Labernard (St. Bernard Lab Mixed Dog Breed) Info, Pictures, Care & More

A Loyal, Loving Giant: Your Guide to the Labernard Dog

Are you looking for a big, friendly, four-legged companion to join your family? Meet the Labernard, a crossbreed that combines the best traits of two beloved dog breeds: the Labrador Retriever and the Saint Bernard. With their affectionate nature, trainability, and gentle disposition, Labernards make wonderful pets for active households and experienced dog owners. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive into the history, characteristics, care requirements, and more to help you determine if a Labernard is the right fit for you.

Origins and History
The Labernard is a relatively new designer dog breed, purposefully bred from purebred Labrador Retrievers and Saint Bernards. To understand the Labernard‘s traits, let‘s take a closer look at the parent breeds:

Labrador Retrievers: Labs originated in Newfoundland, Canada in the 1500s. They were bred to help fishermen retrieve nets, fish, and other gear from the icy waters. In the early 1800s, English nobles visiting Canada were impressed by the dogs‘ working abilities and brought them back to England, where they were further developed into the breed we know today. Labs excel as hunting companions, service dogs, and family pets due to their intelligence, friendliness, and eagerness to please.

Saint Bernards: Large and powerful, Saint Bernards were originally bred by monks in the Swiss Alps as rescue dogs. For centuries, these gentle giants braved treacherous mountain conditions to locate and save travelers buried in avalanches. The breed‘s keen sense of smell, strength, and thick coat made them well-suited for their heroic tasks. Today, Saint Bernards are cherished family dogs known for their patient, nurturing nature.

By crossing these two remarkable breeds, the Labernard inherits a blend of their finest qualities, resulting in an intelligent, devoted, and good-natured companion.

Appearance and Size
Labernards are large to giant-sized dogs, depending on which parent breed they take after more. On average, they stand 21-30 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 55-180 pounds, with males typically being larger than females.

Their coat is usually short to medium in length, dense, and straight. Common coat colors include black, brown, yellow, and reddish-brown, often with white markings on the chest, feet, and tail tip. Some Labernards may inherit the Saint Bernard‘s distinctive black mask and "bib" marking on the chest.

Labernards have a sturdy, muscular build with a broad head, droopy ears, and a thick, tapering tail. Their eyes are usually brown and expressive, reflecting their kind and intelligent nature.

Temperament and Personality
One of the Labernard‘s most appealing traits is their fantastic temperament. They are known for being:

Friendly and outgoing
Patient and gentle with children
Affectionate and devoted to their family
Intelligent and eager to please
Adaptable to various living situations
Good with other dogs and pets when socialized properly

While Labernards have a calm demeanor indoors, they do require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and well-behaved. They enjoy outdoor activities like walking, hiking, swimming, and playing fetch with their favorite humans.

Thanks to their working dog heritage, Labernards are generally easy to train with positive reinforcement methods. They respond well to praise, treats, and play as rewards for good behavior. Early socialization is essential to help them develop into confident, well-adjusted adult dogs.

Exercise and Activity Level
Despite their laid-back attitude at home, Labernards have moderate to high exercise needs. They require at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day, divided into a couple of walks and play sessions. This could include:

Walks around the neighborhood
Hikes on nature trails
Swimming or playing in the water
Games of fetch or tug-of-war
Dog sports like agility or dock diving

Without enough exercise, Labernards may become bored, destructive, or overweight. Make sure you can provide them with plenty of opportunities to move their big bodies and burn off energy.

In addition to physical exercise, Labernards need mental stimulation to keep their intelligent minds engaged. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and learning new commands are great ways to challenge their brains and strengthen your bond.

Grooming and Care
Labernards have a dense double coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavily during shedding seasons in spring and fall. To keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding, brush them several times a week with a slicker brush or de-shedding tool. They may need more frequent brushing during heavy shedding periods.

Bathe your Labernard every 6-8 weeks or as needed if they get dirty or develop a doggy odor. Use a dog-friendly shampoo that won‘t strip their coat of its natural oils.

Other grooming needs include:

Trimming nails every 3-4 weeks
Cleaning ears weekly to prevent infections
Brushing teeth daily or providing dental chews
Wiping any drool or slobber from their face and neck folds

Due to their Saint Bernard heritage, some Labernards may drool more than others. Keep a towel handy to clean up any excess saliva, especially after meals or drinking.

Feeding and Nutrition
As large-breed dogs with a high risk for bloat and obesity, Labernards require a balanced, nutrient-rich diet in controlled portions. Feed them a high-quality dog food formulated for large breeds, following the manufacturer‘s guidelines for their age, weight, and activity level.

It‘s recommended to divide their daily food intake into two or three smaller meals rather than one large serving. This can help prevent bloat and other digestive issues. Avoid feeding them immediately before or after intense exercise, as this can also increase the risk of bloat.

Provide fresh, clean water at all times, and limit treats and table scraps to maintain their healthy weight. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your Labernard‘s diet or nutritional needs.

Training Tips
Labernards are generally easy to train due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. However, they can sometimes display a stubborn streak (from their Lab side) or a sensitive nature (from their Saint Bernard side). Here are some tips for successfully training your Labernard:

Start socialization and training early, ideally during puppyhood
Use positive reinforcement methods like praise, treats, and play
Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging
Be patient and consistent with your commands and expectations
Avoid harsh corrections or punishment, as this can damage your bond and trust
Enroll in a puppy obedience class for guidance and socialization opportunities

Well-trained Labernards are a joy to live with and make great companions for various activities and settings. With proper training and socialization, they can excel as therapy dogs, service animals, or simply beloved family pets.

Potential Health Concerns
Like many large-breed dogs, Labernards are prone to certain health issues that potential owners should be aware of. These may include:

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus)
Eye problems like cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy
Heart conditions such as dilated cardiomyopathy
Skin allergies and ear infections
Arthritis and other joint problems

To minimize the risk of inherited health issues, choose a Labernard puppy from a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock and provides health clearances. Responsible breeders prioritize the well-being of their dogs and aim to produce healthy, temperamentally sound puppies.

Throughout your Labernard‘s life, schedule regular veterinary check-ups, keep them at a healthy weight, and provide appropriate exercise and nutrition to support their overall health. Address any concerns promptly with your vet to ensure early detection and treatment of potential problems.

With proper care and a loving home, Labernards typically live 8-12 years.

Finding a Labernard
If you‘ve decided that a Labernard is the right dog for you, there are a few ways to go about finding one:

Reputable breeders: Look for experienced, ethical breeders who prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs. They should perform health testing on their breeding stock, provide health clearances, and allow you to visit their facility and meet the puppies and parents. Avoid puppy mills or backyard breeders who may prioritize profit over the well-being of their dogs.
Breed-specific rescues: Check with Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, or mixed-breed rescue organizations to see if they have any Labernards available for adoption. Adopting an older dog can be a rewarding experience, as they may already be trained and have a more settled personality.
Animal shelters: While it may be harder to find a specific mixed breed like a Labernard in a shelter, it‘s still worth checking your local animal shelters regularly. You may just find your perfect furry match and give a deserving dog a loving home.

When choosing a Labernard puppy or adult dog, look for one with a friendly, outgoing personality who is curious and confident in new situations. Avoid puppies that seem overly shy, fearful, or aggressive, as these behaviors can be challenging to correct later on.

Conclusion
Labernards are gentle giants with hearts of gold. With their friendly nature, trainability, and affectionate personality, they make wonderful companions for active families or experienced dog owners who can provide them with plenty of exercise, socialization, and love. By understanding their unique needs and characteristics, you can help your Labernard thrive and enjoy a happy, healthy life by your side.

Remember, owning a large-breed dog like a Labernard is a significant responsibility that requires time, effort, and financial commitment. But for those who are ready to welcome a loyal, loving, and larger-than-life friend into their home, the Labernard may just be the perfect fit.