An Honest Look
What are the cons of owning an Australian Labradoodle?
The biggest cons are grooming, cost, and time. An Australian Labradoodle needs brushing and professional grooming for life, costs more up front than most dogs, and does not do well left alone all day.
Why would a breeder write about the cons?
Because we would rather you hear them from us now than find them out the hard way later. A dog that does not fit your life is hard on you and harder on the dog. So here is what we tell every family who asks.
The grooming never stops
This is the biggest one. An Australian Labradoodle's coat keeps growing, and it mats if you ignore it. Mats pull on the skin and hurt, and a badly matted dog usually has to be shaved down.
Plan on brushing at home a few times a week and a professional groom every 6 to 8 weeks for the life of the dog. Before you commit, call a couple of local groomers and ask what they charge for a doodle. We start nail trims and brushing before puppies go home, so your puppy is used to being handled.
The price is high up front
A puppy from health-tested parents costs more than most dogs. Testing, registration, vet care, and raising a litter the right way all cost money. You can see exactly what is included on our pricing and details page.
The purchase price is also only the start. Budget for the first year too:
- A crate, bed, bowls, collar, leash, and harness
- Food, treats, and chews
- Vet visits, vaccines, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention
- Grooming tools and professional grooming
- A puppy training class
They want to be with you
Australian Labradoodles are people dogs. That is most of their charm. However, it also means they do not do well alone for long stretches every day. If everyone in your house is gone ten hours a day, you will need a plan for midday walks or daycare.
Puppies are still puppies
Our puppies come home litter trained and used to napping in a crate. That is a head start, not a finished job. You will still deal with puppy biting, a few rough nights, and potty accidents. The fix for all three is the same: calm, consistent routines from everyone in the house. Our crate training guide walks through the first few weeks.
Smart dogs get bored
A bright dog learns quickly, which is great. So what happens when he has nothing to do? He finds his own job, and you usually will not like it. A few short training sessions a day, a good walk, and some puzzle toys go a long way.
They are not guard dogs
If you want a dog that protects the house, look at a different breed. Most Australian Labradoodles love everyone. That is a con only if protection is what you are after.
Low-shedding is not the same as allergen-free
No dog is truly allergen-free. The main dog allergen comes from skin, saliva, and dander, not the hair itself. Studies that measured allergen in homes have not found that so-called hypoallergenic breeds leave less of it behind. In other words, a low-shedding coat means less hair on your floor, but allergy results still depend on the person and the dog.
If allergies are your main reason for choosing this breed, spend real time around Australian Labradoodles before you commit.
Are you ready?
Ask yourself these questions honestly before you apply:
- Can I brush a dog a few times a week and pay for grooming every 6 to 8 weeks?
- Can I give a dog real exercise and a little training every day?
- Is someone home during the day, or can I pay for a walker or daycare?
- Can I handle a few weeks of puppy biting and crate training?
- Can I afford the price plus the first year of care?
If the answer to any of these is no, it is okay to wait. With that said, if the answer to all of them is yes, an Australian Labradoodle is a wonderful dog to come home to.
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 owning an Australian Labradoodle
Is an Australian Labradoodle a lot of work?
Yes, in a few specific ways. The coat needs brushing at home and a groomer every 6 to 8 weeks, and they need daily exercise, training, and company. They are easy to live with once those needs are met.
Are Australian Labradoodles good for first-time owners?
They can be, if you are ready for the grooming and the puppy stage. Their temperament is forgiving. The coat care is the part first-time owners most often underestimate.
Do Australian Labradoodles shed?
Very little. Their fleece and wool coats hold loose hair until you brush it out. However, no dog is allergen-free. Read more about shedding and allergies.
Can an Australian Labradoodle be left alone while I work?
For part of the day, yes, once he has been taught that being alone is safe. A full workday alone every day is hard on a people-focused dog. Plan on a midday walk, a dog walker, or daycare.
Are they good guard dogs?
No. They may bark when someone comes to the door, but most of them greet strangers like old friends.
Still think it is a good fit?
Meet our parent dogs, then apply when you are ready.
Related reading: the most mellow doodle breed and do Australian Labradoodles bark a lot?
Sources
- Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Indoor Pet Initiative. Crate Training.
- Vredegoor DW, et al. (2012). Can f 1 levels in hair and homes of different dog breeds: lack of evidence to describe any dog breed as hypoallergenic. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 130(4).