"Dogs are like that, I guess. They know how to fix you without ever saying a word."
Caroline George
Breed History
The Australian Labradoodle originally hails from Australia and is not to be confused with an Australian Shepard dog. In the 1980's a gentleman named Wally Conran of Royal Guide Dogs was given the challenge to find a guide dog for a couple in Hawaii who needed a non-shedding companion due to allergies in the family. Initially, the new breed was a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle. Mr Conran had success with these dogs and people who needed guide services were happily served. Then, in the 1990's Tegan Park and Rutland Manor, who were the founders of the current purebred Australian Labradoodles we know and love today, began selectively breeding in the English and American Cocker Spaniel to assist with consistent coat type, size, health, and temperament. Today we reap the fruits of those who have gone before us and are able to continue this magnificent breed which is intelligent, provides devoted companionship, silly at times, who grow super soft silky coats, and are of therapeutic temperament. Welcome to Sweet Tea Australian Labradoodles!
F1
Also known as a Labradoodle, this is the first generation of cross breeding between a purebred Poodle and purebred Labrador Retriever. The results of this paring are mixed as far as coat. Fur is sparse (similar to Lab) vs kinky curly (similar to Poodle). Moderate to low shedding. F1 means "first generation" and is a common scientific term.
F1B
The "B" letter added to F1 refers to "backcross." The breeding pair will be a F1 Labradoodle to a purebred Poodle or Labrador Retriever. The results will still be unpredictable as this is not the breeding of two "like" dogs. Coats may be hair or fleece and shedding is low to non-shedding if both parents are non shedding.
Australian Labradoodle
The Australian Labradoodle is a paring between two Australian Labradoodle’s parents, however, one parent is a Foundation Australian Labradoodle (i.e. said parent has an infusion parent of a Labrador Retriever, Poodle or Cocker Spaniel (English or American). Coats are typically non-shedding.
Multi-Generational Australian Labradoodle
Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle’s parents are a combination of one of the following: 1) Both parents are Australian Labradoodles, 2) One parent is an Australian Labradoodle and one parent a Multigenerational Australian Labradoodle or, 3) Both parents are Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles. Coats are typically non-shedding. Once an Australian Labradoodle has been bred to another ALD, in four consecutive matings, it will be considered a purebred by the ALAA.
Australian Labradoodle Sizes
Mini: 14-16" at wither, max height 17" approximate weight 15-28 lbs.
Medium: 17-20" at wither, max height 21" Approximate weight 28-45 lbs
Standard: 21-24" at wither, max height 25" approximate weight 45-65 lbs
Australian Labradoodle Colors and Patterns
The Australian Labradoodle has a variety of coat colors and patterns ranging from light cream to black. The ALAA has a fantastic page dedicated to navigating colors and patterns. Click for more information. This link will take you to their FAQ page. Search for "Australian Labradoodles have two types of coats and ten different colors."