The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a
Poodle. In the late 1980's
the Guide Dog Association of Australia set out to produce a
non-shedding dog suitable for
service training. Mr. Wally Conren was the driving force behind
this program, and the goal
was to produce a non-shedding guide dog by using a Labrador
Retriever and a Standard Poodle.
The result of this cross produced intelligent, easily trainable
puppies that were the beginning
of the Labradoodle as we now know it. Crossing these two breeds
also gave the Labradoodle a
hybrid vigor and a variety of coat types:
The Wooly Coat: Somewhat poodle like which requires regular
grooming is non-shedding and
allergy and asthma friendly.
The Fleece Coat: The ultimate coat that is easily maintained,
non-shedding, allergy and
asthma friendly and somewhat like that of an Angora Goat.
The Hair Coat: Anything from flat and straight to curls down the
back and possibly wavy
and minimally to profusely shedding, that is less likely to be
allergy and asthma friendly.
Overall, the Labradoodle is a fun loving, quiet, calm yet
comical, loving companion for families
as well as a fantastic service animal, being easily trainable,
loyal and intelligent.
The Labradoodle is not a recognized breed as yet, however, many
breeders are working towards
developing a breed standard for the future recognition of the
Labradoodle. The newly formed
Australian Labradoodle Association of North America (ALANA) and
the newly rejuvenated Labradoodle
Association of Australia (LAA) have been formed to provide a
place to register and record the
Labradoodle to strive to maintain the soundness and integrity of
the breed.