Australian Cobberdog:
Origin, Character and Care
Photo: Beverley Rutland Manners, founder of the Australian Cobberdog breed
​History and origin
From searching for a therapy dog to consolidating a breed
The Australian Cobberdog is a breed designed for family life and assistance work: balanced, intelligent, and with a low-shedding coat ideal for sensitive individuals. Born from the vision of Beverley Rutland-Manners , the Cobberdog was developed to offer a predictable temperament, health, and functionality, all protected by official registries such as the MDBA and ACS .
At Althea Crownwood, we work with foundation lines directly from Australia, prioritizing ethical breeding, genetic testing, and early socialization so that each puppy arrives home as a true life partner.
​History and origin
From searching for a therapy dog to consolidating a breed
The Australian Cobberdog was born from the desire to create the perfect therapy and family dog, balancing genetics, temperament, and functionality.
Its creator, Beverley Rutland-Manners , after decades of working with assistance dogs, was also responsible for developing the original Labradoodle —a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle designed to reduce shedding and help people with allergies or special needs.
However, the Labradoodle's popularity quickly skyrocketed, and with it came uncontrolled crossbreeding and the loss of genetic, health, and temperament standards.
Beverley Rutland-Manners , after seeing the proliferation of uncontrolled Labradoodle crosses, decided to protect and consolidate a line with strict health, temperament and traceability criteria .
In 2011, he submitted the documentation to the Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA) to register the breed and guarantee its ethical and scientific development.
From Vision to Reality
Why Did the Australian Cobberdog Replace the Labradoodle?
The Labradoodle gained worldwide popularity, but its success was also its downfall. Uncontrolled and unregulated breeding led to the loss of the original health and temperament standards .
Beverley Rutland-Manners , seeing her original creation fading, made a crucial decision: to start over, but this time with strict oversight and regulation . Thus was born the Australian Cobberdog - the ethical evolution of the Labradoodle.
The Australian Cobberdog was finally able to offer the guarantee, peace of mind, and security that only an ethical breeding program with high genetic and health standards, and always with a record to back it up, can provide.
The Birth of a Pure Race
2011 - The Year Everything Changed
In 2011, Beverley submitted her detailed records to the Master Dog Breeders & Associates (MDBA) , seeking recognition of the Australian Cobberdog as a purebred in development .
The MDBA became the exclusive official registry , protecting the genetic integrity of the breed and ensuring that each dog lived up to the original vision: predictable health, structure, and temperament.
Science and Ethics - The Fundamental Pillars
How is the Quality of an Australian Cobberdog Guaranteed?
Generational Control : Each cross was monitored for generations
Rigorous Selection : Only dogs that met the standards were incorporated into the breeding program
Controlled Genetic Diversity : Strategic use of genetic "pods" to maintain breed health
Today there are over 31,769 Australian Cobberdogs registered with the MDBA (November 2024), demonstrating the success of this scientific and ethical approach.
The coat: a distinctive feature of the Australian Cobberdog
Low Shedding Almost Hypoallergenic, Functional and Low Maintenance
The Australian Cobberdog 's coat is one of the most desired and valued characteristics among families and professionals: it combines aesthetics, functionality, and very low shedding, ideal for therapy settings and for homes with hair sensitivities or allergies.
Key Features:
Texture: soft, silky and with movement (flow).
Shedding: minimal or non-existent in most specimens — genetic profile associated with low shedding.
Odor: very low, no characteristic odor.
Allergy-friendly: The coat and genetic characteristics reduce the amount of hair in the environment (not an absolute guarantee for allergy sufferers, but a significant improvement).
Recommended practical length: 7–12 cm at the body — balance between the Cobberdog’s fluid aesthetic and functionality in therapy and family activities.
Hygiene and work: A coat of this length makes cleaning easier, reduces tangles with harnesses or collars, and dries faster after bathing.
Australian Cobberdog Sizes — Height and Weight
Miniature, Medium, and Standard — choose the size that best fits your family
Although sizes vary, the Australian Cobberdog's characteristic temperament — balanced, sociable, and suitable for family and therapy —is maintained across all sizes. The main difference between sizes is practical: minis are ideal for smaller spaces and families looking for a compact dog; mediums offer the perfect balance between energy and manageability; standards have more presence and stamina for extended outdoor activities.
Althea Crownwood Tip: If you're unsure of sizes, let us know your lifestyle (space, daily activities, children) and we'll help you find the size and model that best suits your family.
Size Height (at the withers) Approximate weight
Miniature 33–42 cm 8–12 kg
Medium 42–51 cm 12–25 kg
Standard 51–61 cm 25–30 kg
Our Commitment at Althea Crownwood Cobberdogs
Science, ethics and legacy in every litter
At Althea Crownwood, we preserve the founding spirit of the Australian Cobberdog through responsible, documented, and open breeding practices:
Our protocol and values:
Direct lines from Australia : We work with verified pedigrees from foundation lines.
Transparency: We share certificates and results of genetic tests, as well as orthopedic evaluations.
Health first: complete genetic panel, hip and elbow X-rays, and veterinary check-ups before any reproductive use.
Temperament as a priority: We select specimens based on character, sociability, and ability to work in therapy, not on fashion or color.
Family upbringing: Our dogs live with us and children; early socialization and life in a home environment.
Support for adopters: advice from the moment they choose their puppy to the moment it integrates into its new home, and throughout its life.
Our promise:
We breed for the future : every decision is geared toward improving the health, temperament, and genetic stability of the Australian Cobberdog—thinking about generations, not just one litter.
Thinking about adding an Australian Cobberdog to your life?
Choosing with the Heart... and with the Head
When you imagine your future Australian Cobberdog , you probably think of happy times, walks, and togetherness. To make that vision a reality, you need something that seems unromantic, but is essential: transparency .
Contact Althea Crownwood Australian Cobberdogs so we can explain how we carry out our responsible breeding program.
Always striving for the genetic and health excellence of our Cobberdogs, brought directly from Australia, from the best lines in the world and with certified pedigrees .
We are members of the MDBA and the ACS , and we are happy to offer you the transparency, peace of mind, and support required for adding a new member to the family. We will share all available information and be there from the initial consultation through every stage of your new life partner's life. Ultimately, you will receive a piece of our heart and Althea Crownwood's mission .
Proud Members of MDBA, ACS and RSCE: Excellence in Ethical Breeding
