FAQ

Australian or Labradoodle Origin – Is there a difference?

Yes. As you are learning about Labradoodles, you will certainly come across the term F1. This term refers to the puppy from a Labrador parent and a Poodle parent. With a first generation cross, it is impossible to predict the results. You don’t know if the dog will take on the low-non shedding coat qualities of the poodle or if it will shed like crazy. The appearance of the dog is not predicable either. Some British labradoodles end up like scruffy Labradors with beards!

You will also run into the term, F1b, which means the F1 labradoodle is m¬ated back to a poodle. With this cross there is more consistency in the coat, about an 6/10 chance that the puppy will be low shedding if both the parents were non-shedding. This is due to the large amount of poodle genetics i.e. 75% Poodle

F1 = First cross between a Lab X Poodle
F1b = F1 X Poodle
LO = Labradoodle Origin: meaning there are only Labrador and poodle genes in a Labradoodle. You may see numbers following the LO, these would refer to the generations.

Then there’s the Australian Multigenerational Labradoodle. In my opinion far superior, exceptional dogs in every way. Australian Labradoodles have more than just Labrador and poodle bloodlines at work. The Australian Labradoodle is an infusion of 6 parent breeds. In addition to the Labrador and poodle, the following breeds used in the development of the Labradoodle are approved as parent breeds in Australia: the Irish water Spaniel, Irish Soft coated wheaten, Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. When you purchase an Australian Labradoodle from a genuine breeder, you have a much better idea of exactly what you are buying. The size, coat, temperament, look, allergy friendliness, and non-shedding qualities are a much more predictable. These wonderful qualities that have created the Australian Labradoodle that we now know and love.

What is the size of an Australian Labradoodle?

There are 3 sizes of the Australian Labradoodle, the measurements below are taking at the shoulder.

Miniature: 13 – 16″ at the shoulder, weighs 8 – 15kg – comparable to a Cocker Spaniel size

Medium: 17 – 20″ at the shoulder, weighs 15 – 25kg – comparable to a Springer Spaniel – Small Labrador

Standard: 21″ + at the shoulder, weighs 25kg+ – comparable to an Irish Water Spaniel – Standard Poodle.

All Australian Labradoodles, no matter the size are indoor dogs. If you are interested in doing some serious physical activities with your dog such as running, agility, flyball or the like, stick with either a medium or a standard size. On the other hand, if you are interested in the perfect small dog, the miniature Labradoodle is a great lap dog size.

Are all Labradoodles non-shedding and allergy friendly?

The Australian Labradoodle was specifically bred for allergy sufferers. If you or a member of your family has an allergy to dogs, then the best way to find out if you are allergic to the Australian Labradoodle is to get allergy tested or spend some quality time with one.

For allergy sufferers, your best bet is to get an Australian labradoodle with either a fleece or wool coat.
If both the Australian Labradoodle parents are allergy friendly and non-shedding, then the pup should be allergy friendly and non-shedding. This is the best bet for those families who are looking for a non-shedding and allergy friendly dog. Our dogs are tested for coat furnishings IC to ensure we only breed non-low shedding coats.

How much exercise do they need?

Puppies under 1 year old should have restricted time on the lead. Jogging for miles or going on very long walks on the lead forces the puppy to perform the same mechanical movement at the same pace for long periods of time. This is not natural for puppies. Puppies are used to changing pace frequently, galloping one minute and then trotting the next. If puppies are forced to maintain a pace for a long time, it can damage ligaments and immature joints. Playing outside and short periods on a lead will provide puppy a safe amount of exercise. We generally recommend 5 minutes exercise per month how old the dog is.

Lead Times:

3 months: Puppies could safely do a 15-minute walk on lead.

4 months: Puppies could complete 20 minutes’ walk on lead

6 months: Puppies could do up to 30 minutes daily if the walk is interspersed with free play.

9 months: Puppies can handle a 45-minute-long walk once daily and maybe a shorter walk later the same day.

Running up and down stairs, jumping off high places, slipping and sliding on polished floors, and standing on just their back legs can cause damage to puppy’s hips and joints. Puppies should not be allowed to do any of the above. Failure to observe these things can induce hip dysplasia and other joint problems even in a healthy puppy.

What health problems affect Labradoodles?

Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs. However, it is important that all breeding dogs are fully health tested. Which for us as responsible breeders are one of our main priorities. Labradoodles generally have a vibrant health status. However, as with humans environmental and dietary factors are also very important.
Please see our health testing page for more details on the health screening we carry out at Courtlands.

How long will a Labradoodle live for?

It is expected that a healthy Labradoodle should live between 14 and 16 years

Puppy Frequently Asked Questions

How are puppies selected?

Families who have already reserved are sent weekly pics from birth to collection date.

Puppies are viewed and selected in the order of deposits paid. The viewing normally takes place between 4 – 5 weeks of age. I will advise families of the temperament, coat and size of each puppy; however, the final decision is with the family.

We generally hold viewings on the weekend, 1 or 2 days maximum. If you are unable to attend the viewing, we can video call “facetime” or send photos of your puppy. Viewings are 30 minutes.

What does my puppy come with?

Vaccination Card, Microchip Registration, Family Tree/Pedigree, Neuter contract of Sale, Comprehensive puppy guidelines, grooming notes, early days introduction, puppy food, cuddly toy with mother and litter smells to help settle in. Complete up to date worming, flea treatment and Full breeder support for as long as required.

At what age can we collect our puppy?

We release puppies normally at 8½ – 9 weeks of age – you will be advised of the collection date at the viewing if not before.

Which is best – male or female?

Both genders make ideal family pets. The temperament of the Australian Labradoodle is that exceptional there is no difference with genders, some boys can be larger but that is not hard and fast rule.

How are your puppies socialised?

Our puppies are socialized in our home and used to the sounds of a busy household, tv, music, daily hoovering etc. Children laughing, playing and crying a typical family! We also play a sounds cd to the puppies regularly, so they become confident and ready for the modern world. The sound cd covers all types of sounds from Thunder, fireworks, babies crying, traffic and hot air balloons plus many more.

We handle and hold the puppies in different positions daily, so they become confident and relaxed being handled and desensitised by all ages.

When the puppies are older, we introduce them to the garden, where they hear the birds singing, hear regular gunshots, planes and gliders overhead (we have a local gliding club and clay pigeon shoot on our doorstep). We introduce garden toileting from 6 weeks so the puppies will be used to going outside in our garden on the grass and will be in a good routine time the puppy goes to its new home.

Do you export?

Yes, I have vast experience in exporting puppy’s overseas to Europe and beyond and welcome genuine enquiries from committed and responsible homes. Depending on the country and entry requirements, the puppy will normally travel at 15 – 16 weeks of age. During this additional time, we will carry out further training, care and socialisation. An additional charge of £ASK will be required to accommodate the extra vet care and a further 6 weeks stay with me.

Puppies going to live in Switzerland, Austria, Denmark and Finland can leave from 10 weeks of age via a pet carrier company or flying with the owner as excess baggage which is a far cheaper option.

Additional Expenses:

Transport from Courtland’s to Bristol Airport. £POA
Transport from Courtlands to LHR Airport £POA
Transport from Courtlands to LGW Airport £POA
2nd Vaccination £tbc

Vari Travel Kennel depending on size (medium, intermediate, large) POA