Breed History:
It is said that the Labradoodle has it's intentional*
origins in a special guide dog named Sultan who was
specifically bred in Australia for his vision impaired
companion, Pat Blum, in
Hawaii, whose husband had a problem with allergies.
Wally Conron, Breeding Manager, for GDAV Guide Dog Services
is reported to have bred the first litter of Labradoodles in
1989 through a mating between a standard poodle named Harley
and a Labrador named Brandy in an attempt to lessen the
likelihood
of allergic reactions.
John Gosling, manager of GDAV Guide Dog Services, arranged
for a sample of fur from three pups in that litter to be
sent to Hawaii at different ages. Two of the siblings fur
samples
repeatedly caused allergic reactions while even Sultan’s
adult coat caused no reaction at all.
Source:
http://www.guidedogs.asn.au/
Temperament:
Labradoodles are one of the most people-loving breeds you'll
encounter! They thrive on human companionship and are so
willing to please that they absolutely excel as service
dogs for people with physical disabilities, including the
blind, as well as companion dogs for the elderly. The ultimate
family dog, the Labradoodle combines the very best qualities
of the Standard Poodle and Labrador Retriever breeds; intelligence,
loyalty, protectiveness, gentleness, and even a "sense
of humor' (dog style!). Due to their high level of intelligence,
they are easy to train, but can also easily get the upper
hand with their human counterparts if not properly trained
and disciplined from an early age. The breed is also very
versatile - they make wonderful watchdogs that are very
loyal to their family. They can adapt to climates both warm
and cold, and can also adapt to different lifestyles - whether
an active family life, or a quiet lifestyle with a disabled
person.
Appearance:
Eager to please and eager to learn, the Labradoodle makes
a great choice for allergy sufferers and tidy-a-holics alike.
The breed has a coat that does not shed, and is low allergy.
Another bonus... NO DOGGIE ODOR! Labradoodles are a bit
meatier and heavier than their Standard Poodle forbearers,
featuring the strong front legs of the Labrador Retriever.
Unlike the Labrador, this breed is longer, rather than blocky
in build. Labradoodles come in different sizes; Standard,
Medium and Miniature, and, like the Standard Poodle, their
coats come in an assortment of colors; Black, Cream, Chocolate,
Cafe au Lait, Apricot and Silver Creams, Apricot, Chocolate,
Cafe au Lait and Silver. Coats can be curly or wavy, and
4 to 6 inches in length. Labradoodles have a broad head
with large, round, expressive eyes set well apart, a big,
square nose, and a low-set, saber-like tail.
Size:
Standard: Height- 21-24 inches
Standard: Weight- Female - 45-60 pounds Male- 55-77 pounds
Medium: Height- 18-23 inches
Medium: Weight- 40-55 pounds Males being the larger.
Miniature: Height- 17 to 20 inches
Miniatures: Weight- 26-55 pounds Males being the larger.
Life Expectancy: 12 - 15 years
Grooming Requirements:
Labradoodles are low maintenance dogs in the grooming department!
They have a water-repellant coat that resists dirt and moisture.
Wavy coat Labradoodle puppies need only an occasional brushing
to keep them in good shape. Curly coat Labradoodles are
a little more labor-intensive; they need to be clipped a
few times a year, and should be brushed regularly.
If
you like the Labradoodle - you'll love the Goldendoodle!
A cross between the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle,
Goldendoodles offer the best of both breeds - and a bonus
- a phenomenon called "Hybrid Vigor", which essentially
means that the breed is healthier and longer lived than
either of it's purebred parents, and inherits the strongest
and best qualities of each parent.