Australian Labradoodles

Australian Labradoodles in Europe

Over the past several years, Australian Labradoodles have become one of the most popular breeds in the United States. They are also attracting growing attention in Europe. Many people first became interested in doodles because of their nonshedding, allergy-friendly coats. Australian Labradoodles want to work with people, learn quickly and become deeply attached to their human family.

This is one of the few breeds described as HYPOALLERGENIC. Most people with allergies are understandably skeptical about having a dog. I know this from experience: I had to find new homes first for my parrot and then for my Basset Hound. I can only suggest visiting Włochata Pasja to see for yourself whether our dogs trigger an allergic reaction.

My allergies grew worse from year to year, and then I developed asthma. My allergist strongly advised against having a dog. I was sent for tests that, of course, confirmed my fears. I worried that I would never be able to pursue my passion: dogs and working with them. I read extensively about allergy-friendly dogs but remained very skeptical. Before deciding to get one, I visited the breeder several times to watch for allergic reactions.

What does hypoallergenic mean?

Not so long ago, public awareness of these breeds was very limited. While searching online — Polish-language information was scarce — I came across a forum about a breed described as hypoallergenic. There I found an amusing definition: HYPO supposedly meant very, extremely or enormously, with someone even making a comparison to a hippopotamus; ALLERGENIC meant causing allergies. Put together, they concluded, it meant a dog that causes severe allergies. It is rather funny how people develop their own theories, isn't it?

For a while, one thought occupied my mind: so many people around the world faced the same difficulties as I did, and sadly their numbers seemed likely to grow. How many of them were people with disabilities who needed an assistance dog? How many people with allergies or asthma would need a working dog? I decided to find a breed suited to working with people, with the potential to do so, while also being allergy-friendly.

Discovering Beverley Manners' program

Some time later, I read an article in the monthly magazine Mój Pies by Magda Urban of the Psia Wachta Foundation. It was about Beverley Manners in Australia and her wonderful Australian Labradoodles. I knew I had found what I was looking for. I contacted her without delay, and we developed a wonderful relationship. Beverley shared her valuable experience with me for about a year. Today, I feel confident enough to continue her program and help write the history of Australian Labradoodles in Poland.

Australian Labradoodles at Włochata Pasja

Continue exploring

Breed History — The origins and development of the Australian Labradoodle breeding program.

Labradoodles and Allergies — What to consider before meeting a dog and choosing a breeder.

A Breed or a Mixed-Breed Dog? — Ancestry, multigenerational breeding and the breed standard.