We are looking at a rescue puppy. Mom was a pure bread Lab. Dad was a Lab-GreatDane Mix. No specific information or pictures of either parent. We have had labs and lab rescues in the past with great success. No experience with Great Danes (other than Victor Borge) but a little research reveals they have their share of medical issues. Anybody have any experience with the Lab - Great Dane cross breed ? Puppies are very cute and look ust like Lab puppies - Just wondering if there will be health issues down the road Thanks for your assistance
Without knowing the parents health history regardless of breed it is all a bit of a gamble. Being a pure bread lab can still be a risk if the parents have not had hip /elbow scores, genetic tests etc. Danes do have a shorter lifespan and quite a few health issues. You could be lucky, but equally you could run into health issues. There is no real way of telling with the limited information you have. I would be tempted to adopt and ensure you have a rock solid pet insurance in place. Let us know what you decide.
Thanks - that's about what we figured. I have a call in to our vet to see if they have any experience with this type of mix - I suspect I will get a similar answer from them
I had a black Dane/Lab mix. He was the most wonderful dog, very gentle and loving, and strikingly handsome. He lived to age 13 without any medical issues save the odd funny tummy now and then, which was easily solved with a few meals of rice and boiled ground lamb. Bobby weighed 118 pounds in the prime of his life. He was never a foodie though once he pinched and ate a dozen Italian rolls I thought I safely stashed on top of the fridge. If the puppy is more Lab-like in energy and exuberance you will need to train long and hard to avoid the obvious problems that arise with a large boisterous puppy. Both Labs and Danes will lean on their people to show affection, which can be challenging if you don't expect it. And a vigorous wagging tail is painful if you're at the wrong end Good luck and let us know what you decide.
