Labralas Dog Breed

The Labralas, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed category, but since its parent breeds are both members of the Sporting Group, the Labralas fits in this group as well. These hybrids, which were probably created during the designer dog craze of the late twentieth century in the U.S., are excellent hunting companions, and they're affectionate, energetic family pets as well.

Some breed specifications: Labralases are medium- to large-sized (height at the shoulders is 21-25 inches, and weight is 55-80 pounds), with short-haired, sleek coats that usually exist in solid colors. Here are some advantages and drawbacks to owning this mixed breed:

PROS:

• Intelligent
• Affectionate
• Extremely energetic and playful
• Excellent hunting companion
• Great with children and other pets
• Easily trained
• Good watchdog skills
• Fairly low barking tendency
• Little grooming required
• Gentle, well-balanced temperament

CONS:

• Prone to separation anxiety
• High exercise requirements
• Can be hyperactive
• Size and energy can be hazardous to small children
• Not good for apartment life
• Fairly rare, and thus difficult to find (and often expensive to purchase)

The Labralas is the canine definition of "good genes." The Labrador Retriever and the Vizsla are both prized for their intelligence, athleticism, and loving natures, so their Labralas offspring are naturally great dogs as well. Members of this breed are loving, energetic (often to the point of hyperactivity!), and extremely playful. They don't require much maintenance, and are very healthy.

With two intelligent parents, a Labralas is likewise smart as a whip. Training these dogs, owners say, can be an absolute pleasure, as they learn tricks and commands quickly. They're also blessed with great hunting, tracking, and retrieving skills. The one drawback to these dogs' temperaments, the owners say, is that they can be sensitive and needy, and don't behave well if left alone for extended periods. The good thing about this trait, though, is that these dogs are extremely loving and loyal; they're also pretty alert and protective, and will make good watchdogs.

The typical Labralas will need a good bit of physical activity--and will be more than happy to participate in it. Fetch, Frisbee, long walks/jogs, even a swimming session (these dogs love the water) are all great pastimes. These will keep these athletic animals in good physical shape--but perhaps more importantly, they will help burn some of the dog's excess energy!

The Labralas doesn't see a lot of variety in physical features. Some breeders may sell these hybrids with coats that are a different length or texture (a long-haired or a wirehaired Vizsla-Lab mix, for example), but these dogs aren't an official breed variation, and may in facts have the DNA of another breed entirely.

Breeders use selective breeding techniques to develop crossbreeds with different DNA combinations, and use symbols like P, F1, F2, and so on to designate the dog's genetic material. For the Labralas, the following applies:

• P: Purebred; 100% Lab or 100% Vizsla
• F1: P x P; 50% Lab, 50% Vizsla
• F1b: P x F1; 75% of the purebred parent's DNA
• F2: F1 x F1; 50% Lab, 50% Vizsla

(The formula continues up to F5 or higher.)

The F1b crossbreed is popular with many breeders, as the dog displays more traits from one parent. An F1b Labralas with the purebred Lab as a parent, for example, will be larger and much more "Lab-like" than and F1b Labralas with a purebred Vizsla parent.

Friendly, intelligent, energetic, hard-working, sensitive, and at times hyperactive, the Vizsla-Lab mix temperament is one of activity and love. The Labralas will be extremely affectionate with its people--and in fact can be a "Velcro dog," meaning it'll often stick very close to one or more family members (usually the ones who spend the most time with the dog). These hybrids usually socialize well with kids and other pets too; owners say it's best if a Labralas grows up alongside and children and household pets, so they learn to be accustomed to one another. The Labralas doesn't do well when left alone for long periods, and will become upset and destructive if that happens.

Another of the positive Vizslador characteristics is that this hybrid responds very well to training. The dog will be very intelligent, and should be able to learn commands and tasks with few repetitions. As with any breed, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

The Labralas's watchdog skills, though, aren't the best. Both the Lab and the Vizsla are just too friendly to be very effective guardians, so their Labralas offspring will share that trait.

The Labralas is quite a healthy breed, partly due to hybrid vigor, in which a crossbred animal inherits the healthiest traits of both its parent breeds. The Labralas has no known health issues, but may suffer common problems like hip dysplasia, bloat, or epilepsy. Life expectancy for these dogs is 10-14 years.