Labradoodle Breed
Australian Labradoodle HistoryThe First LabradoodleIn the 1980’s Wally Conran the breeding manager of the of the Australian Guide Dogs Assoc in Victoria, first purposely mated a Poodle and a Labrador Retriever to produce a hypo-allergenic guide dog, for a visually impaired woman in Hawaii. Of the three resulting offspring, only one puppy, Sultan proved to be suitable. Sultan’s allergy-friendly coat, trainability and temperament produced the first officially purpose bred Labradoodle. Multi GenerationTegan Park and Rutland Manor introduced other breed infusions into Labradoodles and went on to further develop, promote and market the non-shedding Multi-Generation Labradoodle, selling many breeding labradoodles worldwide. Kate Schoeffel a veterinarian of Condobolin, NSW; was the first to introduce and breed miniature labradoodles in 1994. Worldwide PopularityLabradoodles reached great popularity worldwide, especially with the advent of the internet. Recommended Breeder websites were set up to provide information and encourage health testing and provide a forum for discussion and sharing of knowledge; with the earliest being Blue Sterlings Goldendoodle site. This public breed community has developed into one of the largest in the dog breeding world and has come to the aid of many a breeder, family or pet in need. The First Labradoodle AssociationsBreed Associations were set-up; first in Australia and then in the United States; to uphold ethics, monitor the development of the breed and maintain a pedigree database registry. Two of these Associations (ALA and ALAA) joined forces to create a shared vision and work cooperatively on an International Association (IALA) Breed Standard, Grading Scheme and the sharing of Registry pedigree information. Compulsary Health TestingThe Breed Associations introduced a new of level compulsory health testing (hips, elbows, PRA eye, DNA parentage verification) requirements, previously unheard of in the pure-bred dog world. The Internet created access to a new level of information, which has led to more knowledgeable pet buyers. Testing was expensive and further increased the price of Labradoodles, but the newly educated public, via the internet, embraced, expected and encouraged this new level of responsible breeding via health testing. Breeders provided Written Health Guarantees and Lifetime Re-homing for their Labradoodles. The Perfect LabradoodleThe recipe for the perfect Labradoodle is still being developed and monitored adapted by these associations. Labradoodles are becoming very consistent in type and now breeding true, but of course new lines are still needed to ensure the genetic diversity of the Australian Labradoodle. It will only be a few short years before the required criteria is met; to become a recognized breed with the International Kennel Clubs. For a new breed to become recognized it must be more than the combination of two breeds. Labradoodles in the past are known to have in addition to Poodle and Labrador Retriever; American/English Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel. It appears that the Curly Coated Retriever and Irish Water Spaniel were very minor contributors to the breed and will probably never be used further. Though the name Labradoodle is a bit of a misnomer, it is the name that everyone knows and recognizes and to change names now would only create confusion. Breed History Source: Cloud Catcher Labradoodles Australian Labradoodle Coats
FleeceThe Fleece textured coat is a soft texture as in the Angora goat. It can either have a straight wavy look or a soft spiralling curl look. It is an easy to manage textured coatWoolThe Wool coat is like a lamb’s wool in texture. It should have the appearance of looser spiralling wool, which opens up easily to the skin. It should not appear thick and dense or tightly curled.HairThe hair coat has odor and sheds in varying degrees. (Usually seen in the early generation dogs)Australian Labradoodle Coats Source: Australian Labradoodle Association |
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