breeds are among the most trainable in the world, which makes them ideal as:

• Therapy dogs

• Assistance dogs

• Family companions

Their even temperament and people-focused personalities make them especially suited to households with children or other pets.

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     Allergy Friendliness

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One of the breed’s most sought-after features is its non-shedding, allergy-friendly coat. While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, studies and owner experience suggest that over 90–95% of individuals with dog-related allergies or asthma can comfortably live with an Australian Labradoodle.

🔍 Note: A small percentage of allergy sufferers may react to canine saliva or skin proteins (rather than fur or dander), and could react to any breed regardless of coat type.

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      Energy & Exercise Needs

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Australian Labradoodles are active and playful, requiring regular physical and mental stimulation to thrive. They are adaptable to various living environments — from city apartments to country homes — as long as they receive:

• Daily walks or playtime

• Mental enrichment (training, toys, puzzles)

• Social interaction with humans and other dogs

Without sufficient stimulation, they may become bored or develop unwanted behaviours — as is true with most intelligent breeds.

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     Sizes

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Australian Labradoodles are bred in three size categories to fit a variety of households:

• Standard: 53–63 cm (21–24 inches) | Approx. 23–30 kg (50–65 lbs)

• Medium: 43–52 cm (17–20 inches) | Approx. 14–20 kg (30–45 lbs)

• Miniature: 35–42 cm (14–16 inches) | Approx. 7–13 kg (15–28 lbs)

Size can vary slightly depending on lineage, but reputable breeders aim for consistency through careful pairings.

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    Recognition & Ethical Breeding

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The Australian Labradoodle is not yet recognized by major kennel clubs (like the AKC or FCI) as a purebred, but reputable breeders are working under the guidance of organizations like:

• WALA – Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association

• ALAEU – Australian Labradoodle Association of Europe

These associations promote health testing, ethical breeding practices, and the preservation of the breed's unique traits.