about_labradoodles

The Labradoodle…The facts behind the Breed

The Labradoodle was first bred in Australia as a Guide Dog for people with allergies in the 1970s. Wally Cochran is the person credited with their initial development during the 1980s. Wide television coverage of this new breed of dog instigated a large response from the general public and several dog breeders started breeding the Labradoodle. Labradoodles have light to non-shedding coats… but you don’t have to have allergies to appreciate little to no dog hair being deposited around your home and the Labradoodle was quickly gaining popularity as a family pet.

The Labradoodle is a cross breed and confronts many problems of pedigree dog breeding, it does this in the most effective way … as the breed steps away from pedigree dogs and the their breed problems by actively widening the gene pool, which is exactly what cross-breeding achieves. Cross-breeding should be a deliberate and carefully considered mating of two first class representatives of their respective breeds to ensure the best possible combination. Crossing any old Labrador with any old Poodle would not produce the quality of first generation puppies we strive for.

We only breed first generation puppies (Labrador X Poodle) saying that these have the best ‘hybrid vigour’ and temperaments. These are referred to as
F1 Labradoodles. Although not recognised as pure breeds they still come with a full pedigree certificate detailing their breeding history.

Labradoodle breeding starts with a Labrador (short, straight, hair coat) and a Poodle (long, curly, woolly coat). One sheds a lot, one not at all. In fact, total opposites. It is this dissimilarity in genes that possibly makes them such excellent candidates for the benefits of cross breeding. On the basis that the worst coat shedding of a Labradoodle is minimal compared to a Labrador …and we celebrate this diversity as a visible sign of hybrid vigour.

The Labradoodle temperament is, without doubt, as good as it gets in the dog world and is a particularly strong feature of first generation puppies. Constantly described as confident, clever, loving and loveable, vivacious, loyal, affectionate, joyful, sociable, friendly, comical, intuitive, totally non-aggressive and devoted to their family, they clearly have everything going for them!

They are excellent with children, love water (both Labradors and Poodles are descended from hunting dogs bred to work in water – the Labrador from the St. John’s Newfoundland and the Poodle from the pan-European Water Spaniel) and are natural swimmers. I read a particularly good description on one of the Labradoodle web sites about how they ‘melt into mellowness when touched by human hand’. This is very true!

As puppies they are adaptable, remarkably unstressed and just seem to take new things in their stride. They do not like being left on their own for any length of time, however, feel rejection keenly and crave contact with their ‘family’. They can easily become bored and must have sustained, structured training in their early life.

Labradoodles are very intelligent dogs and need lots of social interaction and mental stimulation. Deprived of this environment, as with other breeds renowned for their intelligence, their frustration and unhappiness could lead to behaviour problems. If your lifestyle would mean frequently leaving a dog on its own for lengthy periods, it is unlikely that the Labradoodle is the dog for you.

We strongly recommend that you join local puppy socialisation and training classes. Your veterinary surgeon will have details of these – indeed they may be organised by the surgery. Once basic training is completed it would be entirely up to you how far you go. Given their temperament, intelligence and agility, going on to more advanced Obedience and Agility training should be an extremely enjoyable and rewarding experience for both you and the dog. We would expect Labradoodles to excel at this kind of activity.

Labradoodles are a joy to have around and can fill your life with fun and laughter, love your puppy and it will love you and be your greatest fan.

Cream and Chocolate Miniature Labradoodle Puppies Available October 2007