There is just something about a Labradoodle . . . Yes, they are probably the best looking and, arguably, amongst the most intelligent dog breeds in the world.  But there is also something more about a “Dood.”  These incredible creatures have a loving nature and a unique “intuitive” quality that somehow binds them to their humans in ways that can’t quite be explained. 

Wally Cochran, working with The Guide Dog Association in Australia, has been credited as the official founder of the Labradoodle.  Since the early 1970’s, the breed quietly spread in popularity in Australia but – thanks in large part to the popularity of the internet – has exploded onto the world scene over the last two years.  In the United States, Time Magazine, Newsweek, Fortune, the New York Times and an assortment of television programs have all featured the “Doodle.”  Adoptions, too, in Europe and Asia have reached record levels.

 It seems that the rest of the world now knows what the Australians have known for years.

About the Tour

If Wally Cochran is the founder of the Labradoodle, then Beverly Manners is surely the Matriarch of the breed.  Ms. Manners owns Rutland Manor Breeding and Research Center, in Victoria, Australia, and is widely held to be the world’s leading expert on and advocate for the Labradoodle.  She is admired and respected worldwide.

In September and October 2003, Beverley, (as she is fondly known in the Doodle world), is visiting the United States, accompanied by Trish, a key member of the Rutland Manor team.  Ten cities are included on their schedule.

 Beverley calls the 2003 visit her "puppy pilgrimage."  It's a special time for her - an opportunity to catch up with her "grandbabies," and their families, and to provide help and support to other breeders and Doodle owners - any Doodle owners - who would like to meet with her.

This is an opportunity not to be missed!  An informal schedule of “Romps,” or Clinics, is being planned in each city on the tour.  Beverly and Trish will meet with their “fans,” see how their progeny are doing, give training and grooming tips and just generally have fun and talk Doodles!  There is no fee, of course, and the only "rule" is that puppy adoptions are not discussed. 

The Labradoodle has brought together people, who might not otherwise have any reason to meet, from around the world.  In forums, chat rooms and web sites, these folks have developed a virtual friendship, based upon their common love of the Dood, which overcomes their differences in background, culture and lifestyle. 

 At a “Doodle Romp”, the dogs and their owners, (or “guardians,” if you are subject to San Francisco statute), actually get to meet, face to face.  The dogs frolic.  The people swap stories and share tips.  There is usually a “pot luck” or some hosted food and drink.  Everyone has a blast!

How to Participate

Each city on the Doodle Tour America 2003 has a gracious host or hostess who has volunteered to organize or host the local Romp.  (These are generally held in someone’s home or in an appropriate local park.)  Just eMail the host, in your city, for details.  You can locate the host name and address on the “Tour Schedule” page.  Maps and address details will also be posted here, as the tour date draws closer.

If your city is on the schedule, but does not show a host, then the Tour is looking for a volunteer!  Smaller group meetings are also possible for the Washington D.C. stop.  Just eMail Ken Fisher, who is coordinating the schedule, at ken@fpv.com, to step forward!  Hosting is good fun and a great way to meet some cool Doods and their people!

 If you ARE a host, and have updated information to provide, please click on the “Information to Add?” icon, on the “Tour Schedule” page, if you would like to send along your latest information for posting.

About this Site

This site is hosted and maintained, by “friends of Beverley,” as a place for information about the tour and, more importantly, so that everyone can take a look at the great photos that will be taken at the Romps.

The site is maintained by “web amateurs,” in their spare time, so please be kind when it comes to judging its quality!  You should know that it has absolutely NO commercial purpose and is not affiliated in any way with Rutland Manor.  It’s just a site for fun.  Your eMail address will NOT be shared with anyone, by the way, unless you are a Tour Host and have agreed to have it listed here.

The Doodle Tour America volunteer webmaster is Glen, one of Sebastian Thor's "Dads."  Sebastian is a one-year-old Labradoodle from Tegan Park, Australia, who now lives in San Francisco.  You can read about Sebastian's "Life as a Doodle" at www.SebastianThor.com.

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