Australian Labradoodle
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Twenty two years ago back in the 1980's it was so easy to compile a list of answers to the Most frequently asked questions about the Australian Labradoodle! But how things have changed....
Within ten years of the founding of the Australian Labradoodle, the Labradoodle had become the third most popular dog type in the United States of America, and its fame had spread to a dozen countries which have been importing puppies from Rutland Manor in Australia since 1998.
"Doodle Mania" spread rapidly across the world, with a media feeding frenzy, and with it came the expected rush of brand new breeders.
What does this mean to you, the family researching your new family member?
Simply put, there are now so many different 'kinds' of Labradoodles, and even 'Australian' Labradoodles that a blanket approach to defining their qualities, including temperament, size or coat, is no longer possible. A Breed Association should be your protection, but in the case of the Australian Labradoodle, American x Labradoodle, Poodle back cross Labradoodle, F1 Labradoodle, F2 Labradoodle and a host of other so-called 'grading scheme' Labradoodles, they can be as unalike as Chihuahuas to Great Danes in some cases.
The Breed Descriptions on this website, are of RUTLANDS Australian Labradoodles
Below are the most common questions asked by those who are wondering if the Australian Labradoodle is the right breed for them and their families. You can click on any question and it will take you to the answer, or merely scroll through all the questions and answers at one time.
Questions- These dogs sound almost too good to be true. Are they the perfect dog for anyone?
- Does MALE or FEMALE make the best pet for a family, especially with children ?
- Why are female puppies more expensive than male ones?
- Are all Labradoodles bred by Rutland Manor non shedding and/or allergy friendly?
- How much exercise does an ASD Australian Labradoodle need?
- Are Labradoodles good with young children?
- What are the health problems found in the Labradoodle?
- Should we crate our puppy when we take it home? What sized crate should we buy?
- What colors do Labradoodles come in?
- What size is an ASD Australian Labradoodle?
- What kind of nature does an ASD Australian Labradoodle have?
- Does the ASD Australian Labradoodle like water?
- Can I feed COOKED BONES to my dog?
- I have heard that Labradoodles don't need to be bathed much. Is this true?
- I don't understand about the different coats. Which is easiest to care for and most allergy friendly?
Questions
Q. These dogs sound almost too good to be true. Are they the perfect dog for anyone?
QUESTIONS
NO.! The ASD Australian Labradoodle is amazingly intuitive, sociable, loving, and easily trained, BUT they are intelligent almost beyond belief. Many people think they want a dog with superior intelligence, but do not always realise that intelligence can result in all kinds of unacceptable behavior if not channeled the right way through early training. Just as an exceptionally intelligent child, with no guidance, will soon become a teenage rebel, so will the Labradoodle.
They are astonishingly easy to train but they need it very early and consistently to reach their full potential. A smart puppy learns the 'bad' things as quickly as he/she learns the 'good' . If left to run wild during their first year, they can become a naughty, attention seeking brat child, who will do anything to get your attention. So if you are not prepared to put in the early training with your puppy, then you should seek out another breed less intelligent, and less intuitive which may suit you more.
The ASD Australian Labradoodle is very much a 'people oriented' dog. They long to serve and please you and they need to know that they are a loved and true family member. If there is a family member with special needs, these dogs 'know' who needs them right from day one of arrival. It is a phenomena that still surprises me every time I hear about it even after all these years.
They need to have a clear understanding that they are NOT the 'leader of their pack' (you and your family). Their active mind does not do well in situations where they are left alone day after day whilst the entire family works. The practice of crating all day every day may soon produce a hyperactive frustrated and ultimately unhappy dog who may be difficult to control. Too much 'soppy love' combined with too little guidance in the form of early training, is a recipe for problem behavior later on down the track.
Think carefully if you are prepared to put in the same early training for your puppy as you would do for your child. if you are looking for a dog to be a true member of your family, and whom you are prepared to train for the first year, then I can think of no other breed more superlative as a family member who will continually delight you with its endearing, goofy, comically clownish and loveable ways.
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Q. Does MALE or FEMALE make the best pet for a family, especially with children ?
There are many breeds in which a female makes the better pet, as the males can be dominant.
In the ASD Australian Labradoodle, however, we have found that the nature is not gender related in our dogs. This may be because we never use dominant males as stud dogs in our breeding programs.
As all non breeding puppies are desexed before they leave us, ( i.e. before puberty ) the testosterone-related behavior usually associated with male dogs, doesn't develop. Therefore a male makes the same clean, affectionate and loving companion as any female. Males are a little cheaper from Rutland Manor because old beliefs die hard and we'd like to encourage you to 'give a fella a go' !
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Q. Why are female puppies more expensive than male ones?
Male puppies are cheaper than our females, because it is more expensive to desex a female than it is a male. Also traditionally, many people believe that a female makes the better companion, based on their previous experiences with males in other breeds, and this can tend to make the females more in demand.
Because of this, we make the desexed boys cheaper to give the guys the chance to show what wonderful family pets they really do make !!
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Q. Are all Labradoodles bred by Rutland Manor non shedding and/or allergy friendly?
Once upon a time, this very page answered the question with a 'No, not always'. But these days we are delighted to report that it is a rarity now for a Rutland Manor puppy to shed or have a non allergy friendly coat.
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Q. How much exercise does an ASD Australian Labradoodle need?
All dogs need regular exercise just as we do. But just as we don't need to run a marathon every day, neither does the ASD Australian Labradoodle. It is just as important to exercise their minds ( through training ) as their bodies. Often, over activity is a signal that it's MIND needs more to occupy it. An untrained ASD Australian Labradoodle can become naughty, and attention seeking. They will get your attention any way they can if they become bored through lack of stimulation of their very clever and intuitive minds. Any effort put in during the early formative months to a year and a half, will be repaid a hundredfold with a dog which is pure delight to live with for the rest of its life. But if you don't have the time or the desire to put in quality time when your puppy is still young, then you should consider another breed.
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Q. Are Labradoodles good with young children?
Yes, they make fabulous children's dogs and are often called 'kid magnets'. But it is important to realize that all young puppies of any breed will mouth and nip and as with all dogs, this should be corrected immediately. Children should never be given the responsibility of training a puppy, and should always be supervised when playing......for the puppy's sake as well as for the children's.
Some dog breeders refuse to let families with young children have their puppies, because they will not subject their puppies to the non-stop play and sometimes rough overtures of young children.
We prefer to help you understand that puppies need plenty of time away from young kids, to chill out, and have their own space for sleeping where they will not be continually dragged around by the children when they need their 'time out' to rest their little minds and growing bodies.
The mature Rutland ASD Australian Labradoodle tends to gravitate towards the young members of the family and will usually be found wherever the children are. They are non aggressive, but seem to take on baby sitting roles by choice if allowed to grow and develop properly when young puppies
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Q. What are the health problems found in the Labradoodle?
The authentic ASD Australian Labradoodle is so far relatively disease-free. But they do share with other long eared, coated dog breeds, a tendency towards ear infections. With regular deep cleaning, and the hair trimmed away from the underneath of the ear flap and on the cheeks beneath the ears, better air circulation will help prevent ear infections from developing. Some Labradoodles need the hair inside their ears plucked from time to time.
It is important for breeders to continue health testing their breeding stock so as to maintain the current vibrant health status.
The larger sized ones especially, should not be allowed to go up and down stairs until their rapidly growing joints, ligaments and tendons are fully mature at not less than a year of age. Puppies under a year old should not be taken jogging on leash, and leashed walks should be restricted to no more than a half hour at a time for the first three months, gradually increasing as the puppy grows older. Free romping and playing is fine, because puppies will flop down and rest whenever they need to, which is not possible on leash.
HD and elbow disorders can be induced by improper exercise, and a too-high protein diet in the rapid growth phase of the puppy.
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Q. Should we crate our puppy when we take it home? What sized crate should we buy?
We recommend crating your puppy especially during the potty training phase. There is lots of crate information on the puppy care page of this website. Suggested size is 80 cm x 60 cm approx. ( 31 inches x 23 inches)
Puppies and/or dogs should never be left crated for lengthy periods during the day. A couple of hours at a time is okay with breaks for exercise, drinks, food or play and training. If crating overnight (recommended) make sure that the last drink of water or other fluids is given no later than an hour before crating for the night.
Very young puppies should be carried from the crate outside to the place you want them to potty. Make sure you give the puppy at least fifteen minutes without distractions to enable it to 'let go' before taking back inside. If at all possible, let the puppy go off leash in a safe area to potty. It is not natural for baby puppies to do their toilet on leash and they may wait until being let off leash again inside the house before they feel 'free' to choose their spot.
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Q. What colors do Labradoodles come in?
Black - can have brownish tonings around the face and legs or sprinklings of white or silver hairs if brown or silver is behind them. Nose must be black.
Browns - Chocolate or Cafe. Chocolates will look like Cafes when the coat tips are bleached by the sun. Nose must be brown. Eyes hazel or green.
Silver - Born Black or very rarely, Chocolate. Silvering starts around the eyes and face, then the legs and tail and finally the entire body.
Cream - In several shades from pale chalky white to Golden Cream and Apricot Cream (Cream with apricot ears and often an apricot colored band along the backline). Nose is Black and eyes golden brown or hazel.
Aricot - True Apricots are the color of the inside of a ripe apricot. Most fade over time to a paler apricot color. Nose is black. Eyes can be brown or golden hazel.
Caramel - The name describes the color, and comes in two shades with the lighter referred to as 'Iced Caramel'. Both shades have rose noses and clear hazel or green eyes.
Red - True Reds are rare with many breeders mistaking Apricot for Red. True Reds are a vivid red although they may fade over time. Nose black or red. Eyes dark brown
Parchment - Born Cafe and pale out to a pretty pastel shade similar to a milky latte drink. Nose is rose colored and eyes are transparent hazel.
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Q. What size is an ASD Australian Labradoodle?
They come in three sizes:.
Miniature - A true Miniature is about the size of a Pug Dog
Medium - is around the size of a smallish Labrador
Standard - is a large dog the size of a Standard Poodle or above.
As with all living creatures, prediction of size, is an estimation only. As in every dog breed, there will always be individuals who will be either over or under their size category when mature and there are variations within the size groups.
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Q. What kind of nature does an ASD Australian Labradoodle have?
The ASD Australian Labradoodle is an intoxicating blend of clown and intuitive intimate friend.
They love to make you happy and will go to great lengths to see you burst into laughter. They have times of solemnity, and are just as happy to lie at your feet for hours, soaking up your company as they are ready to run outside and have a game.
They make great running/jogging companions, excel at Agility and Obedience, adore a game of frisbee or fetch, but are just as content to snuggle up with you whilst you read or watch TV or work on the computer.
They crave your approval and long to serve and please you. They need to know that they are a part of your family, and thrive when living close to you. They are tough and healthy physically, adapting well to severe changes in climate. Their lifespan is 14 to 16 years.
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Q. Does the ASD Australian Labradoodle like water?
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words !
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Q. Can I feed COOKED BONES to my dog?
NO NO NO. NEVER EVER feed cooked bones of any description.
RAW meaty bones are excellent sources of nutrition for your dog as well as providing beneficial jaw exercise and natural teeth cleaning. Dogs have powerful stomach acids ten times stronger than a human, and these stomach juices are designed by nature to dissolve and assimilate RAW bone. Thin, flat rib bones from a young animal will be eaten up completely by your dog and are emotionally and physically satisfying.
We recommend flat young rib bones from lamb, or beef. Raw Chicken Backs Wings or Chicken Necks are loved by most dogs and they will crunch up and eat the whole thing with immense satisfaction.
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Q. I have heard that Labradoodles don't need to be bathed much. Is this true?
Yes, this is true with the ASD Australian Labradoodle. In fact if they are bathed too often a self perpetuating cycle is set up and they then need to be bathed whenever they get dirty, as the protective coating of natural oils in their hair is stripped away by the frequent bathing with shampoo. Even a light coloured coat, dripping in mud, will dry clean itself if kept in a dry clean area until dry. Hard to believe?
Try it........it really works !!!
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Q. I don't understand about the different coats. Which is easiest to care for and most allergy friendly?
Unfortunately the two do not really go together.
The flat coat is easiest to care for, but it can shed to varying degrees.
CURLY or WOOL coats do not shed at all. But they do require trimming or clipping two or three times a year. They also need to be groomed thoroughly about once each week or so. They are the 'safest' coat type around people who have dog related allergies or asthma.
SHORT STRAIGHT COATS "Flat Coat" These are always more hair, than wool or fleece textured, and will definitely shed to some degree. Are lowest maintenance of all, and can sometimes not be allergy friendly. An experienced breeder can usually tell either at birth or by six to eight weeks which way a short straight coat ( flat coat) is likely to go. Very few multi generation Labradoodles have flat coat any more, although it is still common amongst the earlier generation Labradoodles
FLEECE COATS
Curly Fleece coats have clearly defined crimped 'staples' much the same as a top quality Angora goat. They require practically no maintenance until between eight and fourteen months of age, when the adult coat starts to grow through the puppy coat. The puppy coat needs to be stripped or raked out weekly until the change is complete. If this is not done, then the coat will form matts and the dog may need to be shaved.
Wavy Fleece
Wavy Fleece coats have varying degrees of 'crimp' but much finer staples than the Curly Fleece. Some are barely wavy, but Rutland Manor has now developed this coat type to the point that even the slightly wavy ones are still non shedding and allergy friendly.
FOR A FULL REVIEW OF COATS AND COLORS CLICK HERE
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Favourite Links
Thinking about changing your dog or rearing your puppy on a Raw Food Diet? Wondering what all the fuss is about in the Raw vs dry dog food debate? "Switching to Raw" is a well written, easy to understand book which you are sure to find informative and helpful.
To read reviews, and to order, visit Switching To Raw web site.
About Submissive Peeing
Great site for Crates and Crating
Info On Early Desexing (spey/neuter) - PDF file
Xingo's webpage....done by Charlie 11 years old in Sweden. Charlie would like you to send him Labradoodle Pictures
Rutland Manor is proud to be a sponsor and puppy donor to P.A.D.S. "Dogs That Make A Difference" and Hawaii Fi Do Assistance Dogs.
Rutland Manor is privileged to be a sponsor and puppy donor to CANINE AND TO Service Dog Trainers in Hawaii Hawaii Hi Fido
