Where the Doodle came from
Doodles are crosses between a Poodle and a Labrador or Golden Retriever. The best known story starts in Australia in 1989, when Wally Conron, who ran breeding for the guide dog program in Victoria, crossed a Labrador and a Standard Poodle. He wanted a guide dog that would shed less, for a blind woman whose husband was allergic.
The cross became popular, and breeders made many more around the world. Doodles are not a recognized breed, and puppies vary in coat, size and temperament.
Today Doodles are common family dogs, and some work as service and therapy dogs.
- Before 1989 Labradors and Poodles are well established as separate breeds
- 1989 Wally Conron breeds a Labrador and Poodle cross for the guide dog program in Victoria, Australia
- Today Doodles are still not a recognized breed, and puppies vary widely
The job a Doodle was bred for
The idea was a low shedding guide dog, which means a calm, trainable dog. At home puppies take after Lab, Golden or Poodle in different mixes, so they can be bouncy, smart and need steady work.
What you see at home
Varies a lot. Often mouthy, jumpy and sensitive. Follows the mix of parents: some pups lean Lab or Golden, some lean Poodle.
Mouthing and carrying things
That is the retrieve drive. Hand them a toy to carry and trade for a treat.
Jumping on guests
Many Doodles are social and bouncy. Reward four paws on the floor and teach a mat.
Sensitive to noise or change
Doodles can be sensitive. Go slow, keep sessions short and pay for calm.
Never settling
A busy brain needs a job. Try a nose game before the walk, then a settle on a mat.
Sports that fit a Doodle
- Scent work. A good outlet for a smart nose
- Dock diving. Many love water
- Obedience. Eager to learn
- Trick dog. Smart and social
- Therapy work. Good fit for friendly dogs
Training tips for a Doodle
- Start socialization and calm greetings early.
- Use food and play rewards, and measure treats.
- Teach settle, since many are bouncy.
- Make grooming a daily good time.
Body and health
Size and structure vary a lot. Coats often do not shed but need regular grooming, and low shedding is not a guarantee. Avoid hard jumping while growing.
Fun fact. Wally Conron has said he regrets it and that he released a Frankenstein monster, because so many poorly bred Doodles followed.
Breed is where we start
A study of more than 18,000 dogs found breed explains only about 9 percent of the differences in behavior between dogs (Morrill and others, Science, 2022). So your Doodle is a starting guess, not a label. We find the drive your dog actually runs on, give it a job, and teach you to read them.
Looking for a different breed? See what 75 breeds were bred to do.