Australian Cobberdog
Miniature: 7-12 kg; Medium: 12-20 kg; Standard: 20-35 kg
Miniature: 35-42 cm; Medium: 42-51 cm; Standard: 51-61 cm
12-15 years
Australia
About the Australian Cobberdog
The Australian Cobberdog is a purpose-bred breed recognized for its exceptional temperament and suitability as a therapy or assistance animal. Developed from the foundation of the Australian Labradoodle, the Cobberdog was refined and standardized through the Master Dog Breeders and Associates (MDBA) to ensure genetic consistency and health. Unlike many 'designer' crosses, the Cobberdog is a recognized breed in development with a strictly managed studbook, ensuring that every dog possesses the hallmark intuitive nature and gentle disposition required for modern service roles. Physically, they are athletic yet graceful, characterized by a soft, wavy fleece or curly wool coat that is virtually non-shedding. Their most distinctive feature is their 'human-like' gaze; they are one of the few breeds specifically selected for their willingness to sustain eye contact with humans, which facilitates a deep emotional bond and eases communication during therapy work. They are well-proportioned dogs that move with a rhythmic, effortless gait, reflecting their functional, working-dog heritage. In the home, the Cobberdog is often described as a 'velcro' dog, thriving on human companionship and integrating seamlessly into family life. They are highly intelligent and sensitive to the moods of their owners, making them excellent companions for children and those with special needs. While they are active and enjoy outdoor adventures, they have a notable 'off-switch' indoors, provided their daily mental and physical stimulation needs are met through play, training, and affection.
Breed Standard
Key characteristics from the breed standard
In the show ring, the Australian Cobberdog is distinguished by its 'balanced and joyful' carriage, moving with a light-footedness that appears almost buoyant. Their conformation emphasizes a square build and a level topline that remains stable even in motion. The most captivating quality is the 'sustained gaze'—a judge should feel the dog's focus and emotional presence, which is a unique requirement of the breed standard.
In Australia
The Australian Cobberdog was developed specifically in Australia under the guidance of the Master Dog Breeders and Associates. This breed was developed to establish a consistent, predictable breed, and it was developed specifically for therapy and service work.
Bred For
Service, therapy, and assistance work, specifically focusing on emotional intelligence and hypoallergenic coats.
Temperament
Intuitive, empathetic, gentle, and highly social with a unique ability to sustain eye contact.
Health Conditions Reported in the Breed
Hip and , (), , von Willebrand’s Disease (), and .
Exercise Needs
60 minutes daily of varied activity, including brisk walks and mental engagement such as scent work or advanced trick training.
Grooming Needs
High; requires weekly thorough brushing to prevent matting and professional clipping every 6-8 weeks.
Living Suitability
Suitable for apartments (Miniature/Medium) or houses with small yards, provided they receive significant daily human interaction and exercise.
Good with Kids
Excellent; known for being gentle, patient, and highly intuitive with children of all ages.
Good with Other Pets
Generally excellent; they are highly social and typically coexist peacefully with other dogs and household pets like cats.
Trainability
Very high; they are exceptionally intelligent, eager to please, and respond best to positive reinforcement and connection-based training.
Coat & Colours
Single coat (fleece or wool) with no undercoat; designed to be low-shedding and low-allergen.. A wide range including Raven, Chocolate, Caramel, Chalk, Cream, Apricot, Red, Blue, Silver, and Café.
Exercise needs vary by age, fitness, health, weather and individual temperament. Consult your veterinarian for an exercise plan appropriate for your dog.
Things to Consider
Every breed has its quirks — here's what to know
The Australian Cobberdog is more likely to experience separation anxiety due to their deep-seated need for human proximity; they are best suited to homes where they won't be left alone for long stretches. Their floppy ears are predisposed to moisture trapping and yeast infections, so regular ear cleaning is a must for any owner. While their coat is low-shedding, it is prone to matting if not brushed to the skin frequently, making grooming a significant time and financial commitment. As a breed with a sensitive nature, they can be predisposed to digestive sensitivities on standard commercial kibbles—this doesn't mean every Cobberdog will, but many thrive on a consistent fresh-food diet like Majestik to avoid gas and skin irritations. Finally, while they are generally healthy, prospective owners should be aware of predispositions to hip and elbow dysplasia, making weight management and appropriate exercise vital for long-term joint health.
Feeding Guide for Your Australian Cobberdog
Healthy Weight
7-35 kg (depending on whether the dog is Miniature, Medium, or Standard)
Daily Feeding Amount (general starting estimate)
200g (Miniature) to 900g (Standard) of fresh/raw food daily.
For an adult Australian Cobberdog, feed 2-3% of their ideal body weight daily in fresh or raw food. For a medium-sized adult weighing 18kg, this equates to approximately 360g to 540g per day, split into two meals. Adjust based on energy levels and age.
Feeding quantities are general starting estimates only. Individual needs vary with body condition, weight trends, age, health and activity. Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition — consult a veterinarian for individualised dietary guidance.
Ingredient percentages alone do not guarantee complete and balanced nutrition. Seek veterinary or qualified canine nutrition guidance for individualised dietary advice. Raw feeding, specific proteins or fresh foods should not be presented as preventing, treating or managing breed health conditions without veterinary diagnosis and supervision.
Majestik's Recommended Feeding Approach
Breed Diet Notes
A high-quality, biologically appropriate raw food (BARF) diet rich in lean proteins and essential fatty acids to support coat health and joint integrity.
A varied raw diet is ideal for the Australian Cobberdog to maintain their lush coat and steady energy. Majestik's lean Kangaroo and Beef options provide excellent protein sources without excess fat. Include 10% organ meats (liver/kidney) for essential vitamins and 10% edible bone for dental hygiene. For this breed's sensitive skin, incorporating Majestik’s fish-based proteins or adding Omega-3 oils can be highly beneficial. Ensure a small portion of leafy greens and antioxidants (like blueberries) are included to support their immune system.
These are general breed-level notes only. The appropriate food and serving amount depend on the individual dog's age, health, body condition, activity and tolerance.
Majestik Recommendation
Majestik BARF meals follow our practical 70/10/10/10 approach: approximately 70% quality meat and protein ingredients, 10% edible bone, 10% vegetables and 10% offal. This gives customers a convenient fresh-food option without needing to source and portion every ingredient themselves.
Our Beef, Lamb and Roo BARF meals provide convenient fresh-food options, with suitable proteins chosen or rotated according to the individual dog.
Suitable for different needs
- Healthy adult: Majestik adult Beef, Lamb or Roo BARF meal.
- Puppy: Majestik Premium Puppy.
- Senior: Majestik Senior Blend.
- Working or highly active dog: Suitable Majestik adult meal with quantity adjusted to workload and body condition.
- Protein trial: One Majestik protein at a time.
Recommended Majestik BARF Meals
This is a practical starting recommendation for healthy dogs. Individual needs vary with age, health, body condition and activity.
Australian Cobberdog Feeding Calculator
Personalised raw and cooked feeding recommendations based on your dog's profile
Ideal — Ribs palpable without excess fat. Visible waist. Abdominal tuck present.
Have a question about your Australian Cobberdog? Dog Health AI
Why Majestik?
Fresh, raw pet food made with integrity in South Australia
Australian Made
Made in Two Wells, South Australia
Freshly Prepared
Real meat, organs, bone & wholefood ingredients
No Fillers
No cheap fillers or artificial preservatives
Family Owned
Locally owned and operated
Local Delivery
Delivery across Adelaide & selected areas
Secure Checkout
Secure payment via Shopify checkout
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Breed Records & Facts
Average Litter Size
7-8 puppies
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References & Sources
Breed information verified against recognised breed authorities and veterinary evidence.