Labralas

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Labralas is the offspring of two excellent hunting/retrieving breeds, the Labrador Retriever and the Vizsla. A kind, sensitive, tractable dog, yet highly effective as a gun dog, the Labralas also makes for an ideal home companion. The Vizsla is a Hungarian breed, long prized by royalty and Magyar tribes for their hunting prowess and their innate good disposition. Medium-built and with almost uniform coloring, these gold or rust-colored dogs hunt very well in different terrains. They are thought to be instrumental in the formation of other breeds as well, such as the Weimaraner and the English and German Shorthair Pointers. The Labrador Retriever is descended from excellent water dogs, hunting around bodies of water and retrieving fishermen's catches in what is now the Newfoundland and Labrador region of Canada. The Labrador has a soft feel to the mouth, and is a lively and energetic companion in or out of doors.

Color

The Labralas, if taking after the distinctive coat of the Vizsla, can exhibit a lovely, uniform coloring of rust or gold-rust. The scent-sensitive nose and eyes usually blend with the coat color. Other solid colors, such as black or brown, would be from the Labrador parent. Saddle-type markings in black are sometimes observed.

Coat

A single-coated Labralas would have short, glossy fur lying close to the skin, easily maintained but thin enough so that the dog should not be kept outside, especially in adverse weather.

Personality

The Labralas is a very tractable, intelligent animal that offers good companionship to families and active owners. Athletic, muscular and graceful, this dog is a joy to train, as it will respond quickly and well to consistently given commands even without too much reward. Conversely, harsh handling is not required, and could be detrimental to the dog's sensitive nature. With its kind and stable temperament, the Labralas is good with children, and does not object to bouts of rowdy play or exercise. In fact, with its active nature, it could keep pace with an active owner while giving protection against strangers. Though they are possessed of well-developed protective instincts, they are generally not 'barky' dogs and will bark only when on alert or upset. The Labralas is a very affectionate animal, wanting to feel as part of the pack as much as possible, to the point that they sometimes do not take well to being apart from their owners. If allowed, they will always seek out their owner and take up space where he is, even sleeping in the same bed.

Care

The Labralas' short, dense coat will only require occasional brushing to help with the shedding. Even being an active outdoors dog, it rarely develops that 'dog' smell and thus requires infrequent bathing only.

Training

The Labralas is a naturally trainable and intelligent animal. Gentle and consistent commands will produce an alert, biddable animal that can hunt, track, point or retrieve.

Activity

A high-energy animal, the Labralas will do well with daily, brisk exercise. A large backyard will do if walks or runs can't be taken. They also enjoy playing in and around water.