Characteristics
The Australian Labradoodle or Australian Service Dog has many many favorable characteristics that warrant it to be a highly sought after breed.
One of the top features is a high intelligence level; they are easily trained and seem quite like humans on many levels. When we got our girl Lil Miss Piper, we were so amazed at how quickly she caught on to the day to day routine in our home. She had maybe 2 indoor potty accidents before she figured out where the back door was. She knows where to get her treats, she knows where to find her toys, she even knew which Christmas presents were hers and she OPENED hers on Christmas Eve when no one was looking. (Naughty girl!)
She learned "sit","up" "stay", and "go!" (yes we need that command from time to time) very quickly. She knows not to barge out our front door should it be open, nor our back gate. When entering the house, she only does so when told. She sits and waits at the open door until assured that it is okay for her to enter. All of these commands came very easily for her. She is very patient with our children, calm during bathing, driving, and clipping. She is not high strung or nervous. She fits right in with whatever we are doing, whether it’s lounging around the house, playing outdoors, going to the park or to relatives’ houses. Our family is a dog loving family so Piper has many doggie “cousins”, all of which she gets along perfectly with. (Unless they instigate a showdown perhaps being territorial, then Piper is polite and respectful, and allows them their space-can you tell we are slightly partial to our sweetie?)
On our Service/Therapy page we cover some information on how the intelligence of this breed is utilized for disabled, sick or special needs individuals. However, these dogs are not only appropriate for therapeutic usage but on a daily basis have a need to be useful even for the average companion. Walking to heel on a loose lead, sitting and laying down when asked, learning to stay, coming when called, lying patiently for hours with a sick child, doing what we call "tricks", bringing in the paper, fetching your slippers, waiting for you to go through a doorway first, down/stay while you bring in the washing, or cook the dinner - the list is endless. Learning to do some of these things gives the Australian Labradoodle a sense of purpose and helps him to feel that he is truly serving his family just as a Service Dog would be doing in a different set of circumstances.
Another highly favored characteristic is the low to no shedding coat. Because they are so low shedding (virtually none but to save us from being untruthful should a hair or two happen to fall out just like human hair does from time to time) there are very high chances that these dogs are hypo-allergenic. Individuals who are sick, or have special needs, often have severe allergies, so hypo-allergenic qualities are an important aspect of the breed. Piper sits on all our furniture, is indoors at all times unless to use the grass outdoors, and never is there a hairy mess to clean up. We have severe allergies and she can sit on our laps, lay on the couch with us, and roll on the floor with the children and not one allergy attack is triggered. Our breeding program specializes in the fleece coat which is extremely soft to the touch, with loose springy curls when left to grow out. A low maintenance coat that requires very little bathing-a light brushing on a regular basis keeps it looking shiny and tangle free. Absolutely stunning.
These are only a few of the many attributes that belong to the Australian Labradoodle-there are many more. As with any breed, each puppy will have his or her distinct personality. Some will be mellower than others; some will be more active than others. That is why we at Sequoia Haven endeavor to match potential adoptive families with the perfect baby by asking you questions about your individual lifestyle though our reservation process. Please feel free to contact us if you have a specific need or characteristic in mind that you would like to discuss.
