Labradoodle
The Labradoodle is one of the first and most famous designer hybrid breeds — created in Australia in 1989 by Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, who crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle to produce a guide dog suitable for a visually impaired woman whose husband had dog allergies.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Australia
Lifespan
12–14 years
Weight
14–30 kg (30–65 lbs)
Height
43–63 cm (17–25 in)
Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Diet
Omnivore — high-quality large or medium breed food appropriate for an active dog.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
The Story
The Labradoodle is one of the first and most famous designer hybrid breeds — created in Australia in 1989 by Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, who crossed a Labrador Retriever with a Standard Poodle to produce a guide dog suitable for a visually impaired woman whose husband had dog allergies. Conron later stated he regretted creating the breed, citing the proliferation of poorly bred individuals. The multigenerational "Australian Labradoodle" has been developed as a more consistent breed through selective multigenerational crossing. Size varies considerably depending on whether a Standard, Medium, or Miniature Poodle was used.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
Highly variable in first-generation crosses — coat can range from flat (Labrador-type, sheds normally) to wavy or tightly curled (Poodle-type, low-shedding). Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles are more consistent. The well-known fluffy, wavy coat is not guaranteed in first-generation crosses.
Grooming
High
Shedding
Low
Brushing
Daily
Bathing
Every-3-4-Weeks
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Friendly, intelligent, and trainable — the combination of Labrador sociability and Poodle intelligence produces a highly adaptable, easy-going family dog when well-bred.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
4/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
House-Small-Garden
Daily Exercise
40 to 60 min/day
Ideal Weather
0°C to 28°C
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
40%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Stress Signals
destructive chewing, separation anxiety, jumping, mouthing, excessive energy
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •1.5–2 hours vigorous exercise daily. The wavy or curly coat requires brushing 3–4 times weekly and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. First-generation coats are variable — not all Labradoodles are low-shedding despite marketing.
Nutrition Notes
Labrador × Poodle. Obesity risk from Lab side — strict portions. EIC possible (Lab). Addison's (Poodle). Joint supplements for larger sizes.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
The ORIGINAL designer dog — created by Wally Conron in 1989 for a blind woman whose husband was allergic to dogs. He later called it "Frankenstein's monster" and regretted starting the designer dog trend. Hip dysplasia. PRA. Addison's. EIC. Ear infections. Coat type unpredictable in F1. 12-14 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
1400 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
1000 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Hip and elbow dysplasia from both parent breeds. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) from Labrador heritage. Addison's disease from Poodle lines. Bloat (GDV) in larger individuals. Eye conditions. Not immune to parent breed conditions despite hybrid vigour.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
The original designer dog (1989). Creator Wally Conron regrets starting the trend. Australian Labradoodle is a distinct multi-generational line. India: growing availability.
Purchase Price
$1,500 to $3,500
Adoption Fee
$100 to $500
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
Wally Conron, the Australian who created the Labradoodle in 1989, has stated in interviews that he regrets creating the breed — he described opening "a Pandora's box" because of the proliferation of poorly bred, unhealthy individuals produced by breeders capitalising on the trend.
The original Labradoodle — Sultan — was successfully placed as a guide dog with the Hawaiian woman whose husband had allergies, demonstrating the concept worked. But Conron noted that of 33 puppies bred in the early programme, only three had the right coat for allergy sufferers.
