The Australian Labradoodle breed dates back to the 1980s and was initiated by Wally Conran of Royal Guide Dogs located in Victoria Australia. The intent was to create a breed that was allergy and asthma-friendly with the temperament of a service dog. This journey was inspired by a visually impaired woman in Hawaii who needed a Guide Dog which wouldn’t aggravate her husband’s allergies. Of the 31 Labradoodles bred at Royal Guide Dogs, a staggering 29 made it through as Guide Dogs… an accolade of unparalleled proportion for this “new breed’ of Guide Dog.

To continue the efforts of Wally Conron, breeders in Australia began breeding Labradoodles determined to produce litters with consistent conformation, coat type, and temperament. During the ’90s, a number of other dog breeds were bred into the Labradoodle lines to assist in this effort. Most often, the English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel were the breeds used; however, it is reported that a few other dog breeds were also introduced into certain lines. DNA evidence of these dog breeds is still found in a few lines today, while others were bred out and not reintroduced into any other bloodlines.

Currently, the Australian Labradoodle is considered to be a cross between the Poodle, Cocker Spaniel, and Labrador Retriever, while the Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle only.

Organizations have been formed to protect the continued development of the Australian Labradoodle lines, and guidelines for the continued introduction of English and American Cocker Spaniel are followed carefully. Infusion committees also discuss the merits of other possible dog breeds being allowed careful introduction into select lines. It is an exciting time to be involved in the development of this breed.