The Australian Labradoodle scores top marks for family-friendliness (5/5) and gets on very well with both children and other dogs (4/5 each). It also copes well with city life, as long as you make sure it gets daily exercise in green spaces. But don't underestimate its need for activity: despite its moderate energy level (3/5), it's a clever dog that loves to work. Its high trainability (4/5) makes training easy, but it also demands mental exercise such as scent work, retrieving games or trick training.
An honest assessment also has to cover grooming. The Australian Labradoodle sheds very little (shedding 2/5), but its medium-length, wavy to curly coat with undercoat quickly mats without regular care. Build thorough brushing right down to the skin several times a week, plus regular trips to the groomer (grooming effort 3/5), firmly into your calendar and your budget. You should also know that even a dog that barely sheds can never guarantee across the board that an existing pet allergy won't flare up – test close contact thoroughly at the breeder's first.
Your checklist for the first conversation with the breeder
When buying a puppy, don't rely on promises alone – check the conditions on site. These points will help you make a well-founded decision:
- Look at X-ray and joint results: Ask to see the official evaluations for hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED) and the knees of both parents in the original.
- Check the eye exams: Ask for current results of an ophthalmological exam of the parents that covers the risk of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
- Ask to see DNA tests for blood clotting and exercise tolerance: Check the lab certificates for exercise-induced collapse (EIC) and ask the breeder specifically about the parents' von Willebrand disease status.
- Ask about the line's history: Ask directly whether any cases of degenerative myelopathy are known in the line.
- Get a realistic idea of adult size: Since the breed ranges from 35 to 63 cm and 7 to 30 kg, meet the mother on site and ask for the exact measurements of the stud dog.
- Watch the rearing and the mother: Make sure the mother comes across as relaxed and friendly and that the puppies grow up right in the middle of family life, so their breed-typical bond with people is shaped as well as possible.
On HonestDog, a breeder profile only goes live once the breeder has completed sign-up: an identity check with ID and selfie, proof of club membership or a §11 permit (the breeding license under Germany's Animal Welfare Act) where applicable, a knowledge test on breeding and animal welfare, and agreement to the HonestDog breeding standards, which among other things rule out breeding with extreme-breeding traits. Health tests of the parent dogs that breeders upload are shown right on the profile; ask to see the original results when you visit. Your next step: compare the profiles of Australian Labradoodle breeders on HonestDog, look at the health records they've uploaded and ask directly about the next litter.
