Searching for “labradoodle puppies” turns up all kinds of doodles, and it’s easy to assume they’re all the same dog. They’re not. Here’s the difference between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle, and why it matters for your family.
The short answer
A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. An Australian Labradoodle carries three breeds in its background, the Labrador Retriever, the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel, and is bred Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle, generation after generation.
Labradoodles
A Labradoodle usually comes from breeding a Labrador Retriever to a Poodle, or from breeding those crosses together. Because each puppy can take more after one parent breed than the other, coat, size and personality can vary quite a bit, even within the same litter.
Australian Labradoodles
The Australian Labradoodle was developed in Australia beginning in the 1980s, from an effort to create an allergy-friendly guide dog. Since then it has been bred like to like, Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle, with a focus on temperament, coat quality and soundness. That’s what “multi-generation” means, and it’s why Australian Labradoodles are so consistent in personality, coat and size.
Side by side
| Labradoodle | Australian Labradoodle | |
|---|---|---|
| Breeds in the background | Labrador Retriever and Poodle | Labrador Retriever, Poodle and Cocker Spaniel |
| How they’re bred | Often a first or early cross | Australian Labradoodle to Australian Labradoodle, over many generations |
| Consistency | Coat, size and temperament can vary a lot | Bred for consistent personality, coat and size |
| Coat | Varies, from flat to curly | Fleece (wavy or curly) or wool (curly), low shedding |
| Registry | Varies by breeder | Our dogs are registered with the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) |
Why families choose Australian Labradoodles
- People-focused and gentle. They’re known for their friendly, intuitive personalities and great eye contact.
- Highly trainable. It’s why so many work as therapy and service dogs. Our own foundation female became a pet therapy dog at just 13 months old.
- Low shedding coats. They shed very little, though their coats do need regular brushing and grooming.
- Family-friendly sizes. Our dogs are minis and mediums.
Read more on Why Australian Labradoodles?
Questions to ask any breeder
- Are the parents health tested, and can I see the results?
- Are the puppies registered, and with which organization?
- Where are the puppies raised, in the home or in a kennel?
- Is there a health guarantee?
At Spring Valley, the answer is yes on every count. Our breeding dogs are health tested (see each dog on Meet Our Doodles), our puppies are ALAA registered and family-raised in our home in Chester County, PA, and every puppy comes with a 2-year health guarantee.
Meet our puppies
See the Australian Labradoodle puppies available now and our upcoming litters, or fill out our puppy application.
Breed background from the Australian Labradoodle Association of America.