Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Australian Labradoodle get started?
As a service dog to a blind woman whose husband struggled with allergies, a trainer at Royal Guide Dogs in Australia in the 1980's combined the intelligent, good-natured labrador with the highly trainable poodle for an allergy-friendly service dog. From there, the Australian Labradoodle became an infusion of several breeds (poodle-standard, miniature, and toy; labrador retriever; Irish water spaniel, curly-coated retriever; American cocker spaniel; and English cocker spaniel) as further standards were met to achieve the best temperaments and coats. Currently, the Australian Labradoodle is considered a cross between the poodle, cocker spaniel, and the labrador retriever. With close attention to breeding, the product is the most desirable of pets, the Australian Labradoodle, the original doodle, the therapy temperament dog.
WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY “ALLERGY-FRIENDLY”?
All dogs have dander (and shed); so there is no dog that is 100% hypoallergenic. However, because Australian Labradoodles predominately drop their hair only where groomed (like a poodle) vs. all over the house (like a labrador), allergy sufferers often do well with the Australian Labradoodles. Members of my own family are sensitive to the dander of our labrador-beagle mix, but are fine with our Australian Labradoodles. Ever After's breeder dogs have soft, wavy fleece coats; but the curlier the doodle coat, the better it seems to be for allergy sufferers. Regardless, if you struggle with allergies, you should spend some time with our adult labradoodles before making the commitment to buy a puppy. It would be heart-breaking to adopt one of these pups, form an attachment, then find out your allergies are too sensitive for ownership.
What's the difference between the Australian Labradoodle and the Labradoodle?
The Australian Labradoodle was the start of the "designer dogs." Though several breeds were infused to achieve the original Australian Labradoodles, currently, they are thought of as a cross between a labrador, poodle, and cocker spaniel; whereas, the Labradoodle is a cross between a labrador and poodle only. With a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle, an allergy-friendly coat has evolved for those who prefer dog dander predominantly limited to its place of grooming. With the Labradoodle (especially first generation-F1), the resulting coat can behave either way; like a labrador in some pups or a poodle in others. Our own breeder dogs have lineage back to the original labradoodles of Australia where such pains were taken to produce the best of this new breed in regard to intelligence, temperament, structure, and coat. Even though there are definite differences, the one-word term "labradoodle" is used by both groups.
How do you choose a breeder?
Sadly, backyard breeders are now rampant, trying to make a quick profit selling dogs that may have serious health and temperament issues. When we give money to irresponsible breeders, we perpetuate the problem. Good breeders know that standards of the breed must be of utmost importance. Since temperament is inherited (especially from the mother who rears the pups), close attention must be paid to the temperament of the breeder dogs used. (With Ever After, we hired Pat Hastings of Dogfolk to train us to evaluate our puppies at 8 weeks of age for temperament and structure - vital knowledge before assigning puppies to homes or keeping any as breeders.) In addition, disease panels on the breeder dogs are essential to stop undesirable genes from being passed along to the puppies. Breeders who belong to organizations such as ALAA (American Labradoodle Association of America) and WALA (Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association) are required to provide documentation of genetic testing on all breeding stock. Eye tests are required every 18 months. Also, a good breeder will care about nutrition, socialization, exercise, beginning training (i.e. sit, outside potty, crate training, etc.), and screening of potential families.
(For additional tips in selecting a breeder, learn more here)
Why are the puppies so expensive?
We were initially shocked by the cost ourselves - until we started working for a breeder of these amazing pups. If the breeder is conscientious, there are high costs involved when considering the summation of purchasing quality breeder dogs ($10,000-$14,000 each), stud fees ($3,000-$4,000), disease panel testings (some yearly), evaluations (each litter), food, vitamins, groomings, vet bills (pre-natal appointments, progesterone testing, ultrasounds, x-rays, shots, medicines, emergency care, etc.), and supplies (whelping necessities, crates, bedding, puppy pads, etc.). With such overhead, being a serious breeder is more about loving what you do rather than striving to get rich. Our greatest concerns are with the "doodle breeders" who seem to be cashing-in without taking any of the necessary steps to protect the breeding dogs and puppies they are selling. In that way, they are no better than puppy mills. Ever After's puppy price of $3,800 (plus the required 8.9% WA sales tax) is comparable to most reputable breeders. However, the countless hours administered by our family (not a staff) of nurturing and training surpass what would normally be achieved - especially from large breeders. When the puppies are awake, our family is with them. In the end, Ever After is best known for well-socialized, ragdoll-type puppies, who are doggy-door potty trained, and sleep through the night in closed kennels. We do the hardest work for you. *Our guardianship program does allow select families to have our top breeding dogs at no cost with a contractual agreement.
What about the campaign "Adopt, don't shop"? With so many dogs in shelters, why not encourage others to adopt instead of purchase?
Good questions; we've sure loved our three rescue dogs. If you are feeling led to help in that way, maybe you should. With that said, please be ready to love your rescue dog regardless of any hiccups that may arise down the road. Our three rescue pups required surgeries and medications due to puppy-mill over-breeding. They also required patience through emotional issues due to neglect. The last thing a rescue dog needs is "to-be-tried-out" and then given back to the shelter. Also, beware of rescues (by name only) and animal auctions that are dishonestly cashing-in on a growing form of animal exploitation worldwide. Before you donate to or adopt from a rescue, especially one that claims to do “puppy-mill rescues,” learn how they acquired the animals and what they paid for them. Sometimes “saving” a dog from puppy-mill-like conditions, is only perpetuating a cycle of hidden victimization. A good rescue won't charge you a lot of money ($50-$150 to cover care costs). You can read more about this topic online. One interesting podcast from the esteemed veterinarian and lawyer, Dr. Marty Greer, relating to dogs from foreign rescues carrying deadly diseases into our country can be heard here.
As for bringing more puppies into the world and selling them, there are still many families seeking loving pets with the exceptional qualities of the Australian Labradoodles (as well as other beautiful breeds) raised by quality breeders. Although there is no such thing as a perfect dog, and no definite guarantees; a puppy from a responsible breeder has been given the highest of chances for a healthy, happy life with a loving family.
*Adopting from a creditable shelter or buying from a trustworthy breeder can help put an end to the dishonest exploitation of man's best friend.
Is the Australian Labradoodle for me?
So far, the sky is the limit with this breed since some love water, some hunt, some exercise with their families, some are trained service or therapy dogs, and the list goes on. They are amazing family pets for all ages and get along well with other animals. However, because this active, sweet-natured, intelligent dog is quite social, if you are gone all day throughout the week and plan on keeping your dog in a kennel, this probably is not the dog for you. The Australian Labradoodle needs to have people around for cuddling. Also, since this breed boasts amazing medium-thick, wavy-straight or spiraling-curly, allergy-friendly coats of varied textures (soft wool, silky fleece, or a combination of the two); plan on grooming to prevent mats. Seriously. Frequent brushings and regular trips to the groomer should definitely be expected with this furry family member. Along with different coat textures, Australian Labradoodles come in a variety of coat colors to please everyone: caramel ice, caramel cream, caramel, caramel red, red, gold, apricot, cream, chalk, chocolate, cafe, lavendar, parchment, black, blue, and silver combined with different patterns of solid, solid with white markings, abstract, parti, phantom, sable, brindle, and merle (however, merle is considered a fault by breed standard). For pictures of labradoodles with these varied coats, visit here. In addition, the Australian Labradoodle comes in three different sizes measured to their withers (shoulders): miniature (14"-16"), medium (17"-20"), and standard (21"-24"); all weighing between 15-65 pounds. With so much diversity, it is no wonder this breed has become so popular.