Labernese Dog Breed

The Labernese is a hybrid dog who was produced specifically to aid persons with visual impairments and physical disabilities. The closely managed breeding program took nearly a decade for the right line of crossed dogs to be found, which means these dogs are very well bred for their purpose. Labernese work well with first-time dog owners, small children, other pets, and new friends. Because they are expected to be out in public, around strangers, and in new places all the time, they are superb companions and good watchdogs. They are not good guard dogs as they are expected to have a high tolerance for situations that tend to upset most dog breeds.

Here are some things to consider if you are seeking to adopt a Labernese:

Because this hybrid dog was deliberately produced by a dedicated foundation, there is a lot of Labernese information available: in books, on-line, and elsewhere. This is one of the most carefully created hybrid dogs ever, and they continue to be carefully bred to maintain the original mission.

As both parent breeds are particularly intelligent in many similar and different ways, the Labernese is a very smart dog. The versatility of these dogs means they can be guide, rescue, or companion dogs — but they are often all three as needed. When they are not working, they will want to keep their mind sharp with agility games and activities.

The Labernese is a very patient dog, and they are very sensitive too. This sensitivity is required for them to understand the moods of their masters, but it also means they must be treated gently and with equal patience.

This is a dog that requires a lot of activity. They are not for couch potatoes! They tend to be big dogs and need a couple or more hours of activity daily. They need more than mere walking, and it's best to keep them mentally stimulated while they are exercising or at play. It's almost mandatory that you have ample outdoor space where she can run freely and indulge in activities using weave poles, jump bars, and the like.

Labernese may be big, they may be bred for tough duties in harsh lands, but they are nevertheless big dogs with a gentle personality. If they are occupied with work, they tend to be OK. Left with nothing to do and no one with which to do it, however, they can become extremely anxious. They love to be around people, and they will play well with mature children. They typically do well with other dogs as well, and tolerate small, yappy dogs that might otherwise annoy some large dogs.

They are patient and easy to train, and good guard dogs who are nevertheless not aggressive unless an imminent threat is close. The Labernese temperament is all about generally being eager to please family and friends, but they have a tendency to bond closer to just one person.

A properly produced Labernese from the Mira Foundation means your dog should have a very good health profile. The parent breeds tend to have a number of issues but hybrid vigor also helps to lessen the chances of such problems in these crossbred dogs.

Here are some of the health problems associated with Labernese:

• Bloat
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Elbow dysplasia
• Vision and eye problems
• Von Willebrand's disease
• Centronuclear myopathy
• Exercise-induced collapse (EIC)
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Depending on the size of the dog and the health profiles of their parents, Labernese have a very wide range with their average lifespan which starts at a very short 6 years and goes all the way to about 12 years.