About Australian Labradoodles
History
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- >> Generations
- >> Colours and Breed Standard
- >> Coat Type and Sizes
THE FIRST LABRADOODLE
In 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.
WORLDWIDE POPULARITY
Labradoodles 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 PERFECT LABRADOODLE
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.
