Labany Dog Breed

The Lab and Brittany Spaniel mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group--but both the Lab and the Brittany parent breeds are in the Sporting group in the AKC and other clubs, so the Brittany Spaniel and Lab mix would fit nicely in that category. Neither does any info exist about these hybrids' specific origin; while a Brittany Spaniel mixed with Lab may have existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. Regardless, these intelligent, friendly, energetic dogs are great both as hunting companions and as pets for active families of any size.

A few facts about the Brittany Spaniel-Labrador mix: they're medium-sized, averaging 20 inches at the shoulders in height and 50 pounds in weight; they have short to medium, thick, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Labany dog:

The Labrador-Brittany Spaniel mix is the offspring of two celebrated hunting breeds--both of which are energetic to the point of being hyperactive. The Labany is athletic and medium-sized: height at the shoulders is typically 18-22 inches, and weight generally runs 40-65 pounds.

In regards to temperament, these hybrids will be active, friendly, very intelligent, task-oriented, and versatile. They make great playmates for kids, and they usually get along fine with other household pets (though they may have strong prey drives that cause them to instinctively chase small animals). Labany mixes are also extremely smart, and can learn commands and tasks very easily. Their watchdog skills are pretty good too, as they'll bark at and investigate most unknown sights and sounds.

The Labany's skills as a hunting dog deserve mention as well. Both parent breeds have history as retrievers and/or pointers, so these hybrids should inherit those skills. Even so, this hybrid's most celebrated quality is as a good-natured, playful family companion.

Regardless of the Labany's role in the family, though, frequent exercise is a must for this dog! The Labany is an "Energizer bunny" of a breed, and will need constant physical and mental activity to remain happy, healthy, and peaceful.

The Labany, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids can suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and various eye issues like cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Larger, deeper-chested Labany dogs can also be prone to gastric torsion (or bloat), especially if they're allowed to "wolf" their food. Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Labany is 10-12 years.