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Letter from the President

ALCA News

Noteworthy Doodles

New Puppies

Volunteers Wanted

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Officers

Founder & President
Gail Widman
Whispering Winds Labradoodles

Co-Founder & Vice President
Dorothy Moreau Primetime Labradoodles

Treasurer

Secretary
Dana Eckert
California Labradoodles

Board of Directors:

Vicki Roosevelt
West Orchard Labradoodles

Judy Hickey
Snug Harbor Labradoodles

Pat Lovell
Gold Coast Labradoodles

Julia Wilson
Aladdin Labradoodles

Bonnie Patrick
Heartsong Labradoodles

Becky Roth
Southern Cross Labradoodles

Barbie Herlth
Landmark Labradoodles

Kimberly Roberts
Piedt Killara Ridge Breeding and Research

Butch Charlton
Down Under Doodles

Jane Herrold
Australian Labradoodles

Esateys
aAprina Labradoodles

Breed Development Director
Angela Cunningham Tegan Park USA

When founding the Australian Labradoodle Club of America, it was with a passion for the Australian Labradoodle and continued interest in the development of the breed in America. To form a club of members with true dedication to the Australian Labradoodle as it was developed in Australia by the breed founders, Angela Cunningham and Beverley Manners. Their commitment and many years of development have given us the dog that the world has now embraced. With continued conscientious breeding, we will maintain and even improve the Australian Labradoodle for future generations to enjoy.

It is such a joy to see the passion and dedication that our breeder members have shown in their interest and commitment to the Australian Labradoodle Club of America. I thank all of you for your participation and your contribution to making the ALCA the club that it has become. With continued efforts, we will build a strong club with direct goals for the future which will benefit this beautiful breed and confirm that the Australian Labradoodle will be recognized in America and around the world as a dog of distinction.

Gail Widman
President, Australian Labradoodle Club of America

Welcome to ALCA
We are very excited to be part of the Australian Labradoodle Club of America. We are a group of breeders who are passionate about the Australian Labradoodle and have come together to to protect this wonderful breed. Our mission is to promote the interest of the Australian Labradoodle and to unite the Australian Labradoodle breeders in America in an organized club, giving support and fellowship with one another and to provide information and advice to current and future owners of the Australian Labradoodle in America.

The Australian Labradoodle Club of America was formed by the breeders of the Australian Labradoodle in America as the "Parent Club" working toward future recognition of the breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). We are Committed to the continued interest in the Australian Labradoodle in America and follow the Breed Standards as established by Angela Cunningham, co-founder of the Australian Labradoodle. Our goal is to see the Australian Labradoodle gain the distinction of a "pure breed" and to maintain the integrity of the breed as developed by the research centers in Australia.
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About Us
The Australian Labradoodle Club of America was founded in 2005 with the future of the Australian Labradoodle and the American breeders in mind. The format of the Club is in keeping with the structure and standards set forth by The American Kennel Club (AKC). This being with the anticipation that the Australian Labradoodle will one day in the near future be acknowledged as an accepted "pure breed" by AKC.

Australian Labradoodle Club of America provides top-notch support and fellowship to the Australian Labradoodle Breeders of America. Through our love, experience, and dedication to the Australian Labradoodle Breed, the Australian Labradoodle Club of America members are committed to joining together in our efforts to assure a firm future for the Australian Labradoodle.
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ALCA Code of Ethics
Breeders listed on this website have agreed to abide by the code of ethics of the Australian Labradoodle Club of America.

Love and respect for the Australian Labradoodle and its careful development is inherent in the membership of the Australian Labradoodle Club of America.  Therefore all members agree to foster the goals set forth in the Code of Ethics.

I will ensure that all dogs in my keeping will have all physical and emotional needs met.

This will include:

Appropriate food, water, shelter (clean space and appropriate temperatures)
•Exercise
•Protection from bodily harm
•Human contact
•Appropriate stimulation
•All dogs in my care will receive Veterinary care and I will maintain accurate records of all care.

All dogs will be supervised for safety to the best of my ability.

I will agree to an audit by an ALCA Board Member including home/kennel inspection should this ever be requested by the board.

I agree to test all dogs for genetic diseases relevant to the breed prior to breeding, and will clearly state what testing has been done.

I will not sell or trade with any commercial animal wholesalers or retail pet dealers.

I will spay/neuter all pups that are sold as companion family members.

I will tattoo and/or microchip any puppy sold for breeding prior to them leaving my care.

I will register all litters and breeding dogs with the ALCA before the pups are 16 weeks of age.

I will provide written details of dietary needs, training, grooming and veterinary care to all buyers as well as a copy to the ALCA.

I will provide ALCA a written copy of my contract and guarantee.

I will keep accurate breeding records, registration papers and pedigrees.

I will be available to buyers for whatever advice, reasonable aid or assistance they may need for the life of the dog. ALCA breeder members shall help and support their fellow members in fulfilling this obligation.

A member shall not defame another member nor seek to impair a members' reputation, provided, however, a member shall report any serious situation this is detrimental to the breed or is inconsistent with the ALCA principles.

As a Breeder Member of the ALCA, I will breed toward the Breed Standard as set by the ALCA for the future development and protection of the Australian Labradoodle.

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ALCA adopts Veterinary Diagnostics Center for DNA testing
The Australian Labradoodle Club voted on October 15th to require all breeders to submit DNA results on their dogs prior to using them for breeding. DNA testing is to be done through Veterinary Diagnostics Center. In an effort to avoid any controversy later on, and to insure all tests are accurately collected, all DNA swabs will need to be taken in the presence of a licensed veterinarian. We are excited to collect this information which we know will be invaluable going forward as we protect and nurture the Australian Labradoodle into the future. To order health testing, www.vetdnacenter.com

ALCA Breeders visit TeganPark USA
Members of the ALCA Board of Directors and general membership traveled to Tegan Park USA for our October 15th board meeting. We spent the weekend sharing ideas and our passion for the Australian Labradoodle. We worked hard and had a lot of fun in the process. Thank you Angela for hosting us so graciously in your beautiful home!

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ALCA Votes To Accept New Breed Standard
Breed Standard as established by Tegan Park and Rutland Manor Breeding & Research Centers of Australia and adopted by the Australian Labradoodle Club of America 2005.

Temperament and Soundness are the two KEY elements in a good family companion; they must not be sacrificed for any reason.

General Appearance: The Australian Labradoodle should be athletic and graceful, yet compact with substance and medium boning. Joyful and energetic when free,  soft and quiet when handled. They should approach people in a happy friendly manner with eye to eye contact. Keen to learn, and easy to train. They have a free flowing wavy or curly coat that does not shed and is possibly non-allergenic.

Size:  Sizes are still “somewhat inconsistent" with no definition between male and female at this time. Accurate prediction of size even by an experienced breeder is not expected at this time. Size is measured from the top of the shoulder blades (Wither) standing squarely on a level surface.

Much care is needed when breeding both the large and small dogs.  Large dogs can suffer from rapid growth that can lead to structural problems. Soundness is of utmost importance. Over size is a major  fault. Great care must be taken to keep the miniature Australian labradoodle a solid athletic robust dog. The Dwarfing of dogs can lead to many genetic and temperament disorders. Minimum size attention is of the utmost importance to maintain a healthy little dog.  Most Australian Labradoodles will weigh more than their height reflects.

STANDARD: 21" to 24" The 'Ideal' size for a standard Female is  21 to 23 inches and for a Male the ideal is 22 to 24 inches. Weight range tends to be 50 to 65 pounds.

MEDIUM: 17" to 20"  The 'Ideal' size for a medium Female is 17- 19 inches and for a Male the ideal is 19-20 inches  Weight range tends to be 30 to 40 pounds.

MINIATURE: 14"  to 16" The 'Ideal' size for a miniature is 14 – 16 inches. Weight range tends to be 16 to 25 pounds.  There should be no correlation between height and sex of the miniature Australian Labradoodle.

Most Australian Labradoodles will weigh more than their height reflects

BODY: Height to length ratio should be 10 to 12 (being slightly longer in leg, than body) but still appearing square and compact. Shoulders should have good angulation with firm elbows held close to the rib cage. Hindquarters should be of medium angulation with short strong hocks. Top line should remain level with strong loin and level croup. They are also a galloping dog therefore flanks should rise up from a brisket set just below the elbows, but should not be excessively deep. Ribs should be well sprung but not barreled. Overall the dog should appear square, balanced, athletic with good muscling.

MOVEMENT: When trotting, movement should be purposeful, strong and elastic, with good reach and drive, giving the appearance of "going somewhere." When happy, relaxed or at play they will prance and skim the ground lightly. Excessive tightness in the hips will produce a stilted action and is considered a fault.  Top line should remain level with strong loin and level croup.

TAIL: Is set relatively high and is preferred to be carried in a saber. It can be carried below the top line or gaily above.  Curled Possum type tails are undesirable.

HEAD: Sculptured, broad, well-defined eyebrows, medium stop, eyes set well apart, nose to eye slightly longer than eye to occiput. The head should be clean and chiseled, and fully coated as on the body legs and tail.

EARS: Set moderately flat against head the base and should be level with the eye. Leather should be of medium thickness and when gently drawn forward should reach the top canine tooth. Ear leather reaching beyond the tip of nose is considered a severe fault. Ear canals should be free of excessive hair, and not thick and bulbous. When inquisitive and alert the ear set should rise to the top of the head. Thick/heavy ear leather is a fault.

EYES: "Slightly" round, large and expressive, always offering eye to eye contact when engaged in activity with a human. Protruding or sunken eyes are a fault. Watery or tearful eyes are a fault. Wide round or narrow almond shape eye is considered a fault.

EYE COLOUR: Eye colour should complement and blend with the face colour. Black, Blue, Red, Dark Chocolate and silver dogs must have  dark brown eyes. All shades of cafe, Milk Chocolate, Gold/Apricot, Creams and Chalk should have dark Hazel to Brown Eyes if they have  Black pigment. Caramel and Dogs with Rose pigment can have either dark eyes or "Ghost" eyes. Ghost is a hazel colour range much the same as it is in humans. Flecking with different shades of hazel with green and a blue/green make this eye colour quite unique. Ghost eyes must always remain soft in appearance. Cold staring or expressionless appearance in all eye colours, is a severe fault.

TEETH: Scissor bite acceptable only. Neither undershot nor overshot. Miniatures must never have crowding teeth.

NOSE: Large square and fleshy. Pigment: Black or Rose. Pigment should be strong. Black pigment dogs must have dark brown eyes. Pink spots or patches on nose, lips, eye rims, or pads are a fault. Dogs with rose pigment can have Dark hazel, brown or Ghost eyes. Eye rims should be rose as should nose, lips and pads. Pink spots or patches are a severe fault. [Rose should be a rich liver colour]

NECK:  The firm, well muscled neck should be moderately long, slightly arched and flow into the well angled shoulders with no appearance of abruptness. The neck should not be coarse or stumpy, and should lend an air of elegance to the dog. A short thick neck is a fault.

COLOUR: Any solid colour including Cafe` and Silver is preferred. Minimal White on the chest and toes is acceptable. Light chalky course hairs [Kemp] sprinkled through a dark coat  is permissible but very undesirable.

Parti [Patched] and Phantoms though undesirable are considered an acceptable colour. Parti can be any colour [except Phantom] with white on face head and/or body. Phantoms are any shading or two tone coloration such as a Black dog with lower legs showing a soft toning  of  silver or gold, A dog born dark with a golden shading at the roots or a slight brindling effect.   True pure solid colours with the exception of Silver and Cafe are  highly prized and are the Ideal for the Australian Labradoodle.

It is normal that all colours may show bleaching and discoloration over the top coat, This is called sunning, and is quite expected and acceptable, as the Australian Labradoodle is an active dog and often a service dog that enjoys the outdoors. Weather bleaching or sunning must not be penalized.

The Breed Standard of Excellence colours are:

Apricot/Gold: must have black pigment

Red, Black, Silver and Blue: Must have black pigment

Caramel, Chocolate, , Café, Parchment and Lavender:  Must have rose pigment

Chalk:  Appears white but when compared to a true white it is a chalky white. Can have rose or black pigment.

Cream and Apricot Cream:  All shades and combinations of cream shades are acceptable. Can have rose or black pigment.

Caramel: Should be a rich Gold/Apricot very much the same colour as its namesake caramel, through to a deep red and must have rose pigment.

Red:  Is a solid, even, rich red colour which should have no sprinkling of other coloured  fibers throughout the coat.  A true Red must not be lighter at the roots than at the tips of the coat. Red can fade somewhat with age, and senior dogs showing paling of coat should not be penalized.

Gold:  [Also called Apricot] Is the colour of a ripe apricot on the inside. A true Apricot must not be lighter at the roots than at the tips of the coat.   It can come in varying shades and may fade as the dog grows older. Senior dogs should not be penalized for paling of coat colour.

Blue: Should be a dark to medium smokey blue,  Blue also belongs to the Rare group. Blue dogs are born Black but will have blue skin and undertones at a young age. Any other colour throughout the blue  is  undesirable.

Silver: Is also born black but will have more of a grey skin and will develop individual silver fibers  at a young age. Silver dogs can take up to 3 years to colour out and become a beautiful smoky grey through to a light irridescent platinum and varying shades in-between at adulthood. Uneven layering of colour in the silver is normal.

Chocolate: Is  dark and rich, and are born almost black. They maintain a dark chocolate throughout their lifetime.  Colour should be even, any other colour throughout the chocolate is highly undesirable.  Chocolate belongs to the Rare colour group.

Cafe: Is born milk chocolate of varying shades, and have the same gene as the silver dogs often taking up to 3 years to fully colour out to multi shades of chocolate, silvery chocolate and silver throughout.  When given plenty of sunshine, over time they develop stunning highlights.

Lavender: Should be a definite, even  smokey lavender chocolate  giving an almost pink/lilac appearance. Lavender dogs are born chocolate and can be difficult to distinguish at a young age. Any other colour throughout the lavender is highly undesirable. True lavender belongs to the Rare colour group.

Parchment: Is also born milk chocolate which will pale to a smokey creamy beige. Paling usually starts from an early age often as early as 6 weeks. As adults, they can be mistaken for dark smokey cream from a distance. Parchment belongs to the Rare colour group.

Note: It is normal that all colours may show bleaching and discoloration over the top coat. This is called sunning, and is quite expected and acceptable, as the Australian Labradoodle is an active dog and often a service dog that enjoys the outdoors. Weather bleaching or sunning must not be penalized.

COAT: Coat types are also still very sporadic with many dogs showing a combination of multiple types. As the genetic values stabilize we hope the "Ideal" coats are as follows:

FLEECE: Length is usually around  5 inches long. The Fleece coat texture should be light and silky quite similar to that of an Angora goat. Appearing "to contain a silky lanolin," the fleece coat can range from loosely waved giving an almost straight appearance to deeply waved. Kemp is often found around the eyes and top line. The absence of kemp is highly prized.

WOOL: Coats are more dense to the touch, like a sheep's wool. The "Ideal" wool coat should hang in loose hollow spirals. Most wool coats are still exhibiting a good texture, but have the appearance of a "Spring not a Spiral. The sprung wool coat is not desirable. A thick [dense] coat is also not desirable.  The Australian labradoodle has a single coat, Both the Fleece and the wool coat should naturally grow in "staples" and be of a soft texture. Both the "Ideal" fleece and wool coats spin successfully. Hair coats [Hair texture that sheds] is a fault. and are undesirable.

Photos courtesy of Tegan Park

There should be no body odor, or "shedding" [with the exception of the Hair Coat, usually seen in early generation dogs]. It is acceptable to "change coats" from puppy to adult, and also during hormonal changes in fertile bitches. This coat must not shed, but should be groomed out. It is important that the coat gives the impression of being a fleece rather than dog hair.

The "Ideal" Coat presentation should give the viewer the impression of a casual natural appearance. Scissoring along the topline , neckline under ears and around toes should be done without giving a manicured look.   The trimmed coat should maintain a flowing natural wash and wear look at all times highlighting the staples and ringlets. Excessive groomed presentation is a fault.

Temperament: Extremely clever, sociable and joyful. Easily trained. Quick to learn unusual or special tasks. Active, a little comical at times. Can attempt to out smart their owners if undisciplined. Friendly though obviously loyal to own family. Non-aggressive.

There is no scientific laboratory proof that the Labradoodle is hypoallergenic. Practical research has given the impression that it is highly possible that the fleece and wool textures of the Labradoodle ARE very successful with Asthma AND Allergy sufferers.

In these infant years of breeding the Australian Labradoodle, some throw backs with a wiry, sparse or multi type coats, are not to be discarded but assessed on their soundness of body and temperament. Many of these individuals offer valuable hybrid genetics and will breed on to produce excellent offspring. The same applies for dogs displaying 'undesirable' colour or size traits. In order to produce a breed of quality, haste must be made slowly. Genetic resources must be kept broad to protect the Labradoodle breed from the disasters that many other breeds are suffering, "the genetic dead end".

Special Attention: Must be directed to soundness. It is the responsibility of conscientious breeders to test their dogs and protect the Australian Labradoodle from developing  genetic disorders. It is good to keep in mind that the labradoodle is a family companion. We do not want the heartache of illness, and the expense of less than sound dogs.
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Indy Saves The Day

Crime doesn't pay, particularly when a brilliant Australian Labradoodle is involved! In December of 2005 around 4 am, Aladdin Labradoodles Indigo was sound asleep in his family companion home, when he heard a noise. He began to bark. His beloved human mom Carol stirred and told him to be quiet and go back to sleep. Indy obeyed her for a very short time, but then got up and began barking again. Now, concerned, she got up and opened her bedroom door. Indy flew down the stairs, barking like a maniac and chased the intruder out the door . Carol followed as fast as she could , frightened for her family & her
dog . Indy came right back and would not leave her side . Thanks to Indy noone was hurt and nothing was taken. Indy apparently spooked the intruder almost immediately.

"I always thought if an intruder came, that Indy would lick the intruder and welcome them into our home. Quite the contrary!" Carol said. "Indigo saved our lives. I will always be eternally grateful to him!!!"

"I'm so grateful to the family for giving Indy such a love filled home and taking such wonderful care of their Australian Labradoodle!" Mrs. Wilson said.

Each month we will feature new puppy litters. Below are two litters from California Labradoodles. Rutlands Lil Poppy at California (left, top) had 7 beautiful pups on September 13th, 2005 and Primetime Lacey at California (right, top) had four gorgeous pups on September 11, 2005.Please send us announcements of your new puppy litters so we can feature them in our newsletter!

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The Australian Labradoodle Club of America is seeking volunteers in a variety of areas. Our most immediate need is for a newsletter editor! This is a fun job and a great way to get to know other passionate breeders like yourself! Please let us know if this is an area you can help us with!! Please email our president, Gail Widman, gail@whisperingwindslabradoodles.com, if you are interested in getting involved.

There are lots of jobs to be done to get our club off the ground and running smoothly. Please contact us if you want to make a difference . We need your help!!!
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THE AUSTRALIAN LABRADOODLE CLUB OF AMERICA INVITES YOU TO ATTEND AN INDOOR DOODLE ROMP APRIL 29, 2006 FROM 12:30-5:00

Where: Community Church Gym, 36 Church Street, Syosset, New York 11791

Cost: $15.00 per Labradoodle family if paid by April 15th, 2006. The cost is $20.00 per Labradoodle family paid at the door, the day of the event. If your family is interested in attending, but doesn't own a Doodle
you can still join in the fun. $3.00 per person prepaid or $5.00 at the door

Mail Payment to:
Pat Lovell
98 Cold Spring Road
Syosset, NY 11791
Pat/goldcoastdoodle@optonline.net or Ivy/ibates1313@aol.com