Do you love dogs that look like something out of a cartoon? If you do, you are probably familiar with Doodles. All Poodle mixes have this cute appearance that makes them look like teddy bears. However, no dog looks like a plush toy as much as the Mini Australian Labradoodle.
These are cute and fluffy dogs that can cheer everyone up. They make amazing family pets and companions, and they will make you smile all day long!
This is a crossbreed like no other. It is a mix of not two, but three breeds: the Mini Poodle, the Labrador Retriever, and the English Cocker Spaniel – although the American Cocker Spaniel will do as well.
Each of these breeds is easy to recognize not just by their unique and adorable appearance, but also by their amazingly friendly personalities.
As a result, you’ll get a friendly, intelligent, and happy mixed breed dog that will love everyone around him!
Miniature Australian Labradoodles are easy to love, which is why many people are aspiring to own them. If you are among them – this guide is for you.
We’ll list everything a future Mini Australian Labradoodle owner should know before their purchase. We’ll also explain why this might be the cutest Doodle in the world.
What Is A Mini Australian Labradoodle?
A Mini Australian Labradoodle is a designer dog, and a crossbreed of three dog breeds: the Miniature Poodle, Labrador Retriever, and the English or American Cocker Spaniel.
This adorable little mix was created to be the perfect blend of parent breeds’ personalities and appearance, making him the perfect family dog.
While all Doodles are cute, and it can be impossible to point at one and say it is the cutest of them all, one thing is certain: Mini Australian Labradoodles are the smallest of all Labradoodles, maybe even of all Doodles.
This is because they are designed to have the size of their parent; a Miniature Poodle.
Their small size makes them perfect dogs for apartments and condos, as well as all other tight spaces. They are ideal for large cities, which is why they are most popular in metropolitan areas.
These pups are so small that some breeders advertise them as micro Australian Labradoodles or toy Australian Labradoodles. Indeed, they can be toy-sized, as the smaller ones can weigh less than 20 lbs. However, all of them are, in fact, Mini Australian Labradoodles.
If you see a Mini Australian Labradoodle advertised as a toy or a micro dog, chances are they are runts of the litter or have some genetic defect. This is why you always need to ask the breeder about the cause of their tiny size and whether there are some health issues you need to be wary of.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Puppies
Despite what their name suggests, Mini Australian Labradoodles are not small Labradoodles that come from Australia.
To get a Mini Australian Labradoodle, a breeder needs to combine three dog breeds. While it’s usually not that important in what order the dogs will be bred, the best results are gained when you combine a Mini Labradoodle with a Cocker Spaniel – although any combination is good.
What’s important is that the Labrador Retriever in the mix should always be a female. This is because this is the largest dog breed of the three. As such, a Labrador female will have very few issues with giving birth to small puppies.
On the other hand, if, for example, a Miniature Poodle was a female, she would have problems while birthing puppies that might pick up a Labrador parent’s size.
Of course, it is possible to combine a Cockapoo with a Labrador, but this might result in Labrador-sized puppies, which isn’t desirable in Mini Australian Labradoodles.
Another possible (and desirable) combination is crossbreeding a Cockapoo with a micro Labradoodle. This is likely the best combination of genes, as the Mini Australian Labradoodle puppy will have more Mini Poodle genes influencing its small size.
Finally, a breeder might choose to create a multi-generation Australian Labradoodle by breeding two first-generation Mini Australian Labradoodles. However, this can be a lengthy process for a breeder who’s starting with purebred dogs.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Full Grown
Photo from: @sully_theminidoodle
A Mini Australian Labradoodle will be considered full-grown at around 12 to 18 months of age. They should keep their small size throughout this time.
In fact, a Mini Australian Labradoodle should reach his full height near his first birthday. Still, some weight gain is to be expected for the next six months, as your pooch is still building his adult muscle mass.
Overall, the full size of a Mini Australian Labradoodle, as well as the moment they should stop growing, is entirely determined by the puppy’s genetics. His height will mostly depend on the height of his Mini Poodle parent, but also how much Labrador genetics the dog has inherited.
How Big Do Mini Australian Labradoodles Get?
Mini Australian Labradoodles can come in a wide array of sizes, considering how it is challenging to predict how big a mixed breed puppy will get. In theory, they can range in size from a full-grown Labrador’s size to the size of a miniature Poodle.
However, most will stay rather small, as two of the three parent breeds are considered small dogs.
As such, you can expect your Mini Australian Labradoodle to have a height of between 14 and 16 inches at the withers, and he should weigh between 15 and 25 lbs – although 30 lbs is also acceptable.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Size Chart
While it’s almost impossible to predict the size of a mixed breed dog, here is a chart that will show you how big a certain size of Australian Labradoodles is expected to be:
Mini | Medium | Standard | |
---|---|---|---|
Height: | 14 – 16 ins | 17 – 20 ins | 21 – 24 ins |
Weight: | 15 – 30 lbs | 30 – 50 lbs | 50 – 70 lbs |
Reaches full height: | 11 – 13 months | 11 – 13 months | 12 – 16 months |
In fact, the main thing that sets apart Mini Australian Labradoodles, Medium Australian Labradoodles, and Standard Australian Labradoodles is their size. This is usually controlled by choosing the size of a Poodle parent.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Appearance
Just like it’s nearly impossible to predict how big a hybrid dog will grow up to be, it can be challenging to know what he’ll look like. This is all due to a huge amount of genes that can be mixed in many possible ways.
However, Mini Australian Labradoodles have been bred long enough that there is some type of breed standard – although it’s important to note that crossbreeds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or other major kennel clubs. As such, some deviations from the norm are still acceptable.
Mini Australian Labradoodles should be athletic and graceful, with compact bodies. However, they shouldn’t appear too delicate, as this might be a sign of a defect.
They should have a regular scissor bite, with the upper teeth overlapping the bottom ones. Their nose is large and mostly dark, and their eyes are round and black. The neck is well-proportioned and strong, yet moderately long. It should be slightly arched, but it should flow into the shoulders without abruptness.
The upper arms and the shoulder blades should have nearly the same length, and the shoulders are laid back. The elbows are tight and close to the dog’s body.
A Mini Australian Labradoodle’s croup is usually flat, but it is allowed to be a bit sloping. Its hindquarters are well-muscled, and the views from the rear should be parallel instead of cow-hocked.
The Mini Australian Labradoodle’s feet are medium-sized, giving them a toy-like appearance. The tail obeys the top line, with a straight tip.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Coat Type
Photo from: @sully_theminidoodle
The Mini Australian Labradoodle breed can come in three coat types. This is because all of its parent’s breeds have a different type of coat.
These three coat types are:
• Wool.
• Fleece.
• Hair.
It is desirable for Mini Australian Labradoodles to have wool or fleece coats, but hair coats are also allowed. Most of the time, you’ll be able to see what coat type the puppy you’re planning to get will have by the time it is four weeks old.
Do Mini Labradoodles Shed?
Whether or not a Mini Australian Labradoodle will shed entirely depends on its coat type. Of course, any mammal with hair will experience shedding of a certain amount, but what matters is whether the loose hair will fly everywhere and create a hairy mess on your floor, furniture, and clothes.
In general, fleece- and wool-coated dogs, such as Poodles and Cocker Spaniels, do not shed, which is why most Mini Australian Labradoodles are considered non-shedding dogs. However, hair-coated dogs will shed to a degree, as their coat will look more like the Labrador parent’s coat.
Is A Mini Australian Labradoodle Hypoallergenic?
Before we answer this question, there is one thing that has to be disclaimed: There is no such thing as a fully hypoallergenic dog.
What’s causing dog allergies is not the dog’s hair on its own, but rather dander (dead skin flakes), saliva, and urine. All dogs excrete these to a certain degree, meaning you cannot find a dog that is entirely free of allergens.
However, the main way in which these allergens are spread to humans is via dog hair that they get stuck on. As such, non-shedding breeds are usually considered hypoallergenic.
Desirable Mini Australian Labradoodles are non-shedding, which is why these dogs are often sold as hypoallergenic dogs – and most of the time, they are allergy-friendly.
Still, it’s essential to look at a Labradoodle’s coat type before you decide to purchase a puppy, especially if you or your family members have issues with dog allergies.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Coat Colors
Mixed breed dogs can come in any coat color their parent breeds come in. As such, Mini Australian Labradoodles can come in any color a Labrador, a Poodle, and a Cocker Spaniel can be. In a way, this can include any color possible.
Still, due to the full genetics, some colors are more common than others. These are usually the desired colors of all three breeds.
Here’s what some of the most common Mini Australian Labradoodle colors are:
Mini Australian Labradoodle; Black
Solid Mini Australian Labradoodles are extremely sought after, although they are somewhat rare. Still, they are more common than black Goldendoodles, as black can come from all Australian Labradoodle’s parents.
For a dog to be considered a true black Mini Australian Labradoodle, he shouldn’t have any patch of white fur on his body.
Mini Australian Labradoodle; Black And White
Black and white Mini Australian Labradoodles are much more common than solid black ones. They have a black base coat, with white markings that are usually located on the chest area.
Just like solid black Mini Australian Labradoodles, black and white Labradoodles are more common than black Goldendoodles, or most other Doodles for that matter.
Mini Australian Labradoodle; Chocolate
A chocolate color is, in fact, a form of dilution of the black coat color. Chocolate Mini Australian Labradoodles have a dark brown coat that can range anywhere between rich mahogany and dull pecan. White patches are possible, as well as cream or lighter markings.
There are two things that set chocolate Mini Australian Labradoodles apart from other coat colors:
• These dogs will always have a brown nose, and many will have amber or even green eyes.
• Most chocolate Mini Australian Labradoodles will experience fading of their coat color over time.
Mini Australian Labradoodle; Apricot
Apricot Mini Australian Labradoodles are the most common color of this crossbreed. In fact, apricot is likely the most desirable color in all Doodles!
The color known as ‘apricot’ can range anywhere between the ripe apricot shade and dark gold.
It isn’t uncommon for an apricot Mini Australian Labradoodle to be born with a dark color that will lighten over time. At the same time, some doggies can be born with an apricot coat that will turn into a cream shade as these pups age.
Mini Australian Labradoodle; Caramel
Caramel Mini Australian Labradoodles look almost the same as apricot ones. This coat color varies between red and light yellow.
The biggest difference between caramel and apricot is the color of the nose. The nose of apricot Mini Australian Labradoodles is black, while caramel Mini Australian Labradoodles will have liver noses.
Mini Australian Labradoodle; Cream
Cream Mini Australian Labradoodles can come in many shades. All will range between a light yellow shade and a white coat color – but they’ll never be truly white.
These pups can have tints of apricot and gold on them, as well as white patches. However, their nose and eyes will be black.
Mini Australian Labradoodle; Red
Red Mini Australian Labradoodles have a rich coat color. Lighter roots aren’t desirable, and dark colors are considered better compared to lighter shades.
The shade of red can vary anywhere from deep mahogany to a light, bright brown color. Similar to chocolate pups, their nose should be liver-colored.
Mini Australian Labradoodle; White
White Mini Australian Labradoodles are also known as chalk-colored. This is because the largest number of white Australian Labradoodles isn’t pure white, but ratherz a chalk shade.
What makes this coat color unique is that most chalk Mini Australian Labradoodles have a fleece or a straight coat instead of wool-type.
Cafe And Parchment Mini Australian Labradoodles
This is a unique chocolate shade that Mini Australian Labradoodles come in, and it is rarely found in other dogs. It is very rare, but still extremely sought after, which is why many breeders are trying to specialize in pups of this color.
This color is usually the color of milky chocolate. However, just like with standard chocolate coats, this color will fade to grey as the dog grows older.
Tuxedo Mini Australian Labradoodles
A tuxedo Mini Australian Labradoodle is very similar to the black and white one, but the markings are not the same.
While black and white Mini Australian Labradoodles have a white chest and sometimes white feet, a tuxedo dog has a white tummy, white legs, and oftentimes a white face. The black color is shaped as a tuxedo, which is why the markings got that name.
Parti Mini Australian Labradoodles
Parti Mini Australian Labradoodles have at least 50% of their coat in white color, and the rest of the coat is in patches of some other color – for example, chocolate or black.
The nose and eye color should be in tune to the secondary color; therefore, parti Doodles can come with both a liver and a black nose.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Temperament
Photo from: @sophiesmilebear
Many people want to get Mini Australian Labradoodles as they’re looking for a small breed that can make an amazing family companion for their children and family members. This is why understanding the breed’s temperament is essential.
Fortunately, Mini Australian Labradoodles have some of the sweetest personalities you can find! This isn’t a surprise if you look at the temperament of the parent breeds.
Labs are known for being some of the most sweet-natured dogs. They are friendly and outgoing, and are always eager to please their owner and make them happy. In fact, most guide dogs and service dogs are Labradors, which is enough proof of how caring and affectionate these dogs are.
Poodles are another friendly and loyal breed that will stay by their owners’ side no matter what. They are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds, making them highly trainable. They can learn new tricks quicker than most!
Cocker Spaniels are social and affectionate dogs that won’t miss an opportunity to show their owners how much they adore them. They are also very playful, and they’ll love playing with their family all day long.
As you can see, Mini Australian Labradoodles are friendly dogs that love to play outside with their owners. They are loyal and affectionate, and they will try to help their owner as much as their size will allow them to.
In fact, one could argue that Mini Australian Labradoodles have gotten the best possible gene combination in the canine world.
Are Mini Australian Labradoodles Good With Kids?
If you have small children, then you’re likely looking to get a puppy that will do great with them. In the end, it is everyone’s priority to keep their kids safe – but also to make sure they get a dog that a child won’t unintentionally harm.
In general, Mini Australian Labradoodles get along great with kids. They are caring and loveable, yet playful and energetic enough to match the energy of a happy kid.
Also, most of these dogs are just the right size, as they won’t hurt your child, but aren’t small enough to be stomped on or easily injured.
Just keep in mind that if your Mini Australian Labradoodle is truly on the smaller side, a bigger child might accidentally hurt it. This is why it’s always recommended to monitor your kid and your pet’s playtime.
Are Mini Australian Labradoodles Good With Other Pets?
Most of the time, Mini Australian Labradoodles will get along really well with other pets. They don’t have a strong prey drive, so even small animals are not in danger when around them.
In fact, Mini Australian Labradoodles are known to befriend cats, so they are a great addition if you’re looking for a dog that will get along well with your feline companion.
Just keep in mind that no matter the supposed temperament, socialization is the key to having a friendly dog that gets along with everyone. The earlier you start getting your pup used to other pets, the easier the befriending process will go.
Are Mini Australian Labradoodles Good With Strangers?
Most Mini Australian Labradoodles get along great with strangers. They’ll love new people, and they’ll see everyone as a new best friend. This is why they are not good guard dogs – they’re more likely to lie down and request treats than to alert you of intruders.
Just keep in mind that some Australian Labradoodles can pick up lots of Labrador genes. Out of all three dog breeds, Labradors can be a bit shy around strangers, so if a Mini Australian Labradoodle has its temperament, it might require a bit more socialization than usual.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Health
Photo from: @australianlabradoodlebrabant
Determining the lifespan of a crossbreed can be a challenge – however, if we’re talking about a crossbreed of three dog breeds, things get even trickier.
The Labrador Retriever has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. The poodle has an estimated lifespan of 13 to 15 years, while the Cocker Spaniel usually lives for 12 to 15 years.
As such, we can conclude that the average lifespan of a Mini Australian Labradoodle is anywhere between 10 and 15 years.
Crossbreeds are usually healthier than purebred dogs, thanks to hybrid vigor. However, they might also experience any health problem their parent breeds are prone to, especially if that condition is found in all two (or, in this case, three) breeds.
In the case of Mini Australian Labradoodles, you might be wary of these diseases:
• Hip and elbow dysplasia are common orthopedic issues in most small dogs. They occur when the dog’s hip socket is malformed. If left untreated, dysplasia can lead to arthritis.
• Eye disorders are very common in both Labradors and Poodles. In fact, Mini Australian Labradoodles can be prone to up to 15 inherited eye disorders!
• Ear infections are common in all Labradoodles, as Labradors are known for having issues with this. If a puppy inherits the Poodle’s waxy ear canal, these allergic ear problems are compounded.
• Addison’s Disease affects a dog’s pituitary gland, and causes symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, and collapse. It can be kept under control with lifelong medication.
• Von Willebrand Disease is a common blood disorder that both Labradors and Poodles can get. While not that common in Mini Australian Labradoodles, it can still occur.
• InflammatoryBowelDisease(IBD) causes your pup’s stomach to be constantly inflamed. It’s very common in Doodles, and it has symptoms such as chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.
• Sebaceous Adenitis (SA) is a rare skin condition that affects the sebaceous glands. It requires lifelong treatment, and it is commonly found in Poodles.
• Epilepsy is another common disorder that affects many Labradoodles. While painful to watch and experience, it can be kept under control with the help of medication.
Many of these conditions, such as orthopedic problems, can be avoided if you give your Australian Labradoodle high-quality dog food and keep it from becoming overweight. Obesity can lead to many health problems, and it will worsen the existing ones.
This is why you should always make sure your pooch eats a balanced diet that will keep him from gaining too much weight – or from being underweight, which is just as bad.
Mini Australian Labradoodles For Sale
Photo from: @australianlabradoodlebrabant
There are many locations that advertise their Mini Australian Labradoodle puppies for sale. The location from where you’re getting your dog can be just as important as how you take care of him.
For example, you can get a Mini Australian Labradoodle from a puppy mill at an affordable price. However, these locations don’t care about the quality of their dogs. The only thing on their mind is how to sell as many puppies in the shortest amount of time. This can result in many sick dogs.
You can also find affordable Mini Australian Labradoodles from various backyard breeders, but this is risky as well. Backyard breeders don’t know how to properly breed dogs, and they might not be able to provide their pups with all the necessary conditions.
The two options we can stand behind are buying from a reputable breeder and adoption. We’ll explain why.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Breeders
Reputable Mini Australian Labradoodle breeders have experience breeding crossbreeds. They know what young puppies and nursing mothers need, and they consider all their dogs their family members, which is why they take good care of them.
Most importantly, responsible breeders conduct various health testings to make sure their puppies are healthy and free of any genetic health disorder. As such, you’ll know that your dog is healthy.
If you aren’t certain how to find them – most of the reputable Mini Australian Labradoodle breeders will be registered within major crossbreed clubs, such as the Worldwide Australian Labradoodles Association (WALA) and the Australian Labradoodle Association of America (ALAA).
While reputable breeders will sell their dogs at a fairly high price, this is because of all the screenings and expenses they have while raising their puppies.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Rescue
Another option is to adopt a Mini Australian Labradoodle from a shelter. This is the most ethical way of obtaining a pet, as you will be providing a new home to a dog that someone abandoned.
Adoption is an affordable process that will usually cost you only an adoption fee that ranges between $50 and $500.
Keep in mind that when you adopt a dog, you won’t have an insight into your new pet’s background. You won’t have a clue as to whether it is healthy or even if it is truly a Mini Australian Labradoodle or some other, similar-looking crossbreed.
Also, many abandoned dogs have been abused or neglected, which is why they might have some behavioral problems.
Luckily, Mini Australian Labradoodles are such friendly dogs that even this shouldn’t have a huge effect on their mellow temperament.
Mini Australian Labradoodle Price
Photo from: @sully_theminidoodle
If you’re looking at the Mini Australian Labradoodle cost, you should be prepared to pay a fine sum. These are not cheap dogs. Most will cost between $1,500 and $2,000, and this is only the initial cost.
In fact, if you want to get a dog advertised as a Toy Australian Labradoodle, you can expect to pay a much higher sum. These ‘rare’ varieties often have prices that can skyrocket, especially in areas where these pups are popular.
Keep in mind that many things can influence the price of a Mini Australian Labradoodle, such as:
• The breeder and its reputation.
• The lineage – although no Mini Australian Labradoodle will be eligible for a conformation dog show, and if it comes from parents with good bloodlines, it will have a much higher price.
• Size and color can also affect the price. The rarer the dog color and the shorter his height, the higher the price tag.
• The breeder’s area can also affect the price, as a dog breed’s price will always be more expensive in areas where the dog is sought after.
Even once you’ve purchased your Mini Australian Labradoodle, you will still have to spend a lot of money taking care of your pooch.
For example, you can expect to pay between $250 and $600 on dog food and treats every year. While Mini Australian Labradoodles don’t eat much, you should still provide them with high-quality dog food to avoid many health complications.
Your pup will also need toys, leashes and collars, and beds and crates. You can expect to pay anywhere between $120 and $350 for these.
While Mini Australian Labradoodles are non-shedding, they still require extensive grooming sessions. You should take them to a professional groomer every few months. You can even try to give them some of these fancy Goldendoodle haircuts, as most will look great on wooly Labradoodles as well!
However, you’ll also need to buy some grooming essentials that you can use for everyday brushing and maintaining your dog’s coat. You can expect this to cost anywhere between $50 and $500.
Finally, your pet will require yearly vet visits. This can vary in price depending on whether you’re going for a routine checkup or to treat some medical condition.
In general, you need to be prepared that owning a Mini Australian Labradoodle will cost you a few thousand dollars yearly.
Are Mini Australian Labradoodles The Best Doodles For You?
Photo from: @sully_theminidoodle
Mini Australian Labradoodles make amazing pets no matter what it is you’re looking for. From family pets to therapy dogs, Mini Australian Labradoodles can do it all.
These are friendly dogs that will make everyone fall in love with them instantly. In return, you must provide them with the best care – and as much love as possible.
Mini Australian Labradoodles are healthy dogs that do, however, require a proper diet to thrive. This, combined with regular vet visits, is the best way to give them the long, healthy life they deserve.
These pups are very trainable and obedient, as all they want is to make their owner happy. They will get along with everyone, from other pets and kids to complete strangers on the street! They are even allergy-friendly, so sensitive people won’t have a problem living with them.
As long as you buy from a reputable breeder and can afford to take care of them, Mini Australian Labradoodles make great family pets. If you’re looking for a social, small dog – they are certainly the best Doodle for you.
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