Telling the difference between an Australian Labradoodle and a standard Labradoodle might be difficult at first glance. The main difference between the two Labradoodle breeds is their parents. The Australian Labradoodle has genetics from the Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and Labrador Retriever. On the other hand, the Labradoodle is a cross between only the Labrador Retriever and Poodle.
Add in some Cocker Spaniel DNA does create some differences in personality, temperament, and appearance. Here’s a quick summary of the main difference between the Australian Labradoodle vs Labradoodle. We will go more in-depth into each topic throughout the article.
- Labradoodles were the original dog breed bred by Wally Conron back in the 1980s. Australian Labradoodles were bred to address a consistent conformation, coat type, and personality.
- Labradoodles can have many different coat types and colors. The Australian Labradoodle tends to be more consistent with a nonshedding and hypoallergenic coat. This is due to the fact that is a multi-generational dog.
- Labradoodles tend to have more energy than the Australian Labradoodle. This is because they are bred between two working dog breeds. The Cocker Spaniel tends to be more on the calmer side.
- Both of these dogs require a significant amount of grooming. Expect daily brushing, weekly oral care, and cutting their nails. You will also have to cut their hair every 6 to 12 weeks because they don’t shed.
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What is an Australian Labradoodle?
An Australian Labradoodle is a breed that crosses a Cocker Spaniel, Poodle, and Labrador Retriever. This dog inherits the best of all its ancestors when it comes to intelligence, personality, and hypoallergenic coat. They were created to address the variation in coat type and color that you typically see in the Labradoodle. Australian Labradoodles almost always have a fluffy, nonshedding, and pet-friendly coat because they bred over several generations of dogs. The coat and color tend to be more consistent than Labradoodles.
What is a Labradoodle?
A Labradoodle is a cross between a Poodle and Labrador Retriever. This breed is high in demand and a popular choice for singles and families who need an easygoing companion. They have high intelligence and a hypoallergenic coat.
However, the downside of a Labradoodle is that they come in so many different coat types depending on what generation they are and how much Poodle or Labrador Retriever genetics they have. For instance, an F1 Labradoodle may have a straight coat that sheds or a wavy coat that doesn’t shed. In addition, there are several different colors of Labradoodle and nothing is really standardized.
Australian Labradoodle vs Labradoodle: Which breed is bigger?
A standard adult Australian Labradoodle is 22” to 24” inches in height and weighs 45 to 77 pounds. A female miniature Australian Labradoodle weighs between 30 to 50 pounds and stands 17” to 22” inches while the males tend to number in the upper range.
Standard adult Labradoodles grow up to 14” to 24” inches tall. The miniature Labradoodle weighs 15 to 30 pounds, the medium size weighs 30 to 45 pounds, and the standard size can weigh anywhere between 45 and 100 pounds.
According to the weight and height information for both breeds, they grow to be about the same height but the weight varies. Australian Labradoodles tend to be more uniform in terms of weight and height while a Labradoodle can vary.
Temperament: How do they behave?
Easy to train and great with children, the Australian Labradoodle is an easy-going ball of fur that is family-friendly. They are extremely intelligent, joyful, and sociable. In addition, the Australian Labradoodle learns quickly and likes to do tasks for its owners. The high intelligence comes from the Poodle while the easygoing personality comes from the Labrador Retriever and Cocker Spaniel.
Australian Labradoodles have a comical side that brings laughter to the household because they are goofy. However, they also have the ability to outsmart their pet parents if they feel like they are the alpha of the pack. For this reason, pet parents are encouraged to be the calm but firm pack leader otherwise the Australian Labradoodle will rule your household. However, they are also non-aggressive, friendly, and loyal.
A Labradoodle’s temperament is determined by a variety of things such as their mother and their father’s DNA. Socialization also has a big part in developing their temperament.
Generally, well-bred Labradoodles are super friendly, loyal, and devoted to their owner and family. They are not aggressive but do tend to have a higher amount of energy than the Australian Labradoodle. However, the type of influence the puppy receives growing up and your lifestyle can change their personality.
They have high intelligence that they inherit from their Poodle parent and they are easy to train. Labradoodles also enjoy attention from their family and a few treats will make you their best friend because they are highly food motivated.
Both the Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodle need socialization and obedience training. This type of training can begin as early as eight weeks. They both need to be socialized early to raise a well-rounded dog that isn’t anxious or stressed in certain situations.
Generally, the Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle are loyal, family-friendly, great with kids, and have a great sense of humor. This makes them easy to train.
Lifespan: What is their life expectancy?
The life span for Australian Labradoodles is 13 to 15 years while the Labradoodle life expectancy ranges from 10 to 15 years. The difference between the Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle is due to the size differences. Labradoodles don’t conform to a specific size and larger dogs tend to live less than smaller dogs. The Australian Labradoodle’s size and weight are more uniform so you can more accurately estimate how long they will live.
Health: Are they prone to health conditions?
Australian Labradoodles are like many other medium to large dog breeds when it comes to inherited health conditions.
The following conditions are the most experienced by Australian Labradors:
- Dysplasia – Elbow and hip dysplasia lead to arthritis and dislocation when suffered for a long time frame. This health condition is inherited but doesn’t mean that every Australian Labradoodle will have it during their lifetime. This ailment affects the joints and can become painful for your Australian Labradoodle to walk. Veterinarian care is recommended to help reduce discomfort.
- Eye issues – Progressive retinal atrophy is inherited and can lead to blindness.
Labradoodles also inherit health conditions such as the following:
- Ear infections – Labradoodles have adorable floppy ears that hold in moisture which creates the perfect breeding ground for infections to appear. Symptoms of an ear infection include a strong bad odor, discolored wax, and discharge. Frequent ear cleaning is recommended after bathing and swimming to prevent moisture build-up.
- Dysplasia – This health condition causes pain, arthritis in joints, and weakness. It happens when the joint doesn’t fit properly into another joint. Hip and elbow dysplasia are inherited.
- Epilepsy – This is a neurological condition that runs through the lines of a Labradoodles ancestry. It causes seizures but with the help of veterinarian care, the prognosis is usually good long-term.
- Allergies – Most dog breeds suffer from allergies to some degree. The severity ranges from mild to serious. Food allergies are the most common and involve eliminating the allergen from the diet. Veterinarians are sometimes able to pinpoint the food which makes things easier but other times an elimination and adding back process is required.
- Addison disease – This health condition is found in the ancestry of Poodles and Labradors which gets passed down to their offspring. This disorder prevents the body from regulating cortisol production which makes the body unable to manage stress. Symptoms of this health condition include diarrhea, frequent urination, excessive thirst, weakness, and high heart rates. Veterinarian treatment is recommended.
Appearance: What do they look like?
Australian Labradoodles and Labradoodles have a similar appearance. They both have curly shaggy hair that they inherited from their Poodle parent and cute facial expressions. The shape of the face can resemble the Poodle but sometimes is a perfect combination of both parents.
However, the coat types of the Labradoodle can vary significantly from a straight coat, wavy coat, or curly coat. Australian Labradoodles will almost always have a wavy or curly coat. In addition, if you’re looking for a multi-color dog, then the Australian Labradoodle has a high chance of being at least two colors.
Grooming: How much do they require?
These are high-maintenance dog breeds that need to be brushed at least a few times a week to remove tangles, knots, and mats. A pin or slicker brush is the ideal tool for brushing Australian Labradoodles or Labradoodles.
It has bristles and pins that reach deep beneath the surface of the coat to gently remove loose hair trapped underneath. The special way the coat grows is one of the reasons these non-shedding breeds are hypoallergenic.
Other grooming requirements include:
- Nail clipping
- Hair clipping
- Teeth brushing
- Eye cleaning around the surface
- Bathing
Pet parents can choose to groom their pets at home or hire a professional grooming service.
Training: Can they be easily trained?
Yes. The Labradoodle or Australian Labradoodle are both very intelligent breeds that can be easily trained from a young age. Both breeds inherited their intelligence from their Poodle parent which makes them capable to understand and retain information and respond accordingly starting at the young age of eight weeks. Early training is recommended for both breeds and is excellent with obedience and agility training.
Most pet parents of an Australian Labradoodle or standard Labradoodle are able to train their dogs successfully at home. However, some dog owners prefer a professional trainer to get involved to ensure proper training.
Costs: Are they expensive to look after?
Owning a dog is expensive but well worth it. Just the basic necessities needed such as food, treats, beds, toys, crates, and kennels can add up in terms of cost.
Veterinarian care is needed throughout an Australian Labradoodle and Labradoodles’ lifetime. Standard checkups combined with occasional food allergies and emergency situations are something that pet parents need to be prepared for financially. The average cost for a veterinarian office visit ranges from $80 to $150 and sometimes higher.
Veterinarian care can quickly drain your bank account and cause financial hardship in your household. An excellent way to manage veterinarian care for your dog is to invest in pet health insurance.
This insurance reduces fees and costs on a wide range of services. Insurance policies are customized to your particular dog’s needs and affordable monthly payments.
Another cost to consider is Doggy Daycare. Australian Labradoodles and Labradoodles both enjoy being around their owners and families. They often suffer from separation anxiety when left alone at home. An excellent way to solve separation anxiety in both these breeds is to enroll them in Doggy Daycare where they can spend time with other dogs and socialize.
Doggie Daycares are located in communities throughout the United States and have become extremely popular as the go-to place for dogs to enjoy their day while their owners are at work. The cost of bringing your dog to daycare can arrange from $100 to $500 or more per week. The cost depends on the specific Doggy Daycare and the services they offer. Fitting this essential cost into your budget can be a bit tricky but it does provide your dog with socialization and helps maintain their overall well-being.
If you live in an apartment complex or community that accepts dogs there’s a chance you will need to pay a deposit amount of $450 or more. This standard fee is usually non-refundable and is required by most apartment complexes throughout the United States.
Some complexes take pet fees to the next level and charge a month’s rent. In addition, some apartment complexes can charge an extra $50 to $100 dollars per month for having a pet in your apartment. If you own more than one dog be prepared to pay this amount per pet.
It’s wise to inquire withthe apartment complex’s pet policies to understand the number of fees you will need to pay on a long-term basis.
While owning a dog can be expensive, almost every pet parent will tell you it’s worth it for a million different reasons.
Whether you choose to welcome an Australian Labradoodle or Labradoodle into your family, the cost does not seem so bad compared to the joy and happiness your dog brings to your home and family.
Budgeting and planning ahead are recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle for your dog without going broke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Australian Labradoodles hyper?
Australian Labradoodles tend to have calming personality traits, but this isn’t to be confused with laziness. It simply means that they won’t have a tendency to chew up your house if they get bored while you’re out.
This is a stark difference between the Australian Labradoodle and a Standard Labradoodle. The latter is more commonly seen to be hyperactive, requiring a lot of attention around the clock, as well as long walks and lots of exercise.
Some families love a Labradoodle because there’s never a dull moment, and the dog will often always want to play. However, this can also be too much for some people who cannot keep up with the demanding needs of a Labradoodle.
So, the difference in temperament between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle can be the deciding factor as to which dog a family is going to get. While an Australian Labradoodle will still need lots of exercise and stimulation, it is nowhere near as much as the Standard Labradoodle would need.
Are Australian Labradoodles aggressive?
Australian Labradoodles were not bred to be aggressive, nor were they intended to be watchdogs or guard dogs. For this reason, these dogs are not considered aggressive at all. Instead, they are often perceived as loving, attentive, and friendly to everyone they meet.
However, this isn’t to say that Australian Labradoodles cannot become aggressive if there are things in their life that are making them act this way. Any dog can begin showing signs of aggression if there are stressors in its life.
Several factors might cause your dog to become aggressive, such as fear, boredom, lack of proper training or socialization, care, injury, or their environment.
If you have had your dog for a while and they are just now showing signs of aggression, you should see if anything has changed around the dog that might have sparked this new behavior. Most of the time removing this stressor can help to remove the aggressive behavior.
It’s important to remember that aggressive behaviors can be helped through training and socialization. Once you work out the stressor in your dog’s life you can work with them through this to prevent it from making them as worried, anxious, or stressed, preventing them from being aggressive.
Do Australian Labradoodles bark a lot?
Labradoodles are considered moderate barking dogs, which means that while they’re not incredibly loud and constantly barking, they’re also not silent dogs. As everyone wants a dog that doesn’t bark, this can put some people off getting a Labradoodle.
Having said that, Labradoodles are very smart animals and therefore can be trained not to bark. This can take a long time to perfect and complete successfully, but it’s more than worth it once your dog no longer barks at the door or guests.
So, what about Australian Labradoodles? As mentioned previously, Australian Labradoodles are the calmer of these two breeds. This does not mean that this breed won’t bark at all, but they are calmer and therefore less likely to bark at so much.
While a Labradoodle might bark at sounds, sights, and everything in between, an Australian Labradoodle might not be as bothered by as much and therefore won’t bark so much.
However, it’s worth noting that any dog can bark more than the average for its breed depending on a number of factors. For example, if a dog has been socialized with lots of barking dogs for too long, they might learn that this behavior is normal.
Alternatively, dogs that have not been socialized enough at a young age might bark more as they’re not used to seeing other dogs. Overall, while the Australian Labradoodle is not considered a dog that barks excessively, every dog is different.
How often should I bathe my Australian Labradoodle?
Australian Labradoodles should be bathed around once a month, as well as brushed during this time too. Puppies might need to be bathed more or less frequently depending on their energy levels and how messy they are during their walks.
Use a gentle dog shampoo on your Australian Labradoodle and ensure that it is completely rinsed out before drying its coat.
The best way to groom your Australian Labradoodle is to brush its coat first before wetting it and shampooing it. Some people make the mistake of brushing after washing their dog, but this can actually make tangles and mats tighter and harder to brush out.
Alternatively, you can take your Australian Labradoodle to a groomer. The professionals will know exactly how to take care of your dog’s coat without putting them through pain or discomfort. It might cost more to use a professional groomer, but the benefits can be seen through a premium quality end result.
Australian Labradoodles have difficult to manage coats, with lots of thick and curly hair to take care of. A lack of proper attention to their coats can lead to health conditions and discomfort for the dog.
Are Australian Labradoodles good family dogs?
Absolutely! Australian Labradoodles make excellent family dogs as they’re gentle, friendly, and affectionate. These dogs are also excellent for children and other pets due to their loving nature.
These dogs are also sociable and not protective over their owners, so they can meet new people all the time without you worrying about how they’ll act.
What’s more, Australian Labradoodles are quick to learn and very intelligent. So, if you start socializing and training them at a young age you can ensure that your dog is a good family dog.
Unfortunately, the first few weeks of a dog’s life will determine whether it will be a good family dog or not. While the average Australian Labradoodle is a good option for family pets, some that have had a poor upbringing might not be suitable for your family unit.
These dogs have not been trained or socialized properly, or perhaps they have been weaned from their mothers too quickly. These dogs are often found by untrusted breeders or in shelters. While they can be trained to relearn their gentle nature, it might not be the best idea for a family to take on this responsibility.
Are Australian Labradoodles calmer than Labradoodles?
Australian Labradoodles are well known for their laid-back, friendly temperaments and seem more self-disciplined although comical and fun to be around, whereas Labradoodles are more energetic and outgoing.
Well-bred Labradoodles will have similar temperaments to their parents’ DNA. The pup’s socialization during puppyhood, exercise schedule, and positive training will also affect how Doodles behave.
That said, the Australian Labradoodle is known to be calmer than the Labradoodle, but they are by no means lazy or not playful. Keep in mind, though, that both Doodle breeds can inherit many traits from their parents that will affect their temperament most, especially with first-generation mixes, and that not all puppies in one litter will be the same.
What is the difference between an Aussie Doodle and a Labradoodle?
The Aussie Doodle is a mix between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle, while the Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador and Poodle. Both are terrific and fun to be around due to their non-aggressive, playful character. The Aussie Doodle is not an Australian Labradoodle.
When it comes to grooming, both are not heavy shedders unless they inherit high-shedding traits from the Australian Shepherd and Labrador and not the tight Poodle curls or cords. They both are hypoallergenic, with the Labradoodle having a super fluffy coat.
Coat colors may vary too, with Labradoodles featuring apricot, parti, black, grey, brown, cream, and more colors, and the Aussie Doodle’s most popular colors being black, red, blue merle, and red merle.
Are Australian Labradoodles a good breed?
Yes, they’re one of the most family-friendly breeds that are great to have around children. They’re super easy to train and are not aggressive around other pets and people. The Australian Labradoodle is easy to prepare and very sociable and intelligent.
The easy-going temperament comes from the Labrador Retriever side. This incredibly goofy hybrid mix makes for a loyal and terrific companion. Keep in mind, though, that this very intelligent hybrid mix has the ability to outsmart you and needs positive training, regular exercise, plenty of environmental stimulation, and socialization from puppyhood.
Are Australian Labradoodles worth the money?
Absolutely! Doodle breeders invest their time and money in breeding this wonderful dog breed. The Australian Labradoodle is worth the money as a hybrid with one of the best temperaments for families with children.
The Labradoodle was bred to conform with consistent personality and confirmation. They also have a non-shedding, hypoallergenic coat due to being multi-generational. The Australian Labradoodle is also easy to train due to their high intelligence, but what makes them so unique is their comical temperament that’s just so easy to love.
Conclusion for Australian Labradoodle vs Labradoodle
Choosing between a Labradoodle vs Australian Labradoodle is difficult because of the similarities they share. However, you can be sure they will become an important part of your family.
Both breeds enjoy being active and will tag along on an adventure such as daily jogging, trips to the beach, camping, hiking, and swimming just to name a few activities. They are also excellent passengers in cars when trained at an early age. If you plan to bring your dog on car rides and road trips, exposing them to this environment as early and consistently as possible as recommended.
The information provided above will help you decide which breed is best suited for you and your family. It’s essential to consider their personalities, grooming care, and daily and monthly expenses before making your final decision. In general, Australian Labradoodles tend to conform to weight, size, and coat color more so than standard Labradoodles.
Both the Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle have great personalities, are fun to be around, and bring joy to everyone in the household. You can welcome an Australian Labradoodle or standard Labradoodle into your family when you adopt or purchase today!
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Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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