Wednesday, September 5, 2012

If You Want A Healthy Dog Contact Australian Labradoodle Breeders

By Concepcion McConnell


Australian Labradoodle breeders take care to breed from healthy dogs. They are also looking to produce puppies with even temperaments. They will be testing for genetic diseases and trying to eradicate these in their breeding program.

The first matings of Labradors and poodles were done in the hope of obtaining hypo-allergenic offspring that would go on to become guide dogs for sight-impaired people who were allergic to dog hair and dander. In those times, blind people with dog allergies were unable to have a guide dog. This was a great disappointment for them.

The new hybrid proved to be very suitable although not all had non-shedding coats. In fact, its temperament was so kind and sensible that the hybrids quickly became a very popular family pet. Indiscriminate breeders were quick to take advantage of the demand for these crosses with the result that haphazard mating produced some dogs with genetic problems.

One of these genetic diseases is hip dysplasia. PRA or progressive retinal atrophy is another and Von Willebrand disease is a third. These are the main diseases that cause problems. Dogs can be screened for all these. Potential breeding animals should be tested before being bred from. A blood test will confirm Von Willebrand while radiography will pick up animals with hip dysplasia. A vet will be happy to check your dog for PRA and other eye disorders.

A dog with hip dysplasia is often in a great deal of pain and may become almost crippled. Arthritis often sets in early with sufferers. PRA will eventually result in blindness. Some dogs also exhibit symptoms of patella and elbow displacement.

As the breed became more and more popular, breeders began to develop unusual and attractive colors. There are now a number of these including phantom, lavender, brindle, black, silver, blue, gold and red. The coat varies from straight to spiralled or wavy. While many dogs have a double coat, this breed has a single coat which has a soft texture. Double coats have a soft undercoat together with a top coat of coarse guard hairs.

Breeders in both Australia and the United States were breeding the dogs along different lines. The types are quite distinct. Most kennel clubs do not recognize the Labradoodle as a true breed. There is significant variation in first cross dogs with some taking after the poodle parent and others having more Labrador characteristics. Not all have low allergy coats. The most consistent cross occurs when the Labradoodle is bred back to the poodle (known in America as an F1-B).

As the standard size was around 25 inches tall and could weigh up to 30 kgs, breeders have now developed medium dogs (17 to 21 inches) and miniatures (14 to 17 inches). These have the same characteristics and gentle temperament but do not take up as much space. They are great dogs for families with allergies.

It is a very intelligent breed and quick to pick up on a person's mood. They are good with children and are fond of a romp when free but calm down quickly when being handled. If you think one of these would suit your situation, Australian Labradoodle breeders will be able to help.




About the Author:



No comments: