Australian Labradoodles
How Healthy Are Australian Labradoodles?
An Australian Labradoodle's health starts long before the day a puppy comes home. Breeding lines, examinations of the parents, responsible breeding decisions and sensible family care during the first months all matter.
Włochata Pasja goes a step further
At Włochata Pasja, we have gone a step further with health testing. In addition to the standard examinations required by our association, we genetically test our dogs for 22 diseases to which Australian Labradoodle foundation breeds may be predisposed.
We also examine DNA markers for 170 other potential genetic diseases. This allows us to guarantee that various conditions will not appear in subsequent generations of your four-legged family members.
We provide every family with the detailed DNA code for their puppy's parents.
These tests reveal the percentage contribution of each foundation breed in an individual dog. This helps you know what you are buying: a multigenerational Australian Labradoodle with tested and identified proportions of the breed's different ancestors.
Not every line is the same
People often choose an Australian Labradoodle because they believe these are the healthiest dogs. What a disappointment some have faced when their dog turned out to need hip replacements.
There are healthy lines, but there are also poor lines from which we can expect problems. In the United States and Australia, for example, more health issues are appearing in the breed. The same is beginning to happen in the Netherlands.
This stems from the breed's growing popularity and the use of poor breeding lines, often to save money.
How do you find a good Australian Labradoodle breeder?
A good breeder registers dogs with a reputable association focused on the breed's welfare rather than quick profit.
They examine their breeding dogs' health. All hip and elbow scans should take place AFTER the dog's first birthday. Testing at four months, which is unfortunately common, is not sufficient: examinations repeated after a year often produce an unfavorable result, making the dog unsuitable for breeding.
Ask your BREEDER to provide test results. When early results are treated as conclusive, breeders often fail to repeat the examinations.
A good breeder INVESTS in good lines and does not cut corners on breeding dogs. Yes, these dogs can be expensive. Part of the Australian Labradoodle's price reflects the investment in healthy, tested lines.
A Labradoodle breeder invests in good nutrition and appropriate exercise for their dogs.
What can a future owner do?
Choose a good, honest breeder. Research thoroughly. Do not buy simply because someone happens to have puppies available. Unfortunately, rushed decisions are often mistaken ones.
Feed your puppy a properly balanced diet. This gives the puppy the best possible start, supporting not only the skeleton but the whole body.
Provide moderate exercise without overworking the puppy before 14 months of age. This is very important. Even promising hips can be damaged by excessive activity, such as repeatedly throwing a ball for a puppy or taking the puppy jogging for miles. Wait until your dog is old enough for these activities.
Other health considerations
Ear care should be sensible. Contrary to what some believe, care does not mean cleaning every week: clean ears when they are dirty. Do not pluck the hair, which forms a natural protective barrier.
We clip a path from one ear, beneath the chin, to the other ear to allow ventilation. Dry this area thoroughly after bathing, because moisture creates a favorable environment for fungal growth.
Inappropriate ear hygiene, whether neglect or excessive care, often leads to recurring infections.
The breeder should provide PRCD-PRA eye-test results.
Health, exercise and everyday observation
Continue exploring
Health Testing — Health examinations, genetics and well-being within the breeding program.
Exercise — Movement, activities and healthy ways to use your dog's energy.
Diet — Nutrition basics and good everyday habits.