FAQ

The Australian Labradoodle is widely regarded as a naturally robust and healthy breed—thanks to thoughtful, ethical breeding practices and the intentional avoidance of exaggerated physical traits often seen in show-focused lines. Bred for temperament, function, and overall wellbeing rather than appearance alone, this breed enjoys a lower incidence of many hereditary conditions.

Here at Didgeridoodles, we take health testing very seriously.

Every breeding decision we make is backed by extensive screening to give your future puppy the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Genetic Testing

We partner with trusted laboratories like Embark and Pet Genetics to run DNA tests on all of our breeding dogs. These simple tests help us screen for the following conditions:

• DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) – A progressive spinal cord disease

• PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – A genetic eye disorder leading to vision loss

• VWD (Von Willebrand Disease) – A blood clotting disorder

• EIC (Exercise-Induced Collapse) – Causes muscle weakness or collapse after intense activity

• HNPK (Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis) – Affects skin on the nose

• SD2 (Skeletal Dysplasia 2) – A form of dwarfism

• NE (Neonatal Encephalopathy) – A serious brain disorder in newborns

• CNM (Centronuclear Myopathy) – Affects muscle strength and tone

• IC (Improper Coat) – Ensures proper coat type in Australian Labradoodles

Hip & Elbow Scoring

We use BVA scoring (British Veterinary Association) to assess joint soundness:

• Hip Scoring/Elbow Scoring- Testing on all our breeding dogs here at Didgeridoodles

What You Can Expect with Your Puppy:

• Full veterinary health check

• Microchipped

• Wormed at 3, 5, and 7 weeks with Panacur

• A three-year genetic health guarantee

• Raised in a loving, busy home environment with other family dogs and everyday household sounds

• Socialized with cuddles, kisses, and lots of playtime

• Early introduction to grooming and the grooming experience

• We incorporate Early Scent Introduction (ESI) and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) in our puppy rearing—proven techniques that support brain development, confidence, and resilience from a young age.

• Weaned onto a raw diet and introduced to healthy treats.

We’re proud of the care we put into every puppy—and we’re here to help you welcome a happy, healthy companion into your life.

A Labradoodle can be F1, F2, F3, and multi-generation but it will possess both Labrador and poodle genes. Whereas Australian Labradoodles are all fifth generation or higher and may possibly have genes from other breeds. As compared to the standard Labradoodle, Australian Labradoodles are more consistent. There is also a difference in the temperament and coat type.

From just three days old, our puppies begin their journey with Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) and Early Scent Introduction (ESI)—proven methods that enhance their development, improve resilience, and help shape them into calm, confident, and adaptable adults. ENS gently introduces mild stressors, promoting strong nervous system development, while ESI enhances their ability to process new scents, benefiting problem-solving and adaptability.

By two weeks, we begin toilet training and a structured socialisation programme, exposing puppies to a variety of experiences, including household sounds, grooming routines, vet check practice, car rides, and gentle interactions with other dogs and adults.

We also teach basic treat manners, ensuring puppies take treats gently.

Our puppies even get outdoor experiences with fun buggy walks in the fresh air to safely introduce them to the outside world.

Weather permitting, they also enjoy early swimming sessions in our outdoor pool, helping them develop water confidence.

The dedication and care we put into our puppies reflect in their calm, well-adjusted temperaments, allowing them to transition seamlessly into their new homes.

We take extraordinary care to ensure each puppy is given the best start in life—with love, health, and enrichment at the core of our programme.

Because of the time and commitment we invest in raising our puppies, we ask that only those fully prepared for a puppy to continue this journey with us.

We want to ensure our puppies go to homes that will continue the love, training, and dedication they deserve. 🐾💛

You probably already know the answer—no! Puppies are still puppies. They will get into mischief, nibble on hands, have accidents on the floor, and test boundaries—it’s all part of growing up!

We provide them with the best possible start, laying a solid foundation through early training and socialisation. However, their development doesn’t stop here—your time, patience, and commitment are essential in shaping them into the dog you envision.

We highly recommend group puppy classes and working with a positive reinforcement trainer to continue building on the training we’ve started. Be prepared for pees, poos, chewing, and chaos, but with the right guidance and consistency, you’ll be rewarded with a well-mannered, loving companion for life! 🐾💛

An Australian Labradoodle is a multi generational Labradoodle that originated from Australia bred specifically for therapy work and companionship. Despite the name this breed does not contain an Australian Shepherd. Several generations ago they infused a few other breeds (mainly spaniels) to improve size, coat, health, and temperament; and have since been breeding those dogs together to create this purebred multigenerational Australian Labradoodle... it seems like a mouthful and a bit confusing with the name but all of our dogs' lineage traces back to the two original breeders in Australia.

Curious about the size of Australian Labradoodles? Here’s a quick guide:

• Miniature: 13 - 16" at the shoulder, weighing10 - 14kg—similar in size to a Cocker Spaniel.

• Medium: 16 - 19" at the shoulder, weighing 14 - 19kg—comparable to a Springer Spaniel or Labrador.

• Standard: 20" and above at the shoulder, weighing 20kg+—similar to a Golden Retriever or Standard Poodle.

Our puppies will be Medium size, as we're committed to maintaining this perfect balance!

You need to keep on top of it with a groom appointment every 6 – 8 weeks costing around £50 each time.

But with your brush and some detangling spray it's pretty easy, but definitely keep on top of the brushing.

• Labradoodles can have very thick coats, and daily brushing will cut down on matting and knotting

• The longer you leave the coat to grow, the more care you will need to keep it tangle free

It is important to get your labradoodle puppy used to brushing at a very young age so they get used to the grooming when they are older!

Highly trainable, make great therapy dogs, family orientated, non-shedding, hypoallergenic and quite simply the best companion dog ever!

Simply clean often and if in doubt get the Vet to clip them on your visits. Groomers can help too! If they get irritated, we can suggest a soothing ear lotion!

Usually, itchy ears are due to poor gut health. We recommend Nutripaw pre, pro and post biotics treats as part of their healthy regime.

Our Feeding Programme

From the very beginning, we’re committed to giving our puppies the very best start in life — and that begins with nutrition. At weaning, our pups start on Nutriment Weaning Formula, and as they grow, we gradually transition them onto Nutriment Raw.

A raw diet provides balanced, natural nutrition packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. This supports strong bone development, a glossy coat, healthy digestion, steady growth, and overall wellbeing — all incredibly important for growing pups.

We recommend to continue raw feeding throughout the first year. Then, around 12 months of age, you can choose to transition your dog.

There are many excellent brands available, and we’re always happy to offer guidance.

Our adult dogs thrive on a Canagan wet and kibble mix, which provides a nutritious, protein-rich diet to keep them healthy, energetic, and in peak condition.

We also add salmon oil to our adult dogs' meals, as it supports skin and coat health, joint mobility, and overall wellness.

Whatever you choose to feed, we always recommend looking for high protein content and premium ingredients to support your puppy’s growth and your adult dog’s long-term health.

This feeding programme works wonderfully for us, but you’re welcome to do your own research and choose what suits your dog and family best. We’re always here if you need advice!