The Labradane is one of the most joyous and lively hybrid dog breeds to come out of the ever-expanding designer dog phenomenon. This gentle giant makes an ideal family pet and is an incredible companion for a highly-active individual.
Being an active pup means the Labradane requires certain exercise and training standards to be met. As with any dog breed, if you own, or you’re looking to invest in a Labradane, you need to make sure you can meet all of these requirements.
In this post, we’re sharing everything there is to know about the Labradane. After reading, you’ll know if you and the Labradane are meant to be, or if maybe you need to be focusing your attention on another breed.
Also Read: Large Dog Breeds List A-Z with Pictures
What Is a Labradane Dog Breed?
The Labradane cross-breed is a Labrador Retriever and Great Dane cross. Born out of the designer dog phenomenon, the Labradane combines two of the world’s most popular dog breeds. Fortunately, the Labradane has no trouble living up to expectations, and this dog is just as fun and affectionate as its parents.
The majority of Labradanes are first-generation hybrids. First-generation hybrids are the direct offspring of a Labrador and Great Dane. Being the first generation means every Labradane is different, and it’s hard to predict what each pup will be like.
We know that the Labradane makes an ideal family pet due to both its parents being among the most popular household pets. Today, the number of Labradanes in homes across America are steadily increasing. Although the Labradane isn’t quite as popular as its parents, we have no doubt it will one day get there!
Labradane Dog Breed Quick Facts
[wpdatatable id=47]Labradane Characteristics
The Great Dane and Labrador Retriever attain some of the most lovable characteristics. Labrador Retriever’s are a fun yet intensely loyal breed.
Great Dane’s have earned themselves the title of ‘big friendly giant’, and the Labradane offspring definitely takes after this.
Because the Labradane is a cross-breed dog, how dominant it’s parents characteristics are will vary from dog to dog. Some characteristics will be more dominant than others, and you might not see any present in your pup at all! Although this might seem confusing, this is one of the reasons cross-breed dogs are so exciting. When you buy a cross-breed dog, they have a totally unique personality.
Luckily, all the potential characteristics the Labradane can inherit are desirable. It’s unlikely you’ll end up with a Labradane that doesn’t have an incredible personality!
- Loyal
- Affectionate
- Playful
- Active
- Friendly
- Sweet
- Smart
- Noble
- Protective
Where Is The Labradane From?
One of the downsides to owning a designer dog is the lack of information surrounding its origins. The Labradane, just like most designer dogs, doesn’t have a clear history.
While the Labradane’s parents have rich and admirable ancestral histories, the Labradane’s origin story is a lot less exciting.
In the nineteen-eighties, what we now call the ‘designer dog’ phenomenon began. Since that decade, breeders have been cross breeding every dog breed imaginable. The pursuit for the perfect pup seems never-ending, however, there have been some notably popular dogs to come out of this craze.
The Labradane isn’t quite as popular as the Labradoodle or Cockapoo, but it is one of the better known crossbreeds.
After breeding a first-generation hybrid, second and third-generation breeding takes place. This process crosses two crossbreeds rather than pedigree pups. Multi generation breed refines the breed and helps perfect the crossbreed.
In many ways, the first-generation crossbreed is more unpredictable. Characteristics in the first generation hybrid haven’t become refined, and therefore, what personality your hybrid pup will inherit are harder to predict.
Second and third-generation Labradanes exist, but they’re in significantly lower quantities than the first generation. As the breed increases in popularity, there’s more chance this one of a kind breed will become kennel club registered.
Labradane Physical Appearance
Labradane’s have two highly-sought after parents. The Great Dane and Labrador Retriever are traditional-looking dogs with classical features. The Labradane has inherited its parent’s good looks and is undeniably adorable.
The Great Dane is most well known for its impressive size and magnitude. While its Labradane offspring isn’t quite as big, the Labradane’s size is still impressive. These large cross-breeds are sure to stand out at the local dog park.
The Labradane isn’t just large; they’re lean, trim and confident. A Labradane holds itself with composure and pride in any location.
As a result of the Labrador and Great Dane having similar coats, the Labradane will always have a short yet dense coat. The Labradane’s coat will shed slightly and will require a bi-weekly brushing session. In heavy shedding periods, this brushing may have to increase to weekly or every few days. Brushing the Labradane is simple. Using a short bristled brush, brush over your Labradane’s coat to remove any excess fur.
Having a low-maintenance appearance means the Labradane won’t require frequent trips to the groomers. If you do need to wash your pup after a dirty day, make sure this doesn’t become a regular occurrence. Keep baths to a minimum to avoid skin irritation and stripping your dog of its natural oils.
The Labradane’s short fur coat will be black, white, brindle, mantle or a combination of these colors.
Just like all other dog breeds, the Labradane needs its claws clipped with dog nail clippers every few weeks and requires regular oral hygiene. Brush your Labradane’s teeth with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste regularly. In addition to these hygiene practices, the Labradane needs regular ear hygiene to be taken care of. Clean your Labradane’s long floppy ears regularly with a soft cotton pad to avoid wax build-up and irritation.
Labradane Exercise And Training
The Labradane’s enormity and high energy levels mean this crossbreed demands intensive exercise. Failure to provide your dog with the exercise they need will cause them to become frustrated and may damage your relationship with them.
Take your Labradane on a minimum of two walks a day. A small house without a yard or outside space is uninhabitable for the Labradane. All Labradanes require a large backyard where they can play with toys, have fun with their family, and run off their energy.
If you’re looking for a pup to keep you active, the Labradane is your perfect companion. Take your Labradane on hikes and runs, and see who gets tired first!
Failing to exercise your Labradane regularly won’t only result in poor behavior but can potentially cause dangerous weight gain. The Labradane is susceptible to gaining excess unwanted weight as they age. Frequent exercise is the best way to keep the weight off and keep a smile on your dogs face.
Being an inherently loyal dog breed means the Labradane isn’t too difficult to train. Always eager to please, with regular teaching and positive reinforcement, training your Labradane should be easy.
The Labradane is a clever dog and the offspring of two hardworking breeds. As long as you establish authority over your dog, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be keen to learn and always eager to listen to what you have to say.
Positive reinforcement and rewards are crucial when training a Labradane puppy. This breed is inherently affectionate; reciprocate this with dog treats and words of affirmation when they do well.
Just like all other dog breeds, it’s a good idea to socialize your Labradane with as many people as possible from a young age.
Labradane Health
Overall, the Labradane is a healthy dog breed. If you have any concerns about your Labradane dog, make sure you speak with a vet. As long as you’re feeding your dog a healthy diet, keeping their vaccinations up to date, and keeping them active, there’s no reason why your pup shouldn’t live a happy and healthy life!
As mentioned previously, the Labradane can be susceptible to unwanted weight gain. If you’re a Labradane owner, you need to play an active role in monitoring what your pup is eating on a daily basis. Assess your dog’s eating habits, and if you do have any concerns, speak to your vet.
Alongside weight gain, there are a few other common health concerns that occur in the Great Dane and Labrador Retriever that it’s a good idea to be aware of. These include:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Bloat
- Growing Pains
- Panosteitis
Labradane Parents
The Great Dane
The Great Dane, often known as the ‘gentle giant’ of dog breeds, is one of Germany’s most famous dog breeds. This massive dog breed is infamous for its large size and domineering physical appearance. Anyone that’s met a Great Dane knows the physical appearance of this dog breed is deceiving. The Great Dane is one of the most docile, loving and affectionate dog breeds around.
Initially bred as a hunting dog in the Middle Ages, the Great Dane has come a long way. Today, the Great Dane is recognized and loved all across the world. These oversized pups are beloved pets and loving companions for millions of Americans.
The Labradane has all the admirable qualities of the Great Dane in a slightly smaller size!
The Labrador Retriever
Just like the Great Dane, the Labrador Retriever has a rich history. These lovable pups took on the role of British gun dogs as far back as the nineteenth-century. Alongside working for the British, the Labrador Retriever gained popularity in Canada as a fishing dog.
Both the Great Dane and the Labrador Retriever are the ideal combination of hardworking and fun. These pups are loyal, willing to learn, but also always ready to have some fun!
The Labrador Retriever is one of the most recognizable dog breeds in existence. Across the Western world, the Labrador Retriever is beloved by millions. These adorable dogs are beloved family pets in countless homes.
The Labradane inherits the Labrador’s outgoing attitude and kind gentle nature.
Summary On The Labradane
The Labradane combines two of the world’s most famous dog breeds. This impressive breed combination doesn’t disappoint, and the Labradane is just as lovable as its parent breeds.
Although the Labradane is a lesser-known designer dog, we’re certain the popularity of this breed will skyrocket! The Labradane is already a doting and affectionate pet in millions of American homes, and this is sure to increase as more people learn of this admirable dog breed.
The Labradane is an attractive and rewarding crossbreed dog to own, but this doesn’t mean they’re super simple pets. Just like all dogs, the Labradane has specific needs that their owners must meet.
Before you take a Labradane into your home, make sure you have the time, space and energy to provide for this large dog breed. Although the Labradane’s appearance isn’t demanding, their physical needs are. The Labradane’s exercise, diet, and even training can be more intense than other breeds.
This post has taught you everything you need to know about the Labradane. Make sure you consider all there is to know about the Labradane before bringing one into your home. If you’re ready to make the Labradane your dog companion, there’s no breed with a more impressive personality. With a Labradane by your side, the adventures will never end!
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.