Today we’re going to look at the difference between the Cobberdog vs Labradoodle. An Australian Cobberdog is a pedigree, registered breed that sticks to the specific formula laid out by the breed organization. They are a Labradoodle Retriever Standard Poodle mix that matches exact standards in terms of appearance and personality. General Labradoodles might have come from those breeds originally, but they can also include American or English Cocker Spaniel lines. They might also behave and look a variety of different ways. In this article we’ll share how to tell the difference between a Cobberdog vs Labradoodle dog. And help you to decide which is a better fit for your family and lifestyle.
Contents
- Cobberdog vs Labradoodle dog
- History of the Cobberdog vs Labradoodle
- Cobberdog vs Labradoodle size
- Temperament and personalities
- Cobberdog vs Labradoodle energy levels
- Training and intelligence
- Pet Cobberdog vs Labradoodle
Is a Cobberdog the same as the exuberant fluffy Labradoodle we’ve loved for decades? Or are these two separate dog breeds? We walk you through exactly what distinguishes the Cobberdog vs Labradoodle. We’ll share the similarities and differences and be able to decide which dog is a better fit for you.
The Difference Between a Cobberdog vs Labradoodle
The main difference between the Labradoodle and Cobberdog is one of pedigree. The Australian Cobberdog adheres strictly to the original Labradoodle breeding formula. This is a Labrador Retriever crossed with standard Poodle. Purebred Cobberdogs are all registered through a single breed organization. And they are expected to strictly conform to certain appearance and temperament standards.
In contrast, modern Labradoodle breeding practices have expanded to include DNA from other dog breeds. Including the American and English Cocker Spaniels, and Irish Terrier. Today there are two main modern Labradoodle breed lines, Australian and American.
Cobberdog vs Labradoodle History
Once upon a time, the Labradoodle breed was just a gleam in the mind’s eye of Wally Conron, then-breed director for Guide Dogs Victoria. Conron crossbred a Labrador Retriever with a standard Poodle. He did so in an attempt to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for a blind woman whose husband was wildly allergic to dogs.
He was successful and the woman went away happy. But he was left with two crossbred puppies he struggled to place in forever homes. He called his new creation the “Labradoodle” and marketed the two remaining puppies as hypoallergenic.
His problems with placement went away…and stayed away. Today, Labradoodles rival the Labrador Retriever itself in terms of worldwide popularity. Yet increasing global demand for Labradoodles has created an environment of random breeding practices. Resulting in Labradoodles with a wide variety of coat types, temperaments and traits.
In part for this reason, two different Labradoodle breeds are recognized today: the American Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle. However, only the latter breed currently has a recognized breed oversight organization. And then there is the Australian Cobberdog, which you will meet next.
Where Do Cobberdogs Come From?
The word “cobber” is an Australian colloquial term that means “friendly.” And the Australian Cobberdog itself is the original Labradoodle as envisioned by Wally Conron back in 1989.
And yet the Australian Cobberdog is not the Labradoodle of today. Rather, it is its own standalone dog breed. Complete with its own separate breed oversight association, pedigree and genetic quality standards.
Cobberdog vs Labradoodle Appearance
All registered Australian Cobberdogs must comply in full with Conron’s original breed development criteria:
- Non-shedding coat
- Stable appearance
- Intelligent and intuitive
- Gentle and generous temperament
- Highly trainable
- Excellent candidates for service and therapy dog work
As well, all registered Australian Cobberdogs must be able to prove genetic stability. Finally, all registered (MBDA-recognized) Australian Cobberdogs come with a pedigree issued through the Australian Master Dog Breeders and Associates and a quality guarantee.
Labradoodle vs Cobberdog Size
Here, there are striking differences in the sizes of Labradoodles versus Cobberdogs. Modern Australian Cobberdogs are bred in four sizes. Miniature is 12 to 16 inches tall. Medium is 16 to 20 inches tall. Standard is 20 to 24 inches tall. And extra large is 24 to 26 inches tall.
Modern Labradoodles are bred in three sizes. Miniature is 14 to 16 inches tall, medium is 17 to 20 inches tall and standard is 21 to 24 inches tall.
Cobberdog vs Labradoodle Coat Care
All registered pedigreed Cobberdogs are expected to exhibit the standard coat. It should be smell free, non-shedding, single layer, wavy or have ringlets.
Labradoodles registered under the Australian Labradoodle Association of America are expected to have a non-shedding, single layer, fleece or wool coat. However, the grooming and coat care recommendations remain the same for all. Brush daily to avoid tangles or mats in the coat.
Temperament and Personalities
A pedigreed Cobberdog is expected to have a friendly, intelligent, intuitive, highly trainable, people-centric personality. Even if these dogs are not formally employed in service or therapy dog roles, all Cobberdogs are bred with this possibility in mind.
The Labradoodle breed name has come to be synonymous with all of the qualities you just read. In reality however, Labradoodle breeding occurs in stages ranging from F1 to F4 or later. This can result in more noticeable personality and temperament differences that relate to the individual traits and qualities of each parent dog.
Cobberdog vs Labradoodle Energy Levels and Activity
All adult Australian Cobberdogs and Labradoodles will need and crave daily enrichment, activity, playtime and exercise. While the ideal in all breed lines is to produce an active, energetic dog, sheer adult size plus the unpredictability of certain heritable genetic differences will influence how much daily time you need to set aside to exercise and entertain your Cobberdog or Labradoodle.
Training and Intelligence
Purebred pedigreed Australian Cobberdogs should come with a quality guarantee. One that certifies their readiness to work and serve alongside humans in a variety of intuitive roles. They should be ready to do jobs that require high trainability and intelligence. Labradoodles in general are considered to be smart, trainable and people-centric dogs.
Cobberdog vs Labradoodle as Family Pets
Labradoodles and Cobberdogs can get confusing quickly. But underneath it all, a well-bred puppy from a reputable, caring dog breeder is your best bet to bring home a healthy puppy. One who will grow up to become a fantastic family pet.
Which breed do you have your eye on? Do you favor the Australian Cobberdog, with a name that literally means “friendly pup?” Or do you fancy the lively modern Labradoodle instead? Let us know in the comments below!
More Labradoodle Breed Comparisons
- Labradoodle Vs Goldendoodle
- Labradoodle vs Portuguese Water Dog
- Bernedoodle vs Labradoodle
- Labradoodle vs Labrador
- Cockapoo vs Labradoodle
References
- Davalos, A. “Differences Between the Labradoodle and Cobberdog” Cobber Dog King Canine Centre, 2022.
- Woolley, M. “The Cobberdog Ideal” Tegan Park Cobberdogs, 2015.
- Ugland et al. “Breed Standard” Australian Labradoodle Association of America, 2022.
- Crockett, N. “American Labradoodle vs Australian Labradoodle” Crockett Doodles breeder, 2022.
- Anderson et al. “Australian or American” Labradoodles of the North breeder, 2022.