A 'Cinder-fella' story (and important facts)

Coriander's 'fairy tale' began under a haystack in South Carolina. I am told this is a common home environment for dogs raised with some breeders located there, but it is NOT an acceptable home for any of our furry companions.

Coriander was two years old when Ocean State Labradoodles and I decided to 'wave our wands' and whisk him away from his barn-yard hay pile to hopefully participate in our stud programs. When I picked him up at the airport, he looked like a tumbleweed with a Mohawk strip on his head! Oh my!!! He let me scrub, cut, trim and clip for hours and days with nary a complaint. I was blown away by this guy's pliable temperament - absolute putty.

Since he lived outside, Coriander had never been indoors nor socialized very well as a pup. Neither did he know what a toy was or how to play ball. After a couple of months of 'home environment socialization' he showed much promise and eventually was offered up for a guardian home placement. Lucky for us, one of my past Labradoodle owners wanted to add him to their household and continue to socialize him.

After a bit, I decided to mate Coriander with Maple Sugar. It was important that we know if Coriander had a genetic flaw or if the typical 'joy of life' that most Cockapoos have was environmentally stagnated. Thankfully, his genetics are solid and the litter from Maple x Coriander were delightful in every way. (please click on the Maple x Cori link located on the Index for the entire blog on this mating)

Today, Coriander excitedly chases a ball, loves the water and is an exuberant explorer in the woods when taken to parks and rivers. He loves all other dogs but still needs time to warm up to strangers. He has come such a long way from being 'the dog that wanted to hide' to jumping up on my car door woofing with glee that Olive came for a date. :+)

Puppies that have a loving and stimulating environment learn confidence very early. Coriander did not have this opportunity and had to be introduced to the world beyond his 'kennel'. Coriander's great strides from 'hayseed to explorer' is a shining example that many obstacles can be overcome with a gentle hand and a lot of patience. I can't thank Carina and Aaron enough for being Coriander's 'Fairy Godmothers'.

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A docked tail is common for Cockapoos. For Coriander, it just means that he must wag his ENTIRE back end to express his delight and he does so at every opportunity. He has lovely confirmation and is slightly larger than most of his brethren. His boning is outstanding.















Coriander's expression is calm and gentle. A testament to his sweet nature.






















I love his broad muzzle, perfect bite and clean, tear-stain free eyes. He has never had an ear infection which is quite uncommon for a 'floppy eared' dog and is a nice bonus to his overall quality testing results.

I could not resist adding this black and white pic sent by his guardians. It gives you a great shot of him in a much longer coat. :+)




If you really do your research and ask a lot of questions, reputable breeders who are willing to educate, will divulge that Cockapoos/Spaniels are an integral component of the Australian Labradoodle's make-up. Without them, the chocolate color would not have 'joined' our color list. Nor would the smaller versions of the Australian Labradoodle been available. Yes, Toy or Mini Poodles do bring down the size but many of these matings produce tiny and fragile structures. The use of the Cockapoo Hybrid and pure Spaniels brought much needed bulk to the conformational development of both the small and medium sized Australian Labradoodles.

What do I expect from the mating of Coriander to our ebony Australian beauty, Olive? Puppies with bright and inquisitive minds; wonderfully broad heads and sturdy bodies with easy to manage 'low to non' shedding coats. Let's not forget the compliant natures of both parents and those lovely soulful eyes. We could have solid colors or a myriad of coat patterns such as parti, sable or abstracts.

Whelping always has a surprise or two and I look forward to ringing in the New Year holding Olive's paws and coaching her if needed. I hope you will join us in this adventure.

Olive Oyl.

Please check out Coriander and Olive's Test Results by going to the Home Page and clicking their picture. I feel he was a great stud choice for Olive.