Thursday, January 16, 2014

Before Adopting Australian Labradoodle Puppies North Carolina Dog Lovers Should Know These Facts

By Judy Sullivan


When a Labrador Retriever is bred with a Poodle, the resulting hybrid dog is known as a "Labradoodle", and more specifically those from Australia, are called the Australian Labradoodle. This dog makes a terrific family pet since it is very smart, friendly, and rarely sheds, which is good news for allergy sufferers. It's a good idea however if before adopting Australian Labradoodle puppies North Carolina dog lovers find out what is involved in caring for this animal.

They were first bred in the 1980's by a breeder named Wally Conron whose goal was to produce a dog that possessed the Labrador Retriever's excellent disposition and the Poodle's tendency to shed less. Sometimes they are trained as guide dogs for the blind and other various physical or mental impairments.

Each litter of pups may vary considerably, because they don't have standard features. The dog's size is determined by what type of Poodle was used in breeding, and males are most often larger than females. The coat may be wavy fleece, curly wool, or straight hair, however the first two types are more common and desirable as they seldom shed. Coat colors can be black, chalk, silver, apricot, cream, cafe, parchment, red, gold, and parchment.

A versatile and easy-going animal, they are wonderful playmates for children and get along well with other pets. They train easily, but it's important to assert oneself as "pack leader" early on so the animal does not try to outsmart its owner. Australian Labradoodles are gentle, very loyal, and eager to please.

It's important that this dog gets enough exercise every day and may act up if it doesn't. Having a decent sized yard to romp around in is best, but even in an apartment it can be content provided it is taken for a long walk several times daily. They like to play fetch and other interactive games with humans, and also enjoy swimming, which they have a natural affinity for, if there is a pool.

Although they can be considered healthy in general, there are some disorders Australian Labradoodles are prone to. The main threats are progressive retinal atrophy and hip dysplasia, these should be screened for before breeding a dog. However with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care, they can live to be 13 to 15 years old.

Regular grooming, in particular those with a curly coat is needed if the animal is to look its best. Daily brushing helps prevent matting and is essential for this dog which sheds very little. A professional grooming should be done every month or so, and a trim is recommended two or three times each year.

The Australian Labradoodle is considered a hybrid, not a breed, a fact which some breeders are trying to change, as they believe this dog is a breed in its own right and should be seen as such. There are two types of Australian Labradoodle puppies North Carolina dog owners may adopt, those from a direct Poodle/Lab cross, and those from two Labradoodle parents, even though the former are idealized for their greater diversity, either pup can be a great family dog.




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