Designer Dogs: Labradoodles Becoming Better-known

The American Labradoodle is one of several breeds referred to as "designer dogs." Breeds such as the Labradoodle are developed from crossing two pure breeds -- in this case the Labrador Retriever and the Standard or Miniature Poodle -- in an effort to create a dog that has the best characteristics of both breeds while hopefully losing some of the less desirable characteristics.

It is not an exact science, however; any characteristics of either breed could show up in the resulting puppies. Hybrid genetics, by nature, means no outcome can be predicted with any kind of certainty.

Typically, though, Labradors and Poodles are good-natured dogs. Both are usually affectionate and energetic and make good family pets. They normally are good with children. Both breed are strong swimmers and enjoy being in the water.

Labradoodle puppies can be of practically any hair type, since Labs are smooth-haired and Poodles have curly coats. They can be pretty much any color either breed could be -- yellow, chocolate, black, white, etc.

Labradoodles were the creation of Wally Conron, an Australian breeder. In the 1970, Conron was breeding guide dogs for the blind. His goal was to produce a dog with the minimal shedding of the Poodle and the gentleness and intelligence of the Lab.

Labradoodles are not a breed recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are able to be registered through the American Canine Hybrid Club. Not all Labradoodles are 50-50 Labrador and Poodle; it is not an uncommon practice for breeders to produce multi-generation crosses.

There are two types of Labradoodles, and they are very different. The Australian Labradoodle is, in fact, a purebred, while the American Labradoodle is a hybrid dog. Breeders in America are producing Labradoodles in a number of ways.

An F1 Labradoodle is defined as a first generation dog that has been bred by crossing a purebred dog of each breed (a 50-50 cross). These dogs are typically the healthiest Labradoodles. Dogs resulting from this breeding can be smooth-haired like a Lab, or have wavy, shaggy coats. They can also end up with wiry coats resembling that of an Irish Wolfhound.