The First Labradoodle
Labradoodles were originally bred in Australia in 1988. Wally Conron, a breeder of guide dogs, was the first-ever intentional breeder of Labradoodles, he used a standard poodle and Labrador retriever to achieve this. The goal was to create a dog that had the laid back nature of the Lab coupled with the intelligence and the non-allergy coat of the Poodle. As the breed gained popularity, many kennels have bred and cross-bred the Labradoodle to better the breed.
Over the years infusions of certain other breeds were bought into the lines, specifically to achieve smaller sizes and more consistent, lower maintenance coats. The breed then became known as the Australian Labradoodle. At this stage of the breed’s development, the Australian Labradoodle includes the Poodle (Standard, miniature or toy), Labrador retriever and the English or American Cocker Spaniel which adds silkiness to the coat. Liberty Labradoodles also include an infusion of the Golden Retriever from some of our girls.
Over the years both Poodles & Labradors have kept a high degree of function (ie agility and freedom of movement) within their breeding. Both breeds were originally bred to be water/gun dogs, were excellent at retrieving waterfowl and due to their intelligence and train-ability, they are still used for hunting to this day.
Labradors are very strong and with their muscular body, are very athletic, playful and very popular for their easy-going gentle/placid natures, they are fantastic around children. Labradors do love their food and can tend to eat themselves to be at the larger end of the scale.
Poodles are a hardy long-lived breed, they have good genetic strengths, as well as a well-proportioned muscular frame, which is helpful in preventing joint problems in Oodles. They love to be close to their human as they can be less self-sufficient than the Labrador. They can also be a little bouncy and excitable.
Both of these breeds are very popular as working and family dogs as well as therapy and service dogs. Bred together, the hugely popular Labradoodle, which seems to moderate the extremes of both breeds, is intelligent, easy-going and an affectionate companion with a low to non-shedding coat.
Our Oodles come in many sizes, here at Liberty Labradoodles, we breed miniatures(12-16 inches shoulder height-approx 7-13kg),
Mediums(17-20 inches shoulder height-13-20kg)……and the larger Standards(approx 20-25 inches shoulder height-approx 21-35kg).
Colours
Labradoodle coats come in a wide variety of shades and colours.
- Black
- Blonde
- Golden
- Apricot
- Red
- Abstract
- Chocolate
- Cafe
- Parti
- Phantom
- Silver
Coat Types
Puppies within a litter can have varying coat types.
Hair Coat
F1 or 1st generation puppies can have a double-layered coat consisting mainly of hair, similar to the Labrador coat. The coarse, straight topcoat has a soft undercoat that is prone to shedding.
Some coats are a blend of hair and fine silky wool which shed much less, puppies/dogs with this type of coat need little maintenance in regards to grooming, apart from a 7-10 day wash/dry/ and brush out to remove the loose fur. These types of coats are fantastic for people who love the low maintenance option and want all of the benefits of an Oodle breed but don’t mind the shedding.
At Liberty, we call this the HAIRY MACLARY coat type.
Fleece Coat
A fleece coat is very low to non-shedding, it looks and hangs looser/shaggier than a wool coat. It is a beautiful coat type and looks fantastic when the dog is in movement.
Wool Coat
Wool is non-shedding, it is a lot thicker, has a tight curl to it that is very similar to sheep’s wool and looks like a poodle coat.
Oodles with either a fleece or wool coat will shed minimal dander (skin cells) which can be a common cause of allergies in humans. This is what makes an Oodle a great choice for any household with allergies. Both the fleece & wool coat don’t have the typical “dog” smell to their coat.
Fleece and wool coats can be kept short or long depending on your lifestyle but generally, weekly brushing is needed, they can be groomed/clipped 3-4 times a year.
Some people bring their Oodles to us every 8-10 weeks for grooming, just to keep their dog’s coats in tip-top condition.
Less washing is required than a hair coat and, if left to dry, most dirt tends to drop out by the following day.