Australian Labradoodle: Dog Breed Guide
The Australian labradoodle is an interesting, unique mixed dog breed that differs from the regular labradoodle thanks to the many breeds that are found in its lineage. This pup is bred to be intelligent, social, and helpful, and the poodle lineage of this dog allows them to be low-shedding and low-dander, helping people with dog allergies to be happy around this breed.
Adding an Australian labradoodle to your family can be a great choice, but you must first consider the pros and cons of this breed when making a decision.
Our breed guide below discusses the main facts you need to know about this dog as you decide whether or not to adopt one. We’ll also give you a basic look into what it takes to properly care for an Australian labradoodle so you can determine if this pup will fit easily into you and your family’s lifestyle. So read on to learn all about the Australian labradoodle!
A Quick Look at Australian Labradoodles
The quick facts below about Australian labradoodles will introduce you to this breed and help you to understand some basics about their appearance, temperament, and care needs.
| Weight/Height | 20 to 70 lbs./14 to 24 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, soft, and curly or wavy |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Intelligent, social, active |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | Between 13 and 15 years |
What Is the History of the Australian Labradoodle?
Though the term ‘labradoodle’ isn’t a new one – it was first used in 1955 – the popularity of labradoodles and their Australian counterpart is a more recent event. The labradoodle breed was first bred in the 1980s by Wally Conron while he worked at the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia.
The breed was developed as a way to provide a guide dog to a blind client whose husband was allergic to dogs. However, there is some controversy over whether this was the first Australian labradoodle, as crosses between the Labrador and poodle breeds have been noted since 1955; Conron’s cross of these dogs was what pulled the breed into popularity.
And while labradoodles and Australian labradoodles may seem like they would be similar, the Australian labradoodle has many more dog breeds in their lineage than the regular labradoodle. The standard labradoodle is a cross between Labrador retriever and poodle parents, while the Australian labradoodle’s genetics may contain traces of up to six different dogs, including:
- Labrador retrievers
- Standard or miniature poodles (there are miniature Australian labradoodle breeds out there, but the standard is more popular)
- Curly-coated retriever
- American cocker spaniel
- English cocker spaniel
- Irish water spaniel
The Australian labradoodle still does not have a cemented list of traits and desirable characteristics, nor is there a breed standard that breeders have to adhere to, which marks this breed as a cross-breed. The varying genetics of this pup also explain the differences in size, weight, and appearance, though every Australian labradoodle is known to be very active, intelligent, eager to learn, and sociable.
Australian labradoodles are known for their curly, low-shedding coat, and they are a perfect addition to families with children, as they are often quite gentle and playful.
What Do Australian Labradoodles Look Like?
Today, there are three recognized sizes of Australian labradoodles: mini, medium, and standard. This pup ranges in height from 14 to 24 inches and can weigh anywhere between 20 and 70 pounds, though male dogs will typically be larger than female ones.
The coat of the Australian labradoodle is short and curly or wavy and can appear in a range of colors such as brown, red, black, blue, gold, cream, and silver. Their coats are typically all one color, but a mix of colors may appear depending on their lineage and the coats of their parents.
Australian labradoodles are often thought of as ‘teddy bear’ dogs, as their faces do resemble a cuddly teddy bear, especially when they are puppies. They have large, round eyes that many individuals fall in love with, floppy ears, and a regular-sized tail.
What Size Is an Australian Labradoodle?
Australian labradoodles range in size from 14 to 24 inches and weigh between 20 and 70 pounds, depending on whether they are miniature, medium, or standard. Male dogs will be slightly larger than female ones.
What Is an Australian Labradoodle’s Coat Type?
The Australian labradoodle’s coat is considered hypoallergenic, thanks to the poodle genetics in its lineage. Their coat will typically be short, curly, wavy, very low-shedding, and low-dander. Brushing is needed for their coat several times a week to prevent mats and keep it in good condition.
What Is an Australian Labradoodle’s Temperament?
The Australian labradoodle is known for their pleasant temperament and generally sociable nature. They are friendly and outgoing and love spending time with their families. However, this breed is prone to separation anxiety and can act out if left alone for long hours during the day or night.
Australian labradoodles are very active thanks to the many sporting and working breeds in their lineage, and they will need lots of exercise and time outdoors to stay happy. Additionally, the standard size of this breed will likely need lots of space to move around, making them perfect for families with larger homes and children.
Australian labradoodles are also quite intelligent and easy to train. They love to learn new things, pick up commands fast, and are eager to impress their owners. That being said, they are also fairly affectionate and will enjoy cuddling up on the couch with you or spending a quiet evening at home once their daily exercise is out of the way.
Are Australian Labradoodles Affectionate?
Australian labradoodles are known for being loving and loyal to their families. This affectionate dog enjoys spending time with their owners and forms strong bonds with their families. They are equally as happy to spend all day outdoors or cuddle up on the couch in the evening with their owners if it means they get to spend as much time as possible with their families.
Are Australian Labradoodles Good With Kids?
This active dog breed is also quite gentle and is not prone to being aggressive, making them a good choice for families with children. As long as your children know how to properly and safely interact with dogs, this pup will be a great addition to your family and will enjoy playing and being active with any children in the home.
Are Australian Labradoodles Good With Other Animals?
Australian labradoodles are generally good with other animals, as they are fairly non-aggressive, sociable, and loving. However, some Australian labradoodles may fight with or get aggressive with dogs of the same sex and same size, so you should consider your dog’s temperament and the dog you are introducing them to before leaving them to play.
As always, whether or not animals get along with each other depends on their individual personalities and temperaments.
Are Australian Labradoodles Aggressive?
The Australian labradoodle is not known for having an aggressive nature and is generally gentle and friendly. However, some Australian labradoodles may show signs of aggression or behavioral issues as puppies, which is why proper training is important.
You should also note that behavioral issues can stem from separation anxieties and being left alone during long hours; proper training and care of your dog can reduce the chances of this.
Do Australian Labradoodles Bark a Lot?
The Australian labradoodle is not known for their excessive barking habits, and they are not known to be very yappy. However, they can bark within reason, as all dogs tend to do from time to time, and they might develop barking habits out of boredom or lack of stimulation, something that can be fixed with proper exercise, care, and toys for your dog. Overall, the Australian labradoodle is a quiet dog.
Are Australian Labradoodles Intelligent?
Thanks to the many intelligent breeds in their lineage, the Australian labradoodle is quite the smart pup. They love to learn new things, pick up commands quickly, and are eager to please their owner. This pup is also very active and energetic, and they can easily pick up on what their owner wants them to do, making for the perfect companion when it comes to training your dog and taking them out and about.
Are Australian Labradoodles Easy to Train?
Due to their intelligence and eager-to-please attitude, Australian labradoodles are easy to train. They typically pick up new commands quickly and love to spend time with their owners learning new things. Basic obedience training is important for this pup to cut down on the risk of behavioral issues and stop your Australian labradoodle from thinking that they run your home – a common trait of this dog.
Are Australian Labradoodles Energetic?
Australian labradoodles are very energetic, joyful, and love to play. You will need to give them a fair amount of exercise throughout the day and regularly take them out on exciting outdoor adventures such as hikes, trips to the dog park, or simply time playing with their toys in your backyard.
If your Australian labradoodle doesn’t get the exercise they need to stay happy and healthy, behavioral issues might occur, so it is important that you understand their high energy level and exercise needs.
Are Australian Labradoodles Good Apartment Dogs?
Due to their size and high-energy attitude, Australian labradoodles might not be the best choice for an apartment dog. Standard-sized Australian labradoodles are unlikely to be the happiest in a small apartment space due to their size, energy levels, and exercise needs, but a mini or medium-sized Australian labradoodle might be okay, depending on the size of your apartment.
Besides their size, Australian labradoodles may be okay in an apartment if the space is large enough and they get plenty of exercise due to their quieter nature and calm attitude. However, without exercise and mental stimulation, this breed can develop behavioral issues that are made worse by the small spaces and noise restraints that come with apartment living.
Are Australian Labradoodles Good Watchdogs?
Australian labradoodles can be fairly effective watchdogs thanks to their loyal and protective nature over their families. This breed is often quite alert and will keep an eye out around your home for strangers, barking to alert you of something that seems suspicious or unfamiliar. Because Australian labradoodles don’t often bark for no reason, they can make a good choice for a watchdog.
Are Australian Labradoodles Good Service Dogs?
The first labradoodle was created as a service dog, and Australian labradoodles share this love of helping people thanks to the many friendly working breeds in their lineage. Australian labradoodles make good service dogs as they learn commands easily, are eager to help their owners, and are very intelligent. Plus, the larger size of the standard Australian labradoodle makes them a great choice for acting as guide dogs or providing support to those with mobility issues.
Today, Australian labradoodles can be seen acting as guide dogs, mobility service dogs, medical alert dogs, or providing comfort and support as psychiatric service dogs or emotional support animals.
How to Care for an Australian Labradoodle
Your Australian labradoodle will need a specific care routine to ensure they stay happy and healthy and to prevent any behavioral issues. Australian labradoodles will need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily, plus plenty of time spent interacting with their families or toys. You should never leave them alone for more than eight hours, as this can trigger anxiety, boredom, or other behavioral issues.
Additionally, your Australian labradoodle will need annual veterinary visits to ensure they are in good health, regular brushing a few times a week so their coat stays clean and untangled, and a high-quality diet. You may need to take your Australian labradoodle to the groomers a couple of times a year to get their hair trimmed back away from their eyes and cleaned up so they look and feel their best.
Do You Need to Groom an Australian Labradoodle?
You will need to make sure that your Australian labradoodle gets brushed at least once or twice a week to prevent tangles and mats in their fur. Australian labradoodles also typically need to be professionally groomed and trimmed a few times a year. This ensures that their hair is kept out of their eyes and that their overall coat stays healthy.
Do Australian Labradoodles Shed?
Australian labradoodles were created with a low-shedding, low-dander dog in mind to create a more hypoallergenic dog. Thanks to the mix of poodles in their genetics, this dog doesn’t really shed, so you won’t have to deal with lots of fur and dander all around your home.
What Should an Australian Labradoodle Eat?
Your Australian labradoodle should eat a high-quality diet composed of dry and canned dog food. Depending on the size of your dog, they will need to eat between a cup to 2 and a half cups of food a day, broken up into either two or three meals per day.
You can supplement your pup’s diet with high-quality and nutritional treats, but be careful not to overfeed your dog. If you are unsure what your Australian labradoodle’s diet should consist of, consult with your veterinarian for the best advice.
What Health Problems Do Australian Labradoodles Have?
Like many other larger dogs, Australian labradoodles are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This breed also has a history of developing issues such as ear infections, allergies, eye abnormalities, Addison’s disease, and epilepsy. To ensure that your dog stays in their best health and that you catch health problems before they become too serious, stay up to date with annual vet visits and take your dog in for immediate care if they start to exhibit concerning symptoms.
How Long Do Australian Labradoodles Live?
Like most larger dogs, Australian labradoodles don’t have a very high life expectancy. You can expect your Australian labradoodle to live between 13 and 15 years of age, but this timeline may be less or more depending on the care you give to your pup and any health issues that arise.
Are Australian Labradoodles Expensive?
Because Australian labradoodles are a ‘designer’ dog breed, they are generally more expensive. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for a puppy depending on the breeder and the dog’s parentage. Older dogs may be less expensive than puppies, but you should always keep in mind that a puppy with a very low price may be too good to be true and might be a result of improper breeding or dog care practices.
How to Find an Australian Labradoodle Breeder?
Australian labradoodles are becoming increasingly popular, and finding a breeder shouldn’t be difficult. Run an internet search of local and national breeding organizations and make sure that the breeder you select is reputable, has necessary certifications, and places the care of their parent dogs and puppies above all else. You should also be careful to avoid puppy mills and unlicensed breeders when looking to purchase an Australian labradoodle.
Can You Adopt an Australian Labradoodle?
It is possible to adopt an Australian labradoodle from a rescue or a shelter, but this may be less likely due to the fact that the Australian labradoodle is considered a ‘designer’ dog breed and often needs to be purchased directly from a breeder. That being said, local and national rescue organizations work to rehome older Australian labradoodles or place dogs in happy, loving homes. You can also check out shelters near you in the hopes that an Australian labradoodle for you to adopt becomes available.
Are Australian Labradoodles Purebred?
Australian labradoodles are not purebred dogs – they are a cross-breed, also sometimes called a mixed breed – pup. There are several different lineages of dogs that go into the creation of the Australian labradoodle, though the parent breeds may be purebred or cross-breeds themselves.
Can You Show Australian Labradoodles?
As Australian labradoodles are not purebred dogs, they are not recognized officially by the American Kennel Club. This means they are ineligible to be shown in competitions held by the organization, and there is no set of breed standards that breeders will need to adhere to for this pup. However, certain mixed breed kennel clubs and other local or national organizations may allow Australian labradoodles to be shown or compete in certain events.
Are Australian Labradoodles Good for New Dog Owners?
The Australian labradoodle is a good choice for new dog owners thanks to their friendliness, loving nature, and gentle attitude. They are also playful and energetic, making for a great addition to a family with children and fitting well into an active lifestyle. As long as new owners have the space for this dog and are prepared to meet their exercise and socializing needs, they are fantastic as a first-time dog breed.
Is an Australian Labradoodle the Right Dog for Me?
Deciding whether or not to adopt an Australian labradoodle can be overwhelming. Below, we condense some basics about this breed that can help you determine if the Australian labradoodle is the best breed for you and your family.
The Australian labradoodle is the right dog for you if:
- You want a friendly, sociable dog that is active, playful, and good with children or other animals or is suitable for first-time dog owners.
- You want a dog that is intelligent, easily trained, and can even learn more advanced service-dog-style work.
- You plan on spending lots of time outdoors being active or exercising and want a companion to share in these activities with you.
- You require a low-shedding and low-dander producing dog due to allergies or personal preference.
The Australian labradoodle is not the right dog for you if:
- You plan to leave your dog at home for more than eight hours at a time, or you will have to travel frequently without taking your dog with you – this can create anxiety, unhappiness, and behavioral issues in an Australian labradoodle.
- You live in a small apartment and don’t have access to outdoor areas – this can be problematic for the larger-sized Australian labradoodle, and even smaller versions of this breed might be unhappy without lots of room to play in.
- You aren’t able to meet the Australian labradoodle’s exercise requirements. This dog needs at least 30 minutes to an hour of exercise daily, plus time spent playing with toys and receiving mental stimulation. Anything less, and they are prone to behavioral issues and unhappiness.
We hope that by reviewing our complete dog breed guide for the Australian labradoodle you can easily make a decision about whether or not this dog is the best breed for you. And remember, no matter which dog you decide to add to your family, as long as you show it lots of love and proper care, you are sure to live happily with your furry friend.