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Have you heard of the Labradanes? This is the nickname for the Great Dane Lab mix.
Bred from the gentle giant and America’s favorite dog, a Great Dane Lab mix is tall, friendly, and intelligent.
Do you think the Labradane is for you?
This guide will help you answer that question by providing a variety of information about the breed, including exercise and training needs, potential health risks, and more.
Speaking of health risks, there is an ongoing debate about whether purebred or mixed races are healthier.
We’ll look at this controversy before we learn more about Labradane puppies.
Designed Dog Controversy
A designer dog is a mix of two purebreds to create a first-generation mix.
Designer dogs have become popular for their looks in some cases, but also because of the widespread belief that greater genetic diversity makes them healthier than purebred pooches.
Purebred enthusiasts argue that these mutts are no healthier.
They believe that purebreds are healthier because their health risks are known.
Responsible breeders can avoid breeding dogs that have these problems.
So who’s right? To find out, we have to look to science.
Research
According to Carol “Beuchat”, both purebreds and mothers can be healthy dogs.
Most important is the fitness level.
Fitness is the ability to produce offspring who can also be reproduced.
Purebred animals can show a high level of fitness when bred with other purebreds who are disproportionate to them.
Inbreeding is a problem because it reduces fitness.
Beuchat also carried out a study entitled “Purebreds and Nuts Analyzes, which suggests that purebreds are more likely to be genetic diseases than nuts.>
The study looked at the veterinary data of 27,254 dogs and compared the incidence of 24 genetic disorders in both purebreds and dams.
Purebreds showed a higher incidence of 10 diseases, mixed breeds showed a higher incidence of 1 disease and had the same incidence for 13 diseases.
Origins of the Labrador Retriever
The first known use of the laboratory was in Newfoundland as a retriever for fish caught in nets and fallen in the water.
Some laboratories were brought to Britain from Newfoundland, where the Second Earl of Malmesbury used them as hunting dogs to bring in decrepit poultry.
The laboratory had a competition among early hunting dogs, but its ability to detect soil scents eventually made it the most popular choice.
The lighthearted temperament and intelligence of the laboratory-made it popular outside of the hunting realm. Today, they are a popular choice for pets and service dogs.
Origins of the Great Dane
Despite the name, Great Danes are not Danes.
Instead, they were developed in Germany in the 17th century.
They were mainly used to hunt wild boars, so they were bravely raised.
The mastiffs are no longer boar hunters but have retained their unshakable nature.
Their gentle nature also makes them suitable service animals and pets.
Great Dane Lab mix size
Labrador Retrievers are medium to large dogs and weigh between 55 and 80 pounds.
They are between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall.
Great Danes are some of the tallest dogs out there, weighing between 110 and 175 pounds and standing between 28 and 32 inches tall.
A Labrador Great Dane Cross is likely to be large to extra large!
Labradane Appearance
Labs
Labradors have a short, dense double layer consisting of a thick undercoat for warmth and a waterproof top layer.
According to the AKC, labs come in three familiar colors – yellow, black, and chocolate – but you may have seen silver, white, or ginger red labs too.
The last two are yellow hues while silver is a chocolate hue.
Standard Labs have triangular ears.
They are set far back and lie close to the head with brown or brown eyes.
Their snouts are medium in length and have black noses (brown for Chocolate Labs).
Deviating from the breed standards, there are also laboratories with pink noses and gold eyes.
Great Danes
Great Danes have deep-set eyes and high ears that fold over, similar to the lab.
Cropped ears are also common and point upwards.
Their fur is short and sleek, and unlike Labs, Great Danes come in many different colors.
Of these, the Harlequin color can be problematic and lead to embryonic death
The pups that have two copies of the problem gene die early in the womb.
The surviving harlequins have a different genotype than the embryonic fatal pups.
The merle gene is also associated with deafness.
Based on the parent breeds, you can assume your Labradane has a short coat and floppy ears, but the rest is up to fate (and genetics).
To get a better idea of how your pup is doing, visit the breeder to take a look at the parents.
Labradane temperament and behavior
According to the AKC, Labrador Retrievers are currently the most popular dog in the United States.
They are friendly, intelligent dogs who are relatively easy to train and have a desire to please.
I was five years old when my family got our first laboratory.
He was patient when my brothers and I were annoying, and he liked to play with us outside.
Usually, labs are good for families with children.
Great Danes are also friendly, smart, and patient.
These gentle giants get along well with children, so you can expect the same from Great Dane Lab mix puppies too.
Laboratories are active dogs, whereas Great Danes enjoy relaxation.
Your puppy might either be awkward or calm.
Despite its gentle nature, the Great Dane’s size can be intimidating, which is what makes a good guard dog.
This also applies to a Labradane as it is a large dog.
Grooming
Whichever parent your puppy takes, weekly brushing is a good idea to keep the coat looking smooth.
A Lab Dane mix’s ears should be checked regularly for infection if they get stuck and not cut off.
Your dog’s teeth need to be brushed often and nails trimmed as needed.
Labrador Retriever health risks
Laboratories are at risk for arthritis, bleeding, cruciate ligament rupture, epilepsy, eye problems including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, retinal dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia, osteochondritis dissecans.>
A “cruciate ligament tear” occurs when a ligament in the knee (in the back of the leg) tears or tears. This can be partial or total, sudden or degenerative.
Surgery may be required depending on the severity of the tear.
My first lab saw such a break when I was chasing a frisbee outside.
He came back to us, held up his back leg, and needed an operation to repair the torn ligament.
Laboratories are also at risk for obesity.
For many of them, food is everything.
Therefore, it is up to its owner to regulate the diet so that he does not gain weight.
Health risks of the Great Dane
Great Danes are at risk for arthritis, flatulence (gastric dilatation-volvulus, bone cancer, advanced cardiomyopathy, and elbow dysplasia wobbler syndrome.>
It is most commonly seen in Great Danes and Doberman snails.
When this syndrome occurs, the spinal cord or its nerve roots become compressed.
As a result, dogs will experience neck pain and other neurological problems.
When you see a dog with wobbler syndrome, the nickname is easy to understand.
These dogs appear uncoordinated and “wobble” when walking.
Wobbler syndrome in Great Danes typically occurs before the age of three.
Any signs of neck pain in your Labradane should be resolved immediately with a visit to the veterinarian.
Great Dane Lab Mix health test
A responsible breeder knows the health risks these breeds face and will have both parent’s health screened prior to breeding.
This way you can avoid breeding dogs with health problems.
You should be able to discuss these health tests with prospective Labradanes breeders.
Make sure to ask any questions about your future pup’s health.
Labrador Great Dane training and exercise
If both parents are friendly animals, your pup may jump on top of you or others in excitement.
This property should be worked on from a young age.
A large Labradane could easily knock over children or the elderly who have become full.
It is important that your Great Dane is given ample training over Labrador.
Not only does this keep them out of trouble, but it’s important to build muscle and prevent weight gain, which can lead to health problems.
If long walks aren’t for you, then you can teach your dog how to fetch dogs.
This will likely be easy if you do a cross after the lab.
My own lab is a born picker who makes sense of the rotation of flying tennis balls.
If you prefer to walk or jog, you should practice the correct leash methods.
The parent breeds are strong dogs with curious noses.
Nobody enjoys being dragged around the neighborhood.
Although the parent breeds are usually friendly, socialization is still important.
You should focus on this as soon as you bring your pup home.
Dogs that are not properly socialized with others simply show disinterest, but in the worst-case scenario, they can become fearful or aggressive.
If you want your Labrador Retriever Great Dane mix to spend time with two- and four-legged visitors alike, you need to socialize them.
The ideal home for a Great Dane x Labrador
While Labradane’s even-tempered demeanor makes him seem suitable for almost everyone, there are other factors that should be considered before adopting.
Health
Laboratories and Danes share some of the same health problems.
While there is no promise that either of them will occur, it is important that the owner of a Lab Dane mix be prepared for them.
This means giving your dog adequate exercise and preventing weight gain that can lead to or worsen problems such as hip dysplasia.
It also means understanding the possibility of serious health problems and being prepared for potentially expensive veterinarian bills.
How to Find a Great Dane Lab Mix Puppy
Designer dogs are sometimes hard to find.
It is best to do your research online and check local newspapers.
Once you’ve found a Labradane breeder that you’re interested in, it’s important to visit them, ask questions, and see the parent dogs.
You should inquire about the parent’s health history and previous injuries, such as cruciate ligament ruptures, in the laboratory.
A responsible breeder has the parent animals checked for health and can discuss the results with you.
They can even ask you a few questions to make sure their pups go to a suitable home.
Is a Labradane the Right Choice for You?
If you want an intelligent dog with a good temper, who is good with both people and dogs, then a Great Dane Lab might be for you.
However, it is important to remember the health risks inherent in the parent breeds.
Even if your pup came from two healthy dogs, you need to prepare for these issues.
This can mean investing in pet insurance or simply being clear about your financial situation.
Exercise is essential for Labrador and Great Dane mixes.
Not only does it keep them out of anger, but it also helps build muscle and prevents weight gain.
After all, you shouldn’t leave a dog alone for long periods of time in your youth.
If you’re not around for most of the day, consider seeing a pet sitter or daycare center, or getting a puppy until your schedule runs a little off.