Health Problems in Australian Labradoodles: What You Need to Know

Labradoodles have gained significant popularity, but the breeding practices associated with them have led to various health problems. Wally Conron, the creator of Labradoodles, expressed regret about initiating the designer breed trend rather than criticizing the dogs themselves. The surge in demand for doodles and the emergence of unethical breeders have caused concerns for Conron as well as the writer!

Initially, Conron was asked to breed a hypoallergenic guide dog by the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia. Although Australian Labradoodles are not entirely hypoallergenic and might have limited suitability as guide dogs, they have become highly sought-after as pets and therapy dogs.

Unfortunately, Australian Labradoodles have fallen victim to overbreeding and inbreeding by unscrupulous "breeders" due to their popularity. Unscrupulous breeders have exploited the breed's demand, leading to health issues. While mixed and crossbreed dogs often possess better health due to a diverse gene pool, this is not the case with Labradoodles and other designer breeds, which are not bred properly.

Dog enthusiasts should exercise caution when considering purchasing trendy designer breeds. The designer dog breeding industry has become adept at deceiving unsuspecting buyers. It is important to research and identify ethical and reputable breeders.

Australian Labradoodles are not inherently healthier than purebred dogs, contrary to popular belief. They exhibit health and genetic problems found in both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles. Crossbreeding does not necessarily provide the benefits of hybrid vigor and may exacerbate existing issues. Vets have reported behavioral problems in many Labradoodles, including hyperactivity.

Some of the major health problems in poorly bred Australian Labradoodles stem from the Poodle and Labrador Retriever, as well as the Cocker Spaniel, for those breeding anything other than the Standard Size. These include hip and/or elbow dysplasia, eye abnormalities, Addison's disease, sebaceous adenitis, Von Willebrand's disease, allergies, ear infections, lymphoma, epilepsy, and inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, poorly bred Australian Labradoodles can have personality and behavioral issues that require proper attention and exercise.

Australian Labradoodles are not completely hypoallergenic, although their significantly reduced dander may be less triggering for people with mild dog allergies. Regular grooming is necessary to maintain their coat, which varies among individuals.

When looking for a dog, it is essential to prioritize a healthy pet rather than focusing solely on designer labels. Australian Labradoodles have sparked a crossbreeding trend resulting in numerous mixed breeds. However, potential buyers should be cautious, as the designer breed market is more prone to unscrupulous sellers than traditional purebred breeders.

To ensure a healthy Australian Labradoodle, thorough research is crucial. Visit the breeder whenever possible, request to see the puppy's parents, and be wary of dubious sellers. Review the veterinary records and certifications, such as OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) and Companion Animal Eye Registry (CAER) exams. Beware of breeders who lack documentation and claim to have no health issues without evidence.

Well bred Australian Labradoodles are wonderful family pets, but they certainly require an amount of energy and grooming. As with any pet, conducting proper research, being prepared, and welcoming a new family member with open arms are key to a successful and fulfilling relationship.

We here at Big Rock Labradoodles and Big Rock Labradoodles, North, home of the The Big Rock Advantage™, are experienced, ethical, reputable, caring and committed breeders of our beloved Standard Sized Australian Labradoodles. We completely health screen every potential breeding dog, from temperament, to gait and structure as well as genetic health screening, multiple hip, elbow and eye certifications, all of which we are more than happy to provide. We have been breeding our cherished breed for over 12 years. We continue with extended education each and every year, paying quite a lot of money to attend conferences and take different training courses. We voluntarily submit to independent Kennel Inspections yearly, something that is not regulated or required. We are here for our puppy families every step of the way, from before a family joins a litter, all the way through the process, and long after. We also have an active private communication group for all of our puppy buyers to engage with one another - a very valuable resource. We are also a holistic minded breeder, offering our puppies to families on a spay-neuter contract, rather than choosing to do pediatric spays on 6-7 week old puppies, robbing them of essential hormones needed to develop properly, both physically and emotionally. We do not support annual vaccinations, choosing instead to be guided by titer testing. We do not support the use of cancer and seizure inducing pesticides for fleas and ticks on our precious dogs, choosing natural preventatives instead. We support balanced raw diets, which is a carnivores natural diet and do not recommend highly processed kibble diets, ever. Everything that we do is about prevention and a seeing our dogs live their longest, healthiest lives possible. We are so proud of our program and the dogs that we produce!