Labradoodles, a crossbreed between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle, have become a popular hybrid breed for their high intelligence, trainability, hypoallergenic coats, and friendly nature.
Likewise, Australian Labradoodles, developed from Labradoodles and additional parent breeds like the Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, and English Cocker Spaniel, feature a largely similar appearance and demeanor.
But while both are categorized as a Labradoodle dog breed, there are some notable differences besides their lineage, which can be hard to spot for the average person.
Selecting the right breed is vital by considering factors such as temperament and lifestyle compatibility to ensure the right match between you and the dog.
This post will get down to the basics and compare and contrast these highly similar yet distinct dog breeds. Read on to learn more!
Labradoodle
An early generation Labradoodle origin can be traced back to Australia in the 1980s when Wally Conron sought to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for visually impaired people who were allergic to dogs. That resulted in the breeding of the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. The breed quickly gained popularity for its desirable traits and affectionate temperament.
Labradoodles exhibit a combination of traits from their parent breeds, including intelligence, loyalty, and a friendly and sociable demeanor. They are known for their low-shedding coats and versatility in various roles, from being amiable family pets to working dogs.
Labradoodles come in various coat types, including fleece, wool, and hair, with colors ranging from cream and apricot to chocolate and black. Wool coats require daily grooming to prevent matting.
Labradoodles enjoy being part of an active family but can also adjust to a more relaxed lifestyle. Their versatility and loving nature make them well-suited for different purposes.
Australian Labradoodle
After the development of the Labradoodle, Australian Labradoodle breeders aimed to produce a dog with uniform traits in the 1990s. Accordingly, they added other purebred breeds into the Poodle and Labrador gene pool in the following years. These included the Irish Water Spaniel, Cocker Spaniels, and Curly Coat Retriever.
Bred over multiple generations, the resulting puppies eventually acquired consistent appearance and behavior while exhibiting traits such as intelligence, loyalty, and a friendly disposition. The multigenerational Australian Labradoodle is today sought after for its predictable characteristics and versatility in various roles, such as an assistance dog or service dog.
The Aussie Labradoodle can come in a fleece and wool coat. Their predictable, low-dander, hypoallergenic coats make them a suitable breed for individuals with allergies.
With their gentle and sociable personality, Australian Labradoodles make excellent family pets and therapy dogs. They are affectionate, adaptable, and eager to please, making them well-suited for various lifestyles and environments.
Australian Labradoodles can thrive in diverse spaces, from apartments to spacious suburban homes. Their adaptable nature and moderate energy levels make them suitable companions for individuals and families of all ages.
Australian Labradoodle vs Labradoodle: A Comparative Analysis
While the Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodle feature similar appearances and temperaments to a great extent, there are some notable differences between the two. These include:
Coat Types
One of the main differences between the Australian Labradoodle and the Labradoodle lies in their coat types.
An F1 Labradoodle, which is simply a cross between a Poodle and a Labrador, can often inherit more of the Labrador genes and have a fleece coat that sheds heavily, unlike a Poodle’s curly, hypoallergenic coat.
Therefore, it is hard to predict whether a Labradoodle puppy will grow up to shed more or less, as every litter can have inconsistent traits.
In contrast, the Australian Labradoodles are multiple generations away from the Labrador Retriever. Accordingly, a multi generation Australian Labradoodle puppy is consistently more hypoallergenic with its virtually non-shedding, wavy, or curly coats, unlike the Labradoodle due to minimal Labrador genes. That makes it more suitable for people suffering from dog allergies.
Temperament
Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles share very similar personalities, making them ideal family companions and therapy dogs.
Labradoodles are clever and amiable dogs but can slightly vary in temperament based on their specific parent breeds. They showcase high energy levels and can often be hyperactive.
Likewise, Australian Labradoodles are playful dogs with a gentle and loving nature but have moderate energy levels. They are more calm and relaxed than the Labradoodle.
Exercise and Grooming Requirements
Understanding the exercise and grooming needs of Australian Labradoodles and Labradoodles is essential for prospective owners to ensure proper care and overall health.
While both breeds require regular mental and physical exercise to stay healthy and stimulated, Australian Labradoodles may have more consistent grooming requirements due to their standardized breeding practices, typically needing grooming once a week.
However, Labradoodles may vary in grooming needs or frequency based on coat type and texture.
Trainability and Intelligence
Both Australian Labradoodles and Labradoodles are known for their high level of intelligence and obedience, making them suitable breeds for various roles, be it a family pet or a service dog.
However, Australian Labradoodles may demonstrate a more consistent level of trainability due to their standardized breeding practices, resulting in predictable behavioral traits and responsiveness to training.
Factors to Consider for Prospective Owners
Getting a dog is a life-long commitment, so you must consider various crucial factors before taking the plunge:
Lifestyle and Living Arrangements
Before bringing home a Labradoodle or an Australian Labradoodle, potential owners should assess their lifestyle and living arrangements. Consider factors such as living space, outdoor access, and family dynamics to ensure compatibility with the activity levels and temperament of the breed.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Individuals with a dog allergy or sensitivities should carefully consider the hypoallergenic qualities of Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles.
While both breeds are touted as allergy-friendly, Australian Labradoodles are considered superior to Labradoodles with their ultra-low or non-shedding coats.
Activity Level and Exercise Needs
Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles have moderate to high activity levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy and avoid anxiety issues. As a potential owner, you must be prepared to invest time in daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation to meet the dog’s activity needs.
The Australian Labradoodle might be the ideal choice if you don’t have a highly active lifestyle due to the breed’s comparatively laid-back nature.
Final Thoughts
By putting in careful thought and considering the factors that make an Australian Labradoodle and a Labradoodle different, you can make an informed decision when choosing between the two breeds.
Whether you are planning to bring home a Labradoodle or an Australian Labradoodle, finding a trusted and reputable breeder is indispensable to finding a healthy puppy that offers a lifetime of happiness.
Organizations such as the Australian Labradoodle Association advocate for responsible and ethical breeding practices, ensuring the health and standardization of Labradoodles.
While you might find many Labradoodles for sale in California, conduct thorough research, visit various Labradoodle breeders, and ask many questions to ensure their responsible breeding practices so you walk away with a healthy and happy bundle of joy.