LABRADOODLE BASICS 101
The labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle. F-1 indicates first cross, one half Lab and one half poodle. F1B is the second generation or first back cross. F-1's are normally back crossed to the poodle to achieve the curly, allergy friendly coat which does not shed. There are a few exceptions to the rule. Just as poodles come in a variety of sizes, so do labradoodles. The true miniatures are still somewhat rare as it often requires artificial insemination to accomplish the breedings. The Australian Labradoodle has six parent breeds. In addition to the Lab and the Poodle they have infused some blood of the following breeds. The Irish Water Spaniel, Curly Coated Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel.
Labradoodles inherit the best of both breeds. They are very trainable, intiutive and intelligent. They are loyal to the people they own (and they do own you, they only let you think you own them). Most are gentle and they have the hybrid vigor typical of cross breeds.
Training the labradoodle puppy is a must, they thrive on love, attention , routine and dicipline. If your don't train them, they will train you as they are very smart and will have you figured out in nothing flat. Start their training as soon as you get them home. They love toys and things to chew on such as greenies. Overall, they are friendly, fun loving, quiet and calm. They make wonderful pets.
The coat types range from wooly which is similar to the poodle coat. It requires regular grooming and is allergy friendly and non-sheding. The fleece coat is considered the "ultimate" in labradoodle coats as it is easily maintained and is also allergy friendly and non-shedding. The flat hairy coats occasionally show up, particularly in the first generation F-1's and these are rarely used as breeders but they still make wonderful pets.
Labradoodles are not yet recognized as a breed but there are a couple of registries who will register them if both parents are registered with the American Kennel Club. One such registry is the Continental Kennel Clug. The LAA (Labradoodle Association of Australia) and The ILAINC (the International Labradoodle Association) have kept track of bloodlines and register the dogs used in breeding programs by multigenerational breeders. For more information on the LAA go to laa.org.au. For more information on the ILAINC, go to www.ilainc.com
