Labernese Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

30-36 kg

Height

32-70 cm

Lifespan

6-12 years

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About the Labernese

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

This gentle giant is a pleasure to have in any home. Whether you are a big family with children of all ages or an individual who loves to be outdoors, this dog is for you!

There is plenty you need to know about your dog before getting it, and if you are thinking about getting the Labernese, this guide is for you.

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 dogs.

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.

What is a Labernese breed?

These mixed-breed dogs are becoming increasingly popular as guide and companion dogs in many households.

They have inherited all of the best qualities from their parent breeds, making them a great family member.

This breed is also known as the Labrador Bernese mountain dog; it is categorised as a large dog as both its parent breeds are.

Like many other designer dogs, the Bernese Lab mix has not been officially recognised by the American Kennel Club. However, Labrador retrievers and Bernese mountain dogs are as they are purebred dogs.

Who is a Labernese 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.

Labernese Grooming & Shedding

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 a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height 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.

Are Labernese easy to train?

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.

How do Labernese behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Labernese have any common health issues?

They are 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: Also known as gastric torsion, this is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and can twist, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Heart Conditions: Both parent breeds can be prone to various heart issues, so monitoring heart health is essential.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: These genetic conditions involve improper joint formation, leading to pain and mobility challenges.

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 does a Labernese need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Labernese FAQs

What are the physical requirements of a Labernese?

They have a high activity level and need daily exercise. Long walks at the dog park, swimming, playing fetch outside or just running around in the yard will make your furry friend very happy.

They require up to 60 minutes of activity daily, so if you cannot commit to this, the Labernese may not be the right breed for you.

Are purebred or mixed breed dogs better?

People think pedigree dogs are generally healthier and more popular than so-called designer dogs, which is not valid. The Bernese Mountain Dog – Lab mix is a wonderful family pet who is also brilliant at being a guide dog to those who are differently abled. They are also generally healthier.

What climate do Labernese prefer?

Like their parent breeds, they are best suited for colder weather conditions. It is best to keep their outside time shaded with plenty of water in the summer seasons.