Labernese Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Labernese?

As this breed's name suggests, it is a mixed breed. They are developed from the Labrador Retriever and the Bernese mountain dog.

They are a relatively new breed and were only introduced to the world in the 1990s for one main reason; a dog that would be the best guide dog.

Labrador Retrievers originated from Canada and were bred to hunt and retrieve. It is more commonly used as a guide dog and is very good at it. It is also among the most popular companion dog breeds in the United States.

The Bernese Mountain Dog originated from Switzerland and was bred to be watchdogs, herders, and loyal companions to their owners on farms.

The parent breeds of this mixed breed are incredibly loyal, friendly, and great working dogs, so the decision to mix them to create the ultimate guide dog was a good one.

Who are Labernese dogs best for?

This mountain dog lab mix is not only the ultimate guide dog. They also make excellent family pets.

These dogs are perfect for you if you are a family with children! They make the best playmates for children of all ages and are always ready to have fun with whoever is around.

They are active dogs and therefore need ample outdoor space to roam around. Which makes living in an apartment with these dogs not ideal. If you or your family love to go on outdoor adventures, take your Lab Bernese mix with you as they love to be alongside their human family members and be active.

How much grooming does a Labernese need?

Like their parent breed, the Bernese mountain dog, they have a thick double coat. It can come in various colours, such as white, brown, and yellow, the most common colour being black. They are usually solid in colour but can be a mix of the three colours.

This breed requires daily brushing as they can shed a lot. They should also be bathed regularly to avoid odour. These two steps in their grooming routine will ensure they are clean and keep their coats shiny.

Grooming tools such as a pin brush, comb and deshedder will be the best for this part of their grooming routine.

Be sure to add teeth brushing and nail clipping to their grooming routine, as these are also important. Regularly checking and cleaning their ears should also be done, especially after swimming. With floppy, hang-down ears, they are prone to ear infections.

A grooming routine should be introduced at a young age as it is also a way for them to get used to being handled.

Do Labernese bark much?

Much like the Labrador Retriever and the Bernese Mountain Dog, Labernese dogs are extremely friendly and welcoming to strangers.

They are unlikely to be aggressive and therefore are not the type to bark incessantly or for no reason. You will only hear this dog bark if it senses danger or feels threatened.

Barking is naturally how dogs communicate and should not always be perceived as aggressive, especially with this breed.

Either way, your Labernese puppy should be socialised as early as possible. So that they can adequately decipher what a good and a bad situation is.

Do Labernese bite?

Biting is not a common thing for this mixed-breed dog. They are not aggressive dogs, and biting is the last thing they would do to humans or other animals.

Biting and nibbling is something most puppies start doing, which is not any different for Labernese puppies. This part of their exploration is natural. During this phase, you can give them chew toys to redirect them from wanting to bite the things around the house.

If the biting becomes a habit and starts to filter into adult life more destructively, it should be a concern. There are options like puppy obedience classes and obedience training for when they are older to help minimise and control this behaviour.

What is the temperament & personality of a Labernese?

There is no doubt that this breed makes great family pets! They are loving, friendly, loyal, and jump at the chance to get to work.

As the Bernese Mountain Dog is nicknamed a "gentle giant, " it is safe to say that the Labernese also inherited this trait. They are one of the least aggressive breeds, making them perfect to have around small children, other pets, and in social settings.

They have a stubborn streak but make up for it by wanting to always be by their owner's side. On the other hand, their attachment to their owners can cause stress when left alone. So giving them love and extra cuddles should always be your number one priority.

They are playful and have high energy levels making them great playmates for children and the perfect partners to go on outdoor adventures with.

What is the weight & size of a Labernese?

The Labernese breed is categorised as large or giant dogs. The average weight of this breed is 36 kg, with their average size being between 32 - 70 cm.

How much training does a Labernese need?

This amazing breed is a highly intelligent dog born to follow commands. They thrive in environments where they are put to work, as this is what they were bred for.

Labernese puppies should be given crate training as it is essential for them to learn because they are so large. When crate training, it is crucial that they are given enough space as it needs to be as inviting and comfortable as possible as this breed is known to suffer from separation anxiety.

With intelligence, athleticism, and wanting to please their owners, this breed is easy to train, making them suitable for people who have never owned dogs. Provided you are consistent and firm!

These large dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training. As they were bred to be guide dogs, training for this specific reason is also what they can learn.

Training should start at an early age for all dogs but should not stop there. Training should be done throughout their life and be catered to them as they grow and learn more about themselves and the world.

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

This breed is generally healthy dogs, but being a Bernese Mountain dog mixed with a Labrador Retriever means they may be predisposed to health problems these two breeds face.

If you want to purchase a Labernese pup, be sure to do so from reputable breeders. They will always provide genetic tests and proper medical history about your dog and its parents.

These are the health issues the Labernese dog breed may be predisposed to:

• Bloat

• Heart Conditions

• Elbow and Hip dysplasia

It is always essential to go for regular wellness checks with your vet to keep your dog healthy. Familiarise yourself with these health issues so that if you find any signs or symptoms, you would know to take them to the vet immediately.

What is the lifespan of a Labernese?

The life expectancy of this breed is 6 - 12 years.

How much should you feed a Labernese?

Food should always be proportional to the dog's size and activity level. As these dogs are large, they will need to be fed more than other dogs.

These dogs are prone to weight gain and should not be overfed. Consult your vet on the best food options for your dog, especially if they have any food allergies.

The Labernese should be fed 4 -5 cups of food a day. Puppies need to be provided more often than adult dogs as they need more food during their growing stages.

What is the price of a Labernese in Australia?

To purchase a Labernese, you could pay anywhere between $1400 - $ 1700. You should also factor in food, toys, grooming, medical, insurance, etc.