Australian Cobberdog: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Oct 4, 2024

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Close up of Australian Zebra Finch Birds
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The Australian Cobberdog is a unique and versatile breed that's gaining popularity worldwide. They originated in Australia as a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever.

The breed is known for its intelligence and trainability, making them a popular choice for assistance and therapy work. They're highly social and love to interact with people.

One of the standout features of the Australian Cobberdog is its low-shedding coat, which makes it a great choice for people with allergies.

Origin and History

The Australian Cobberdog is a breed that originated with a specific purpose in mind. It was designed to perform therapy and assistance tasks.

The name "Australian Cobberdog" is a nod to the breed's friendly nature, as "Cobber" is a term used in Australia to refer to a close friend.

The breed's name reflects its role as a loyal companion that can always be counted on.

You might like: Cobberdog Breeders

Physical Characteristics

The Australian Cobberdog is a unique and charming breed with a range of physical characteristics that make it a beloved companion.

Australian Shepherd
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The breed's official standards describe a dog that should be "gracefully athletic and balanced" with a "luxurious non-shedding, odourless coat." This means that Cobberdogs should have a coat that is both beautiful and easy to care for.

One of the most distinctive features of the Cobberdog is its floppy ears, which are a key part of its overall appearance. The breed's nose and paw pads should also have standard pigmentation.

The Cobberdog's coat is truly one of its standout features. It's a single coat that sheds very little and produces minimal dander, making it a great choice for people with allergies. There are two main types of coats: fleece and wool.

A fleece coat is soft, thin, and silky, with a wavy texture. It requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Without regular brushing and care, a fleece coat can become matted and uncomfortable for the dog.

A wool coat, on the other hand, is coarse and thick, with small, tight curls. Unfortunately, the MDBA considers a true wool coat to be "highly undesirable" and has become rare in the breed.

Here are the four size categories for Cobberdogs, based on height:

Each size category is based solely on height, measured from the floor to the withers (the top of the shoulder blade).

Physical Characteristics

Portrait of an Australian Shepherd
Credit: pexels.com, Portrait of an Australian Shepherd

The Australian Cobberdog is a medium to large-sized dog with a sturdy build. They typically weigh between 25-40 kg.

Their height ranges from 53-60 cm at the shoulder. This size allows them to be a great companion for active families.

Their coat is medium-length and can come in a variety of colors, including blue merle, red merle, and red. Regular grooming is necessary to prevent matting.

Their eyes are usually brown or blue, and can be a combination of both. Their expressive eyes are a key feature of the breed.

Their ears are triangular and hang down to the side of their head. This ear shape can help to dissipate sound and keep their ears clean.

Their tail is long and bushy, often carried with a joyful expression. It's a great indicator of their mood and energy level.

Their body is muscular and athletic, with a deep chest and well-sprung ribs. This physique makes them well-suited for outdoor activities.

Comparison and Roles

Australian Shepherd
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The Australian Cobberdog is a versatile breed that can thrive in various roles. They make ideal therapy dogs.

Their calm demeanor and unimposing nature make them perfect for working as service animals. This temperament also makes them suitable as emotional support animals.

As a household pet, the Cobberdog's general sense of empathy helps them form strong bonds with their family members.

The Labradoodle Difference

The Labradoodle is not a recognized breed, its characteristics are unstable, and anyone can call their dogs Labradoodle.

This means that the term Labradoodle can refer to a wide range of dogs, all with different characteristics and temperaments.

The name Labradoodle was popularized by Wally Conron, the creator of the original cross between a Labrador and a Poodle.

However, many people started breeding Labradoodles without any criteria other than aesthetics, which has led to a lack of standardization in the breed.

The Labradoodle was developed and mixed with more nervous breeds, resulting in a multigenerational cross called the Australian Labradoodle.

Close-Up Shot of an Australian Cattle Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of an Australian Cattle Dog

Here's a key difference between the Labradoodle and the Australian Cobberdog:

The Australian Cobberdog, on the other hand, is a pure breed with its own stable DNA and a unique breed standard.

The Cobberdog was developed with a specific mission as a therapy dog, and its name refers to its friendly nature.

Roles

The Australian Cobberdog is a versatile breed that can excel in various roles. Their calm demeanor makes them an ideal therapy dog.

Their unimposing nature and general sense of empathy also make them suitable as service animals. This empathetic trait helps them form strong bonds with their handlers.

As a breed, they are naturally inclined to be companion dogs, providing comfort and companionship to their owners. Their calm temperament makes them a great fit for households with multiple pets or young children.

Their calm nature also makes them a great household pet, suitable for families or individuals looking for a low-maintenance companion.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Good Companion Dogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Australian cobberdogs so expensive?

Australian Cobberdogs are expensive due to the high level of care and expertise invested by their breeders, including rigorous breeding programs and strict veterinary protocols. This dedication to quality care increases their value and price.

What breeds make up the Australian Cobberdog?

The Australian Cobberdog is a crossbreed that combines the Australian Labradoodle with other breeds, including Irish Water Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, Irish Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, and Labrador Retrievers. This unique mix of breeds contributes to the Cobberdog's distinctive characteristics and temperament.

What is the difference between Goldendoodle and Australian Cobberdog?

The main difference between Goldendoodles and Australian Cobberdogs is that Goldendoodles are a crossbreed, while Australian Cobberdogs are a recognized pure breed with a unique, stable DNA sequence. This distinction affects their breed characteristics, temperament, and potential health implications.

How much does a Cobberdog cost in Australia?

The cost of an Australian Cobberdog can range from $5,500, depending on the breeder and availability. If you're interested in bringing one home, learn more about this breed and the factors that influence its price.

Is a Cobberdog the same as a Labradoodle?

A Cobberdog is a specific type of Labradoodle, but not all Labradoodles are Cobberdogs. Cobberdogs are a distinct breed known for their exceptional temperament and hypoallergenic qualities.

Sources

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  5. "Cobberdog Coats" (ridgydidgecobberdogs.com)
  6. "Breed Colours" (australiancobberdogs.com.au)
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Kellie Hagenes

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Kellie Hagenes is a detail-driven Copy Editor with a passion for refining written content. With a keen eye for grammar, syntax, and style, she ensures that every article meets the highest standards of clarity and coherence. Her portfolio showcases a diverse range of topics, including the fascinating realm of "Canine Strength and Ability," where she helped shape engaging stories that captivated readers of all ages.