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Searching For An Australian Labradoodle Breeder

By Deborah Thompson


Since they were first introduced, Labradoodles have become extremely popular. Most people are familiar with the Poodle Labrador mixture which are widely available and can easily be found via the internet. The original Aussie version is in fact a mixture of several breeds not just those for which it is named and searching for an Australian Labradoodle breeder is not as simple as it might seem.

The breed started in Australia in the 1980's when Beverly Manners and her daughter injected other bloodlines into their original cross to improve coat, temperament and size. Among the breeds they added were American and Cocker spaniels, Wheaton terrier and Portuguese water dog. This original bloodline has since been renamed the Cobberdog by Ms. Manners to distinguish it from any other Poodle Labrador crosses.

There are some breeders in the USA who have the original Aussie Line brought directly from those bred in Australia. Like any business, there are disreputable folk who may show fake pedigrees and pretend any their cross is an Aussie labradoodle. This sadly is a side effect of the demand for these dogs and the profits to be made; like antiques, the rare ones are copied and sold off as original. A list of reputable breeders can be found by contacting the ALAA (Australian Labradoodle Association of America). This way you know you have the genuine article.

The people that breed pedigree dogs should be able to furnish you with the relevant information about the lines of the puppy. Breeding is particularly complex when you start with what is already a mixed dog so you are quite likely to discover that one parent is pure poodle or labrador. This is to help prevent genetic defects which can occur from breeding like to like.

Once you have found a good reputable breeder, you can proceed to choose your puppy. Depending on the original parents the size, color and coat may all vary. If shedding is a priority check that the puppies have been bred for this trait. With back breeding there may be some traits which are not as strong as a first generation cross.

The genetic diversity found in mixed breeds mean they are less likely to suffer from inherited defects. This is why mongrels are so healthy and long-lived. While ALs are mixed, they come from pure stock originally and therefore may inherit those problems common to Labradors and Poodles. These include the blood disease Von Willebrand's as well as the more common hip dysplasia (HD) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). These conditions will affect the quality of the life the pup has and run up costly vet bills.

These puppies are very intelligent and will like to work and to please you. They need training and to be given stimulus. When a puppy is bored it becomes a naughty puppy when it makes its own entertainment. It may chew or exhibit other forms of behavior which are undesirable. Classes in basic obedience, agility, retrieve and much more are widely available.

With a little research you should be able to find a reputable breeder who has healthy puppies. Use the information that can be found on the ALAA website and check the dam and sire are problem free. Your AL will then be a loving friend for life.




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