Australian Labradoodle
A purpose-developed type combining Labrador, Poodle and Cocker Spaniel lines, bred for a consistent low-shedding fleece coat and gentle temperament. More predictable than a first-generation doodle, but coat and size still vary depending on the lines.
Australian Labradoodle scorecard
Overview
The Australian Labradoodle is a developed type descended from crossing the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, into which other breeds — notably the Cocker Spaniel (English and/or American) and certain water-spaniel lines — were also introduced during its development. This distinguishes it from a simple first-cross Labradoodle (just Labrador × Poodle): the Australian Labradoodle is a multi-breed, multi-generation type that some breeders are working to stabilise. It is, however, still not a breed recognised by The Kennel Club, has no UK breed standard and cannot be pedigree-registered here.
In the UK an Australian Labradoodle typically stands around 35–60 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 7–30 kg, with the size depending on whether Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodle lines were used (often described as Standard, Medium and Miniature). They were developed with the aim of producing a consistent, low-shedding, allergy-friendlier assistance and companion dog, and tend to be friendly, biddable family dogs — though no dog is genuinely hypoallergenic.
Good to know — a Australian Labradoodle is best with a garden and good for first-time owners. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Australian Labradoodle traces back to work in Australia from the late 1980s, when the original Labrador × Poodle cross was created in an attempt to produce a guide dog suitable for people with allergies. Over subsequent generations some Australian breeding programmes infused additional breeds, including Cocker and water-spaniel lines, in an effort to improve coat consistency and temperament, and to work towards a more uniform type than the simple first-cross. This is a developed type rather than a long-established breed, and it is not recognised by The Kennel Club.
Its ancestry therefore blends the gentle, biddable Labrador, the intelligent low-shedding Poodle, and spaniel influence. Although some overseas breed clubs promote it and pursue standardisation, in the UK it remains a crossbreed without official pedigree status.
Temperament & family fit
Australian Labradoodles are generally friendly, affectionate and people-oriented, often described as gentle, sociable and well-suited to family life — characteristics that reflect their development as companion and assistance dogs. Many are good with children and other animals when properly socialised, and they tend to be intuitive and keen to engage with their people.
Because they descend from active, biddable working breeds, most need plenty of company and mental occupation. They can be prone to separation-related behaviour if regularly left alone for long periods, and a bored individual may become restless or destructive. Temperament is generally consistent for a doodle type but still varies between dogs and lines, so it remains important to meet the breeder's dogs.
- Families with children of all ages
- Committed first-time owners
- Homes with a secure garden
Training & intelligence
These are typically intelligent, eager-to-please dogs that usually train readily with reward-based methods, reflecting the trainability of Labrador, Poodle and spaniel ancestry. They tend to enjoy learning and suit obedience, scentwork, retrieving games and trick training, all of which provide valuable mental exercise. Their biddable nature is one reason the type has been used for assistance work.
Early socialisation and consistent, positive training help produce confident, well-mannered adults. The RSPCA and Blue Cross recommend reward-based methods and discourage harsh handling. Mental enrichment through training games and puzzle feeders is important alongside physical exercise.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Channel energy into training games & enrichment
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Australian Labradoodle typically needs 90 minutes to 2 hours a day (roughly 90–120 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. Higher-energy dogs also need their brains tired — sniffy walks, training games and puzzle feeding go a long way. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
Coats are typically wavy ("fleece") or curly ("wool") and usually low-shedding, which is part of the type's appeal. They generally require frequent brushing — several times a week or daily — to prevent matting, plus regular professional grooming or clipping every couple of months. Regular ear checks and cleaning, nail trimming and dental care are needed. Despite the allergy-friendlier reputation, no dog is truly hypoallergenic and individuals vary.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Australian Labradoodle
Feed a complete, good-quality food appropriate to the dog's size, age and activity, following manufacturer guidance and keeping the dog lean. Retriever and spaniel ancestry can mean a healthy appetite, so measure meals, account for training treats and avoid overfeeding. Fresh water should always be available, and your vet can advise on body condition; sensible feeding supports steady growth in larger puppies.
A medium breed
An adult Australian Labradoodle typically weighs 7–30 kg, so a healthy Australian Labradoodle eats a moderate amount compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A medium breed is usually done growing at ~12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–15 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
A high-energy dog eats like one
Australian Labradoodles sit at the top end for energy, and a dog working through an hour and a half of real exercise a day burns through the feeding guide faster than a dog on a short stroll. Feed to the dog's condition, not to the middle of the range on the bag.
How much should a Australian Labradoodle weigh?
Adult 7–30 kgfully grown at ~12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 1.1–4.6 kg | 15% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 1.8–7.5 kg | 25% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 3.5–15 kg | 50% |
| ~12 months | Fully grown | 7–30 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a medium breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Australian Labradoodle
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Australian Labradoodle's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Simpsons Dog Sensitive Lamb Potato
A grain-free lamb and potato dry food for dogs with sensitive skin or digestion
From£17.05
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
£14.99
Australian Labradoodle health & costs
Before bringing a Australian Labradoodle home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£400–600 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£25–45 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
As a multi-breed, multi-generation type, the Australian Labradoodle can inherit conditions found in any of its ancestral breeds, so being a "developed type" does not guarantee good health. Responsible breeding and thorough health testing of the parents are the key safeguards, and crossbreed-specific data remains limited because these dogs are outside pedigree health-monitoring schemes.
Buyers should ask to see hip and elbow scoring, eye testing and relevant DNA testing for the parents, and should choose a responsible breeder who can demonstrate this. The Puppy Contract and UK breeder-licensing rules are helpful tools for assessing a breeder.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Hip and elbow dysplasia — developmental joint conditions relevant to the ancestral breeds; check scores.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) — an inherited cause of blindness; DNA testing available in the ancestral breeds.
- Hereditary cataracts — lens clouding that can impair vision.
- Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) — an endocrine disorder reported in the type and in Poodles.
- Ear infections — drop ears with hair growth need regular cleaning and checks.
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps, more relevant in smaller individuals.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Australian Labradoodle; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Australian Labradoodle puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Australian Labradoodle
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Reliably low-shedding fleece or wool coat
- Gentle, sociable and highly trainable
Things to consider
- Coat needs regular professional grooming
- Reputable, health-tested breeders can be costly and scarce
Compare the Australian Labradoodle
See how the Australian Labradoodle measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Australian Labradoodle
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Labradoodle
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Cavapoo
One of the UK’s most popular crossbreeds (Cavalier × Poodle) — affectionate, adaptable and usually low-shedding.
Cavapoochon
A small triple-cross (Cavalier × Bichon × Poodle) — friendly, low-shedding and well suited to family and flat life.
Similar temperament
Labradoodle
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Goldendoodle
A Golden Retriever × Poodle cross — friendly, trainable and a hugely popular family dog, usually low-shedding.
Double Doodle
A multi-generation doodle blending Golden Retriever, Labrador and Poodle lines. Friendly, sociable and family-oriented, usually low-shedding with a coat that needs regular grooming. Coat type and size vary considerably depending on which lines they take after.
Irish Doodle
An elegant, friendly cross of the playful Irish Setter and the clever Poodle. Affectionate, biddable and often low-shedding, but energetic and needing regular grooming and exercise.
Similar size, different type
Border Collie
The ultimate working brain — astonishingly clever and trainable, but needs hours of exercise and a job to do.
Cocker Spaniel
A merry, affectionate gundog that loves people and activity — happiest with a job and regular grooming.
English Springer Spaniel
A tireless, enthusiastic working gundog that needs serious daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Affectionately known as the "nanny dog" — devoted, people-loving and famously gentle with children.
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Frequently asked questions
What is an Australian Labradoodle?
The Australian Labradoodle is a developed type descended from crossing the Labrador Retriever and Poodle, with other breeds, notably the Cocker Spaniel and certain water-spaniel lines, also introduced during its development. This distinguishes it from a simple first-cross Labradoodle. It is still not recognised by The Kennel Club, has no UK breed standard and cannot be pedigree-registered here.
How is an Australian Labradoodle different from a regular Labradoodle?
A regular Labradoodle is a first-cross of just Labrador and Poodle. The Australian Labradoodle is a multi-breed, multi-generation type that also incorporates Cocker Spaniel and water-spaniel lines, which some breeders are working to stabilise. It was developed to produce a more consistent, low-shedding, allergy-friendlier assistance and companion dog, though no dog is genuinely hypoallergenic.
What sizes do Australian Labradoodles come in?
They typically stand around 35–60 cm at the shoulder and weigh roughly 7–30 kg, with size depending on whether Standard, Miniature or Toy Poodle lines were used. They are often described in three sizes: Standard, Medium and Miniature. Because the type is not pedigree-registered in the UK, adult size still varies between dogs and lines.
Do Australian Labradoodles shed?
Coats are typically wavy ("fleece") or curly ("wool") and usually low-shedding, which is part of the type's appeal. They generally need frequent brushing, several times a week or daily, to prevent matting, plus professional grooming or clipping every couple of months. Despite the allergy-friendlier reputation, no dog is truly hypoallergenic and individuals vary.
Are Australian Labradoodles good with children?
They are generally friendly, affectionate and people-oriented, often described as gentle, sociable and well-suited to family life, reflecting their development as companion and assistance dogs. Many are good with children and other animals when properly socialised, and they tend to be intuitive and keen to engage with their people.
How much exercise does an Australian Labradoodle need?
They are an active type and most adults need a good amount of daily exercise, commonly an hour or more, plus mental stimulation. Walks, free running, fetch and swimming all suit them, reflecting their water-dog and retriever ancestry. Larger individuals need more than Miniature ones, and exercise should be moderated in growing puppies to protect developing joints.
Are Australian Labradoodles easy to train?
These are typically intelligent, eager-to-please dogs that usually train readily with reward-based methods, reflecting their Labrador, Poodle and spaniel ancestry. Their biddable nature is one reason the type has been used for assistance work. The RSPCA and Blue Cross recommend reward-based methods and discourage harsh handling; mental enrichment matters alongside physical exercise.
Are Australian Labradoodles healthy?
As a multi-breed, multi-generation type, an Australian Labradoodle can inherit conditions found in any of its ancestral breeds, so being a developed type does not guarantee good health. Responsible breeding and thorough health testing of the parents are the key safeguards. Ask to see hip and elbow scoring, eye testing and relevant DNA results, and choose a responsible breeder.
Are Australian Labradoodles good with children?
Excellent with children of all ages. As a general guide, Australian Labradoodles tend to be patient and tolerant. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does an Australian Labradoodle need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Australian Labradoodle needs 90 minutes to 2 hours of exercise a day (90–120 minutes), split across walks plus play. Higher-energy dogs also need mental stimulation — sniffing, training games and puzzle feeders — to stay settled. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Australian Labradoodles shed a lot?
Low shedding. Coat upkeep is high upkeep — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Australian Labradoodles easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Good for first-time owners. Australian Labradoodles are generally a forgiving choice for first-time owners who put in early training and socialisation. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Australian Labradoodles bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Australian Labradoodles good with other dogs?
Sociable with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Australian Labradoodles suit flats or smaller homes?
Best with a garden. A Australian Labradoodle is happiest with access to a secure garden and regular outdoor exercise.
Sources
- The Kennel Club — Getting a dog and crossbreeds (https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/getting-a-dog-or-puppy/)
- RSPCA — Dog care and choosing a dog (https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/dogs)
- Blue Cross — Dog breeds and behaviour advice (https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog)
- PDSA — Dog health and crossbreed advice (https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice)
Recommended for your Australian Labradoodle
Matched to a Australian Labradoodle's size and their typical need for regular coat care, enrichment & mental stimulation.
Rechargeable Pet Grooming Clipper Kit
A cordless rechargeable pet clipper with an LED battery display, supplied with six guide combs, a styling comb, oil and a cleaning brush. Quiet and easy to handle for trimming and tidying your pet's coat at home.
£26.99
Leucillin Antiseptic Skincare Spray for Cats & Dogs
A versatile, alcohol-free antiseptic spray that cleans, soothes, and helps protect your pet's skin from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
From£16.49
Self-Moving Chew-Resistant Dog Ball
A USB-C rechargeable ball that moves on its own to keep dogs busy and active. Tough E-TPU construction stands up to chewing during supervised play, and the splash-resistant build suits indoor or outdoor use.
£15.99
Absorbent Cotton Gauze Swabs for Pets – Pack of 100
Highly absorbent, low-lint cotton gauze swabs produced in clean conditions — a practical first-aid essential available in three size and ply combinations.
From£4.49
Warm Stretch Snood for Dogs, Ear and Neck Cover, S, M and L
A stretch snood that gathers long ears back against the head and out of food bowls, puddles and brambles, knitted in a soft cationic-spandex blend in purple or blue.
£10.99
Electric Pet Grooming Clipper
A quiet, rechargeable electric clipper for trimming dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets at home. Low-noise and low-vibration with an adjustable blade for tidy, stress-free grooming around the body and paws.
From£11.99
Large Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for Mats and Tangles
A self-cleaning slicker brush with fine, bead-tipped wire pins that gently lift loose undercoat, mats and tangles from short or long-haired pets. A one-click button releases the collected fur for fuss-free cleaning. Cat-ear shaped design.
£18.99
Plush Strawberry Snuffle Mat
An interactive foraging mat with removable plush strawberries that hide treats and kibble. Encourages natural snuffling and slows feeding, providing mental enrichment for dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs alike.
From£13.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.