LABRADOODLE GENERATIONS
Generations (Pedigree):
F1 Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. They are non shedding about 50% of the time or less.
F1b Labradoodle is a cross between an F1 Labradoodle and a Poodle, or a second generation labradoodle. They are usually nonshedding. F1b Labradoodles usually have wavy to curly coats, with a few straighter coats.
F3 Labradoodle is a cross between two F1b Labradoodles. They are another step in the right direction in improving predictability of coat, size and temperament of the Labradoodle. These litters should be non shedding. An F4 Labradoodle is the result of two F3 Labradoodles and so on.
Australian Labradoodles are a mix of 3 breeds - Lab, Poodle and Cocker Spaniel, though in their distant ancestry there are other breeds that have a very minor influence on the Australian Labradoodle as we know it. They may have a pedigree of Australian Labradoodle bred to another Australian Labradoodle, OR they may be Australian Labradoodle bred to a Cocker Spaniel, Cockapoo, Poodle, or early generation Labradoodle. They have been breed for many generations to correct coats and set the standard for future generations. New infusions of parent breeds continue to set the type and form. Australian Labradoodles are, as a general rule, more predictable in size and coat than the early generations. The are almost always non shedding, though throwbacks can occur.
*note a Multigen Labradoodle does not neccessarily mean an Australian Labradoodle. Multigen Labradoodles are simply any Labradoodle bred past 3 generations. An Australian Labradoodle is descended from lines originating in Australia, or from the combination of the 3 main parent breeds, Labrador, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel. Often Australian Labradoodles are called Autralian Multigeneration Labradoodles. The direction of my program in the future is focused mainly on Australian Labradoodles and stabilizing nice solidly built mini and medium lines of new and old bloodlines combined, refreshing the presence and influence of parent breeds other than just the poodle, while maintaining the wonderful coat, temperament, consistencey, and all around greatness of the Australian Labradoodle.
THE LABRADOODLE COAT
Pure Fleece Coat: This ultimate coat is easily maintained. It is soft and luscious with a wave to curl to crimp curl that is easily brushed through and light weight, not wool or thick like a poodle and definitely *non-shedding. There are varying types of the fleece coat.
Fleece/Wool Blend: definitely *non-shedding. This coat is preferred by many. This texture should be quite similar “to an Angora goat, appearing to contain a silky lanolin”. It should be wavy and forming light loose spirals. The coat is usually 3 to 4 or 5 inches long and doesn’t tend to mat. The Fleece coat has a distinctly soft, loopy spirals it feels like no other dog coat.
Wool Coat: somewhat poodle-like which requires regular grooming. It is non-shedding and allergy/asthma friendly. This can be a thicker, tight curl coat. (Dense curly coat with a lambs wool texture). The highest rate of success of the three coat types (Hair/Fleece/Wool). It will need to be brushed/combed thoroughly about once a week. There are varying types of the wool coat.
Hair Coat: soft silky and flat to straight with medium waviness. Has a cute, fluffy, longer coat look. Regular brushing is recommended. Minimal to non- shedding. (Dog hair texture either feathering, scruffy, or wavy).
All allergy/asthma friendly labradoodles have a coat change from puppy to adult usually between 10-14 months of age. Because they do not "shed out," you must groom the old, dead coat out or it will cause severe matting in the new coat. During their coat change, it is recommended that you groom them daily. The coat change can last anywhere from a week to several weeks.
*Non-shedding coat definition per Webster’s- 1shed Pronunciation: \'shed\Function: verb Inflected Form(s): shed; shed·ding transitive verb 1 chiefly dialect : to set apart : segregate
4 : to give off, discharge, or expel from the body of a plant or animal: as a : to eject, slough off, or lose as part of the normal processes of life <a caterpillar shedding its skin> <a cat shedding hair> <a deciduous tree sheds its leaves in the fall> b : to discharge usually gradually especially as part of a pathological process <shed a virus in the feces>
They may have some low hair loss between winter and summer. Labradoodles will have some very low hair (breakage) loss, just like humans can have low hair loss but this is not considered shedding.
THE LABRADOODLE COAT COLOR
Black, Browns, Silver, different shades of Cream from pale Chalky White, through to Golden Cream and Apricot Cream, Apricot (rarer) and Red (rarer) and the newest color, Caramel, which is a reddish caramel color often called 'true' Apricot.
Addtional Links
http://www.continentalkennelclub.com
http://www.ilainc.com/LabradoodleBreedStandard.html
http://labradoodle-dogs.net/
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/labradoodle.htm
hhttp://www.philipcrammond.com/labradoodle/index.htm
http://www.sunsethills.biz/Labradoodle%20Colors/colours_of_the_labradoodle.shtml