Cobberdog Breeders Guide to this Unique Australian Breed

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Posted Oct 31, 2024

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Close up of Australian Cattle Dog
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The Cobberdog is a unique Australian breed that's gaining popularity worldwide. They were bred as a therapy dog, specifically designed to assist people with disabilities.

Their friendly and outgoing nature makes them perfect for this role. They're highly intelligent and easy to train, which is essential for a therapy dog.

One of the key characteristics of Cobberdogs is their exceptional temperament. They're known for being calm, gentle, and patient, making them an ideal breed for families with children.

Their high energy levels require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

The Labradoodle

The Labradoodle is a developing dog breed that originated in Australia.

It's not recognized as a pure breed by any independent kennel clubs or registration organizations, but rather considered a mixed-breed.

The Labradoodle Association of Australia (LAA) was founded in 2000 to standardize the breed and achieve recognition.

Australian Labradoodles are called as such because breeders wanted to avoid being mistaken for other Labrador Retriever/Poodle crosses being bred in a way they deemed unhealthy and irresponsible.

Credit: youtube.com, Australian Cobberdog - Facts and Information

The breed has a complex heritage, with as many as 22 unique purebred contributors.

The Australian Labradoodle generally has Labrador Retriever and Poodle genetics, but recent efforts have introduced the Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-coated Retriever, and English and American Cocker Spaniel to increase the breed's gene pool.

The IALA made the decision to abandon certain lines and consider the Australian Labradoodle a largely complete breed.

The Australian Labradoodle Association (ALA) mandates that the breed must have exactly three progenitors: Poodle, Labrador Retriever, and Cocker Spaniel.

Physical Characteristics

The Cobberdog breed is known for its unique physical characteristics, shaped by its origins as a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Golden Retriever.

Cobberdogs typically weigh between 20-30 kg, with some individuals reaching up to 35 kg.

Their coats can vary in color, but they often have a thick, double coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming to prevent matting.

Cobberdogs typically stand between 45-55 cm tall at the shoulder, making them a medium-sized breed.

Coat

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The Australian Cobberdog's coat is a unique and low-maintenance feature. It's single coat hair, which means they shed minimally and produce low amounts of dander, making them a great choice for people with allergies.

Their coat is also hypoallergenic, as it's not the hair itself that causes allergies, but rather a protein found in a dog's saliva, dandruff, and skin.

The Cobberdog has two principle coat types: fleece coats and wool coats. Fleece coats are soft, thin, and silky to the touch.

Fleece coats require regular grooming to prevent matting, which can be a real pain to deal with if you don't stay on top of it. Without regular brushing and care, matting can lead to hair-borne conditions and discomfort for the dog.

Wool coats, on the other hand, are coarse and thick, with small, tight curls. They're also non-shedding and low dander, making them a great choice for those with allergies.

The term "wool coat" has shifted to also apply to a curly variation of the fleece coat, which is often referred to as the "spiral wool coat". This coat appears as multiple long and loose spirals, and requires frequent grooming and trimming to prevent matting.

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Sizes

Close up of Australian Cattle Dog
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Cobberdogs come in a variety of sizes to suit different lifestyles and living spaces.

The MDBA recognizes three official size categories: miniature, medium, and standard. These categories are based solely on height, measured from floor to withers.

Cobberdog sizes can be categorized into four general size categories: miniature, large mini/small medium, medium, and standard.

Here are the height and weight ranges for each category:

Height is measured from floor to withers, the top of the shoulder blade in quadrupeds.

Features and Traits

The Australian Cobberdog is a breed that's all about balance and athleticism. They should have a square and regularly dimensioned body.

Floppy ears are a notable distinctive feature of the breed. The nose and paw pads should have standard pigmentation.

An undocked tail is also a characteristic of the Australian Cobberdog. Their coat is non-shedding and hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with allergies.

Features

The Australian Cobberdog is a breed that's all about balance and athleticism. The MDBA has set breed standards that any purebred Australian Cobberdog must meet, aiming for a dog that's "gracefully athletic and balanced".

Australian Cattle Dog with Snow on his Snout
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A key part of this balance is the dog's coat, which is described as "luxurious" and "non-shedding, odourless". This makes it a great choice for people with allergies or who want to reduce dog hair.

The breed's goal is to be a square and regularly dimensioned dog, with a focus on health and temperament over physical appearance. This means that Australian Cobberdogs tend to be a bit more laid-back and easy-going.

Notable distinctive features of the breed include floppy ears, standard pigmentation of nose and paw pads, and an undocked tail. These features are all part of what makes the Australian Cobberdog such a unique and charming breed.

Behavioral Characteristics

The Cobberdog's original purpose was to breed a calm, compassionate, and empathetic dog ideal for therapy work.

Australian Cobberdogs are generally considered intelligent and learn tricks and tasks more easily than most other breeds.

They are known to very rarely bite with an intent to harm and vocalization is generally limited to instances of extreme shock or distress.

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The Cobberdog's respectful and unimposing nature makes them particularly ideal for therapies involving socially sensitive groups.

Around other animals, the Cobberdog generally remains calm and unimposing, often retreating from conflict.

In some circumstances, the Cobberdog can cohabitate with animals like cats, birds, or rodents, although supervision is recommended to avoid unintended harm or intrusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a Cobberdog?

The cost of an Australian Cobberdog is around $5,500. Prices may vary depending on the breeder and availability.

Is a Cobberdog the same as a Labradoodle?

A Cobberdog is a specific type of Labradoodle, but not all Labradoodles are Cobberdogs. The key difference lies in their unique characteristics and temperament.

What breeds go into a Cobberdog?

A Cobberdog is a developing breed primarily composed of Labrador and Poodle genetics, with additional influences from other breeds. Its diverse ancestry includes the Irish Water Spaniel, Curly-Coated Retriever, and English and American Cocker Spaniels.

What is the temperament of a Cobberdog puppy?

Cobberdog puppies are extremely affectionate, adaptable, and intelligent, making them a great fit for families with children. They are also highly trainable and playful, requiring attention and interaction to thrive

Sources

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  5. "Breed Colours" (australiancobberdogs.com.au)
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  16. AMERICAN COBBERDOG CLUB (americancobberdogs.com)
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  18. Cobberdog Breed (ridgydidgecobberdogs.com)

Maxine Hermann

Senior Writer

Maxine Hermann is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge and expertise with readers worldwide. With a keen interest in canine breeds, Maxine has established herself as a go-to authority on Hungarian dog breeds and their characteristics. Her articles offer a unique blend of informative content and engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible to readers of all levels.