About the Australian Labradoodle
A Purposefully Bred Companion with Heart, Intelligence, and Versatility
Learn about the history, temperament, coat types, and breed standards that define the authentic Australian Labradoodle.
Where It All Began
The Australian Labradoodle was originally developed in the 1980s by Wally Conron of the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia, with the goal of creating a guide dog suitable for individuals with allergies. What began as a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle evolved over time with the infusion of other breeds, such as the English and American Cocker Spaniel, and the Irish Water Spaniel, to enhance coat quality, size, and temperament.
Today, the multigenerational Australian Labradoodle is recognized as a breed in development, carefully refined over generations to consistently produce dogs that are intelligent, intuitive, allergy-friendly, and structurally sound.
Source Citation:
Adapted from the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA) and Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association (WALA) breed histories.
What Makes Australian Labradoodles Unique
The Australian Labradoodle is not just a Poodle mix — it’s a purpose-bred, multigenerational breed with a distinct look, temperament, and purpose.
Recognized by the ALAA, ALCA, and WALA as a breed in development, these dogs are intentionally bred to uphold the following hallmarks:
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Exceptional Temperament – Gentle, joyful, and intuitive, with a natural eagerness to please. Australian Labradoodles are widely celebrated for their success as service dogs, therapy dogs, and beloved family companions.
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Allergy-Friendly Coats – Low-shedding fleece or wool coats that are wavy or curly in texture, and often well-tolerated by allergy-sensitive households.
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Structural Soundness – Graceful, athletic movement and well-balanced conformation that supports health, performance, and longevity.
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Multigenerational Consistency – Bred from established Australian Labradoodle lines to produce reliable, predictable traits in each generation.
The Australian Labradoodle Breed Standard
The Australian Labradoodle breed standard is a comprehensive guide designed to promote structural soundness, consistency, and the preservation of the breed’s most desirable qualities. Developed by the ALAA (Australian Labradoodle Association of America) and WALA (Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association), this standard outlines what defines an authentic Australian Labradoodle in both form and function.
These traits go beyond appearance — they reflect the temperament, structure, and overall purpose that make the breed so exceptional as service dogs, therapy dogs, and beloved companions.
Following breed standards helps ensure every Australian Labradoodle not only looks the part but also acts and thrives as intended. These guidelines help breeders select dogs with the correct temperament, health, and structure — ultimately improving the breed and providing families with predictable, joyful companions.
At Cardinal’s Crossing, we align our breeding practices with these standards to ensure we are producing dogs with health, temperament, and integrity at the forefront.
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The Heart Behind Our Standards
At Cardinal’s Crossing, our commitment to the Australian Labradoodle runs deeper than appearance — it’s rooted in purpose, legacy, and a promise to do right by the breed.
In honor of Max, my first service dog and the inspiration behind our program, we approach every breeding decision with care, compassion, and integrity.
We are proud to uphold the integrity of the breed by aligning our practices with the standards set by the ALAA and WALA — ensuring each dog is not only well-structured and healthy, but also emotionally attuned and purpose-driven.
From our foundation stud Bodhi to every future pairing, our dogs are raised with love, extensively health tested, and intentionally selected to preserve the traits that make Australian Labradoodles exceptional — as loyal companions, therapy partners, and working service dogs.
