History
Labernese is a mix between Labrador and a Bernese mountain dog. It was developed very carefully keeping in mind to develop a better guide for the blind people by Mira Foundation. Their search began in late 1990 to 2000s, it was not until this period when the breeding program started. The foundations claimed that they used the best bloodiness with perfect mental soundness and temperament, to help the disabled people with the right dog.
Temperament & Personality
Labernese is an ideal mix of two breeds, they are not only eager to please, but are also intelligent. Being a family-oriented pet, they develop destructive behavior if left alone for a longer duration. They inherit their boisterousness and excessive energy from its parents and makes a very sweet family pet. Hence, they are ideal for the first-time owners. They cannot tolerate excessive heat but easily adapts cold or excessive cold temperatures.
These puppies go well with other pets and children if socialized at an early age, but their interaction requires close supervision. These puppies develop a firm bond with its family members and try to seek their attention by doing playful activities. They are not fit for apartment living due to their large size and do best in a house with a yard. They are ideal watchdogs as they don’t step back to protect their family and always inform its owner as soon as they see any suspicious activity around.
Exercise
This breed is energetic and needs a heavy exercising schedule. Apart from taking them for long walks and jogs owners can leave them free in a yard where they can run and play to release their excess energy. Owners can also prepare them to take part in mushing, obedience, agility, carting, herding events etc. Some of their favorite tricks are weight pulling, jogging, tricks, retrieving and obedience classes, owners can offer them these activities to ward off their excess energy. They also need puzzle toys and different training methods to stay mentally active.
Grooming
Labernese sheds heavily and requires regular brushing to remove loose furs and to keep the coat mat and tangle free. Bathe them when they get excessively dirty with a vet prescribed shampoo to keep their furs smooth and soft. Ideal brushing tools are Pin Brush, de-shedder, and a wide-toothed comb.
They tend to grow nails faster which can crack if not appropriately trimmed and hinder regular activities like walking, run, etc. However, cutting them twice a month will serve the purpose. They are prone to get ear infections due to water, dirt buildup and hence needs regular checking to prevent infections and pain. Clean their ears with Vet prescribed ear solution. Also, brush their teeth twice a week to avoid development of tartar and oral problems. Owners should wipe their eyes with a warm wash cloth.
Health Problems
Major Problems:
- Cancer
- Heart Problems
- Bloating
Minor Problems:
- Joint Conditions
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand’s Disease
Occasional Diagnosis
- Compulsive Deviant Disorder
- Skin Allergies
Occasional Tests
- Allergy Tests
- X-Rays
- Chemical Analysis
- Complete Blood Count
- Full Physical Examination of the joints
Training
These dogs are intelligent and very easy to train, but positive training methods with short sessions will allow them to pick up tricks easily.
To prevent their loneliness, crate training is essential. Owners can train them on their own or take help from the professional trainer. Their big size can develop unpleasant occurrences, hence leash training is must for this breed.
Early Socialization with different environments where it can meet unknown faces and unfamiliar sounds will give them a positive view. Command training is essential to polish their skills, and minimize their herding behavior.
Feeding
Four cups of dry dog food specially made for the larger breed or homemade foods rich in vitamins & minerals, veggies, etc, are perfect for this breed. It is essential to visit a dietician or a vet before choosing a food. But it is advisable to plan a diet depending upon the dog’s size, age, activity level and metabolism. It is advisable to offer them small meals multiple times a day and prevent heavy exercises to minimize the risk. Owners should keep a thorough check on their calorie consumption, as obesity can lead to a variety of health complications. If they gain weight, reduce table scraps, treats, etc.
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