Australian Labradoodle vs American Labradoodle: What’s the Difference?

American vs. Australian Labradoodles

Labradoodles are a popular designer dog breed known for their intelligence, friendly personalities and low-shedding coats. While Labradoodles originally began as a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, there are now two distinct types: American Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles. If you’re wondering what is special about an Australian Labradoodle, the biggest differences come from the breed’s lineage, consistency, temperament and coat qualities.

American Labradoodles	Australian Labradoodles
Originally developed in the United States	Developed in Australia
Combination of Labrador Retriever and Poodle breeds	Combination of Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel breeds
Typically have a wavy or curly coat	Typically have a curly, non-shedding coat
Available in a variety of colors and sizes	Available in a wider range of colors and sizes
May be prone to shedding	Generally considered non-shedding
May be prone to certain health issues due to inbreeding	May have a more diverse gene pool and fewer health issues due to the addition of the Cocker Spaniel breed
May be registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC)	Not recognized by the AKC

 

Breeding Difference Between American and Australian Labradoodles

American Labradoodles are typically developed by breeding a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. The goal is to combine the Lab’s friendly, intelligent nature with the Poodle’s low-shedding coat qualities. Because American Labradoodles are often earlier-generation crosses, their coat type, appearance and temperament can vary more from puppy to puppy.

Australian Labradoodles were first developed in Australia by crossing Labrador Retrievers and Poodles with additional parent breeds, including Irish Water Spaniels, Curly Coat Retrievers, English Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels. This more developed lineage is a major part of what makes an Australian Labradoodle special. The goal was to create a friendly, intelligent, low-shedding dog with greater predictability, resilience and adaptability.

Difference in Labradoodle Appearance

When it comes to appearance, American and Australian Labradoodles can look similar. Both may have a medium-sized build with a dense, wavy or curly coat in colors such as black, chocolate, cream, caramel and red. However, there are some key differences between the two.

American Labradoodles may have a slightly longer, narrower head, longer nose and longer ears. They may also have a more pronounced stop between the forehead and muzzle. Australian Labradoodles often have a softer, more balanced appearance with a rounder head, shorter muzzle and more consistent coat texture due to their carefully developed breed background.

Temperament of American and Australian Labradoodles

Both American and Australian Labradoodles are known for friendly, intelligent personalities. They are highly trainable and can make excellent family pets. However, there may be differences in predictability and activity level.

American Labradoodles often have a higher energy level, depending on their generation and parent dogs. They can be playful, active and well-suited for families who want an energetic companion. Australian Labradoodles are also playful and friendly, but they are often known for a more balanced, intuitive and adaptable temperament. They may be better suited to families with a more sedentary lifestyle.

Labradoodle Grooming Differences

Both American and Australian Labradoodles require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy. Dense, wavy or curly coats can become matted without brushing, bathing and routine trims.

American Labradoodles may have more variation in coat type, especially in earlier generations. Some may shed more or require more frequent coat maintenance. Australian Labradoodles have been selectively bred for more consistent, low-shedding coats, which can make grooming needs more predictable. Regular brushing, professional grooming and coat care are still important for both types.

What Makes Australian Labradoodles Special?

Australian Labradoodles are more than a mix of Labrador Retriever and Poodle. They are a carefully developed breed with a rich history, unique traits and more predictable characteristics. Unlike many early-generation Labradoodles, Australian Labradoodles offer a more refined lineage, allergy-friendly coat qualities and a balanced temperament.

For families asking what is special about an Australian Labradoodle, the answer often comes down to consistency. Their temperament, coat type, size range and family-friendly nature are the result of decades of thoughtful breeding.

Diverse Heritage and Carefully Developed Lineage

Unlike traditional Labradoodles, which are often first-generation crosses between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, Australian Labradoodles have a more complex genetic background. Developed in Australia over 40 years ago, their lineage includes six parent breeds:

• Labrador Retriever
• Poodle (Standard, Miniature, Toy)
• English Cocker Spaniel
• American Cocker Spaniel
• Curly Coat Retriever
• Irish Water Spaniel

This diverse ancestry helps give Australian Labradoodles their predictable temperament, low-shedding coats and exceptional trainability.

Consistent and Predictable Traits

One of the standout qualities of Australian Labradoodles is their consistency. Decades of selective breeding have helped create more predictable size, coat type and personality traits, making them ideal for families, companion homes and therapy work.

• Coat Type: Their curly or wavy, low-shedding coats make them a great choice for many allergy-conscious families.
• Temperament: Intuitive, intelligent and calm, they excel as family pets and therapy dogs.
• Size and Appearance: Available in Miniature, Medium and Standard sizes, with a variety of coat colors.

Hypoallergenic and Low-Shedding Coats

Unlike some early-generation Labradoodles, which may still shed, Australian Labradoodles have been bred for low-shedding, allergy-friendly coat qualities. Their coats usually shed minimally and may produce less loose hair around the home, making them a strong option for many families with allergy concerns.

Why Choose an Australian Labradoodle?

Australian Labradoodles are more than just pets. They are lifelong companions with a reputation for intelligence, affection and adaptability. Whether you need a family dog, therapy animal or loyal companion, they stand out for their:

• Hypoallergenic, low-shedding coat qualities
• Predictable traits in size, temperament and coat type
• Exceptional intelligence and trainability
• Loving, adaptable nature suited for many lifestyles

Are All Labradoodles the Same?

The short answer is no. There are many types of Poodle mixes, and a Labradoodle is one of them. A traditional American Labradoodle is often a Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross. An Australian Labradoodle has a more developed background with six approved parent breeds in its origin: Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Curly Coat Retriever, English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel and Irish Water Spaniel.

F1 = First cross between a Lab and a Poodle

F1b = F1 crossed back to a Poodle

Australian Labradoodles offer more predictability in temperament, coat type and size than many early-generation crosses. Check out our full selection of Labradoodles for sale in southeastern Wisconsin.

Contact Labradoodle Corral, the Midwest’s authority on Australian Labradoodles, for more information or to inquire about puppies available for adoption.