Australian Labradoodles have an adorable soft appearance that makes everyone instantly fall in love with them. They tend to have a stockier, more square frame compared to first-generation Labradoodles, with a broad chest, level topline, and well-proportioned build. Their heads are slightly rounded with expressive, human-like eyes and a gentle expression. Ears are medium length, hanging close to the head.

Their overall look is often described as teddy bear–like, with a combination of sturdiness and softness that makes them stand out.

Most Australian Labradoodle have beautiful low to non-shedding coats. The majority have a fleece coat—silky, soft, and low-shedding, with a texture often compared to cashmere or angora. Fleece coats are loose waves or spirals, giving a fluffy yet manageable look.

Some Australian Labradoodles may have a wool coat, which is denser and curlier, more like a Poodle. Wool coats are excellent for allergy-sensitive families but require more maintenance. Wirer coats (straighter, harsher coats) are rare in well-bred multigen lines.

Their coats come in a wide variety of colors, including cream, caramel, apricot, red, chocolate, café, black, silver, sable, phantom, merle, and parti variations.

Grooming needs: While they shed very little, their coats require regular maintenance. Brushing two to three times per week and professional grooming every six to eight weeks is necessary to prevent mats and keep the coat healthy.

Australian Labradoodles are bred in three general size categories:

• Miniature: 14–16 inches at the shoulder, 15–30 lbs
• Medium: 17–20 inches at the shoulder, 30–45 lbs
• Standard: 21–24 inches at the shoulder, 50–65 lbs

This variety allows families to select the size that best fits their lifestyle, whether they want a smaller dog for an apartment or a larger dog for an active household.

Most Australian Labradoodles today are considered multigenerational, meaning they are bred from several generations of Labradoodles rather than a first- or second-generation cross. Early Labradoodles were simply a Labrador Retriever crossed with a Poodle (F1), or sometimes an F1 backcrossed to a Poodle (F1B).

To bring more predictability, Australian breeders carefully developed the Labradoodle by introducing other breeds—such as the English and American Cocker Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, and Irish Water Spaniel—and by continuing to breed Labradoodle to Labradoodle over many generations. This is what makes the Australian Labradoodle distinct from the early Labradoodle and why it is now recognized by organizations like the ALAA (Australian Labradoodle Association of America) and WALA (Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association).

Because they are multigenerational, Australian Labradoodles are much more consistent in appearance, coat quality, and temperament. Most have the hallmark soft, silky fleece coat that is low to non-shedding, along with a calm, intuitive, and people-focused personality. Families looking for a dog with predictable allergy-friendly qualities and a reliable temperament are often drawn to multigenerational Australian Labradoodles for this reason.

With careful breeding, Australian Labradoodles are generally healthy dogs, and their average lifespan is 12 to 15 years, with smaller dogs often living longer than larger ones. Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts, Cancer, Addison’s Disease and skin allergies or sensitivities can also occur. Responsible breeders work hard to minimize these risks by conducting extensive health testing—such as evaluations of the hips, elbows, eyes, and heart, along with comprehensive DNA panels—to ensure they are producing strong, healthy lines.

The Australian Labardoodle is a versatile companion, well-suited for a wide range of families and lifestyles; with a few caveats: 

• This is a very social dog that thrives on plenty of human interaction; if you have limited time for a dog, this may not be the breed for you. They need exercise and mental engagement.
• You should be prepared to dedicate the first two years to consistent guidance and training, helping your puppy grow into a well-mannered, wonderful adult dog.
• A low- to non-shedding coat means more time, effort, and money spent on grooming.

But if you have the time and enthusiasm, I predict your Australian Labradoodle will become the best friend you ever had – at least of the canine variety.