Breed Health
Because they are so similar, the Australian Labradoodle and the Labradoodle share many of the same health concerns. Like with any dog, proper care and breeding will make it less likely that your dog will have any health problems. On average, the Australian Labradoodle lives about 13-15 years. Many larger dogs, like Australian Labradoodles, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. This condition happens when the joints don’t properly fit with the bones. This may cause pain and mobility loss. This breed is at a higher risk for eye conditions like retinal atrophy.
Australian Labradoodles are known for being hypoallergenic, but that doesn’t mean they can’t have allergies themselves. Labradoodles often have allergies to food, environmental factors, and chemicals that can make them feel itchy and uncomfortable. However, many of these allergens can be eliminated with a change in diet. You can also purchase allergy medication from the vet. Dogs with floppy ears, like the Australian Labradoodle are prone to ear infections, so it’s important to regularly clean a Labradoodle’s ears. Moisture gets trapped in there very easily, so make sure to dry their ears after spending time in the water.
Temperament and Behavior
Australian Labradoodles have a ton of energy. These dogs can live in apartments, but they need plenty of exercise throughout the day. Homes with big backyards are great for Australian Labradoodles because they love spending time in the fresh air and sun. The extra space of a fenced in yard gives them some space to stretch their legs and run around. If you plan on keeping your Australian Labradoodle outside during the day, let them spend some time inside too, because they are companion dogs and need to be around their owners. They can be independent, but they need to be around other people as often as possible.
Australian Labradoodles are smart dogs and can learn new things quickly. This makes basic obedience training a breeze. They can be sensitive, so make sure you are kind and patient while training. Training is very important, though, because they can be mischievous and will get themselves into trouble. With any intelligent breed, don’t let them get bored, because the games or “jobs” they invent to entertain themselves can be destructive.
These dogs work well in just about every home. They can be a welcome addition to a family with kids or other pets. They are known for being good with kids, but it’s necessary to teach both kids and children the proper way to behave around one another. They generally get along with other dogs, too, so this may be a good breed for you if you want to add another pup to the family.
Because they are a separate breed from the Labradoodle, you might see some differences. You may be able to see some Cocker Spaniel characteristics in them, but that breed makes up a small percentage of their blood, so it might not be evident. When Labradoodles are carefully selected for breeding and enter further generations, their temperament becomes more predictable. Because Australian Labradoodles go through so many generations of Labradoodles, the Australian Labradoodle you buy from a breeder may have more predictable characteristics. When you buy a Labradoodle as a puppy, you might not know how they will behave as an adult.
There are arguably more similarities between the Australian Labradoodle and the Labradoodle than there are differences. However, the Australian Labradoodle may be more uniform and predictable than the Labradoodle. You may also consider this breed to be an improvement on the Labradoodle. They have a softer coat that sheds less, and are more predictable in appearance and temperament. They are a good breed for a first time dog owner and are sweet dogs.
Image sourced from www.pets4homes.co.uk.