The Labradane: A Labrador Great Dane Mix

Are you looking for a magnificent mutt to take over your home and heart? The Labradane — an endearing cross between a Great Dane and Labrador retriever — might be the perfect fit for your family!

While it can be difficult to identify the traits of a mixed breed pooch, we’ll do our best to decode these dignified doggos below. By examining the Labradane’s needs, personalities, and pooch preferences, you’ll be able to determine whether or not these mutts are the right match for your lifestyle. 

The Labradane Breed Profile: Key Takeaways

• Labradanes are mixed breed dogs made by crossing a Great Dane with a Labrador retriever. These dogs commonly exhibit a combination of traits from both parent breeds, as is the case with most mutts. 
• It’s impossible to predict the exact personality of any mixed breed dog until you get to know him. However, there are a couple of traits that most Labradanes tend to have in common, such as a loyal, loving nature.  
• There are also a couple of similar canine crosses and purebred pooches Labradane lovers may want to consider. This includes big best buddies like Irish Wolfhounds and designer dogs like the Goldendane. 

What Is a Labradane (Great Dane x Labrador Retriever) 

Labradanes are mixed breed dogs created by crossing a Great Dane with a Labrador retriever. These furry friends don’t have an extensively documented history, but they seem to stand out in the world of designer dogs due to their grand size and equally large heart. 

While Labradane owners are adamant lovers of these majestic mutts, it’s important to note that this cross, just like any other dog, isn’t suited for everyone: You’ll want to fully understand both of the parents’ characteristics, habits, and needs before bringing your new buddy home. 

Understanding the Parent Breeds 

Unfortunately, it’s virtually impossible to fully predict the temperament and traits of a mixed breed pooch. But taking a look at each of the parent breeds can provide insight into what our mutts may be like, though there’s no guarantee that your dog will be a precise 50/50 representation of each parent. 

Before bringing home your new best buddy, be sure to spend some time with each of the parents to ensure that you align with each dog’s energy level and needs. 

Here is a brief breakdown on the basics of the Labradane’s parents:

Great Dane

These show-stopping pups are known for being one of (if not the) biggest dog breeds in the world, and they usually weigh between 120 and 200 pounds. But despite their impressive statures, Great Danes can adapt well to relatively small spaces, as long as they are provided the exercise, stimulation, and training they need. 

Great Danes are known for their easy-going natures and dependable demeanors. These dogs love spending time with their loved ones, and they will often forget that they aren’t lapdogs. In fact, these big doggos are actually super cuddly canines. 

You can find Great Danes in colors ranging from solid grey, to black to tan, and they also display  merle, brindle, or harlequin coats on occasion. They have short coats, which don’t really need much maintenance besides the occasional brushing and regular baths. 

While these patient pups are eager to please, you’ll need to pay special attention to training sessions throughout puppyhood. As they grow older, it may be more difficult to guide your gargantuan Great Dane, so make sure he has mastered his manners. These good-natured furry friends need plenty of room and moderate exercise to keep their tails wagging. 

Labrador Retriever 

The other half of the sweet Labradane can be traced back to one of the most coveted canines: the Labrador retriever. These adaptable furry friends are known for being man’s best friend with their friendly, smart, energetic, and loving personalities. You’ll find that Labrador retrievers do well in just about any setting, so long as their needs are met. 

Labs have a history as bird-hunting dogs, so they certainly like to stay active and are happy to accompany you on any adventure. These smart sweethearts also make amazing therapy dogs and tend to  follow their favorite humans from one room to the next.

Labradors are excellent canine companions, though they need to be placed with an owner who can keep up with their moderately high energy levels, and provide plenty of exercise throughout the day. These medium-sized dogs weigh about 50 to 80 pounds and come in golden, chocolate or black coat variants. They definitely aren’t a low-shedding breed though, so you’ll want a trusty vacuum available. 

Labradane Traits and Characteristics

Are you considering bringing home one of these gentle giants? Here are some generalized traits and characteristics for you to take into consideration. With that in mind, still take the time to meet your individual puppy and his parents before committing to your canine. 

• Size and Shape: Labradanes are large furry friends weighing anywhere from 80 to 180 pounds. They’re usually around 24 to 30 inches tall and have Lab-like builds (but with notably longer legs). But as with all mixed breeds, deviations from this range are common. 
• Temperament: You’ll find that Labradanes are generally gentle giants. These sweet dogs are highly intelligent, and eager to please their family members. They are also incredibly loyal dogs and known for their friendly, playful nature. A Labradane can be initially wary of strangers, though he’s typically happy to be around familiar humans and dogs. These are quintessential family dogs, who do well in households where someone is usually around to keep them company. 
• Coat and Colors: Labradanes usually have a white, brown, black, or brindle coat. Occasionally, you’ll see merle or harlequin markings like that of the Great Dane parent, though this is rarer. Like his Great Dane and Labrador parents, the mixed breed will have a fairly short, slick yet thick coat. Labradanes shed fairly regularly and should have their ears groomed on a regular basis as their large, floppy size makes them prone to ear infections. 
• Intelligence: Labradanes are incredibly intelligent furry friends that should be fairly easy to train. In addition to being actively engaged, this mixed breed appreciates plenty of mental challenges, so you’ll need to have plenty of puzzle toys around to keep your pooch busy. 
• Training Challenges: Luckily, Labradanes are known to be star students out of love for their humans (and training treats). With that in mind, it’s important that these mutts master their manners early on, as their large size could easily become a safety hazard if not guided during puppyhood. Labradanes can also be somewhat protective around strangers, though they’re usually quick to warm up once it’s clear the other party isn’t a threat. Labradanes can also suffer from separation anxiety and do not like being left alone for long periods of time. 
• Health: Labradanes have a life expectancy of anywhere between 8 and 12 years. They can suffer ailments common to both parents, like hip and elbow dysplasia, along with digestive issues due to the breed’s deep-chested nature (for example, they’re susceptible to bloat and GDV). Obesity can also put unnecessary pressure on the breed’s joints, so it’s important to keep your Labradane on a balanced diet and exercise plan. 

Best Families and Situations for a Labradane 

Not all homes are suitable for these unique furry friends. Use this checklist to make sure you can provide a lovely Labradane everything he needs to live a happy life. 

• You have plenty of space. Great Danes make surprisingly good apartment dogs, but they’ll be much happier in situations in which they have plenty of room (and Labs naturally need a lot of space to zoom about). So, Laberdanes are best for homes with plenty of room and a big backyard.  
• Someone is usually home. Labradanes are highly social and love spending time with their humans. They’re excellent family dogs, and will get along well with just about anyone, though special caution should be taken for little kids due to size differences. The ideal home for a Labradane is lively and usually has someone around to keep these patient pups entertained. 
• You’re ready to put in the work for training. It’s especially important that you take training seriously while your Labradane is a puppy. You’ll need to set aside plenty of time to ensure that your mutt has mastered his manners before he becomes a giant. 
• You’re ready for a true four-legged family member. These sweet dogs want nothing more than to embed themselves as part of the family unit. As long as you can meet the unique needs of your Labradne, you’re sure to have found a new best buddy. 

How Can You Find a Labradane? 

Tracking down any designer dog can be difficult, and the grand and great Labradane is no exception. Here are a couple of key ways you can narrow down your search: 

• Start with an online search. Using an online doggie database like Petfinder can make it much easier to determine whether or not there are Labradanes in your area. These sites also allow you to find dogs outside of your immediate town, so you might be able to find an available Labradane if you’re willing to travel. 
• Look into local shelters. You’d be surprised that many designer dogs end up in shelters, especially popular Labrador mixes. If you do choose to adopt, make sure you spend ample time with your Labradane to make sure it’s a good fit for your family. You’ll also want to make sure you gather any important details on the dog’s history and personality from the shelter staff.
• Seek out a ruff-ural. If you happen to know a Labradane owner, you can ask for them to refer you to their breeder. Additionally, you can shoot your shot by reaching out to Labrane owners on social media if you feel comfortable. 

Keep in mind that not all breeders are reputable. If you choose to purchase your pooch, make sure your breeder is someone you can trust. Always take time to meet your dog’s family and don’t rush the process — puppy fever is real, but it can take longer than you might expect to find a furry friend that fits in with your lifestyle. 

Similar Breeds and Breed Mixes to the Labradane 

If you’re unsure whether or not the Labradane is the dog of your dreams, it’s worth considering other similar breeds and breed mixes. Here are a few that have similar characteristics to these special canines. 

• Laboundland: These gentle canines hit the sweet spot between their Labrador and Newfoundland parents. Like the Labradane, this mutt is on the larger side with an equally proportionate heart. 
• Bernese Mountain Dog: Berners are known for their good-natured, laid-back demeanor paired with their distinct tri-color coat. These fluffy furry friends do well with kids and other pets. 
• Great Bernard: This Great Dane-Saint Bernard mix is bound to steal your heart. These big best buddies are super sweet and maintain a joyful, puppy-like spirit well into their years. 
• Goldendane: You can’t help but fall for this golden retriever and Great Dane mix. If you’re looking for a sweet yet smart canine companion, this is a great mixed breed to consider. 
• Irish Wolfhound: These purebred pups are one of the tallest breeds you can find and make agreeable canine companions. Irish Wolfhounds are active, loyal, and dedicated family companions. 

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The Labradane is a dignified gentleman that will make an amazing addition to the right family. As long as you can keep up with the breed’s large size and provide plenty of exercise, space, and affection, these four-footers will make amazing mutts that will fit right in with the clan. 

Have you ever met a Labradane before? What’s your favorite thing about the breed? We’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!