about the breed
Is My Australian Labradoodle the Real Thing?
Not every dog called a Labradoodle offers predictable appearance, coat, temperament or allergic responses. If a family is looking for particular traits, ancestry, the association and a multigenerational breeding program are essential considerations.
Not all Labradoodles are the same
I have often received calls from families who bought a Labradoodle, only to discover later that the dog does not look like one, sheds or triggers allergies.
These conversations can be very difficult. On the one hand, I feel deeply for someone who has to rehome a dog. On the other, I am surprised, because information that can help people make an informed decision is available online.
Early crosses presented many difficulties with temperament, shedding and allergic reactions. No one could predict what the adult dog would look like or whether it would have the characteristics associated with multigenerational Australian Labradoodles.
Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles offer more predictable traits
This is the key point. If we are looking for a dog with a particular appearance and characteristics, only multigenerational Australian Labradoodles can offer that kind of predictability.
First, these dogs are registered with reputable associations that issue pedigrees and require breeders to carry out health testing and DNA parentage verification.
registration with a reputable association
a pedigree issued by the appropriate association
health testing
DNA testing to verify parentage
What about breed associations?
Unfortunately, some associations allow early crosses or mating a Labradoodle with another breed to reduce costs.
This brings us back to the starting point — although not entirely. Each of us can check what dogs a breeder actually breeds and make an informed decision.
If a breeder has only multigenerational dogs and carries out every required health test, no earlier than one year of age, that is acceptable.
I would stay away from breeders running two or more breeding programs: those who breed multigenerational dogs alongside early-generation crosses.
Our breeding dogs
Our breeding dogs are registered with ALFA-Europe, which accepts only multigenerational Australian Labradoodles in its programs.
Australian Labradoodles showing breed characteristics
These photographs illustrate the article's discussion of responsible ancestry, appearance and the characteristics of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles.
Continue exploring
Buyer Beware — What to watch for in promises and advertisements.
Breed Associations — The organizations and standards behind the breed.
DNA Testing and Identification — DNA identification and parentage verification.