Parent BreedsThe Australian Labradoodle The parent breeds used in the development of the Austrtalian Labradoodles as known today

In mid 2004 it was announced that the Australian Labradoodle was not just a Labrador x Poodle cross but was a breed in its own right developed over many years with particular goals in mind.

To accomplish these goals further development was done with parent breed infusions added to the already blooming Labrador x Poodle cross lines. The developers of the breed sought out the best way in which to compliment the Australian Labradoodle breed, and to develop the qualities that we find and love in these dogs.

In 1997 the very first Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard was written which reflected these goals. For more information about the current Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard go to the Breed Standard Page. The ALA publicly acknowledged and recognised at the ALA’s October 2004 Annual General Meeting the six different parent breeds used in the further development of the Australian Labradoodle.

The Confirmed and Approved Parent Breeds of the Australian Labradoodle are as follows:

Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)

Labrador Retriever

Irish Water Spaniel

Curly Coated Retriever

American Cocker Spaniel

English Cocker Spaniel

The Irish Water Spaniel was the first non-Poodle/Labrador used in the development of the Australian Labradoodle.

The main goal of this Parent breed infusion was to produce the rich chocolate colour in the Australian Labradoodle that you now see today without loosing the Allergy and Asthma friendly coat. The Curly Coated Retriever followed bringing back some of the “Retriever” qualities into the Australian Labradoodle.

While the Curly Coated Retriever was able to bring in some positive “Retriever” qualities they also brought in some negative qualities such as the shorter hair on the face and muzzle of the dogs. In the Australian Labradoodle breed this trait has become known as an “Open Face”. Also noted, as a negative was aloofness, this trait is to be bred away from. The English and American Cocker Spaniel are the last recognized Parent Breeds of the Australian Labradoodle.

Their use with that of the miniature poodle was to develop the miniature size (13-17 inches) in the Australian Labradoodle. The Cocker gave the miniature size the boning/stockiness that was being lost by managing the size purely with miniature poodles. The negatives that are now being bred away from are domed heads, long ears, and shedding coats.

These six Parent Breeds are the ONLY approved Parent Breeds used in the development of the Australian Labradoodle to date. The ALA does not recognise any other parent breeds than those listed and used above. Any Australian Labradoodle infused with other Parent Breeds than those listed above will not be considered for registration. Parent Breed Infusion Committee: The ALA has assigned 5 ALA Accredited Breeders to a Committee for consideration and approval of Parent Breed Infusions.

The Committee will require that all backcrosses to a Parent Breed (other than the Poodle) will require the following:

Essay outlining the Applicants reasons for Parent breed infusion

Photos standing both front and side profile of the Parent Breed dog

Hip and breed related test scores for the parent breed dog

Permanent identification (Tattoo or Microchip)

DNA Profile through the ALA's DNA Centre

A Signed and Notarised statement (form provided) regarding the soundness of temperament of the Parent Breed dog

To view a copy of the application please download the:

Parent Breed Infusion Application Form

(coming soon

The Parent Breed Infusion Committee with then make consideration as to the infusion proposed and test scores provided. In the result that any of the required documentation is not provided to the Committee will result in an automatic denial. Once submission of all required documentation/photos/test scores are provided the Committee will then provide applicant with approval or denial of the Parent Breed Infusion.

NOTE: Any Australian Labradoodle past the F3 generation bred back to a Parent Breed (other than the Poodle) the litter produced will revert back to an ALF3P(R/S) Australian Labradoodle in their grading. When an approved Parent Breed Infusion litter has been born you will then be required to submit front and side profile pictures for any offspring being left entire from the infusion to the ALA Parent Breed Infusion Committee for approval and addition as Foundation Breeding Stock in the Australian Labradoodle.