Australian Labradoodle Care

The Australian Labradoodle (AL) is a hybrid of multiple breeds. Though as many as six breeds can be found in the genetic mix, the AL is most often a cross of the Labrador Retriever, the Poodle, and the Cocker Spaniel. As such, these dogs can vary a good bit in size, with weight ranging from 30 to 75 pounds or more--but regardless of size, AL dogs are friendly, intelligent, and energetic. Thanks to their Poodle genes, their coats are usually hypoallergenic as well. Overall Australian Labradoodle care won't take too much work, but will need to include a good bit of daily exercise--along with plenty of TLC, of course!

Here you'll find details on caring for an Australian Labradoodle, including info about puppy development, exercise needs, and shedding and drooling tendencies. Get answers to your questions about raising an Australian Labradoodle in the following sections!

As the offspring of energetic breeds, Australian Labradoodle exercise requirements are pretty extensive. These hybrids will need a variety of daily activities that both condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). They make good jogging and bicycling companions as well.

Adult ALs will need about an hour of dedicated exercise per day, with the total amount depending on the dog's size, age, and overall activity level. You can start exercising your AL puppy when it's three months old by going on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length and frequency as the pup grows.

Precautions with Australian Labradoodle exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're nine months old
• A leash is required when exercising in public
• Yards must be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off
• Possible separation anxiety; exercises are best done together with people

Exercising your Australian Labradoodle every day is a must. Though friendly, these hybrids are usually active and enthusiastic--and without consistent activity they'll become frustrated, disobedient, and destructive. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few exercise ideas:

• Walking/Jogging/Bicycling: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs or bike rides) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: These hybrids love chasing a ball, stick, or Frisbee
• Hide-and-Seek: Great indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Dog Park: If properly socialized, ALs enjoy the company of other dogs
• Canine Sports: These hybrids can excel at obedience or agility trials, flyball, and other events
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity

When indoors, giving your Australian Labradoodle access to balls or toys will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also good to have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks, jogs, or bike rides after breakfast and dinner and playtime in the afternoon.

In terms of shedding and drooling, these hybrids don't need a ton of care. Australian Labradoodle shedding is minimal, and drooling isn't an issue.

AL dogs can have coats that are either silky, wavy, and fleece-like, or curly and woolly. Because this hybrid's Poodle parent is low-shedding, neither coat type sheds much--and these dogs are usually hypoallergenic, so they'll be good for allergy sufferers. Even so, owners will need to brush their AL dogs several times per week to keep the coats mat- and tangle-free. The coats will also need to be clipped every six weeks or so to keep them looking good. As long as the coats are regularly maintained, though, hair cleanup will rarely be required.

And since these hybrids' parent breeds are non-droolers, AL dogs rarely drool at all. If your Australian Labradoodle is drooling excessively, that might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.