Pet Owner FAQ's
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What is a F1, F1B, Australian Labradoodle, Labradoodle and all those numbers? What is the grading scheme?
What is the difference between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle?
What is an American Labradoodle?
What is hybrid Vigor and does it apply to labradoodles or Australian Labradoodles?
What are common health issues in Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles?
What is the Membership process? It seems so
difficult.
Who should I contact with questions?
Who should I contact with a complaint?
Can I volunteer
for a committee?
Can I volunteer
for the board?
What if I believe that a breeder has broken a rule?
How does the ALAA change items like the
Code of Ethics or the Breed Standard?
How are ALAA funds spent?
What is a F1, F1B, and all those numbers?
- F1: The "F" stands for "filial generation". "F1" means "first generation" and is a common scientific term. This, in the Labradoodle breed, is the coding for First
cross, purebred poodle to purebred Labrador Retriever. The results are mixed as this is not the breeding of two "like" dogs, dogs that resemble each other. F1 are typically moderate to low shedding and
have a sparse hair to fleece coat.
- F1B: The "F" stands for "filial generation". "F1" means "first generation" and the addition of the B refers to Backcross. In Science, it
is common to state the long version F1 Backcross. This, in the
Labradoodle breed, is the coding for a Labradoodle F1, as defined above, bred (or backcrossed) to a purebred Poodle. The results are mixed as this is not the breeding of two "like" dogs, dogs that
resemble each other. F1b are typically low shedding to non shedding (as much as a dog can be non shedding) if the
parents are both non shedding. and have a hair to fleece coat.
- Australian Labradoodle is a dog that carries the DNA of the Labrador,
Poodle and Cocker Spaniel (American or English). The resulting offspring are more similar but slightly mixed depending on the parent dogs. An Australian Labradoodle can be created by the crossing
of a Poodle to another Australian Labradoodle, a Cock a poo to a Labradoodle, a Labradoodle to a Cocker Spaniel and the like, resulting in the three breed combination. The Australian Labradoodle is the
first step, once an Australian Labradoodle is crossed to another Australian Labradoodle the result is termed a Multigen (Multigenerational)
Australian Labradoodle as it involves multiple generations of breeding like to like. Australian Labradoodles and Multigen Australian Labradoodles typically have a non shedding coat (as much as a dog can be non shedding) if both parents are also non
shedding.
- Multigen Australian Labradoodle (Multigenerational)
is the breeding of an Australian Labradoodle to another Australian Labradoodle. Multigen Australian Labradoodles typically have a non shedding coat (as much as a dog can be non shedding) if both parents are also non
shedding.
- Purebred Australian Labradoodle: The defination of purebred was determined in 1852. Merriam-Webster's definition of purebred:
Date: 1852 : bred from members of a recognized breed, strain, or kind without admixture of other blood over many generations. Furthermore the AKC in their foundation service requires 4 generations
of like to like matings. Therefore the ALAA uses these two references and once an Australian Labradoodle has been breed to another Australian Labradoodle in 4 CONSECUTIVE matings it will be
considered a purebred.
Grading Scheme (voted by membership March 2008)
What is the difference between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle?
A Labradoodle is the result of breeding the Labrador Retriever to a Poodle, Labradoodle to Poodle, or Labradoodle to Labradoodle. Basically the Labradoodle has
Labrador Retriever and Poodle only DNA nothing else. The description of the Labradoodle in "Designer Dogs, Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds" by Caroline Colie says it best.
“This is one celebrity canine who doesn’t read his own press- and with his rave reviews, he doesn’t need to. Easygoing and self-assured, the Labradoodle is a modest mister who’s just happy to hang out with his friends.
He’s a self-made bloke, the Cary Grant of designer dogs. Born of working –class Labrador Retriever and Standard Poodle parents,” (the smaller sizes have miniature poodle) “his destiny seemed laid our ahead of him as a working dog. Though he was good at his job, his handsome looks and winning personality propelled him to greater fame, and soon he was on the A-list of every chic club in town.
The Labradoodle doesn’t let celebrity go to his head, however. He’s a gregarious fellow who doesn’t judge people by their position. Actually, he’s more interested in whether their car has four-wheel drive, so he can get where he wants to go. He’s a nature lover, with a special interest in waterfowl, thanks to his outdoorsy parents.
This is a casual guy who won’t mind sloshing thorough puddles without rain gear, and in fact prefers it. He’ll think nothing of showing up with a bandanna around his neck and his hair still wet from a swim. But he cleans up so well, he can easily switch from a down-home kerchief at the beach to a diamond-studded collar at dinner. He likes his sports, and is happy hobnobbing at the polo grounds (or just lounging on the sofa watching NASCAR). But he’s rather participate than watch, and his idea of paradise is a day at the beach chasing a ball, catching a curl, or snoozing in the shade, beach-bum style.
Despite his full social calendar, he always seems able to squeeze in one more play date, especially with his favorite partners-kids. And you’ll need to make sure he gets plenty of exercise every day.” (A Labradoodle is the reflection of his parents, the first generation, Labrador to Poodle is generally higher energy and drive than second generation. Either generation of high energy or laid back parents is typically a reflection of those temperaments) “Labradoodles don’t tire easily, and unless he’s truly tuckered out, he can become creative in ways you don’t really want to find out about.” Page 89
Labradoodles can be Standard, Medium and sometimes Miniature although toy poodle use is not recommended. All colors of the poodle can be found in the Labradoodle. Coat types include various waves of straight, kinky to a spiraling curl. The coat texture ranges as well from a harsh wool, softer fleece (not as silky as the fleece of the Australian Labradoodle), or hair coats (slightly longer but more like the Labrador coat). The non-shedding or low shedding fleece and wool should be brushed weekly due to matting and groomed bi monthly, while the hair coat, which does shed, requires less grooming.
An Australian Labradoodle is the result of breeding a Labradoodle (Labrador Poodle only cross) originally but adding in Cocker Spaniel (American or English). This maintained the larger boning but brought the incredible soft fleece coat. The term "Australian" was added as a prefix to honor the place of origin as Wally Conron working with the Royal Guide Dog Association of Australia as its puppy-breeding manager in the early ’80s breed the first Labradoodle (first generation F1) and second generation ( F1B what he termed a double doodle) developed an allergy friend guide dog.
Again we will quote “Designer Dogs, Portraits and Profiles of Popular New Crossbreeds" by Caroline Colie as it is a wonderful description of the breed. Thank you Dr. Colie.
One of the first breeds on the designer-dog scene, this fella has rocked his way to international stardom. Whether you’re up for some Aussie rules football, or just snuggling and having a cuppa, this bloke’s always game.
The land Down Under used to be best known for kangaroos and boomerangs, but that was before the Australian Labradoodle wagged his tail onto the scene. This dinky di poch isn’t your average designer dog. In fact, he’s technically not a standard hybrid. He started off as a simple cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, but then the recipe got complicated. A dash of Irish Water Spaniel, a dollop of Curly Coated Retriever” (these two are no longer used and not in all pedigrees) “, and a sprinkling of English and American Cocker Spaniels went into the mix. Now the breed has worldwide clubs, such as the International Labradoodle Association” (Now the IALA) “working to promote the Australian Labradoodle as a legitimate breed in development.
Greeting everyone with tail-wag semaphore for “G’day, mate,” Aussie Labradoodles are friends to all, more likely to invite a burglar in to fire up the Barbie than they are to scare him away. If you have a game to play or a walkabout to take, he’s an instant chum. He may even dazzle you with his “kanadoodle,” a vertical jump that launches him up among the stars—where he belongs, of course.
Once back on the ground, he’s equally athletic and energetic, and loves to run, swim and fetch. Great in the outdoors, this ‘Doodle is less suited to the city (unless you can devote your entire life to running and throwing balls).” (Please note Australian Labradoodles are a reflection of their parents and some are total couch potatoes while others marathon runners) “But he’s more than a star jock. He’s smart and actually likes having a job to do. He’s a gifted retriever, an enthusiastic obedience dog, and a successful service dog. In fact, he was first developed as a guide dog for the blind.
Australian Labradoodles can be Standard, Medium or Miniature. All colors of the poodle can be found in the Australian Labradoodle. Coat types include various waves of straight to a spiraling curl. The coat texture ranges from wool, soft wool to a silky fleece and many are a combination of the three. The non-shedding or very low shedding fleece and wool should be brushed weekly due to matting and groomed bi monthly. Finding an experienced groomer is difficult; the best option is to print out photos to take to the groomer to get the results you want.
What is an American Labradoodle?
The term American Labradoodle is not recognized by the ALAA, in fact the Labradoodle or Lab/Poodle cross was originated in Australia not America. Some novice breeders use this term to define the lab/poodle only cross incorrectly.
What is hybrid Vigor and does it apply to labradoodles or Australian Labradoodles?
Hybrid vigor is incorrectly applied to all Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles. Hybrid Vigor is a term used when a breeder is trying to establish that breeding two different purebred dogs results in healthier offspring. Genetically this applies ONLY to health issues NOT inherent in both breeds and in the initial cross. Due to the fact that most common health issues of the Labrador Retriever, Poodle or even Cocker Spaniel are common to ALL these breeds, hybrid vigor does not apply. See the Health Testing link on this page for health issues common to these dogs. However, the possible effects of out crossing (breeding unrelated pedigrees together) may result in healthier dogs, this would apply as purebred Labrador Retrievers, Poodles and Cocker Spaniels do not have common ancestors.
What are common health issues in Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles?
The Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle is generally considered a healthy breed, however possible issues breeders should be screening breeding parents for include PRA prcd, Hip Dysplasia, Patella Luxation, General Eye problems. Non health related, but common, include bite issues such as the juvenile underbite. Please see the Health Testing link for a detailed description on all possible health issues and what the ALAA is doing about these issues.
Who should I contact with questions?
- For questions
regarding the Pet Membership process contact our Pet Membership Registrar
at pets@ilainc.com.
- For questions
regarding the Breeder Membership process, contact our Breeder Membership
Registrar at registrar @ilainc.com.
- For questions
regarding the registration of dogs or litters, contact our Dog Registrar
at dogs@ilainc.com.
- For questions about
the newsletter, contact the Public Relations Officer at pr @ilainc.com.
- For financial issues, contact the Treasurer at treasurer @ilainc.com.
- For questions about breeding parent breeds other than Lab or Poodle,
contact the Infusion Mentor at infusion@ilainc.com.
- For questions regarding health testing of breeding dogs, contact the
Dog Register at dogs@ilainc.com.
- For press relations or interviews, contact the Public Relations
Officer at pr@ilainc.com.
- For questions on
any of the Code of Ethics or Rules and Regulations, OR to file for an exemption to a rule or regulations including the grading scheme, ask the Quality Assurance
Officer at qa @ilainc.com.
Who should I contact with a
complaint?
Contact the Quality Assurance Officer at QA@ilainc.com.
Can I volunteer for a committee?
Yes, there are always volunteer opportunities! The ALAA Officers page lists
openings and current committees. We are always looking for additional volunteer
members. The ALAA is a non-profit organization. If you are
interested in volunteering for a committee, notify the leader of that committee.
The committee leader will inform you of the committee’s needs. In
addition, in March during the annual officer voting ballot there is an open
request for members interested in joining a committee.
Can I volunteer for the Board?
Yes. If you are interested in joining the governing board you should read the website officers page and understand each of the 7 board positions. You also should read the articles
of incorporation and regulations on the ALAA Charter page. This will give you a general idea of the positions and how yearly elections and mid year nominations take place. You should submit a letter of interest
to the ALAA board including your qualifications.
The The ALAA Officers page lists
the current officers and positions. Officers are required to not only hold a postion but also take on other duties, run teams and inititives to achieve the ALAA yearly goals. The current duties
each ALAA board member has taken on is listed on the Officers page next to their personal information.
The existing ALAA Board is required to nominate all new board members. New board members are nominated in two ways. First, every year in March the existing ALAA
board is required to nominate a slate, this is presented to general membership during the yearly open conference call then voted on by general membership. The ALAA board will presented the slate at the yearly conference
call after issuing that slate in an agenda, allow those wishing to self nominate be heard, follow this with a determination of the slate for general member vote, then provide a general member vote online
within 3 weeks. Due to the Board being required to
nominate each individual via a slate the board must know of your interest and will offer you time at the call to present your interest to the board and general membership.
2005 Regulations 3.1 Election: At each annual organizational meeting of directors,
the remaining officers shall nominate the open officer positions and the general membership shall vote upon and elect a president, a secretary, and a treasurer, and if desired a chairperson of the board, on or more
vice presidents, and such other officers and assistant officers as may be deemed necessary. Any two or more of such offices may be held by the same person, but no officer shall execute, acknowledge or verify any instrument
in more than one capacity if such instrument is required by law, the articles, or these regulations to be executed, acknowledged, or verified by two or more officers. A majority of the members that actually vote, shall determine the new officers.
Secondly, if vacant postions on the board become available during the year they are filled following the ALAA regulations:
2.5 Vacancies: In case of a vacancy in the board of directors the remaining members (of the board) by unanimous vote may elect a successor who shall hold office for the unexpired term. If the number of directors
should at any time be less than the number necessary to constitute a quorum, or the remaining directors fail to agree promptly on a successor, then a special meeting of the members shall be called and held for the purpose of
electing directors.
In these cases of having to fill positions mid year, or even prior to the March conference call having your resume on file or having you on a committee is the only way we are aware of your interest in becoming a board member, capable and interested in the ALAA board.
What if I make a mistake or believe
that I or someone else has broken a rule?
There is a detailed quality assurance process filed by the QA Officer.
The first step is to notify the QA Officer of the infraction, complaint, or
your own concern(s) at qa@ilainc.com.
How does the ALAA change items
like the Code of Ethics or the Breed Standard?
Once an item is in need of a correction or change it is put through
the Quality Assurance process. Depending on the nature of the change, either
the entire membership will vote or the breeder members will vote to ratify the
change. General rules and regulations
not specifically in the Code of Ethics are altered by all officer votes.
How are ALAA funds spent?
The ALAA is a non-profit association. Finances are spent for
the Dog Registrar (a non-breeder employee of the ALAA), upgrades and
maintenance to the ALAA database (DogTrackTM and StudFinderTM), the yearly ALAA breeder
Roundtable, as well as minor overhead. All of the ALAA officers are
volunteers.
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