The Labradoodle originated in Australia from The Guide Dog Association of Australia, when the association received a enquiry from a blind woman in Hawaii, requesting a guide dog that would not aggravate her allergies. Mr. Wally Conron was the driving force behind this program, which first bred a Labrador to the Standard Poodle. The Australian Labradoodle, continues to be the gold standard by which all labradoodles are measured.

After years of research, the Australian lines (from Rutland Manor and Tegan Park) have been brilliantly developed. They have developed Labradoodles that are consistent in gentle temperaments, allergy/asthma friendly, non-shedding coats and wonderful intelligence. These are the qualities we want in our dogs, as we continue this incredible line!

Overall, the Australian Labradoodle is a fun loving, quiet, calm yet comical, loving companion for families, as well as a fantastic service animal, being easily trainable, loyal and intelligent. The Labradoodle is not a recognized breed as of yet, however, many breeders are working toward developing a breed standard for the future recognition of the Labradoodle.

Sizing Classifications of Labradoodles:

Miniature/Small (15-30 lbs, 13-17 in" at the shoulder). This is actually a Medium Sized dog by general dog standards, but in "doodle" terms, constitutes a "mini/small". For example, the Chocolate dog kissing my daughter to the left is considered a Small.

Medium (30-45 lbs, 17-21" at shoulder). This is a larger dog, often closer to a Lab size.

Standard (45-90 lbs, 22" or more at shoulder). The typical weight is between 60-70 pounds. This is a very large and sturdy dog.

Photo examples of sizes of Labradoodles

F1, F2B, ALF, Australian....HUH???

Important Information RE Generations of Labradoodles:

Anyone can Breed a Labrador Retriever to a Poodle and call those puppies "Labradoodles", which is technically correct. However there is a HUGE difference between a first generation Labradoodle,(F1, Lab bred to Poodle), and a an Australian or Multigenerational Labradoodle whose lines have been developed for many many years, if not decades, with purposeful and well-thought out pairings. Early generations of Labradoodles may have inconsistent coats and shed, and not posess the hypoallergenic qualities that so many seek. Also, if a Breeder does NOT conduct proper health testing to screen out genetic disorders, you may end up with a wonderful puppy, but one that sadly develops life-altering health issues, even in it's early years. Breeders like myself who do COMPLETE health screenings and choose only from the finest lines, and then create pairings based on the optimal results for health and temperament above all, as well as overall conformity of the Breed, would like to differentiate the terminology behind the generations and what each may "mean".

If you are new to Labradoodles and you talk to someone who is familiar with the Breed, you might get lost in all the “Labradoodle lingo”. Here is a little reference guide to help you through....

F1 = 50% Labrador and 50% Poodle (most likely shed, size restrictions, usually standard)

F1-B = 25% Labrador Retriever and 75% Poodle (F1 Labradoodle and Poodle cross) - Still may shed, coat quality uncertain, size restrictions

F2 = F1 Labradoodle and F1 Labradoodle cross (still questionable coats and size restictions)

F3 = F2 Labradoodle and F1 Labradoodle cross or similar, and so on. F3 or above is considered "Multi-generation" (see below).

(LO) = Labradoodle Origin - This term describes the dogs above or dogs that have exclusively Labrador and Poodle Parent Breeds in their background.

(AL) = Australian Labradoodle - a dog made up of six different breeds : Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Soft Coated Wheaton, American Cocker Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel. These breeds were selected over many years by researchers in Australia to develop specific traits and qualities. These dogs must have over three generations of AL-to-AL in their pedigree to be considered an Mutigen Australian Labradoodle. According to new guidelines from Australain Labradoodle Association of America, to be considered an "Australain Labradoodle", the dog must at least contain Lab, Poodle, and Cocker. **

Multi-generation = This is an F3 generation or greater. Multi-generation can also refer to an Australian Labradoodle Foundation Dog (ALF) - This term describes dogs that have both the Labradoodle Origin (LO) and an Australian Labradoodle (AL) Parent Breed in their heritage.

**IMPORTANT NOTE** all dogs formerly referred to as ALFs are now considered Australian Labradoodles.

Infusion - In the development of any new breed, a dog breed is “infused” with another breed (as those mentioned above were "infused" into the AL) to develop whatever traits the breeder is trying to achieve. With the Australian Labradoodle and the Labradoodle, infusion of the list of dogs above is an accepted and expected process. Infusion is important not only to improve the looks or temperament of a dog breed, but also to create a larger gene pool.

*The Cockapoo Puppy

The Cockapoo possesses many of the same qualities of the Labradoodle, but are comprised soley of the two Breeds, Cocker Spaniel adn Poodle. Cockapoos of lower generations are more apt to exhibit allergy friendly coats than lower generations of Labradoodles are. They are also very intelligent, and highly trainable, and are extremely friendly and social dogs that aim to please theri "human". They are typically on the whole a smaller breed than the Labradoodle, and tend to be shorter/stockier than even Mini Labradoodles at the same weight. They range from typically 10-30 lbs on average, but have been known to be larger or smaller when bred accordingly to Toy or Standard Poodles.

F1 = 50% Cocker Spaniel and 50% Poodle (Low to no shed)

F1-B = 25% Cocker Spaniel and 75% Poodle (F1 Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross) - No shed

F2 = F1 Cockapoo & F1 Cockapoo cross (Low to no-shed when bred for coat consistency)

F3 = F2 Cockapoo and F1 Cockapoo cross or similar, and so on. F3 or above is considered "Multi-generation".

Multi-generation = This is an F3 generation Cockapoo or greater. Greatest coat consistency, as well as predictibility.

We hope this helped to clear things up a bit if you are a bit confused! (I know I was at first!) Enjoy our web site and feel free to inquire more with us about these wonderful breeds!