The invention of the labradoodle - Witness History podcast, BBC World Service

The Creation of the Labradoodle: A Witness History Account

Key Concepts: Labradoodle, Guide Dogs, Hypoallergenic Dogs, Crossbreeding, Dander, Responsible Breeding, Genetic Inheritance, Quarantine Restrictions, Pedigree.

Early Life and Entry into Dog Breeding

Wally Conron’s journey into dog breeding began unexpectedly in 1940s Melbourne. Initially focused on horses, his interest in dogs developed after taking a job at the Royal Guide Dogs due to financial necessity – being “broke, out of a job, three kids and a mortgage.” Despite initial reluctance (“I thought, ‘No. Can’t work with dogs and I can’t work with blind people’”), he became deeply involved and “obsessed” with the work, eventually becoming the dog breeding manager at Guide Dogs Australia. His early experience included breeding and showing Dachshunds.

The Hawaiian Request and Initial Attempts

In 1986, Wally received a request from a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband suffered from dog allergies. She needed a guide dog with a non-shedding coat. Australia and Hawaii shared similar quarantine regulations, making Australia a viable source for a guide dog. Wally initially believed a Standard Poodle would suffice, citing its hypoallergenic qualities (less shedding and reduced allergic reactions due to dander – microscopic skin flakes). However, over a two-year period, 31 Poodles were tested, but all failed to meet the necessary standards. Issues included hip dysplasia, poor eyesight, and unsuitable temperament.

The Birth of the Labradoodle: Brandy and the Poodle

Under pressure to find a solution quickly (“This woman’s getting older. She needs a dog very quick. Do something about it.”), Wally was authorized to crossbreed a Golden Labrador with a Poodle. The chosen Labrador was Brandy, a proven breeding bitch with a strong track record of producing successful guide dogs. This resulted in a litter of three male puppies. Testing revealed that one puppy, named Sultan, did not trigger the husband’s allergies.

Sultan’s Success and the “Labradoodle” Name

Sultan successfully completed 12 months of intensive guide dog training and was subsequently sent to Hawaii. His owners were delighted, and he became the first Labradoodle to work as a guide dog in Hawaii. By the time Wally retired, five Labradoodles were working as guide dogs in Hawaii. The name “Labradoodle” was coined by Wally, combining “Lab” from Labrador and “doodle” from Poodle, recognizing its “catchy” quality and believing it would help the breed gain recognition.

The Rise in Popularity and Unforeseen Consequences

The Labradoodle quickly gained popularity after Wally used a PR campaign to promote it as an “allergy-free” breed, generating “hundreds of calls” from around the world. The Australian Labradoodle Association of America estimates there are now over 70,000 Labradoodles globally. However, Wally expresses regret over the breed’s widespread popularity due to irresponsible breeding practices. He cites instances of owners experiencing allergic reactions despite claims of hypoallergenic qualities and the creation of dangerous crosses like the “Roodle” (Rottweiler and Poodle mix), expressing disbelief at such breeding decisions (“I just cannot believe anyone would be that damn stupid to breed a dog like that. What good would it be?”). He recounts a story of a grandfather considering shooting him after purchasing a Labradoodle that caused his granddaughter to be hospitalized.

Concerns Regarding Breeding and Pedigree

Wally emphasizes the importance of responsible breeding and checking the pedigree of Labradoodles. He even wrote a letter to then-US President Barack Obama, who was considering acquiring a Labradoodle or Portuguese Water Hound, advising him to “see the parents and check the pedigree.” He doesn’t know if his letter influenced Obama’s decision, but Obama ultimately did not purchase a Labradoodle.

Sultan’s Later Life and Wally’s Current Companion

Sultan was retired to Australia and lived out his days with Wally’s former boss, being buried on his property. Wally Conron, now 94 years old, is retired and lives in Geelong, near Melbourne, with Clancy, a crossbreed – but not a Labradoodle.

Technical Terms & Concepts:

• Hypoallergenic: Describes substances (like dog breeds) that are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. It doesn’t mean completely allergy-free, but rather producing fewer allergens.
• Dander: Microscopic flakes of skin shed by animals, a common allergen.
• Quarantine Restrictions: Regulations imposed to prevent the spread of disease, often affecting the import of animals.
• Pedigree: A record of a dog’s ancestry, used to assess genetic traits and potential health issues.
• Crossbreed: An animal resulting from the mating of two different breeds.

Logical Connections:

The narrative follows a chronological order, starting with Wally’s background, leading to the specific request from Hawaii, the breeding process, the initial success with Sultan, and finally, the unintended consequences of the Labradoodle’s popularity. The story highlights the initial intention of creating a functional guide dog for a specific need, and contrasts it with the later commercialization and often irresponsible breeding practices that followed.

Data & Statistics:

• 31: Number of Poodles tested over two years that failed to meet the requirements.
• 3: Number of Labradoodle puppies in the first litter.
• 5: Number of Labradoodles working as guide dogs in Hawaii by Wally’s retirement.
• 70,000+: Estimated number of Labradoodles worldwide (according to the Australian Labradoodle Association of America).

Notable Quote:

“I went to our manager and I said, ‘We’re going to have trouble with this.’ And he said, ‘What do you mean?’ And I said, ‘Well, to be quite honest,’ I said, ‘I’ve opened a Pandora box and I’ve produced a Frankenstein monster.’” – Wally Conron, reflecting on the initial creation of the Labradoodle.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The story of the Labradoodle is a complex one, beginning with a compassionate attempt to solve a specific problem – providing a guide dog for someone with allergies. While initially successful, the breed’s subsequent popularity led to unforeseen issues stemming from irresponsible breeding. Wally Conron’s experience serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of ethical breeding practices, genetic consideration, and the potential consequences of prioritizing popularity over responsible animal welfare. His regret isn’t about the dogs themselves, but about the problems caused by those who exploited the breed for profit.