Australian Labradoodle vs Labradoodle: What Is the Real Difference?
Many people use the terms ‘Labradoodle’ and ‘Australian Labradoodle’ as if they refer to the same dog. That mix-up is common, and it can lead to unpleasant surprises when adopting. Here are the essential differences.
The classic Labradoodle: a simple origin
The classic Labradoodle (or American Labradoodle) comes from crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. It’s an F1 cross: two distinct purebred dogs. This cross was popularized in the 1990s as a hypoallergenic alternative to traditional guide dogs.
But here’s the problem: since it’s a first-generation cross, the traits are not stabilized. Two puppies from the same litter can have very different coats: one curly and hypoallergenic, the other straight and highly allergenic.
The Australian Labradoodle: a rigorous breeding program
The Australian Labradoodle is a breed in its own right, developed in Australia since the 1980s through a precise breeding program. Unlike the classic Labradoodle, it incorporates several carefully selected breeds:
- Labrador Retriever
- Poodle
- American or English Cocker Spaniel
- Some lines include the Irish Water Spaniel and Curly Coat Retriever
After 40 years of multi-generational selection, the Australian Labradoodle today shows traits that are much more stable and predictable than a simple Labrador/Poodle cross.
Comparison table: Australian Labradoodle vs Labradoodle
| Criteria | Classic Labradoodle | Australian Labradoodle |
|---|---|---|
| Breeds included | Labrador + Poodle (2 breeds) | Labrador + Poodle + Cocker + others (4-6 breeds) |
| Genetic stability | Varies by litter | Homogeneous — predictable traits |
| Hypoallergenic coat | Uncertain (varies by puppy) | Reliable — curly or woolly |
| Temperament | Variable | Stable, gentle, balanced |
| Ease of training | Good | Excellent — very high intelligence |
| Therapy/assistance dog | Sometimes | Ideal — used for this since its origin |
| Breeding program | Simple cross | Structured program since the 1980s |
| Price in France | €2,000 - €3,500 | €3,000 - €4,500 |
| Selected by Ouidoodle | No | Yes ✓ |
Why Ouidoodle chose the Australian Labradoodle over the classic Labradoodle
When Charlotte founded Ouidoodle in 2020, the choice was clear: work only with breeds whose traits are stable and predictable. For adopting families, this means fewer surprises: a puppy you know in advance will be hypoallergenic, gentle, and easygoing.
Our Australian Labradoodle breeding dogs are imported from the United States and selected on several criteria: Embark genetic testing, dysplasia testing, and above all temperament evaluation. We do not do classic Labrador/Poodle crosses.
FAQ — Australian Labradoodle vs Labradoodle
Is the Australian Labradoodle recognized by the SCC?
No, like most crossbreeds, the Australian Labradoodle is not recognized as an official breed by the SCC (the French kennel club). But it is recognized by ALFA (Australian Labradoodle French Association) and several international registries.
Can you identify an Australian Labradoodle by sight?
Not always. Both look like Doodles. The distinction is made through the breeder’s pedigree and documentation of the parents. Beware of sellers who market a classic cross as an ‘Australian Labradoodle.’
Are all Australian Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
With a serious breeder working with multi-generation breeding dogs, yes. Selection over several generations has stabilized the coat type. At Ouidoodle, we guarantee a curly or woolly coat on our puppies.