When considering a Doodle breed, you may have come across the Australian Cobberdog. When looking at a Cobberdog, you might think that they are another type of Labradoodle. But you couldn’t be any more wrong. These fun and adorable dogs have a great history. So today, we will look at the Australian Cobberdog vs Labradoodle to see how they are different.
Lineage
- When looking at the Australian Cobberdog vs Labradoodle, lineage stands out the most. The Labradoodle was created to be a hypoallergenic service dog. So, by crossing an excellent service breed, the Labrador Retriever, and a Poodle, the perfect breed was created. But, with growing popularity, that view changed to be about aesthetics. As a result, the Labradoodle became the best US designer breed.
- As a result, the reputation of the Labradoodle quickly became tainted. The creators wanted to put stipulations on their beloved breed and to make it an official breed. Thus, the Australian Cobberdog was born. The Cobberdog has a more stable lineage and is an MDBA (Master Dog Breeders and Associates) recognized breed. To breed a Cobberdog, you need a pedigree from the MDBA and meet the single breed standard.
- As a result, these new regulations keep backyard breeders and puppy mills from mass-producing the breed. As we can see from the Labradoodle example, this breeding has lead to chaos. So, with a single standard and registration, this will keep the Australian Cobberdog from becoming another designer breed.
Temperament
- Although Labradoodles are loyal, fun, loving, and intelligent, with poor breeding, this is not a guarantee. As with any mixed breed, it is hard to predict precisely the temperaments of all puppies bred. As a result, there can sometimes be a big difference between all puppies in one litter.
Inconsistent temperament is the result of several things:
- First, poor breeding of dogs with unfavorable temperamentsMixing more breeds into the LabradoodleAnd poor breeding conditions
- On the other hand, Australian Cobberdogs have a very even temperament. Since all Cobberdog breeders have to go through the same registration, there is no room to fabricate papers or breed dogs that are not to standard. The Australian Cobberdog is known to be very loving and attentive to their owners. The temperament does not stray from the breed standard because all dogs have to meet the same breeding requirements. That is what makes the Australian Cobberdog have a superior character.
Training and Exercise

Labradoodle Puppy
Both the Australian Cobberdog and the Labradoodle are very intelligent breeds. That is one of the reasons these breeds were first reproduced. Likewise, they are known to be able to train quickly and learn a plethora of tricks. That is what made them a great candidate for therapy use. But, with the muddling of the Labradoodle, this is sometimes not always true. On the other hand, the Australian Cobberdog has been bred to have a more consistent intelligence level to be better adaptable for therapy use.
Also, both the Australian Cobberdog and the Labradoodle will need a lot of exercises too. It is generally recommended to have at least an hour of uninterrupted one-on-one playtime with your dog. For example, this playtime could be long walks, playing with toys, or other fun activities.
But, one way that they are very different is that an Australian Cobberdog will need a lot of mental exercises too. The Cobberdog tends to bore very quickly and benefits from a lot of training time every day. They will never get tired of learning a new trick and will excel in any dog training class.
Grooming
- Next, we will discuss how the Australian Cobberdog vs Labradoodle differs on grooming.
- The Australian Cobberdog can have one of two coat types, wavy or curly. Both of these coat types are very low shedding and very thick and lush. The fur is always soft to the touch and has a wool-like nature to it. Altogether, it is very predictable and does not vary much between dogs. You will need to brush your Cobberdog weekly to keep mats and tangles at bay. And you will need to see a groomer every 6-12 weeks for a professional hair cut.
- However, Labradoodles can have curly, wavy, or straight hair. With Labradoodles, curly and wavy hair types are low to non-shedding, but straight hair types have been known to shed more. Moreover, these coat types can vary in texture from soft and luxurious to coarse and thin, even within the same coat types. Since there are no breed standards for each coat type, it is harder to predict what kind of fur your puppy will have.
- Regardless of coat type, your Labradoodle will need to be brushed daily to keep his hair soft and tangle-free. And regular salon trips every 6-12 weeks will be required to keep it cut and styled.
Size and Lifespan
- When looking at the size and lifespan of the Cobberdog and Labradoodle, they are seemly very similar to an untrained breeder. But, a closer look will reveal that there are slight differences.
- The Australian Cobberdog comes in two sizes: standard and miniature. The standard size weighs 45-75 pounds and stands 22-24 inches tall. However, the miniature size is 25-35 pounds and 16-18 inches tall, with both sizes having a lifespan of 13-15 years.
- Likewise, Labradoodles also come in varying sizes ranging from miniature to standard. Miniatures only get 15-25 pounds, which makes them smaller than a miniature Cobberdog. But, the Labradoodle has a medium-size dog that gets 30-45 pounds and 18-20 inches tall. Respectively, the standard Labradoodle grows to be 50-65 pounds and stands 22-24 inches tall. Likewise, the Labradoodle also has a lifespan of 12-14 years.
- However, the main difference is that with an Australian Cobberdog, you will find that no matter what size your dog is, they will all have the same temperament. This is something that can not usually be said of the Labradoodle, which claims that miniature sizes are known to have a more spunky and energetic attitude.
Medical Concerns
- Next on our Australian Cobberdog vs Labradoodle discussion is medical concerns. While the Labradoodle is known to have some pretty serious health concerns, the Australian Cobberdog gets a clean bill of health. Because the Cobberdog is closely monitored, owners run DNA tests before breeding has taken place. Any dogs that are found to have genetically transferable health concerns are removed from the breeding pool. As a result, this specialized breeding has kept the Australian Cobberdog disease-free and some of the healthiest dogs you will ever meet.
- Meanwhile, the Labradoodle hasn’t had as much luck. Labradoodles have been known to have hip dysplasia, eye disease, epilepsy, and allergies. These are all a result of poor breeding techniques and breeding for looks instead of bettering the breed. When purchasing a Labradoodle, it is always best to check if the parents have been DNA tested for any medical conditions. Reputable breeders will have this documentation ready while backyard breeders and puppy mills will not.
Price
- Finally, we will talk about price differences in these two breeds. Australian Cobberdogs are finely bred dogs that have undergone great strides for a top-quality pet. This rigorous breeding process is reflected in the price, generally starting at $3k for a standard puppy. Some puppies can cost more depending on a coloration that you desire. Likewise, prices for a breeding Cobberdog are even higher, starting at $10,000.
- Meanwhile, Labradoodles have become a norm here in America. You can get a Labradoodle for as low as $500 or $3,000 with excellent breeding on the higher end of the scale. You can also walk into any shelter across the USA and find a Labradoodle that needs a great home for under $100. That is the difference between these breeds.
- Unlike the Labradoodle, you can’t find Australian Cobberdogs in a shelter. These dogs cost more because you are paying for a higher quality dog that is bred to have a purpose. Labradoodles, however, have been bred purely for looks and cuteness factor. Paying a higher price for a Labradoodle does not always guarantee a well-bred dog, and that is why the breed’s purpose is lost.
In Conclusion
- The Labradoodle was created under high hopes and dreams that it would one day be the next top breed of the world. But, money and greed have soiled that dream and made it impossible to get a Labradoodle of high standing. That is why the Australian Cobberdog has been climbing it’s way up to the top to be it’s own better pure breed. When looking at the Australian Cobberdog vs the Labradoodle, it is easy to see how things have gotten so out of hand so quickly.
- Both of these breeds have great potential and are fantastic additions to any home. But, when choosing which is the right pet for you, it is better to evaluate more than just aesthetics and evaluate your pet’s purpose. There is no right or wrong when choosing either breed, all that matters is that you choose from a reputable breeder and know the quality you are paying to receive.
Other Doodle Articles
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- Comparing Labradoodle vs Goldendoodle Dog Breeds
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