The History of The Labradoodle Part 2
The primary draw to the Labradoodle was the low and non-shedding coats, but as people quickly discovered, they possessed a wonderful disposition. The Labradoodle’s future was set.
Australian Multi-Gen Labradoodle breeder Judy Hickey of Snug Harbor Labradoodles provides her characterization of the dogs, “There’s an intuitiveness to the Australian Multi Gen Labradoodles. "They have a very human-like nature. And that was sort of a depiction until I had them myself. Then I discovered they are very funny! They have a childlike playfulness about them.”
These dogs became so adaptable, their intelligence and resolve attracted people and trainers who wanted dogs for sports, guidance, and therapy.
Because of the growing popularity, the crossing of a Labrador Retriever and Poodle without regard to genetics, bloodline, or temperament began.
These breeders called their puppies Labradoodles, with the resulting puppies having unpredictable physical and temperament characteristics.
Because of this random breeding, the need to develop a standard initiated the formation of two Breeding and Research Centers for Labradoodles in Australia.
In 1989, Rutland Manor Labradoodle Breeding and Research Center organized in Darnum, Victoria.
Their sires and dams being only health tested Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and 3rd generation Labradoodles. Tegan Park Breeding and Research Centre in Seaspray, Victoria was established at this time as well. They also carefully controlled their breeding program, using only the finest genetically healthy dogs.
In 1998, Tegan Park introduced the "Miniature" Labradoodle to the public. When a Miniature and Standard Labradoodle are crossed, the medium-sized Labradoodle is the result.
And today three sizes are currently recognized; the miniatures at 14 - 17 inches tall, mediums at 18 - 21 inches, and the standard at 23 - 26 inches.
Now very early generation Labradoodles had a wide variety of coat types. Some curlier coated puppies matured into a low allergy coat, while others started as low allergy but by 8 months of age had shed into one that was not low allergy.
In addition, some puppies grew up looking like Golden Retrievers with a thinner coat, while others took on the look of a Labrador Retriever.
Both Rutland Manor and Tegan Park bred away the shedding coat and as a result, shedding coats are generally rare in Australian Multi-Generational Labradoodles. Today, Australian Multi-Gen Labradoodles are bred for either Fleece or Wool Curly coat. .