Care for an Australian Labradoodle

Ever since President Barack Obama expressed an interest in choosing a Australian labradoodle as the official White House Dog, interest in the breed has skyrocketed. Not only are the dogs considered hypoallergenic (easily tolerated by those with allergies), Australian labradoodles are also known for their friendly nature and high intelligence. There are certain considerations to keep in mind concerning the care of Australian labradoodles, however.

  1. What is an Australian Labradoodle?

    • The Australian Labradoodle Association of America notes that typical labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador retriever and a poodle. Australian labradoodles differ from others by having a bit of cocker spaniel added to the mix, giving them a very soft coat and a body with strong bone structure. They come in the same variety of colors as poodles--browns, whites, tans, blacks--and the low-shedding fleece needs only weekly brushing and bimonthly grooming to maintain its hypoallergenic qualities.

    Health Issues

    • Since Australian labradoodles contain DNA from Labrador retrievers, poodles, and cocker spaniels, health issues from all three breeds sometimes appear and need special consideration. Hip dysplasia is common in both Labradors and poodles, so Australian labradoodle puppies should receive observation for this condition. Eye problems are also common, with progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) being prevalent in both poodles and cocker spaniels. Australian labradoodles should always have their DNA tested for PRA before breeding. A condition called Addison's Disease has also been found to occur in multigenerational lines of Australian labradoodles.

    Care

    • Australian labradoodles are very social animals, so they crave contact with people and tend to be very good with children. A basket of well-chewed toys is always a good thing to have around. They are also very energetic and enjoy playing outside, so large backyards and frequent walks are necessary to give their energy a place to escape. Australian labradoodles are also known for their love of water, so they are excellent companions for hiking, camping, or excursions to the lake. They are highly-intelligent and easily-trained, which makes them well-behaved housemates, guide dogs, or assistance animals. Besides high quality dog food, exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups, Australian Labradoodles need a lot of love and affection to be happy and healthy.