Labradane

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Labrador is descended from Canadian water dogs. It is an intelligent, friendly, lively breed, preferred by a good percentage of dog owners, as evinced by its popularity in registries in the UK and Northe America.

Color

Labradanes come in wither a Labrador's solid colors, or in the Great Dane's more distinctive harlequin marking (uneven black patches over white), solid blue, brindle (fawn and black "tiger" pattern) or mantle (black mantle over a black-and-white ground). There is also fawn coat, where the ground is yellow to gold, with a black mask around the eyes.

Coat

The coat is short, thick, and glossy. Dense and close to the skin, it is nevertheless often a single coat, unlike its parent Labrador's double coat, and does not provide much in way protection against the elements.

Personality

Despite its naturally friendly disposition, people sometimes shy away from the Labradane because of its imposing size. This initial impression changes once it is seen how Labradanes are eager to please and gain their owner's approval, how they crave affection and praise, and how protective they are of their people. They also generally cohabit well with other dogs and animals.

Care

The Labradane's coat requires little grooming - at the most, once-a-week brushing - to keep it clean and shiny. Meals should be in smaller servings and well - spaced throughout the day, well away from exercise or activity time.

Training

Labradane puppies can be over-active; leashed walking once a day is recommended so as to control the degree of activity while expending excess energy. It is very important not to over-exercise, to lessen the risk of problems in growing bones and joints. Also, gentle training on how to behave, especially with children around, will reduce incidences of the dog bumping against or knocking people and children over.

Activity

Rigorous activity is not advisable for the Labradane, especially when they are still young. Their great size is often achieved over a short period of time, and this renders them vulnerable to joint and bone density problems. They do well with one 30-minute walk a day, well-spaced away from meal-timers.