About the Breed

1. What is an Australian Labradoodle?

   An Australian Labradoodle is a breed that originated in Australia and was initially developed as a hypoallergenic guide dog. Unlike the Labradoodle, which is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, the Australian Labradoodle also includes genetic input from other breeds such as the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. This breed is known for its intelligence, friendly nature, and low-shedding coat.

2. What are the characteristics of Australian Labradoodles?

   Australian Labradoodles are known for their friendly and sociable temperament. They are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. They are also affectionate, loyal, and good with children and other pets. Physically, they have a sturdy build with a soft, curly, or wavy coat that is low-shedding.

3. Are Australian Labradoodles hypoallergenic?

   While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Australian Labradoodles are considered to be low-allergy due to their minimal shedding. Their coat produces less dander, which is often the cause of allergic reactions.

4. How big do Australian Labradoodles get?

   Australian Labradoodles come in four sizes:

   • Micro-Mini: These are the smallest size and typically stand 10 to 13 inches tall and weigh between 8 and 15 pounds.

   • Miniature: Miniature Australian Labradoodles stand 14 to 16 inches in height and usually weigh between 15 and 25 pounds.

   • Medium: Medium Australian Labradoodles are 17 to 20 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 45 pounds.

   • Standard: The largest size, Standard Australian Labradoodles, stand 21 to 24 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds.

   Each size maintains the breed's characteristic friendly and sociable temperament, and they all require similar levels of grooming and exercise, adjusted for their size

5. What is the temperament of an Australian Labradoodle?

   Australian Labradoodles are known for their friendly, affectionate, and outgoing nature. They are social dogs that get along well with people, including children, and other animals. They are also intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable.

6. What colors do Australian Labradoodles come in?

   Australian Labradoodles come in a variety of colors including chocolate, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, and parti (two or more colors). Their coats can be solid, patterned, or a mix of colors.

7. How do Australian Labradoodles differ from other Labradoodles?

   Australian Labradoodles differ from other Labradoodles primarily in their breeding history. While Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, Australian Labradoodles include genetic input from additional breeds such as the American Cocker Spaniel and English Cocker Spaniel. This results in a more consistent temperament and coat quality across generations.

   Health and Care

8. What health tests are performed on your breeding dogs?

   All of our breeding dogs go through extensive health and genetic testing that they must pass:

   1. OFA Hip/Elbow Exams

   2. OFA Cardiac Exams

   3. OFA Ophthalmology (Eye) Exams

   4. OFA Patellar Exams

   Along with health exams, each of our breeding dogs get extensive genetic testing which we make 100% available to the public here:

9. What common health issues do Australian Labradoodles face?

   Australian Labradoodles can be prone to some of the same health issues as their parent breeds, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and allergies. Responsible breeders perform health screenings to minimize these risks.

10. What is the life expectancy of an Australian Labradoodle?

    The life expectancy of an Australian Labradoodle is typically between 12 and 15 years, depending on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and overall health care.

11. How often do Australian Labradoodles need to be groomed?

    Australian Labradoodles require regular grooming to maintain their coat. This includes brushing several times a week to prevent matting and tangling, and professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to trim their coat and keep it manageable.

12. What kind of diet is best for an Australian Labradoodle?

    A balanced diet with high-quality dog food is essential for an Australian Labradoodle. Look for foods that list meat as the first ingredient and avoid fillers like corn and soy. It’s also important to provide a diet that is appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Consult with your vet for specific dietary recommendations.

13. How much exercise do Australian Labradoodles need?

    Australian Labradoodles are active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise. They benefit from at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day, which can include walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities.

14. What is Puppy Culture?

    The Puppy Culture program is a comprehensive, structured approach to raising and socializing puppies during their critical developmental period, from birth to 12 weeks of age. Developed by Jane Killion, it is designed to give puppies the best possible start in life by addressing their physical, emotional, and mental needs.

    Key Components of the Puppy Culture Program:

    1. Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS):

       • Days 3-16: Puppies undergo gentle handling exercises to stimulate their neurological system. This includes holding the puppy in different positions and touching their paws. ENS helps improve cardiovascular performance, strengthens the immune system, and enhances stress tolerance.

    2. Socialization:

       • 3-12 Weeks: Puppies are exposed to a variety of people, environments, sounds, and other animals. This exposure is critical for developing well-adjusted adult dogs. Positive experiences during this period help prevent fear and anxiety later in life.

    3. Communication and Problem Solving:

       • 3-12 Weeks: Puppies are introduced to problem-solving exercises and games that encourage them to think and explore. These activities help develop cognitive abilities and confidence.

    4. Emotional Resilience:

       • 3-12 Weeks: Puppies are gently exposed to mild stressors and then allowed to recover. This teaches them to bounce back from stress, building emotional resilience. Activities like gentle restraint and handling by different people are included.

    5. House Training and Crate Training:

       • 3-12 Weeks: The program introduces puppies to house training and crate training concepts early on. This includes creating a designated potty area and using crates for short periods to create positive associations.

    6. Early Training and Enrichment:

       • 3-12 Weeks: Basic training and enrichment activities are introduced to stimulate the puppy’s mind and body. Simple commands like “sit,” “come,” and “down” are taught using positive reinforcement methods. Enrichment activities may include obstacle courses and interactive toys.

    7. Health and Handling:

       • Birth-12 Weeks: Puppies are regularly handled and groomed to become accustomed to human touch and routine care procedures like nail trimming and brushing. This helps them become more manageable for future grooming and veterinary visits.

    8. Transition to New Homes:

       • 8-12 Weeks: The program includes guidance for transitioning puppies to their new homes. This involves teaching them to cope with changes in their environment and routine, making the move less stressful for both the puppy and the new owners.

    Benefits of the Puppy Culture Program:

    • Improved Social Skills: Puppies are better socialized and more confident in new situations and around new people and animals.

    • Enhanced Trainability: Early exposure to training concepts makes puppies more responsive and easier to train as they grow older.

    • Better Emotional Health: Puppies develop better coping mechanisms for stress and change, reducing the likelihood of anxiety and fear-based behaviors.

    • Stronger Bonds: Early socialization and training create a stronger bond between puppies and their future owners, leading to happier and more harmonious relationships.

    The Puppy Culture program is highly regarded by breeders, trainers, and veterinarians for its comprehensive approach to raising well-rounded, healthy, and happy puppies. It sets the foundation for a lifetime of positive behavior and emotional well-being.

    Purchasing a Puppy

15. How can I reserve a puppy?

    First, fill out an application! Second, we will contact you and if you are approved we will ask you which puppy you would like and which payment method you prefer. Puppies are reserved after a $500 deposit is received. For each of these questions, please be sure to see the “Pricing & Details” page for more information.

16. What is included in the purchase price of a puppy?

    Please see the “Pricing & Details” page for everything that is included with the purchase of your puppy.

17. Do you offer any health guarantees or warranties?

    If anything happens to your pet at any point in its life, just contact us here at DFD and if the issue is genetic and not environmental, we will do what we can to help you out with it. We honestly care more about you having a wonderful experience with your dog than we care about the money. We technically offer a 2-year health guarantee, but when you buy a puppy from us, you become a part of our DFD family, so just reach out and we will work something out if the issue truly can be linked to genetics.

18. At what age can puppies go to their new homes?

    Puppies go home anytime after 8-weeks old.

19. What should I expect when bringing a new puppy home?

    Bringing a new Australian Labradoodle puppy home is an exciting experience, but it also requires preparation and patience. Here’s what you can expect and how to prepare:

    1. Adjustment Period:

       • New Environment: Your puppy will need time to adjust to their new surroundings. Be patient as they explore and become comfortable in their new home.

       • Separation Anxiety: It’s common for puppies to feel anxious after leaving their mother and littermates. Provide comfort and avoid leaving them alone for long periods initially.

    2. House Training:

       • Consistency: Establish a consistent routine for bathroom breaks. Take your puppy outside frequently, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or napping.

       • Praise and Rewards: Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior. Praise and reward your puppy when they go to the bathroom outside.

    3. Crate Training:

       • Every DFD dog receives some crate training and will be comfortable in a crate. It actually becomes a safe space for the dog where they can relax and puppies sleep a lot, so using the crate for nap times is super helpful for you and good for the dog.

    4. Feeding:

       • Scheduled Meals: Feed your puppy at regular times each day. We send each dog home with a schedule that you can choose to follow or slightly edit to fit your family’s needs.

    5. Socialization:

       • Exposure: Gradually introduce your puppy to new people, places, and other pets. Proper socialization helps develop a well-adjusted adult dog. All of our dogs are well-socialized using Puppy Culture.

       • Positive Experiences: Make new experiences positive and stress-free. Avoid overwhelming your puppy with too many new experiences at once.

    6. Training:

       • Basic Commands: Start with basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “down.” Use positive reinforcement techniques.

       • Consistency: Be consistent with commands and rewards. Short, frequent training sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.

    7. Health Care:

       • Veterinarian Visit: Schedule a vet visit shortly after bringing your puppy home for a health check and to discuss vaccinations and preventive care.

       • Vaccinations and Parasite Control: Follow your vet’s recommendations for vaccinations and parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, worms).

    8. Grooming:

       • Regular Brushing: Brush your puppy’s coat several times a week to prevent matting and tangling.

       • Professional Grooming: Schedule professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain coat health.

    9. Supplies:

       • Basic Needs: Ensure you have all necessary supplies, including a crate, bed, food and water bowls, collar and leash, identification tags, toys, grooming tools, and cleaning supplies for accidents.

    10. Patience and Love:

    • Bonding: Spend quality time with your puppy to build a strong bond. Play, cuddle, and engage in training to develop trust and affection.

    • Patience: Understand that training and adjustment take time. Be patient and consistent, and enjoy the process of raising your new companion.

20. Do you provide any training for the puppies before they go to their new homes?

    Yes! Puppies at DFD are raised in Puppy Culture which means they come to you knowing how to handle stress, well-socialized, they will know basic commands, and be happy healthy dogs.

    Breeding Practices

21. How do you ensure the quality and health of your breeding dogs?

22. What is your breeding philosophy?

23. Do you allow potential buyers to visit your facilities?

24. Can I meet the puppy's parents?

    Miscellaneous

25. Do Australian Labradoodles get along well with children and other pets?

    Yes, Australian Labradoodles are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them excellent companions for children and other pets. They are sociable and enjoy being part of family activities.

26. How do I start the adoption process?

27. Do you have a return policy if things don’t work out?

28. Do you offer support and guidance after the puppy goes home?

29. Are Australian Labradoodles good for first-time dog owners?

    Yes, Australian Labradoodles are a great choice for first-time dog owners due to their friendly temperament, intelligence, and trainability. They are eager to please and generally easy to manage with consistent training and care.

30. What is the difference between a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle and an F1 Labradoodle?

    A multi-generational Australian Labradoodle (multi-gen) comes from several generations of Labradoodle breeding, often resulting in more predictable traits such as coat type, temperament, and size. An F1 Labradoodle is a first-generation cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, which can result in more variability in these traits.

31. Can Australian Labradoodles be service or therapy dogs?

    Yes, Australian Labradoodles can make excellent service or therapy dogs due to their intelligence, trainability, and gentle nature. Their hypoallergenic coat also makes them suitable for individuals with allergies.

    Testimonials and Community

32. Can I speak with previous buyers about their experience?

33. Do you have any upcoming litters or planned breedings?

34. What do other owners say about their Australian Labradoodle?

    Practical Considerations

35. What supplies do I need to prepare before bringing my puppy home?

    34. What supplies do I need to prepare before bringing my puppy home?

    Before bringing your Australian Labradoodle puppy home, you will need:

    • A crate for training and safety

    • A comfortable bed

    • High-quality puppy food (5lb of puppy food included q/ purchase)

    • Food and water bowls

    • Collar and leash (included w/ purchase)

    • Identification tags

    • Chew toys and training toys (chew toy included w. purchase)

    • Grooming supplies (brush, comb, nail clippers or plan to take dog to groomers)

    • Puppy pads for house training (if you go this route)

    • Cleaning supplies for accidents

    • A schedule for vaccinations and vet visits (included w/ purchase)

    Thankfully, here at DFD, we have our unique “YOU-Pick Puppy Pack” system where you get to choose many of the items you need that get included for FREE.

36. What is the cost of maintaining an Australian Labradoodle?

    Food: $50 to $100 per month

    Grooming: $50 to $100 every 6 to 8 weeks

    Veterinary care: $200 to $400 annually for routine check-ups and vaccinations (excluding emergencies)

    Pet insurance: $20 to $50 per month

    Miscellaneous supplies (toys, treats, etc.): $20 to $50 per month Overall, expect to spend around $1,000 to $2,000 annually, depending on your dog's specific needs and lifestyle.