What Is An Australian Labradoodle?

Although they are a relatively new breed, Australian Labradoodles have spiked tremendously in popularity in recent decades. It’s easy to see why. Their irresistibly soft coats, happy demeanor, and fun-loving nature make Australian Labradoodles a standout breed that any loving home would be lucky to adopt.

What exactly is an Australian Labradoodle vs. a normal Labradoodle? What kind of care do they need? Are they good dogs to have when you have children? We’ll answer all of that and more below. Keep reading on for more information on Australian Labradoodles.

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Australian Labradoodle vs. Labradoodle

parti black and white labradoodle — A Parti Labradoodle (in this cause black and white)

If you’ve begun researching different breeds, chances are you’ve run into some confusion about Australian Labradoodles vs. Labradoodles. Even though they are two separate breeds, many people mix the two up and confuse them with one another. It’s easy to see why. Both breeds have distinctive hypoallergenic curly hair, are very active, and are highly intelligent.

So, what is the difference? It boils down to generational differences. A Labradoodle can be F1, F2, F3, multi-generation, and so forth. On the other hand, Australian Labradoodles are all fifth-generation (F5 or higher).

Because Australian Labradoodles are fifth-generation and higher, they are incredibly dependable in terms of breed consistency. Whereas straight Labradoodles differ significantly once multiple generational breeding happens, Australian Labradoodles remain remarkably consistent, making them ideal for those looking for specific breeds.

Another significant difference is the possible parents. A Labradoodle will only have Labrador and Poodle genes since they are only bred from those two breeds. Australian Labradoodles can have six likely parental breeds. These parental breeds include Labrador, Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, and American Cocker Spaniel.

Coat and Physical Features

Physically, Australian Labradoodles tend to be medium-sized dogs. Here is a bit of information on their physical attributes:

Standard-sized Australian Labradoodles are about 21 to 24 inches tall
They can weigh around 45 to 77 pounds
Their coat can be wiry, wooly, wavy, curly, or fleece-like
The color of the coat also varies, including cream, gold, red, black, chocolate, brindle, and multi-patterned

An Australian Labradoodle has a fantastic coat and standout features that make them instantly recognizable. Plus, their long curly hair makes them excellent for dog-lovers with allergies.

Although many people think that Australian Labradoodles are fully hypoallergenic, this is a bit of a misconception. All animals shed and have dander. Routine shedding of fur and hair is integral in keeping a dog’s coat healthy and shiny.

Even so, there is much less dander with Australian Labradoodles as their long hair can keep excess dander from falling off. Since many people experience fewer allergic issues with Labradoodles, they have been coined a hypoallergenic breed.

With long hair comes the issue of mats. Australian labradoodle owners must take their pets for regular grooming to keep their coats knot-free and healthy.

Breeding Multiple Generations

two labradoodles in the dog park — Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park.

Unlike standard Labradoodles, Australian Labradoodles are very consistent as they move through different generations. As a result, physical characteristics and attributes are more predictable and consistent in the higher generations.

You can breed Australian Labradoodles together and always know that you’ll get a dog that looks like how you want it. It is the same when you adopt a puppy. If it’s an Australian Labradoodle, it will grow up and look how you expect them to.

Temperament

What is an Australian Labradoodle? 1 — Labradoodle is an active breed that loves to play outdoors! (Image: Instagram/@charlie_the_sweetest_doodle)

Australian Labradoodles are known for their excellent temperament, making them ideal dogs to have around young children. These dogs come from a long lineage of working dogs (Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel), so they’re pretty active and can even be a little hyper if not exercised properly.

If you adopt an Australian Labradoodle, aim to exercise them every day for 30 to 60 minutes, and make sure to give them enough mental stimulation to make sure they don’t get bored once they’re back inside.

Aside from the large amount of exercise they need, they have relatively mild temperaments. They’re moderate barkers (and only bark when there’s a real need to). They’re great around other people and dogs, especially when trained and socialized from an early age.

Training

Australian Labradoodles are highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They’re a popular breed to use for guide and therapy dogs because they’re so clever.

However, they can develop rude behavior and attitudes because they are so clever, so it’s essential to train your Australian Labradoodle as soon as possible. It’s equally important to establish dominance early on so your Australian Labradoodle views you as the pack leader.

When you begin training your dog, make sure to keep the sessions upbeat, engaging, fun, and positive. Never become too harsh as this may have the opposite effects and have your dog lash out. If unsure of how to properly train your dog, hiring a certified trainer is always a good place to start.

Check out local dog trainers today to get you and your Australian Labradoodle started.

Diet

A well-balanced diet is vital to the health and happiness of any dog, and Australian Labradoodles are no exception. For dry food, most owners feed their new pets around 2½ to 3 cups of food every day and split those portions into two meals. You can certainly supplement with canned food, but make sure to watch the portions to prevent weight gain.

Most dogs benefit from a high protein, high-fat diet with minimal carbohydrates. When choosing your pet food, make sure to consult your vet to give your dog as a balanced and nutritionally healthy meal as possible.

standard labradoodle wavy brown coat — The golden brown coat of a tan Labradoodle enjoying the beach

Common Health Problems

feeling sick Labradoodle dog — The Labradoodle is feeling under the weather. (Image: Instagram/@mister_huxley)

Unfortunately, all dogs are susceptible to specific health problems as they age. Australian Labradoodles are no exception. Because they are a hybrid breed, they’re vulnerable to particular health issues as they get older and might be prone to inheriting the health problems that most commonly affect their parent breeds.

Common health conditions that typically affect the Australian Labradoodle include:

Patellar luxation
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Von Willebrand’s disease
Progressive retinal atrophy

To have the best chance of seeing your Australian Labradoodle age without any severe health complications, make sure to keep them healthy all through their puppy and adult years. See the vet regularly, feed them high-quality food, and make sure they get enough exercise to keep their bodies strong and fit.

Outside of suffering from health problems, the Australian Labradoodle has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years. Make sure to enjoy the time you have together by taking good care of them throughout those 15 years.

Should You Adopt an Australian Labradoodle?

Australian Labradoodles make excellent companions. Because of their friendly, non-aggressive nature, they make a great addition to any family. However, they do need quite a bit of entertainment, stimulation, and exercise. If you don’t have time to take care of them, they can get overly hyper, antsy, and even aggressive, so think carefully if you have the time commitment to take care of them.

They are medium-sized dogs, which means that ideally, they should be homed in a house with a yard where they can get out pent-up energy after their walks and exercise. However, if you have the time, the space, and the energy, Australian Labradoodles are genuinely an excellent pet.

happy labradoodle puppy — Can Labradoodles smile? its hard to argue against when you see a happy puppy like this!

Final Thoughts

Australian Labradoodles are one of the more popular breeds in America today, and it’s no surprise why.

They’re clever and intelligent, making them quite the personality to add to your home. Their soft fur makes them cuddly, and they’re affectionate. They’re great to have around people, kids, other pets, and other dogs, and smart enough only to bark when there’s a reason, so they’re great guard dogs.

All in all, if you’re thinking of adopting a furry friend, consider the wonderful Australian Labradoodle. Check out a shelter or an ethical breeder to find your Australian Labradoodle today.