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Labradane – Everything You Need To Know

Labradane is a designer breed that encompasses the amiable, loving Labrador Retriever and the gentle giant attributes of the Great Dane dogs. Labradanes may look intimidating at first glance because of their giant size, but they have a loving, soft, and friendly personality while still being cautious and reserved. They are giant breeds with big ears, sleek brown fur, and a contemplative but affectionate disposition. 

Labradanes interact surprisingly well with children, mainly if the kids are older and aware of respecting canine boundaries. This big boy is an excellent companion for an active family who can offer him enough area to roam and has the time to train and maintain an exercise regimen. However, Labradane is not recommended for novice owners due to its size and strength. Instead, they need a skilled owner who can train and handle giant dogs. If you are getting a Labradane, make sure you have enough time and space to provide the extreme levels of exercise required by these designer breeds. 

With the natural eagerness of Labradors mixed with the “gentle giant” way of life that Great Danes possess, Labradanes make exceptional family pets and watchdogs. However, if they see you lazing about, Labradanes can also turn into couch potatoes. But if you are active outdoors, they turn into an active, fast, playful, and careful playmate. In addition, they are super easy to train since they adore showing off their ability to learn from their beloved humans quickly. 

Male vs. Female

Usually, the choice of male or female Labradane is a personal concern, but you should note that males may be more extensive and heavier than their female siblings. Male Labradanes also mark their territory (even indoors). Apart from possible marking, there are no significant personality distinctions between male and female Labradanes.

Labradane Pros and Cons 

Pros Cons 
Low grooming needs Prone to separation anxiety 
Great with kids Needs regular exercise 
Affectionate and loving Unsuitable for apartment life. 

Labradane Basic Information

  • Name: Labradane  
  • Height: 25 to 32 inches (male); 24 to 30 inches (female)
  • Weight: 100 to 190 pounds (male); 90 to 170 pounds (female)
  • Coat: Short, thick, dense, glossy
  • Color: Fawn, white, brown, brindle, black, tan, yellow, spotted, harlequin, merle, mantle, patchwork, tricolored
  • Energy: High 
  • Activities: Sporting, agility, herding, conformation, tracking, therapy dogs, guard dogs.
  • Group: Working, companion 
  • Barking Level: Low 
  • Shedding Level: Low 
  • Hypoallergenic: No 
  • Litter Size: 6 – 8 puppies 
  • Life Span: 8 – 12 years
  • Other names: Great Labradane, Great Dane Lab mix, Labrador Great Dane mix, Labradane.
  • Breed Recognition: Dog Registry of America, Inc. (D.R.A), International Designer Canine Registry (I.D.C.R), Designer Breed Registry (D.B.R)

Great Dane vs. Labrador Retriever: A Comparison

Features Great Dane Labrador Retriever 
Image 

 
 

Origin Germany United Kingdom  
Height 26 – 34 inches Over 20 inches  
Weight 100 – 200 pounds 40 to 70 pounds  
Size Large Medium  
Group Working Dogs Sporting dogs  
Children-friendly High High  
Family-friendly High High  
Pet-friendly High Medium to High  
Barking level Medium to High Low to Medium  
Shedding level High Low  
Hypoallergenic No Yes  
Grooming needs Medium Low  
Overall health Medium to High Low to Medium  
Energy High Medium to High  
Exercise High Medium to High  
Trainability Medium Medium to High  
Activities Companion Dogs, Watch Dogs Agility, Conformation, Field Trials, Hunting Tests, Obedience, Rally  
Complication in Breeding No No  
Litter size 5 – 8 puppies 6 puppies   
Life span 7 – 10 years 10 to 15 years  
Other names Apollo of Dogs Lab, St. John’s Dog  

Labradane Personality 

Labradanes are known for the following personalities: 

  • Affectionate
  • Agile
  • Loyal
  • Friendly and outgoing
  • Smartness
  • Playful
  • Intelligent
  • Independent
  • People-pleasing

Being a hybrid, Labradane will have an unpredictable personality as its physical traits are dependent on the parental gene expressed in the puppy. Labradane has a muscular body, floppy ears, long, curled tail with a broadhead. In addition, he will have thick, short, glossy skin, and come in various colors, including fawn, brown, brindle, black, blue, and white.

Labradane puppies grow fast, so you need to be conscious of their dietary requirements. Providing them with high-calcium foods or high-energy (calories) can result in orthopedic disorders that are known to occur in large, fast-growing canines, including Great Danes. In addition, pups cannot absorb the added calcium, affecting their bone growth. Consult your veterinarian or breeder about the most suitable diet for your little Labradane. 

The Great Dane roots have given them their guarding instinct, making Labradane an excellent watchdog and guiding them to become more efficient. They can manage their barking to circumstances that may call for your attention or awareness of something they suspect. But Labradanes are very wary of outsiders; proper and early socialization is needed to help them familiarize themselves with other people or pets.  

Friendliness Overview 

Affection Level                                High     
Family-Friendly     High     
Kid-Friendly     High    
Pet-Friendly     Medium   
Strangers-Friendly     Medium   

Adaptability Overview 

Good for New Pet Owners     Low
Good for Apartment Living     Low 
Sensitivity Level     Medium
Tolerates being alone     Low    
Cold Tolerance     Medium 
Heat Tolerance     Medium 

Labradane Temperament 

Labradanes are known for the following temperaments:

  • Loving
  • Calm
  • Eager to please
  • Excitable
  • Quick learner
  • Watchful
  • Caring
  • Playful
  • Energetic

Labs and Great Danes are known as working canines, which indicates that they are intelligent and capable of carrying out tasks like pulling sleds or guarding property. Like the parent breeds, Labradane quickly picks up on commands. They are ideal family pets as they can handle kids and innately protect the homestead. Taking proper care of your Labradane will enhance their life expectancy and reduce separation anxiety. In addition, they should be involved in canine sports, such as obedience or agility, as they need mental and physical stimulation. Hence, we only recommend Labradanes for people who have enough time to pay attention to these breeds. 

Labradane Training 

Since Labradane is a high-energy breed that can occasionally be overly boisterous and enthusiastic, early socialization and training are essential in calming this designer breed. This is crucial as they can be challenging to manage once they become adults because of their sheer size.

Here are some training tips for your Labradane:

While training, remember that a Labradane puppy must see you as the pack leader. Avoid being too strict during training them as he may grow up fearing you instead of showering you with faithfulness. Take advantage of their eager-to-please personality. They will efficiently follow and listen to your commands and instructions. Consistently implement positive reinforcement. Praises and treats can go a long way in enabling good behavior to stick.

The only concern you might experience with the Labradane is off-leash training since some have a strong chase drive. Some Labradanes may struggle to forgo the chase even with professional, consistent training. Unless they have a reliable recall and excellent obedience skills, we recommend keeping this crossbred in a fenced yard or on a leash to control bolting.

Trainability Overview 

Easy to Train     Medium to High
Intelligence     Medium to High
Prey Drive     Low to Medium  
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite     Medium to High   
Tendency to Bark or Howl     Low
Wanderlust Ability     Medium    
Attention/Social Needs     High     

Labradane Exercise Needs 

Labradane is an energetic dog, so regular and firm exercise is required to release excess energy and keep them healthy and happy. They need at least thirty minutes of activity or daily interactive play sessions, which is also a perfect way to combat their inclination for obesity. However, if they are still young, be cautious not to over-exercise them because puppies are prone to bones and joint problems. In addition, inactivity leads to boredom, mischief, and destructive behavior, as with every canine breed.

Exercising your Labradane should not be a burden for you or your dog. You can fulfill their daily exercise necessities by:

  • Agility training 
  • Teaching new tricks
  • Walking
  • Chasing
  • Playing with puzzle toys
  • Playing tug of war
  • Hide-and-seek
  • Obedience training
  • Swimming
  • Sledding 
  • Trekking 
  • Hiking 
  • Competitive sports 
  • Playing fetch 

Exercise Needs Overview 

Energy Level                                     Medium to High    
Exercise Needs                                Medium to High    
Playfulness                                       High     
Intensity     Low to Medium   

Labradane Grooming 

Labradane has low-to-moderate grooming necessities. Throughout the year, shedding is light, but it may get heavier during shedding season. Once or twice-a-week brushing is sufficient to maintain their coats healthy and glossy during the non-shedding season. But brushing requirements increase daily when their shedding season begins.

Labradane’s grooming needs are as follows:

  • Bathe whenever it’s required.
  • Brush teeth two to three times a week.
  • Trim nails every few weeks to avoid splitting, cracking, and discomfort. 
  • Ears should smell good with no unusual quantity of wax.
  • Clean their eyes regularly to avoid infections.

Labradanes can easily adapt well in all climates. Still, in hot climates, ensure heat exhaustion is not a threat during walks.

Grooming Overview  

Amount of Shedding                       Low    
Tendency to Drool     Medium 
Tendency to Snore     Low   
Easy to Groom     Medium to High 

Labradane Health 

Labradanes are commonly considered healthy dogs, even though they are deep-chested dogs, leading to digestive issues and bloat. Labradanes became so popular because they’re healthier than Great Danes, sadly known for short lifespans. On the other hand, Labs have better lifespans and aren’t afflicted by diseases that giant-sized canines tend to face. Because of the diversity in lifespan and health, telling what you’ll have to face with your Labradane puppy can be challenging. However, we can obtain a general idea by examining the common health disorders both breeds face:

Health Overview  

Basic Health     Medium to High    
Weight Gain Possibilities     Medium     
Size     Medium to High 

Obesity: Obesity is very familiar to both Great Dane and Labrador. Hence, it is essential to check their diet to control Labradane from becoming obese. 

Hip Dysplasia: Great Danes and Labs generally struggle with hip dysplasia, which may pass on to their offspring.  

Causes:  

  • Wrong exercises  
  • Excessive weight gain  
  • Injuries  

Symptoms:  

  • Reluctance to rise, jump, run or climb  
  • Enlarging shoulders  
  • Pain  
  • Stiffness  
  • Reduced activity and movements  
  • Reducing thigh muscle mass  
  • Grating in the joint during movement, a noise linked with osteoarthritis.  
  • Lameness in the hind limbs  

Elbow Dysplasia: An advanced condition in Labradanes that causes elbow’s developmental malformation. Labradanes with this condition show pain and forelimb lameness.

Cardiomyopathy: This disorder occurs due to the weakening and thinning of the heart muscles. It may cause an abnormally large heart, widening heart chambers, and heart failure in canines.

Treatments:  

  • Fluid therapy  
  • Oxygen supply  
  • Medication. 

Panosteitis: A bone inflammation common in puppies with long legs due to rapid bone growth. 

Bloat: Gastric Dilatation or bloating is a condition in the digestive system. The stomach twists, spins, and dilates, creating much pain for the affected canine. This condition will also damage the blood vessels and interrupt blood flow to major organs, resulting in organ failure. 

Causes 

  • They eat rapidly. 
  • Drink large volumes of water after eating.  
  • Exercise vigorously after eating.  

Symptoms 

  • Distended abdomen
  • Excessive salivation.  
  • Retching without vomit  
  • Restlessness  
  • Depression  
  • Lethargy  
  • Weakness 

Ear Infections: This is most common in dog breeds with floppy ears. Fungi and bacteria can cause ear infections to thrive in the warmth and darkness provided. 

Eye Diseases:  Labradanes can be prone to these eye diseases:  

  • Corneal damage 
  • Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) 
  • Pink eye (conjunctivitis) 
  • Eyelid mass 
  • Cataracts 
  • Glaucoma 
  • Cherry eye 
  • Entropion

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which a dog’s metabolism is slowed, due to the lack of thyroid hormone production. Among the signs and symptoms are: 

  • Lethargy 
  • Gaining weight 
  • Reluctance to work out 
  • Hair Loss 

Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is a malignant bone cancer common in large and giant breeds.  

Canine Diabetes Mellitus: Labradanes with canine diabetes mellitus cannot regulate their sugar levels as their bodies will not produce sufficient insulin. This condition can cause excessive thirst, hunger, and urination, along with weight loss. Diabetes is curable using medication and insulin injection.   

Labradane Diet and Nutrition 

Labradane needs a nutritious and protein-dense, large to giant-sized dry food in moderation as per their daily requirements; otherwise, they tend to put on weight instantly. They should eat at least 4 ½ to 6 cups of high-quality food, divided into three meals daily. 

For more beneficial commercial food choices, here are some recommendations:

Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food
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Blue Buffalo Large Breed Freedom
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Dog For Dog Food

Wellness Core Dog Food such as Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
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Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dogs
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Labradane Living Condition 

Labradanes are not good at adapting to various living conditions. Here are the explanations:

  • Labradanes are unsuitable for apartment living because of their massive stature, exercise requirements, and high energy.
  • If you are a novice owner, Labradane is not ideal for you.
  • They are a little more sensitive than many other canines.
  • Labradanes are at their best when their human family is around.
  • They require a house with a fenced yard that gives space to roam and play.

Adding a Labradane to Your Family

Things to Remember Before buying a Labradane

As a to-be-pet parent, you must consider the dog’s size, as maintenance can be pretty expensive. Also, these crossbreeds are rarely bred. The ideal option is to get from a reputable local breeder who ensures the happiness and health of both the parents and the puppy. For a vaccinated puppy, the breeder should provide health clearance credentials as well as gene testing.

Cost of a Labradane Puppy

You may have to pay between $500 and $1500 for a puppy which may vary based on the breeder and the location.  

Rescue Groups

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Labradane Images 

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Other Labrador Mixes 

  • Afador (Lab x Afghan Hound)
  • Bassador (Lab x Basset Hound
  • Borador (Border Collie Lab Mix) 
  • Boxador (Boxer Lab Mix) 
  • Cavador (Lab x Cavalier) 
  • Chabrador (Lab x Chow Chow)  
  • Corgi Lab Mix 
  • Doberman Lab Mix 
  • German Shepherd Lab Mix 
  • Goldador (Golden Retriever Lab Mix) 
  • Huskador (Husky Lab Mix) 
  • Labernese 
  • Labmaraner 
  • Labradoodle 
  • Lab Pointer Mix 
  • Rottador (Rottweiler Lab Mix) 
  • Springador 

Other Great Dane mixes 

  • Boxane 
  • Doberdane 
  • Labradane 
  • Great Danoodle 
  • Daniff 
  • Weiler Dane 
  • Irish Dane 
  • American Foxy Dane 
  • Weimar Dane 
  • Greater Swissdane 
  • Great Hound 
  • Plush Danois 
  • Great Boxer
  • Great Corgi 
  • Great Poodane 
  • Great German 
  • Great Dangle 
  • Great Mastiff
  • Great Labradane 
  • Great Chihuahua 
  • Great Chowdane 
  • Great Border Collie 
  • Australian Great Dane 
  • Great Dachshund 
  • Great Pug 
  • Great Cocker Spaniel 
  • St. Great Dane 
  • American Great Dane 
  • Great Corso 
  • Great Shar Pei 
  • Great Dakita 
  • Blue Great Dane 
  • English Great Dane 
  • Golden Great Retriever 
  • Pyrenees Dane 
  • Rhodesian Great Dane 
  • Bernese Great Dane 
  • Great Pitbull 
  • French Great Dane 
  • Great Catahoula 
  • Great Doberman 
  • Great Newfoundland

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