The Labradoodle was first intentionally bred in 1989 when Australian breeder Wally Conron first crossed the Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle for Guide Dogs Victoria. His goal was to combine the low-shedding coat of the Poodle with the gentleness and trainability of the Labrador, and to provide a guide dog suitable for people with allergies to fur and dander. Guide Dogs Victoria continues to breed Labradoodles, and Labradoodles are often used around the world as guide, assistance, and therapy dogs as well as being popular family dogs.

Like most Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, Labradoodles are generally friendly, energetic and good with families and children. Labradoodles also often display an affinity for water and the strong swimming ability present in both their parent breeds. Like their parent breeds, both of which are amongst the world's most intelligent dog breeds, Labradoodles are very intelligent and quite trainable. Labradoodles can be taught to obey verbal or sign language commands, or both, and remain commonly used as guide dogs for disabled or handicapped persons around the world.

Types of Labradoodle

Labradoodle coats are generally divided into 3 categories: Wool (with tight curls, and similar in appearance to that of a Poodle, but with a softer texture); Fleece (soft and free-flowing, with a kinked or wavy appearance); or Hair (which can be curly, straight or wavy, but is more similar in texture to a Labrador's coat). Labradoodles come in a wide variety of colours, including chocolate, cafe, parchment, cream, gold, apricot, red, black, silver, chalk, parti colours, and generally all the colours that can be found in Poodles. They also can be different sizes, depending on the size of poodle (i.e. toy, miniature or standard) used.

The Oxford English Dictionary now lists "Labradoodle" Monopoly board game included a Labradoodle icon in its "Here and Now"  and Australian editions. New York department store Lord and Taylor raised $50,000 in 2004 and $55,000 in 2005 for Guiding Eyes for the Blind selling Labradoodle plush toys. Macy's department store raised funds with plush Labradoodles "Grace" and "Courage" for Breast Cancer Awareness in 2006. 

US President Barack Obama announced on a January 11th, 2009 interview with George Stephanopoulos that his family had narrowed down their choice for "first dog" to either a Labradoodle or a Portuguese Water Hound. Unfortunately for him, he chose the wrong breed. :)