Labernese

63-105 lbs
24-26"
Canada
Labrador Retriever
Bernese Mountain Dog

The Labernese dog breed is a mix between a Labrador Retriever and a Bernese Mountain dog. They are large friendly dogs, and love being around their families and don’t do well if left alone for long periods. They can suffer from separation anxiety and become destructive. They are gentle, calm and intelligent dogs who were bred to be working dogs for the blind and disabled but also make great family pets.  They get on well with children and will need regular exercise to keep fit and happy. The one disadvantage is that the breed has a relatively short lifespan. Common colors are black, yellow, chocolate and white and they can be solid or bi and tri-colored. Their coats are dense, soft, long and wavy.

purpose Purpose
Companion, Working, Sporting
history Date of Origin
1990s
ancestry Ancestry
Bernese Mountain Dog, Labrador Retriever

Labernese Health

Average Size
Male Labernese size stats
Height: 26-28 inches Weight: 65-110 lbs
Female Labernese size stats
Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 63-105 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Bloat
  • Heart Conditions
  • Cancer
Minor Concerns
  • Ear Infections
  • Von Willebrand's Disease
  • Joint conditions
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Skin Allergies
  • Compulsive Deviant Disorder
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • Allergy Tests
  • Complete Blood Count
  • Chemical Analysis
  • Full Body Physical Examination especially of the joints

Labernese Breed History

The Labernese is a combination of a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog, a farm dog from the Swiss Alps, and a Labrador Retriever, which were bred as working dogs by fishermen in Newfoundland. The idea was to take the best from both dog breeds and create a near-perfect dog to help the blind and disabled. The Mira Foundation started developing the breed in the 1990s and began an official breeding programme around a decade later. The foundation was named after a female Labrador, Mirabelle, one of the first guide dogs trained by the founder Éric St-Pierre. They use top bloodlines and have a strict breeding standard to ensure their dogs have the right temperament to work with the disabled. 

Both parent breeds are known for their intelligence, gentleness and tolerance and have long been used as working dogs. The Labrador Retriever, which were originally known as  St. John's Dogs, are best known as guide dogs but are also used in narcotics and search and rescue.  The Bernese Mountain Dog, affectionately called the Berner, were used as guard dogs and to drive cattle originally for over 2000 years in the Swiss Alps. Their ancestry is likely to include the Molosser, a Mastiff style dog that the Romans brought with them in the first century B.C. Berners arrived in England and America some time after the first World War. 

The Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America was founded in 1968 while the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America became a member club of the American Kennel Club in 1981. Both parent breeds are good companion pets who thrive on human interaction and they also excel in dogs sports and competitions. 

Labernese Breed Appearance

The Labernese is a mix between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a Bernese Mountain dog. They are large to giant sized dogs weighing up to 110 pounds with the average height being 28 inches. Common colors are black, yellow, white, and chocolate and they can be solid or bi and tri-colored. They have a double coat which is dense, shaggy and soft. The Labernese will have dark, well-set, almond shaped eyes with a friendly intelligent expression. They have a straight muzzle and floppy ears which hang close to the head. These dogs have strong legs and are well built with deep chests.

Eye Color Possibilities
brown Labernese eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Labernese nose
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Labernese wavy coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Labernese Breed Maintenance

The Labernese shed a lot so need daily brushing to get rid of any loose hair and to prevent tangles. It is not necessary to bath them often, only if they get very dirty, otherwise the skin can dry out. It is best to use a veterinary shampoo and make sure it is rinsed out well. The breed is prone to ear infections so it is important to check the ears often especially after swimming. The nails should wear down naturally with all the exercise they do but it is a good idea to check just in case. Try to get your dog into the habit of daily teeth cleaning from an early age to maintain good dental hygiene.

Insuring your Labernese as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.

Brushes for Labernese
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Comb
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Labernese requires daily brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Labernese Temperament

The Labernese is a gentle giant who is affectionate, intelligent and eager to please. They love nothing more than being around their families and if left to their own devices for any length of time will suffer from separation anxiety which could lead to destructive behavior. They are large, well built dogs but have lots of energy so need daily workouts to burn this off. They are patient, good natured dogs and very good with children. Because they are such big dogs small children should be monitored around them and taught how to respect them. They are also friendly with other pets. The Labernese are good guard dogs and will alert their pet parents to any intruders but their friendly natures mean they are unlikely to become aggressive. The breed is easy to train and will respond best to positive reinforcement, like most dogs. They are suitable for first time pet parents but will need a firm, confident hand.

Labernese Activity Requirements

A Labernese is a very energetic dog who needs daily exercise which can include long dog walks and hikes. They enjoy swimming so a trip to the beach is a great idea and they will love games with balls and frisbees. This breed is also excellent at dog sports and will do well in obedience training or agility. They do better in colder environments but don’t exercise your pet in the heat of the day as a rule. A Labernese won’t do well in an apartment as they are too big but a house with a fenced in yard will be ideal. They should get around an hour of exercise a day to keep them happy and content.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
15 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Labernese Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$2.75 - $3.00
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$80.00 - $90.00
food bag monthly cost

Labernese Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Labernese size stats at six months
Height: 20.0 inches Weight: 65.0 lbs
Female Labernese size stats at six months
Height: 18.5 inches Weight: 62.5 lbs
12 Months
Male Labernese size stats at 12 months
Height: 25.0 inches Weight: 75.0 lbs
Female Labernese size stats at 12 months
Height: 23.0 inches Weight: 72.0 lbs
18 Months
Male Labernese size stats at 18 months
Height: 27.0 inches Weight: 87.5 lbs
Female Labernese size stats at 18 months
Height: 25.0 inches Weight: 84.0 lbs

Labernese Owner Experiences

Bunker
8 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Best dog ever! over-affectionate, loves to meet & greet people & other animals. Plays well with others. Great around elderly and children equally.Loves long walks in the woods. Loves water, hates to swim.
6 years, 10 months ago
Charlie
11 Weeks
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Well we wee told he was a pure Bernese , come to dis o we the man who was legally blind had two labernese who were trio colored like a Bernese. Charlie came out I-colored with short hair and energy of a lab. So I did my homework and discovered Charlie was a labernese. Not sure if seller new this or was unaware as laberneses can look like Bernese with tri color and is use for the blind.
6 years, 8 months ago
Marley
2 Years
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Road trip
Fetch
Playing in the snow
Playdate
Dog Parks
Marley is more than a wonderful dog, he's a fantastic companion and a best friend. A match made in Heaven.
6 years, 8 months ago
Tia
14 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is a gorgeous girl, eager to please, hates her own company for too long though! Loves everyone and everything! Not at all greedy though
5 years, 8 months ago
Luna
3 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Watching TV on the couch, also walks in the woods
A most wonderful friend, warm and friendly
5 years, 8 months ago
Bea
2 Years
7 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Brushing
Tug-of-war
Walks
Throwing balls
She is the sweetest dog on Earth. She love to be petted and to play with our other dogs. She is beautiful. That's why I named her Bea. Because Bea is the beginning of Beautiful. I love her so much.
5 years, 7 months ago
Eugene
11 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is a very sweet boy and very smart. 11 weeks old and already goes to the door to go outside to potty. Knows sit, kennel and come. Loves to play in cool weather. He is great with other big and small dogs.
5 years ago
Phineas
8 Years
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He's the sweetest, happiest, smartest dog we've ever known! An affectionate, gentle big guy, Phineas has brought continual joy to every one who knows him. He goes to work regularly where some of the customers even bring him treats! He was a bit of a stinker as a puppy, at least through age 1 or 1 1/2, but listens well since then.
4 years, 10 months ago
Harley
8 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Chase
Fetch
Tug-of-war
Hide & Seek
High Five
We have had her for a few months now and we have tried everything too train her but she won't listen. When we got her she didn't get any training from her old owners we are starting too give up hope.
4 years, 7 months ago
Smudge
10 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Smudge loves his cuddles and thinks he is a lap dog, he loves to play with his tug of war rope and likes to play fetch with a ball. He especially loves treats! Smudge is a caring dog and he can see when someone is upset or will dig you out of the duvet if he thinks you are burried! I can rely on him to save me if I struggle to get out of bed!
4 years, 6 months ago
Jagger
4 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Fetch
Sleeping
Jogging
It has been a great experience so far. We have spent lots of time training our Jagger and getting him comfortable to his home. He is still teething a lot and always likes to chew on things, but we know that is normal. He is already a very affectionate dog who loves getting lots of cuddles. He is very high energy at certain points of the day.
4 years, 4 months ago
Bear
4 Months
1 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Run
Hike
Tug-of-war
Fetch
Brushing
Bear is my happiness! He is a bit of a jerk right now (has a hard time listening) because he’s so young and very excitable but the friendliest boy you’ll ever meet. He runs up to everyone with his tail wagging and will collapse in front of a stranger for a belly rub. He was potty trained by 10 weeks and knew sit, lay down, how to spin to the right and spin to the left, and shake all by 3.5 months. He is getting better and better every day on the leash—we have to go on tons of walks and adventures because he is an apartment dog. He loves LOVES his toys and cherishes them with a very soft bite as to not destroy them. Bear keeps me happy and helps tremendously with my mental health because his energy must always be met! He always knows how to cheer me up and gives lots of kisses and ear nibbles.
4 years, 4 months ago
Lucy
10 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Amazing! We couldn’t ask fo a better dog.
4 years, 3 months ago
Luna
4 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Very affectionate. She is teething so likes to chew all of her toys but is learning not to bite humans. Best dog I could ask for!
3 years, 11 months ago
Penny
9 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Hiking
Relaxing
Dog Parks
Cuddling
Trail walking
Penny is a beautiful, affectionate and friendly pup. She’s a strong, loving, playful girl who gets on with everyone and bring happiness wherever she goes. Oh, and an endless appetite!
3 years, 9 months ago
Kona
9 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is our first labernese
3 years, 9 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd