Australian Labradoodle 101: An Intro to the Lab-Cocker Spaniel-Poodle Mix

Wait…isn’t the Australian Labradoodle the same as a Labradoodle? To put it simply, almost – but not quite. (It’s also not to be confused with an Aussiedoodle.) In this article we’ll talk about the origin of the Australian Labradoodle and cover some basic things that you should know! 

Table of Contents

• What Is An Australian Labradoodle?
• Appearance Of An Australian Labradoodle
  • Colors
  • Coat, Shedding And Hypoallergenic Level
  • Size And Weight
• Australian Labradoodle Personality And Temperament
• Where To Get Australian Labradoodle Puppies

What Is An Australian Labradoodle?

Australian Labradoodles are multi-generational Labradoodles where often another breed has been introduced to the mix. The Australian Labradoodle was created to achieve a breed with more predictable and consistent traits. 

Any of these four parental breeds infused into the cross can be used to achieve the Australian Labradoodle:

• Irish Water Spaniel
• Curly Coat Retriever
• English Cocker Spaniel
• American Cocker Spaniel

Most commonly, the English or American Cocker Spaniel will be the third parental breed that’s been added.

To qualify as an Australian Labradoodle, the pup’s pedigree will need to have a Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and an American or English Cocker Spaniel in the mix; or, at least four preceding generations of Labradoodle in its ancestry.

Appearance Of An Australian Labradoodle

Colors

Australian Labradoodles have many color and pattern variations. The most common ones are parti, white, apricot, chocolate, black, merle, lavender, cream, silver, or different shades of brown. 

Another interesting thing is that they can change color over time! So if you have an apricot colored puppy, they will likely have a red coat a few years later. The color will also either darken or fade as they grow older.

Coat, Shedding And Hypoallergenic Level

Thanks to careful and continuous breeding, Australian Labradoodles have low to non-shedding coats. If you have allergies or asthma, they might be perfect for you.

In addition, there are three types of coats they can have:

• Fleece coat – silky, soft, and lightweight coat. It can be either wavy-straight or have a soft curl. This coat type tends to be low to non-shedding and allergy-friendly.
• Wool coat – cotton-like feel and resembles lamb wool. It’s described as loose, curly hair, but can be a bit coarse. This coat type requires more brushing and maintenance than a fleece coat. On the other hand, it is usually non-shedding and even more allergy-friendly.
• Hair coat – straight or slightly wavy hair that’s coarse to the touch. This type of coat can have a doggy odor and is the least allergy-friendly.

	F1	F1b	F2
Coat Description	Coats are usually more wavy than curly, which grows to a typical length of 3-5 inches. May or may not have an undercoat.	Coats are more likely to be curly than wavy, and grows to a typical length of 3-5 inches. May or may not have an undercoat.	Coats can vary greatly – curly, wavy, and anywhere in between – with varying lengths. May or may not have an undercoat.
Grooming/Coat Maintenance*	High care	Very high care	Moderate to very high care
Shedding	Some to light-shedding	Very light to non-shedding	Very light to non-shedding
Allergy Friendliness	Great for people or families with mild allergies	Recommended for people or families with moderate to severe allergies	Recommended for people or families with moderate to severe allergies

Size And Weight

• A Standard Australian Labradoodle stands from 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs about 50 to 70 pounds.
• Medium Australian Labradoodles are around 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh about 30 to 50 pounds.
• A Miniature Australian Labradoodle can be as little as 13 to 16 inches and weigh from just 15 to 30 pounds.

	Mini Australian Labradoodle	Medium Australian Labradoodle	Standard Australian Labradoodle
Weight	15-30 pounds	30-50 pounds	50-70 pounds
Height*	13-16 inches	17-20 inches	21-24 inches
Age at Full-Grown	11-13 months	11-13 months	12.5-16 months

As with any other breed, they can live in an apartment, but only if they’re smaller in size. The bigger your Doodle, the more living space they require.

Furthermore, males are usually a bit bigger than females.

Australian Labradoodle Personality And Temperament

Compared to the regular Labradoodle, the Australian Labradoodle tends to be calmer and more mature. But that does not mean they aren’t any fun! This breed can be very goofy at times, so be prepared for lots of laughter.

Australian Labradoodles are very loving, social, loyal, and affectionate. In other words, they get along well with children and other pets. 

Further, the Australian Labradoodle has the perfect temperament of a service dog. They are very intelligent and have a gentle nature, which makes them perfect therapy dogs. 

Nevertheless, they are infamous for the ability to outsmart their owners. This paired with their high intelligence levels means that you should start with training and socialization very early on. You should also make sure they get plenty of attention and mental stimulation. Otherwise, you may notice some destructive behavior.

Indeed, daily exercise is essential; think of long walks, jogging, hiking, or running. Your Doodle will gladly join you. They love water, so if you have a pool or a lake nearby, let them have some fun!

Where To Get Australian Labradoodle Puppies

Due to the growing demand and competition for doodles, they are unfortunately rarely available to rescue from shelters or families (especially puppies), though it is possible.

That said, an infant puppy is easiest to buy from a breeder. There are many high-quality Australian Labradoodle breeders out there who have been breeding healthy Doodles for years, and they all specialize in breeding different generations and colors of them.