The ABCs (and BBs) of Australian Labradoodle Color Genetics: A beginner-friendly guide to decoding coat colors and the science behind them
- Megan McLoughlin
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
When you're researching Australian Labradoodles or thinking about bringing one into your family, you might come across color codes like BbEe or bbee. These codes represent the genetic makeup that determines your dog’s coat color. While they may seem complex, they provide insight into the potential colors your puppy could inherit.
This guide is for anyone who's curious about how Australian Labradoodle color genetics work, without diving into dense science. Whether you're a future puppy parent or just doodle-obsessed, we’ve got you covered.
The Two Gene Pairs That Determine Coat Color
Labradoodle coat color is primarily influenced by two gene pairs:
1. B/b – The Pigment Gene
This gene determines whether the dog has black pigment (B) or chocolate pigment (b).
BB = Black pigment (does not carry chocolate)
Bb = Black pigment, but carries chocolate
bb = Chocolate pigment (no black)
This doesn’t necessarily mean your dog looks black or chocolate, just what pigment their coat is based on.
2. E/e – The Expression (or “Masking”) Gene
This gene decides whether that pigment shows or is “masked” by a cream/apricot/red coat.
EE or Ee = Pigment is visible (you’ll see black or chocolate)
ee = Pigment is not visible, the dog will look cream, apricot, or red no matter what pigment it carries underneath.
The difference between cream, apricot, and red comes down to intensity. All are visually light coats caused by the same masking gene, but red is the richest, while cream is the lightest.
How the Genes Work Together
Think of it like this:
B/b = the paint color
E/e = whether you can see the paint or someone covered it in a cream sheet
Let’s look at some examples:
Code | Base Pigment | Visible Color | Description |
BBEE | Black | Black | Pure black with no chocolate or cream |
BBEe | Black | Black | Black but carries the cream gene |
BBee | Black | Cream/apricot/red | Looks light, carries only black pigment |
BbEe | Black (choc carrier) | Black | Carries chocolate and cream genes |
Bbee | Black (choc carrier) | Cream/apricot/red | Looks light, carries both black and chocolate |
bbEE | Chocolate | Chocolate | True chocolate, no cream masking |
bbEe | Chocolate | Chocolate | Chocolate coat, can produce cream pups |
bbee | Chocolate | Caramel | Cream-colored coat with chocolate pigment underneath |
Why Coat Color Isn’t Always What It Seems
An Australian Labradoodle that looks like a buttery cream might actually carry genes for black or chocolate pigment. That means two cream dogs could produce a rainbow litter: black, chocolate, cream, caramel, and even red.
That’s why we test for color genetics, because what’s hiding under that adorable fluff matters when it comes to future puppies.
What Cream Puff Shares with Families
At Cream Puff Labradoodles, we list the color codes of each parent dog on their PDF, which can always be found by clicking their photo on each litter page. This gives you a clearer understanding of the coat color possibilities based on the genetics of the parents.
Australian Labradoodle Color Genetics: The Takeaway
Color codes like BBEE, bbee, or BbEe represent two gene pairs: one for pigment (black/chocolate) and one for visibility (whether cream/apricot/red masks it).
Your dog’s visible coat color might be cream, but genetically, they could be carrying black or chocolate underneath.
It’s not just about looks, it’s about what they carry and pass on.
No matter what combo of Bs and Es your doodle has, one thing’s for sure: their DNA is just as adorable as their expressive personality, beautiful face, and soulful eyes.
There are other genes that affect patterns and markings, like parti or phantom, but this guide focuses on the core B and E genes that form the foundation of coat color.
