Oftentimes, people go for purebreds when they want to adopt a new pet. But there are plenty of mixed breeds that are equally cute, smart, and loving. One of such is the Great Dane Labrador mix breed, also known as the Labradane.
The Great Dane Labrador mix is a friendly, affectionate, and energetic dog. As the name suggests, they are a cross between the regal Great Dane and the playful Labrador Retriever. If you are thinking of getting a Labradane, then here is everything you need to know about the breed.
Great Dane Labrador Mix History
The Great Dane and the Labrador Retriever are two of the most popular dogs in the United States. These two breeds have a long history with one another, but their origins are not always clear.
The Labrador Retriever is an American breed of dog that was originally bred as a gun dog for retrieving waterfowl shot by hunters. The Great Dane is an ancient German breed of giant domestic dog with a history dating back to antiquity. They were used to hunt wild, ferocious boars.
The Labradane came into existence during the 1980s when designer dogs rose in popularity among many dog enthusiasts and breeders. Although Labradane is a designer dog, many end up in shelters. If you’re thinking of getting one of these loving breeds, make sure you first check with the local dog rescue groups and shelters. Adopting from a shelter typically costs lower than buying from a pet store.
What Does a Labradane Look Like?
Thanks to their parents’ size, the Labradane is considered a giant dog with a sturdy build. They are known for their short, thick coat and their strong legs. Labradanes can be found in a variety of colors like black, tan, brown, or silver with white markings on them. Labradanes have floppy ears that can curl up when they’re happy or scared. They also have wide-set eyes that give them an alert look when they’re looking out for danger.
But as with many designer dogs, Labradanes can vary in appearance depending upon which parent breed the dog takes after the most.
How Big Can a Labradane Get?
As medium to large-sized dogs, Labradanes can weigh up to 55 to 80 pounds while they can stand as tall as 22 to 25 inches.
Labradane Temperament
Labradanes have a wide range of temperaments, but they all share one thing in common – they are very affectionate and energetic. Labradanes can be very stubborn at times, but this is usually due to their high energy levels. These dogs are said to be the ultimate family pet. They have a playful and child-like personality that makes them a perfect pet for kids. Labradanes are neither too aggressive nor too timid which makes them great with other pets in the house as well.
Labradane dogs are not only great with children, but they also make great companions for older adults since they are not too demanding or needy.
You might also be interested in the Great Dane Greyhound mix.
Grooming Requirements of a Labradane
The Labradane is a short-haired dog breed that does not need frequent grooming. The Labradane’s coat is usually trimmed in order to look neat and well-groomed. This includes brushing the fur, trimming the hair, and giving them baths.
Labradane dogs should be brushed at least three times per week to remove dirt, debris, and dead hair from their coats. This will also help them stay warm by keeping them from over-heating from all the fur they shed. They should also be bathed every few weeks or months depending on how much they shed. It is important to use a shampoo that specifically suits Labradane dogs because they tend to have sensitive skin.
Other grooming requirements include basic care:
- Nail trimming as required
- Checking and cleaning their floppy ears with soft cotton balls
- Wiping the paws after your dog has been outside
- Wiping the corner of the eyes with a wet cloth
- Brushing your dog’s teeth a few times a week with a vet-approved dog toothpaste
Labradane Exercise Needs
Labradane dogs are very active and need plenty of exercise in order to maintain a healthy weight as well as prevent obesity. They have lots of endurance and can keep up with any fast-paced activity.
A Labradane needs at least 45 minutes of active playtime every day, or it will become bored and destructive. Labradanes also need to be walked on a daily basis or they can become restless and develop anxiety issues. Labradanes should be taken on long walks or jogs to expend the energy that they produce throughout the day. Labradanes also need to be played with frequently because they love to play games such as fetch and tug-of-war.
Common Health Issues of Great Danes and Lab Mixes
Great Dane and Lab Mixes are known for their large size and strong muscles. However, they have a number of health problems that they should be aware of.
Here are some common health problems that the two-parent breeds- Great Dane and Labrador, might face:
Great Dane:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV)
- Cancer
Labrador Retriever:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Disease
- Diabetes
The Great Dane Labrador mix can inherit some of the common health problems from their parents. One of the most common health issues of Labradane is obesity, which can be prevented by giving a balanced diet. Labradanes also have a tendency to overheat easily, so they need the right amount of exercise and rest time. This mixed breed is also prone to skin allergies, which can cause itchy skin and hair loss. They also have an increased risk of developing bloat, ear infections, and eye problems such as cataracts.
Conclusion
The Labradane is one of the most popular designer dogs, loved for their friendliness and loyalty. Also known as the perfect family pet, Labradanes get along well with children and adults alike. The health problems of these dogs can range from minor to severe, and they can be easily avoided or treated if you know what to look out for. In order to keep your Labradane happy and healthy, it’s important that you take good care of them by giving them a good diet, exercise, and plenty of love and care.
Thank you for reading the article.
To explore more about the two parent breeds, here are some articles on the Great Dane and the Labrador Retriever that you might be interested in.
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