FAQ
About Australian Cobberdogs
What is an Australian Cobberdog?
The Australian Cobberdog is a purpose-bred companion and therapy dog developed from Labradoodle lines and carefully refined for a stable temperament, low-shedding coat, intelligence, and high trainability. In Australia, “cobber” means “buddy” or “friend,” which perfectly captures what this breed was created to be: an intuitive, people-oriented companion and family dog.
What is the Cobberdog temperament like? Are they good family dogs?
Cobberdogs are known for being affectionate, intuitive, people-focused, and eager to please. They are intelligent and sensitive, making them highly trainable and responsive to kind, consistent guidance.
They are typically wonderful with children and can live very well with other pets when properly socialized and supervised. Above all, Cobberdogs thrive on companionship and love being part of everyday family life.
Are Cobberdogs hypoallergenic and low-shedding?
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but Cobberdogs are bred for low-shedding coats and may be a great option for many people with mild to moderate allergies. Because individual reactions can vary, we encourage anyone with allergies to spend time around Cobberdogs before bringing one home whenever possible.
Their beautiful coats do require regular care. We recommend brushing several times a week and professional grooming approximately every 6–8 weeks to keep the coat healthy, comfortable, and mat-free.
What sizes and colours do you breed?
We focus on medium and large/standard Australian Cobberdogs. Our medium dogs generally mature to around 30–45 lbs, while our large/standard dogs typically range from45–70 lbs.
Our litters may include cream, apricot, red, chocolate, and black coats, sometimes with beautiful white markings.
How much exercise, training, and attention does a Cobberdog need?
Cobberdogs are intelligent, athletic dogs who need both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Most do well with at least 45–60 minutes of daily physical activity, along with training, play, puzzle toys, or sniff walks.
They are highly trainable and eager to please, but because they are sensitive dogs, they respond best to positive, consistent training and clear, kind boundaries. We strongly recommend enrolling your puppy in a puppy training class.
Cobberdogs are companion dogs and are happiest when they are involved in family life. They can learn to be alone for reasonable periods, but they are not well suited to spending long days alone on a regular basis.
Do Cobberdogs make good therapy or service dogs?
Cobberdogs were purpose-bred with companionship and therapy work in mind, and many have the intelligence, intuition, and temperament needed for this type of work. However, not every puppy is suited for service work, and no breeder can guarantee that a particular puppy will ultimately qualify.
If you are looking for a therapy or service prospect, please let us know. We will work with you to identify puppies that show promising traits for your goals. Any dog intended for service work will also require specialized professional training.
Our Puppies & Breeding Program
How are your puppies raised and socialized?
Our puppies are raised in a home-style environment on our small farm, where they receive plenty of individual attention and experience the sights, sounds, and activities of everyday life.
From an early age, we introduce them to gentle handling, different surfaces, toys, sounds, and age-appropriate challenges. We also begin crate exposure and lay the foundations for potty training before they go home.
During the puppies’ first weeks, we also incorporate Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), a brief series of gentle exercises designed to expose young puppies to mild, controlled stimulation during an important stage of development.
How do you match puppies with their families?
Our goal is not simply to help you choose a puppy—it is to help you find the right puppy for your family.
We consider your application, conversations with you, lifestyle, experience, and what you are looking for in a dog. We combine that information with weeks of daily observation and temperament assessments at approximately seven weeks of age.
We do our best to honour preferences such as gender and colour, but temperament and compatibility with your family will always be our highest priority.
What health testing do you perform, and what veterinary care will my puppy receive?
The health of our dogs and puppies is one of our highest priorities. Our breeding dogs receive extensive DNA screening for genetic conditions relevant to the Australian Cobberdog, along with hip and elbow testing at the appropriate age. We only breed dogs that meet our health and temperament standards.
Before going home, each puppy receives age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, a veterinary health examination, and a microchip. You will also receive your puppy’s health and vaccination records.
Our puppies are backed by a written two-year health guarantee covering the genetic conditions outlined in our contract.
Can we visit the puppies?
Because protecting the health of our puppies and minimizing stress for our mothers are important to us, we limit visits while puppies are very young.
When appropriate, visits may be arranged after the puppies have received their first vaccinations. Throughout the process, we also provide families with photos, videos, and updates so you can watch your puppy grow—even when an in-person visit is not possible.
Reservations, Pricing & Going Home
How much does a Lively Acres Cobberdog cost, and how does the reservation process work?
The purchase price of a Lively Acres Cobberdog is $3,500 plus applicable tax. A $500 non-refundable reservation deposit secures your place on our waitlist and is applied toward the final purchase price.
We understand that circumstances sometimes change. With clear communication, your deposit may be transferred to a future litter. If we are unable to provide a puppy because a litter is smaller than expected, we will work with you regarding a refund or transferring your deposit to a future litter with priority placement.
Payment in full is required before your puppy is picked up or begins the journey to your home. We currently accept payment through PayPal, which also allows payment by credit card.
What comes with my puppy, and what will I need at home?
Your puppy will go home with health and vaccination records, microchip information, and starter items to help make the transition easier. We are also happy to recommend products and brands that have worked well for us.
Before bringing your puppy home, we recommend having a crate, quality puppy food, food and water bowls, a collar and leash, safe chew toys, and grooming supplies, including a good slicker brush and metal comb.
Most importantly, your puppy will need consistent training, daily exercise, mental stimulation, regular grooming and veterinary care, continued socialization, and plenty of love and companionship.
What are my options for picking up or transporting my puppy?
Transportation is not included in the puppy purchase price, but we are happy to help you find the best option.
Families may travel to us by car or plane, and we can arrange to meet at an agreed-upon public location. Depending on the litter, our closest major airport will typically be either Seattle-Tacoma International Airport or San Francisco International Airport.
For families who cannot travel to us, delivery options may be available for an additional fee. We can arrange local ground delivery or, in some cases, personally accompany your puppy by air to an airport elsewhere in the United States or Canada. International transportation is considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the destination country’s import, vaccination, age, and quarantine requirements.
Please contact us for current transportation options and pricing.
What if I can no longer keep my Cobberdog?
Our commitment to our puppies does not end when they leave our home.
If at any point in your dog’s life you are no longer able to care for them, our contract gives us first right of return. We ask that you contact us rather than independently rehoming or surrendering the dog.
We will always take back one of our dogs, at any age. Once a Lively Acres puppy, always part of the Lively Acres family.