How the Australian Labradoodle Was Created

The Australian Labradoodle was created in 1988 by Wally Conron at Guide Dogs Victoria. He wanted to breed a guide dog for the blind that was non-allergenic. He was successful in breeding such a dog by crossing the Labrador breed that he preferred to work with, with a poodle, whose fur is less likely to exacerbate allergies.

The first Australian Labradoodle

Although the Labradoodle as a hybrid is not a new dog, the focus on the creation of the Labradoodle as a breed for a specific purpose originated with Wally Conron's work. His purpose was to breed a dog that his client, who was allergic to dogs, could live with. The result of his efforts was a Labrador and Standard Poodle cross named Sultan. Sultan had the traits that were desired from both breeds: the temperament and trainability of the Labrador and the hypoallergenic coat attributed to the genetics of the poodle.

Sultan's standard

With Conron's success with Sultan, both as a guide dog and as a non allergenic dog, an interest began in creating a dog breed that could get bred to the standard set by this dog. The Australian Labradoodle breed was born. Multi-generational dogs are now bred to standard.

With the creation of the breed came the creation of dog clubs dedicated to the development of the breed. To rank as an Australian Labradoodle, the dog has to match the breed standard required by the Australian Labradoodle clubs. Labradoodles are not only used as guide dogs for the blind and as service dogs but are recognized as excellent family pets as well.