Labradoodle in Australia — the honest 2026 guide
Labrador Retriever × Poodle
By Dogthings Editorial · Updated 2026-04-23
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The Labradoodle was originally bred in Australia in the 1980s as a low-shedding guide dog. Today it's one of the country's most popular designer crosses — friendly, trainable, and usually suitable for mild allergy households.
Labradoodle temperament
Outgoing, social, and generally great with kids and other dogs. Shares the Labrador's food motivation and the Poodle's trainability. Needs significant daily exercise and mental stimulation — boredom leads to destruction.
What each parent contributes
Labrador: friendly temperament, trainability, love of water and food
Poodle: low-shedding curly coat, high intelligence, longer lifespan
Who the Labradoodle suits
Good for:
- Active families
- Allergy-conscious households
- First-time large-breed owners
- Homes with space
Watch out for:
- High exercise needs (60+ min/day)
- Grooming every 6–8 weeks ($100–160)
- Can inherit hip dysplasia from Lab side
- Separation anxiety if under-exercised
Training a Labradoodle
Labradoodles are bright but can be over-enthusiastic. Start recall and loose-lead walking early. Positive reinforcement works well — harsh methods backfire. Two short training sessions a day beat one long one.
Common Labradoodle health issues
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Ear infections
- Addison's disease (Poodle line)
Insurance note: Premiums sit mid-to-upper for a large breed. Hip dysplasia and Addison's both qualify as hereditary — check the exclusions on any policy before committing, especially for multi-generational doodles where health testing may be inconsistent.
Feeding and food costs
Budget roughly $120 – $200 per month on quality kibble for an adult Labradoodle. Premium kibble (Black Hawk, Advance, Hill's) sits at the upper end; super-premium (Ziwi, Acana, Orijen) pushes higher. See our best dry dog food Australia 2026 ranking for options, or use our dog food cost calculator for a year-one estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Are Labradoodles hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic, but first-generation (F1) and multi-generational Labradoodles with Poodle-dominant coats typically shed far less than Labs. Allergy outcomes vary per dog — always spend time with the specific puppy before committing.
How much does a Labradoodle cost in Australia?
$3,500 to $7,000 from a reputable breeder. Well-known Australian breeders (Rutland Manor, Tegan Park) charge at the top of that range. Budget another $2,000 for year-one setup, vet and training.
Labradoodle vs Groodle — what's the difference?
Labradoodles are Labrador × Poodle; Groodles (Goldendoodles in the US) are Golden Retriever × Poodle. Groodles tend to be slightly calmer and more people-focused; Labradoodles are slightly more energetic and food-driven.
Still deciding?
Compare the cost of insurance for a Labradoodle on our best pet insurance 2026 page, or run year-one numbers with our first-year dog budget guide.
Updated 2026-04-23 · Not veterinary advice — always consult your vet.