Labradinger

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Labradinger is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the English Springer Spaniel, two working breeds that have turned out to be cheerful, friendly, energetic family animals. The Labradinger is a medium-sized dog that has inherited its parent breeds' lively disposition, willingness to obey and eagerness to please. It is a breed that does not do well alone, and needs to be with its people as much as possible. The English Springer Spaniel came from the same litter as the English Cocker Spaniel, and it is easy to mistake one for the other. However, the two are distinctly separate breeds now, with the Springer having two more discrete lines, show and field. The show breed has occasionally been in reports as showing the rage syndrome. Spaniels are prized as hunters, primarily of bird, because of their nose, endurance, ability to 'spring' or 'flush' their prey, and soft mouth (the ability to carry prey in the mouth and deliver it intact).

Color

The Labradinger can show either solid Labrador colors, o the Springer's more varied coat colors: white markings on black or liver, black or liver markings on white, liver or blue roan, and tri-colored.

Coat

The overcoat can be relatively long and slightly shaggy towards the ends, with either flat or wavy hair. The undercoat is softer and thicker. A longer fringe may appear around the legs, chest, belly, and ears.

Personality

The Labradinger is the ideal family dog: fun-loving, active, eager to please. Over-dependency, though, may sometimes lead to destructive behavior if the dog is left on its own. Natural alertness and intelligence makes this dog a good hunting companion as well, as it can be trained for several hunting skills. The sociability of the Labradinger extends to other animals; quarrels, however, might break out among dogs of the same breed if left alone for too long. Also, perhaps due to birds being its original hunting quarry, the Labradinger should not be placed with birds. The Labradinger can be easily sensitive to long periods of boredom or loneliness. This can translate to chewed furniture or scattered items in the house.

Care

The Labradinger's long ears are prone to infections; these should be carefully dried after washing or playing/hunting around water, and regularly checked, The coat should be brushed twice or thrice a week, especially during shedding. Mats and snarls in the longer portions should be combed out or trimmed, for a neat appearance.

Training

Training for this excitable and energetic breed should be firm, yet gentle. The Labradinger loves to please, and will respond well to treats as reward. Socialization from an early age will forestall timidity and separation anxiety.

Activity

Descended from excellent working breeds, the Labradinger will do well with a moderate to high level of exercise daily. Runs or otherwise vigorous exercise, as long as it is done well before or after meals, can leave a dog ready for a night's rest. Its attentiveness and intelligence contribute to its trainability. Tricks or skills are best taught in short repetitive sessions, with small treats and praise.