Australian Labradoodle Health
How long do Australian Labradoodles typically live?
Most Australian Labradoodles should live around 12 to 15 years. Keeping your dog lean, staying on top of dental care, and seeing the vet every year are the biggest things you control.
Where does 12 to 15 years come from?
We want to be honest about this number. No large study has tracked Australian Labradoodles as their own breed. So the estimate comes from what we know about dogs like them.
- A study of more than 100,000 dogs in England found a median lifespan of 12 years. Crossbred dogs lived about 1.2 years longer than purebreds, and miniature poodles were among the longest lived.
- Larger dogs age faster and live shorter lives on average.
- Australian Labradoodles come in mini, medium, and standard sizes, which puts most of them in the smaller half of dogs.
We should also say where we stand. Our first Australian Labradoodle litter was born in June 2025, so we cannot share our own dogs' lifespans yet.
Does size matter?
A little. One study of more than 56,000 dogs found that dogs lose roughly a month of life expectancy for every 4.4 pounds of body weight. However, that gap is small next to the effect of keeping a dog lean. Our minis run 15 to 25 pounds and our mediums run 26 to 50 pounds. You can read more in our mini Australian Labradoodle lifespan guide.
What shortens a dog's life?
Most of it is ordinary. Extra weight is the biggest one you control. In a study that followed 48 Labradors for their whole lives, the dogs fed about 25 percent less lived a median of 1.8 years longer and got arthritis later. Joint problems, dental disease, and cancer round out the list.
The research is still growing. The Dog Aging Project is following tens of thousands of dogs across the United States to learn what helps them live longer and healthier lives.
What does health testing do?
Every one of our parents is tested and cleared before we breed them, including OFA hips, elbows, and eyes and a full Orivet genetic panel. That lowers the odds of passing on the inherited problems we can screen for. It does not promise that nothing will ever go wrong, and good care at home still matters. See the results on our health testing and genetic testing pages.
How do you care for an older Australian Labradoodle?
Most dogs start to slow down somewhere around 8 years old. You may notice a gray muzzle, more naps, or stiffness when he first gets up. Here is what helps:
- See the vet more oftenTwice a year is common for senior dogs. Bloodwork can catch kidney, liver, and thyroid problems early.
- Keep walks shorter and steadierHe still needs to move every day. Shorter, more frequent walks are easier on old joints.
- Adjust his foodOlder dogs often need fewer calories. Ask your vet before you switch.
- Make the house easierA thick bed, rugs on slick floors, and steps up to the couch all help.
- Be patientOld dogs move slower and sometimes have accidents. They are not being bad.
Deciding on a size? Compare our mini Australian Labradoodle puppies, 15 to 25 pounds full grown, and our medium Australian Labradoodle puppies, 26 to 50 pounds, both raised in our Anderson, Indiana home.
When is the next litter?
Puppies go home at 8 weeks old. Click here to see when our next litters are due.
Common questions about Australian Labradoodle lifespan
How long do Australian Labradoodles live?
Most should live around 12 to 15 years. That is an estimate, because no large study has tracked Australian Labradoodles as their own breed yet.
Do smaller Australian Labradoodles live longer?
On average, a little. Larger dogs age faster, but the difference between a mini and a medium is measured in months. Weight and care matter more.
When is an Australian Labradoodle a senior?
Around 8 years old for most dogs, a little later for minis. Watch for slowing down, stiffness after rest, and changes in weight or appetite.
What is the best thing I can do for my dog's lifespan?
Keep him lean. In a lifelong study of Labradors, the dogs kept lean lived a median of 1.8 years longer than their littermates.
Do you offer a health guarantee?
Yes. You can read our puppy contract and health guarantee before you apply.
Want to see our parents' health results?
Every parent's test results are on our site. Text us if you want to talk through them.
Related reading: are Australian Labradoodles affectionate?
Sources
- O'Neill DG, et al. (2013). Longevity and mortality of owned dogs in England. The Veterinary Journal 198(3).
- Kraus C, Pavard S, Promislow DEL. (2013). The size-life span trade-off decomposed: why large dogs die young. The American Naturalist 181(4).
- Kealy RD, et al. (2002). Effects of diet restriction on life span and age-related changes in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 220(9).
- Dog Aging Project. dogagingproject.org.