Labradoodles are a wonderful blend of dog breeds that originated in Australia as an effort to provide an allergy free service dog. The beginning cross was a standard poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This is an F1 – Labrador Retriever/Poodle. An F1B is the second generation of this cross. This breeding accomplishes the poodle allergy friendly coat/intelligence and the Labrador vigor, gentleness, etc. – a great combination. The Australian Labradoodle has 6 different dog breed infusions: Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Water Spaniel, American & English Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever.
Later the grading scheme of the ALA Foundation came into play with the ALF1-6 generations. The ALF stands for (A) Australian (L) Labradoodle (F) Foundation (1-6) Generation of animal breeding (P) the parent breed (poodle).
Labradoodles, though starting out as standards, have now developed into three distinctive sizes which are approximately:
Miniatures: 14 – 16 inches tall, 16 – 25 lbs
Mediums: 17 – 20 inches tall, 25 – 40 lbs
Standards: 21 – 24 inches tall, 40 – 65 lbs
Labradoodles come in three different coat types:
Wool Coat: Very curly and similar in touch to a soft lambs coat or in some cases, a little courser, usually non shedding.
Fleece Coat: These coats can be very tightly spiraled, loosely curled & wavy.
The feel of this coat should be silky and soft, usually non-shedding.
Hair Coat: This coat can be straight, wavy straight with a little courser texture to the hair, and may shed a little.
Each coat type presents a difference in approach to grooming. Although wool coats are usually more allergen free, they require a bit more grooming than Fleece. Fleece coats are also allergy friendly and require some grooming. Hair coats require almost no grooming for their coats.
Doodles come in varying colors to please almost everyone: Black, Cream, Silver (born black with a grayish skin), Chalk, Gold, Red, Apricot, Chocolate, Café, Caramel, Blue (a rare color group, born black w/blue skin and under tonings), Lavender (lavender/chocolate w/a pinkish hue), Parchment (is actually born as a milk chocolate & turns a light beige), phantom (a two toned coloration, usually browns & blacks), and parti colored (two colors black/white, brown/white, red/white, etc.)
Doodle Puppy Care
It is important to be prepared before your little puppy comes home to make sure you have the time and facilities that are adequate to house and train your new little doodle so that it will become a pleasure – not a pest. These are very intelligent dogs and can easily train their new owners. It's important that you begin early with the basics of standard obedience training and house rules. Their personalities are such that they want very much to please, and will appreciate your attention. Though very happy at being outdoors to play and run, they should be quartered inside during the night for protection and warmth. Remember, this breed is very sociable and they do need exposure early on to different types of people, age groups, and activities (as should any dog). A good diet, exercise and the basic maintenance of grooming and veterinary care when needed should help your new little Doodle Angel live a long, happy life. The life span of a doodle can be up to 16 years or so. A Labradoodle puppy will be your forever friend when treated with love and care! |
