FOR the first time in 30 years, a labradoodle will be trained as a guide dog.
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Tasmanian Labradoodles will send Bruges, a male puppy, to The Chubu Guide Dogs For The Blind Association in Japan to be trained as a guide dog for a blind woman.
Tasmanian Labradoodles owner Paul Bartlett said the fact that labradoodles did not shed hair or have a standard dog odour made them appealing for a wide variety of people.
"We have been breeding these dogs for 10 years now and we have found a real passion for them," Mr Bartlett said.
"The fact that they don't shed hair or smell makes them ideal for people with allergies and young children."
Mr Bartlett said Bruges, one of 70 dogs at the Epping Forest property, had undergone basic training and socialisation, but formal training would not begin until he arrived in Japan.
"We have heard of a labradoodle being used as a guide dog about 30 years ago, but it is fairly uncommon," he said. "Labradoodles mature much earlier than regular labradors and they have such a good temperament, so I have no doubt that Bruges will make a great guide dog."
As the only breeders in the state, Tasmanian Labradoodles sends dogs to a number of countries around the world.
A labradoodle puppy can range in cost from $1295 to $1995.
