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The first Labradoodles were introduced as an way to help vision impaired people with allergies to dogs.

In the early 1980s, Wally Conron, puppy-breeding manager of Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia, bred a standard poodle and labrador mix to create a guide dog that wouldn't trigger allergy symptoms.

When the public reaction to these mixed breed pups created a problem, he decided not to call them Poodle/Lab mixes. The name Labradoodle was invented and the "designer dog" was born.

The Labradoodle pups — who no one wanted as mixed breeds — became popular as guide dogs and family pets. In some cases the English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel were bred into the Labradoodle lines to improve the breed.

Labradoodles are not a considered an official dog breed by most dog official organizations, such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) or the American Kennel Club (AKC) because of their mixed heritage.

Since the late 1980s, breeders in Australia and elsewhere have been working to produce Labradoodle litters with consistent conformation, coat type, and temperament. This uniformity is important if the breed is to be treated as a unique type of dog rather than just a mix of other breeds.

As it stands now, the Australian Labradoodle is considered to be a cross between the Poodle, Cocker Spaniel and Labrador Retriever. The Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle.

Other mixes have resulted in Goldendoodles, a cross between the Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle; Mini Labradoodles, a mix of Labrador and miniature or toy poodle - sometimes with cocker spaniel added. Standard Labradoodles will grow to about 22-24 inches (53-60 cm) and can weight between 45-77 pounds (20-35 kg) while mini labradoodles are usually between 17-22 inches (44-56 cm) and weigh 30-50 pounds (14-25 kg).

More information about Labradoodles around the Web:

Australian Labradoodle Association of America, Inc. - Information on the official standard with scale of points, breed varieties, history, photo gallery, with practical tips on grooming and care.

Labradoodle Care and Health Information - Professional breeder tips on care and feeding, including training and grooming, related resources and recommended reading.

Roodles and Labradoodles - Buyer Beware - Pictures and information on the origins of the breed, and what to look out for from unscrupulous breeders.

also see -> Crufts Dog Show

National Dog Show | Westminster Dog Show