What Makes Australian Labradoodles Different from Other Doodles?
Understanding the qualities that set this breed apart on purpose.
If you’re researching doodles, you’ve likely come across more than a few options Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles, Sheepadoodles, Cavapoos… and then there’s the Australian Labradoodle.
While it’s often lumped in with the rest, the Australian Labradoodle stands apart. It’s not just a mix, it’s a thoughtfully developed breed, created with intention, consistency, and temperament in mind.
If you’re looking for a calm, allergy-friendly companion with a steady, people-focused nature, it’s worth understanding what truly makes this breed different.
1. They’re a Purpose-Bred Breed - Not Just a Mix
Most doodles today are first- or second-generation crosses. That means they’re the direct result of a poodle being bred to another breed like a Labrador, Golden Retriever, or Bernese Mountain Dog. These puppies are sweet, but their traits can vary widely, even within a single litter.
You might get one puppy who sheds heavily, another who’s high-strung, and another who’s laid-back. There’s simply no way to predict what you’ll get because the genetics haven’t stabilized yet.
Australian Labradoodles are different.
They are what’s called a multigenerational breed, meaning they’ve been bred over several generations with careful selection and purpose. Their foundation includes Labrador Retriever, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel but that combination happened decades ago. Since then, dedicated breeders have worked intentionally to refine the breed with each generation.
So what does that really mean?
It means that rather than a one-time cross, Australian Labradoodles are bred to other Australian Labradoodles just like Golden Retrievers are bred to Golden Retrievers.
It means we know what to expect in terms of coat type, personality, and health.
It means the unpredictable phase is behind us, and the breed has matured into something truly special.
When you hear “multigenerational,” think of it as the difference between a recipe you’re experimenting with and one that’s been perfected over time. With Australian Labradoodles, breeders have been fine-tuning the “recipe” for over 30 years, resulting in a companion that’s consistent, reliable, and incredibly well-suited for family life.
This isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about choosing predictability, peace of mind, and a puppy that was made for connection.
What you get from this effort is a more refined, reliable family companion. You know what to expect: a non-shedding, allergy-friendly coat, a balanced temperament, and a friendly, confident demeanor.
2. Temperament You Can Count On
Temperament is at the heart of what makes Australian Labradoodles so special. These dogs are known for their gentle, affectionate nature and intuitive personalities. They’re incredibly people-oriented, often described as “soft” in the best way eager to please, calm in the home, and easy to train.
Other doodle breeds, particularly first- or second-generation crosses, can inherit stronger working or guarding traits. This can lead to higher energy levels, stubbornness, or reactivity things that may not be ideal for families with small children or first-time dog owners.
Australian Labradoodles have been bred with therapy-level companionship in mind. Their goal isn’t to herd or guard it’s to be a deeply connected member of the family. Calm, steady, and affectionate.
Learn how we raise our puppies
what is a temperament assessment?
3. True Hypoallergenic Qualities
One of the most common reasons families seek out doodle breeds is the hope for a dog that’s allergy-friendly and low-shedding. But what many don’t realize is that not all doodles are reliably hypoallergenic even when they’re marketed that way.
In first-generation doodles (like an F1 Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle), coat traits are highly unpredictable. Some puppies might shed. Others might not. Some might have tight curls, others a flat, shedding coat. Even within one litter, you could see every variation, and no one can guarantee how the coat will mature.
Even second- and third-generation doodles (F2 or F3) often show inconsistencies. That’s because the genetic pool hasn’t been refined enough over time to create uniform results. While some may have a low-shedding coat, many still produce dander, shed lightly, or require trial-and-error grooming plan.
Australian Labradoodles are different.
They’ve been selectively bred for over several generations with coat quality as one of the primary focuses. That means breeders have consistently chosen to move forward only with dogs that have allergy-friendly, low to non-shedding fleece and removed any lines that showed inconsistency or problematic traits.
This careful, time intensive process has resulted in a breed with remarkable coat reliability. Most Australian Labradoodles have a silky fleece texture that doesn’t shed like traditional dog fur and is often well-tolerated by families with allergies or sensitivities.
At Ohio Valley Labradoodles, we take coat health seriously pairing dogs not just for temperament and structure, but also for predictable coat genetics. We want families to feel confident in their decision and comfort in their homes.
See the dogs behind our program
4. Health Testing & Breed Standards
read that again…Breed Standards
These logos you see on our websites aren’t just for decoration. They mean we are a member of an established breed club.
What is a breed club?
A breed club is an organization that sets and enforces health, ethics, and structure standards for a specific breed.
Being part of a breed club like WALA (Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association) means we agree to follow strict, documented guidelines for health testing, temperament, breeding ethics, and care. It’s not a casual membership. It’s a sign of accountability and intention.
Every dog in our program is screened before breeding, with verified clearances for hips, elbows, eyes, and a panel of genetic conditions. We also track lineage, maintain low inbreeding coefficients, and follow protocols that protect both the dogs and the families who love them.
Many doodle mixes don’t yet have this level of structure. Because they’re newer or unregulated, there’s often no consistent health testing or breed development behind the puppies—just a pairing and a promise.
Australian Labradoodles are different.
They’ve been guided by breed clubs for decades, resulting in a well-established standard of excellence. This isn’t guesswork, it’s stewardship.
At Ohio Valley Labradoodles, our breed club membership isn’t just a badge it’s a blueprint. One that keeps us aligned with the highest standards in the world of intentional, ethical breeding.
They’re Raised with Intention
How a puppy is raised in their first eight weeks has a lasting impact on their confidence, behavior, and ability to adjust to family life. This is where Australian Labradoodles and ethical breeders in general truly set themselves apart.
At Ohio Valley Labradoodles, our puppies are raised in thoughtfully designed spaces for their comfort, development, and daily interaction. They experience the rhythm of family life and are gradually introduced to new environments as they grow giving them the confidence to adapt and thrive.
We follow a structured enrichment and socialization plan that includes early neurological stimulation, sound desensitization, obstacle exploration, confidence-building activities, and lots of daily hands-on attention. This helps build emotional resilience, not just cute moments.
Why It Matters:
While there are many responsible breeders doing excellent work in various settings, not all doodle puppies are raised with this level of structure and intention. When puppies have minimal exposure to human interaction or everyday life, it can lead to anxiety or behavioral challenges later on.
Australian Labradoodles from intentional programs like ours are different because they’re raised differently on purpose. They were bred to be intuitive, people-oriented companions, and that starts with how they’re nurtured from the very beginning.
There’s a reason so many families fall in love with Australian Labradoodles. They’re calm, intelligent, allergy-friendly, and deeply connected to the people who love them. But what truly sets them apart isn’t just the way they look it’s the intentionality behind how they’re bred, raised, and supported.
When you choose an Australian Labradoodle from a responsible program, you’re not just bringing home a dog you’re welcoming in a companion who’s been prepared for a lifetime of connection.
Looking for a companion Raised the Right Way?
Explore our available puppies or learn more about how we raise each litter. We’d love to help you find the right fit for your family.
Have questions? Contact us.