The History of the Labradoodle

The Labradoodle first originated in Australia in the 1980's with the first intentional purpose-bred mating of a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle.  A vision impaired woman in Hawaii was in need of a guide dog which wouldn’t aggravate her husband’s allergies, thus leading to the conception of this unique breed of dog.
 

Over a period of three years, Wally Conron sent hair and saliva samples from 33 different Poodles to test for allergic reaction with her husband. Unfortunately, this was without success.  Eventually, he thought of a solution: cross-breeding. He selected a poodle named Harley and a labrador named Brandy. 
 

Hair and saliva samples from their puppies were then sent to Hawaii to be tested and only the samples from the white dog known as Sultan did not irritate the husband's allergies. The other two dogs who triggered a reaction were not adopted by the couple but they did go on to lead successful and happy lives as service dogs.

 

Facts: 

• A Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle. 

• Australian Labradoodle is a cross between the Poodle, Cocker Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever.