Labradane Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

45-85 kg

Height

61-76 cm

Lifespan

8-12 years

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About the Labradane

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Labradane is a mix between the Labrador Retriever and the Great Dane. Having inherited their parent breed’s best qualities, they have aptly nicknamed this breed the “gentle giants” of the dog world.

As large as they are, they are extremely affectionate towards their pet parents and will not miss an opportunity for cuddles.

If you have a large space and love the outdoors, this is the right breed for you.

Getting a dog to best suit your lifestyle can be daunting but exciting. You would want to be sure that the breed you bring into your home fits in well. If you are considering a Labradane, follow this breed guide for everything you need to know.

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, originates from Germany.

What is a Labradane breed?

It is a great dane lab mix; this designer dog breed is a large dog affectionately known as a gentle giant. Having inherited the best qualities from its two very popular ancestral breeds, the Labradane is a great dog to have as a companion.

They were developed during the designer dog craze in the 1980s and are not registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Who is a Labradane 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.

Labradane Grooming & Shedding

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 Labradanes bark a lot?

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.

What is the average weight & height of a Labradane?

A healthy weight for the average Labradane should be between 45 and 85 kg.

A healthy size for the average Labradane should be between 61 to 76 cm.

Are Labradanes easy to train?

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.

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

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.

Does the Labradane have any common health issues?

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 start 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:

Bloat: As a deep-chested breed, Labradane dogs are at risk of bloat, a serious digestive issue that can require immediate veterinary intervention.
Panosteitis: This is an abnormal inflammation of the bones in one or more legs, which can be painful and affect mobility.

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

The Great Dane and the Labrador Retriever are predisposed to:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Both parent breeds are prone to these conditions, which can often be detected in puppies.

Other conditions the parent breeds are prone to are:

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: This is a heart condition that can affect the breed, requiring regular heart health monitoring.
Ear Infections: Due to their floppy ears, Labradane dogs may be more susceptible to ear infections.
Wobbler Syndrome: A spinal condition that can lead to instability and coordination issues.

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 does a Labradane need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Labradane FAQs

Is a Labradane common?

This breed is not one of the most common dog breeds. Their parent breeds are actually more popular. This does not take away from the fact that this breed is often found in shelters and kennels.

There are so many dogs who need homes, so if you have the opportunity to adopt rather than purchase, we recommend to do so.

How fast can a Labradane run?

Labradanes can run 32 – 50 km an hour. The Labradane can easily reach its peak running speed with proper exercise and physical training. This will be especially beneficial if used for any specialised training like agility or competitions.

Can Labradanes swim?

These dogs are excellent swimmers and love to be in the water. Taking them to dog-friendly beaches, pools, or lakes will be a fun and exciting treat for these large dogs.

If you have a home with a pool, be prepared to have your Labradane join in on the poolside fun!