Labradane Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Labradane?

Developed in the 1980s when designer dog breeds were a popular choice, they are a mixed breed with parent breeds being the Great Dane and the Labrador Retriever.

They are said to be developed because, at the time, designer dogs were much smaller than the original breeds they were made from.

The Labrador Retriever originated from Newfoundland in Canada and was a companion dog to fishermen. The Great Dane, on the other hand, originated in ancient Egypt.

Who are Labradane dogs best for?

If you live in an apartment, it might be obvious that this breed is not best suited for you. Having inherited their large size from the Great Danes, this breed needs equally ample space to be completely comfortable.

They are best suited for homes with multiple people as they grow very attached to their family members and constantly need affection.

This giant dog will thrive in a household with active pet parents. Take them for brisk walks and trips to the dog park daily, and they will be happy.

Labradanes may be the right dog for you if you are a large family with children! They make great playmates, provided they are supervised, as they may not always be conscious of how big they are.

How much grooming does a Labradane need?

These gentle giants do not require an over-complicated grooming routine. The shedding season is usually during the Spring and Fall months, which is the only time their grooming needs more attention.

Brush them at least twice a week and bathe them once a month or when necessary. They have floppy ears prone to infections, so cleaning them regularly should be added to their grooming routine. Brushing their teeth should be added as well.

These mixed-breed dogs have dense short coats and come in either black, white, or brown. They can sometimes have markings all over them. Regular maintenance will ensure that they are clean and prevent foul odours.

You would want to start a grooming routine as early as possible. Especially to the grooming tools used. These large dogs are already challenging to handle, so you do not wish to struggle with the grooming process either!

Do Labradane bark much?

This mixed-breed dog is not called a gentle giant of the dog world for no reason. They are not the type to bark incessantly or aggressively.

Their main reasons for barking can be for protection, especially when they need to protect their family members or home. When they are alarmed, out of fear, out of boredom, for attention, to greet as they are very friendly, and when they are stressed due to separation anxiety.

Do Labradane bite?

This breed has a very low possibility of biting or biting to be aggressive, especially when it comes to biting humans.

Their main reasons for biting can be for protection when in pain or out of excitement. Their herding instinct kicks in, mainly if they are used as working dogs. Or if they are being provoked.

They have one of the most potent bite forces, clocking in at 400 PSI, so it would not be good to be bitten by these dogs.

With this being said, do not let their large build fool you; these dogs are big softies.

What is the temperament & personality of a Labradane?

This breed is a big baby and will use every opportunity to cuddle with a family member. As much as they are energetic and playful, they also love to curl up on the couch with you.

As big as they are, they crave attention and will not be afraid to let you know that you need to drop everything you are doing to spend time with them.

Giant breeds need loads of exercise to subside their energy, so taking them for walks daily will make them very happy. They can get stressed quickly and are more likely to suffer from separation anxiety than other dog breeds.

They are friendly and will do well in a home with other animals, big or small. Their temperament and personality make them lovely dogs to have in your home.

What is the weight & size of a Labradane?

A healthy weight for the average male Labradane should be between 29 - 35 kg and 25 - 32 kg for females.

A healthy size for the average Labradane should be between 71 - 86 cm.

How much training does a Labradane need?

A Labradane owner needs to be firm and consistent throughout the training process. Although they are easy to train, these big dogs can be stubborn.

These dogs are intelligent and athletically inclined and great at agility training and dog sport training.

Methods like obedience training should always be started as soon as possible for any dog breed to avoid unwanted behaviour as they get older. Teaching them basic commands like "no" and "sit" can be done from a very young age with this breed.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Labradane?

Before adopting or purchasing a dog, you should always know and understand their predisposed health conditions. This will be beneficial in knowing what to look out for if any of these starts to show.

Consult a vet immediately after receiving your furry friend so that they can be checked for any health risks. You should also obtain proof from both breeders or shelters that they have done tests on the dog you are about to purchase or adopt.

Be mindful of the fact that health issues will not always be physical. Dogs can suffer from mental illnesses too.

They are generally a healthy breed. They are, however, predisposed to some health problems. Being a deep-chested dog, for instance, can cause digestive issues and bloat.

The Great Dane and the Labrador Retriever are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, affecting this breed. This condition can usually be detected in Labradane puppies.

Panosteitis is also a condition that can affect this breed. It is abnormal bone inflammation in one or more legs.

What is the lifespan of a Labradane?

The life expectancy of this breed is 8 - 12 years. This may be different for dogs who are affected by health problems.

How much should you feed a Labradane?

The amount of dog food is dependent on how much the dog weighs and its activity level.

As they are a large breed, they eat more than the average-sized dog. They require a healthy mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Their diet should especially be high in proteins.

They should be fed high-quality dog food, which should be a mixture of wet and dry to maintain hydration. As they are high-energy dogs, they should also be provided daily fresh drinking water.

To find out the best options for your Labradane to eat, consult with a vet. They will be able to properly assess the correct portion size and the type of food your dog should eat.

Like other dogs, Labradanes can have food allergies, which should also be considered.

What is the price of a Labradane in Australia?

The price of this big dog can be anywhere between $700 - $2,000. This price is to purchase this breed. Keep in mind that there are many other factors to consider when taking care of a dog.

Your expenses would include dog toys, insurance, medical, food, grooming tools, and accessories.