Parent Breeds

In mid 2004 it was announced

That the Australian Labradoodle was not just a Labrador x Poodle cross but was a breed in its own right developed over many years with particular goals in mind.

To accomplish these goals

Further development was done with parent breed infusions added to the already blooming Labrador x Poodle cross lines. The developers of the breed sought out the best way in which to compliment the Australian Labradoodle breed, and to develop the qualities that we find and love in these dogs.

In 1997 the very first Australian Labradoodle

Breed Standard was written which reflected these goals. For more information about the current Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard go to the Breed Standard Page. The ALA publicly acknowledge and recognize at the ALA’s October 2004 Annual General Meeting the six different parent breeds used in the further development of the Australian Labradoodle.

The Confirmed and Approved Parent Breeds of the Australian Labradoodle are:

  • Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Irish Water Spaniel
  • Curly Coat Retriever
  • American Cocker Spaniel
  • English Cocker Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel was the first non-Poodle/Labrador used in the development of the Australian Labradoodle.

The main goal of this Parent breed

Infusion was to produce the rich chocolate colour in the Australian Labradoodle that you now see today without loosing the Allergy and Asthma friendly coat. The Curly Coat Retriever followed bringing back some of the “Retriever” qualities into the Australian Labradoodle.

While the Curley Coat Retriever

Was able to bring in some positive “Retriever” qualities they also brought in some negative qualities such as the shorter hair on the face and muzzle of the dogs. In the Australian Labradoodle breed this trait has become known as an “Open Face”. Also noted, as a negative was aloofness, this trait is to be bred away from. The English and American Cocker Spaniel are the last recognized Parent Breeds of the Australian Labradoodle.

Their use with that of the miniature poodle

Was to develop the miniature size (13-17 inches) in the Australian Labradoodle. The Cocker gave the miniature size the boning/stockiness that was being lost by managing the size purely with miniature poodles. The negatives that are now being bred away from are domed heads, long ears, and shedding coats.

These six Parent Breeds

Are the ONLY approved Parent Breeds used in the development of the Australian Labradoodle to date. The ALA does not recognize any other parent breeds than those listed and used above. Any Australian Labradoodle infused with other Parent Breeds than those listed above will not be considered for registration.