Australian Labradoodle Basics
The Australian Labradoodle is a unique hybrid breed that is beloved for its loyal and loving personality. But before you bring one of these dogs home to be a part of your family, you should learn about their needs. Check out the information below to understand what it takes to keep these furry companions happy and healthy.
The Australian Labradoodle is a cross with Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and Curly Coated Retriever.
Origin
The Australian Labradoodle is a designer dog breed from Australia that breeders started developing in the 1980s in the hopes of creating a new canine breed. While the Australian Labradoodle began as a mix between the Standard or Miniature Poodle and the Labrador Retriever, this multi-generation breed now consists of several different breeds that include the English Cocker Spaniel, the American Cocker Spaniel, the Curly Coated Retriever, and the Irish Water Spaniel.
Pedigree
The Australian Labradoodle is a cross between a purebred Poodle, Labrador Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, and Curly Coated Retriever.
Food / Diet
To give your pet the best nutrition, choose one of the high quality, species-appropriate diets that are available. If you are hoping to feed your pet a homemade or raw diet, consult with your vet so you can be certain that your meals will be nutritionally balanced.
When feeding your Australian Labradoodle a dry food, you can give your pet around 2½ to 3 cups of food every day, split into at least two meals. If you are going to also give your pooch a high quality canned food for dogs, though, just reduce the amount of dry food accordingly to prevent unwanted weight gain.
The Australian Labradoodle can be described as loyal, non-aggressive, happy, social, curious, and clever.
Training
This breed is known for being easy to train, so your dog will pick up on tricks and rules in a short amount of time. Just beware that these canines can develop a rude attitude if they aren’t properly socialized and trained from puppyhood, so start training your pooch as soon as possible. Also, to prevent your pet from becoming too dominant, use every training session to establish yourself as the pack leader.
Always keep your training sessions engaging and positive. Use rewards, treats, and praise to motivate your pet, and avoid becoming harsh. Remain patient, consistent, and firm so your dog will learn the rules in no time.
Weight
A medium to large-sized breed, the Australian Labradoodle weighs between 30 and 77 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
The Australian Labradoodle can be described as loyal, non-aggressive, happy, social, curious, and clever. You can also expect that your pet will be amusing and active. When properly socialized and trained, these pooches are friendly and they get along well with children and other pets, including other canines. They aren’t afraid to show affection, and they will form a tight bond with your family. They even make great therapy dogs and guide dogs.
Common Health Problems
Like all other hybrid breeds, the Australian Labradoodle might be prone to inheriting the health problems that most commonly affect its parent breeds. However, crossbreeds tend to be surprisingly hardy and healthy, and there really is no guarantee that your pet will inherit any problems from his parents. Plus, there is no way to determine an individual dog’s long-term health, so the best you can do is simply be aware of the potential problems that can develop and work with your vet to keep your companion as healthy as possible.
The Australian Labradoodle might be prone to conditions that include patellar luxation, hip and elbow dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease, and progressive retinal atrophy.
Life Expectancy
The Australian Labradoodle has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years.
Exercise Requirements
To prevent unwanted behaviors, you’ll need to provide your Australian Labradoodle with daily mental and physical activities that will keep him happy while also allowing him to release his energy in a positive way.
Australian Labradoodles require a lot of exercise, so you should take your pooch to the dog park to run and play with other canines, and you can also go on long walks or jogs together. If you’re active in the great outdoors, you can take your furry friend with you, and if you have a safe, enclosed backyard, your dog will love running around and playing off-leash with you.
While indoors, provide your pet with a range of toys that will keep him mentally stimulated, as doing so will help prevent boredom.
Australian Labradoodles require a lot of exercise.
Recognized Clubs
The Australian Labradoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), the International Australian Labradoodle Association, Inc. (IALA), and the Labradoodle Association of Australia (LAA).
Coat
Australian Labradoodles can have a curly or wavy fleece coat. You will need to brush your pet regularly, such as twice a week, in order to keep the fur healthy and clean. You might also need to trim the coat a few times a year to keep it looking its best. Shedding should be minimal, and these dogs might be suitable for those with allergies.
Puppies
As is the case with any puppy, you should give your pooch a safe and clean environment in which he can grow and explore. Always supervise children who are playing with your puppy so you can prevent injuries.
While your Australian Labradoodle is still a puppy, take the opportunity to train him so he learns the rules of the house. Also use this time to socialize your pet so he’ll grow up to be friendly and welcoming, as well as comfortable in a variety of settings and around other animals.
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