What was the driving force behind Wally Conron's initial Labradoodle breeding program in Australia?

Answer

Developing a serviceable guide dog for the visually impaired

The initial motivation for Wally Conron to crossbreed the Labrador Retriever and Poodle in Australia during the late 1980s was highly practical, focusing on service work rather than purely creating a fashionable pet. The specific need driving this effort was the requirement for a guide dog that possessed the steady temperament characteristic of the Labrador, but crucially, needed a coat that would not aggravate the eye allergies suffered by some individuals who rely on guide dogs. Therefore, the primary goal was functional utility for visually impaired recipients by attempting to mitigate the allergenic potential associated with traditional coats.

What was the driving force behind Wally Conron's initial Labradoodle breeding program in Australia?
DogbreedLabradoodle