Page 293 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

Labradoodle

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Any color
Miniature: 14–16in (36–41cm) Miniature: 15–24lb (7–11kg) 14–15 years
Medium: 17–20in (43–51cm) Medium: 31–44lb (14–20kg)
Standard: 21–24in (53–61cm) Standard: 51–65lb (23–29kg)

Increasingly popular, this dog’s reliably playful, affectionate,
DONALD CAMPBELL’S DOG
and intelligent temperament reflects its parentage
Individual crosses between the Poodle and the
Labrador Retriever were known before the This hybrid dog was founded when Wally In Australia the Labradoodle is on its way
founding of the Labradoodle as a “breed.” One
Conron of Guide Dogs Victoria, Australia, to becoming a pedigree breed. Elsewhere it
such dog belonged to Donald Campbell, CBE
(below, left), who set land and water speed received a request from a vision-impaired remains a crossbreed, with no official status
records in Britain in the 1950s and 60s. In his woman in Hawaii who needed a guide dog but in huge demand.
1955 autobiography, Into the Water Barrier, that would not aggravate her husband’s First-generation crosses vary in
Campbell referred to his beloved Maxie, a dog allergy. Conron mated a Poodle appearance; later Labradoodle-only
Labrador-Poodle cross born in 1949, as (a breed with a coat suitable for people breedings are more predictable. There
a “Labradoodle”—long before breeder
with allergies) with a Labrador Retriever are now two main Labradoodle varieties,
Wally Conron used the name in Australia.
guide dog. One of the resulting puppies, distinguished by coat type: wool coat
a male named Sultan, had the required (tightly curled like a Poodle’s) and
non-irritating coat and a good fleece coat (long and loosely curled).
temperament. He became the first The Labradoodle has rapidly gained
recognized Labradoodle, a cross between popularity as a family dog. The dog’s
the Labrador Retriever (see p.260) and friendly, intelligent nature attracts owners
Poodles (see pp.229, 276). as much as its appearance.

Large, round,
dark eyes

Apricot
Drop ears

Body slightly
heavier than a
Poodle (see p.229)

Long,
curved tail
Cream underparts

Tucked-up
belly
Curly coat has
little dander

STANDARD

Medium-sized,
round feet

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