The Lab and Pit Mix
The Lab and Pit mix is a crossbreed between the loyal American Pit Bull Terrier and the loving Labrador Retriever. This exciting dog breed has many names, including Pitadore, Pitador Retriever, Labrador, and Bullador.
Labradors are medium-sized, energetic, and very loyal. They are also smart, which makes it easy to train them. Read on for more helpful information about this great dog breed.
The Pitbull Mixed With a Lab – Breed History
The Labrador is a breed of the most popular dog in the USA, which makes them popular as well. Pitbull mixed with Lab breeds may have existed naturally over the years. However, designer breeders started intentionally mixing Labrador Retrievers and American Pit Bull in the 1990s in North America.
Breeders mixed these two parents to combine their desirable traits and reduce the health issues associated with pure breeds. Due to increased demand for mixed breed dogs, breeders continued to create Pitadores.
The Labrador Retriever and the Pitbull were working dogs, which is why the Pitbull Lab mix likes to keep itself busy. Although Pit and Lab mix dogs started as designer dogs, many of them have ended up in the care of rescue groups and dog shelters. Consider adopting one if you think this is the right dog for you.
The American Kennel Club does not recognize Labradors. However, you can register your Labrabull under the following organizations.
- The American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)
- The Dog Registry of America (DRA)
- The International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
Pitbull Lab Mix Breed Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
The Labrador and Pitbull mix is not a purebred breed. Therefore there is no specific breed standard for the puppies. The height and weight of your Pit and Lab mix will depend on the dominant parent breed. They may take after the Pitbull or Labrador parent.
This dog breed falls under the medium to large dog breed group. Some full-grown black Lab Pit mix weighs as little as 40 pounds (88.1 kilograms), while others weigh up to 95 pounds (209.25 kilograms). The female ones are smaller than the male ones. These dogs are generally strong, muscular, and very energetic.
Labrabull dogs have floppy ears and short, smooth coats, making them easy to groom. The parent breeds of Pit and Lab mix puppies can vary in colors. Therefore your designer dog is also likely to vary.
A Labrador can be yellow, black, or brown, while a Pitbull can have many different colors. If you want a unique colored dog like a yellow Lab and Pit mix or chocolate Lab and blue Pit mix, you should choose specific parents. Other colors available include tan Pitbull Lab mix, brindle Lab and blue Pit mix, and white Pitbull Lab mix.
Vital Stats
| Size | Medium and large |
| Coat | Short, smooth fur. |
| Exercise | One and a half to two hours daily. |
| Lifespan | Ten to twelve years |
| Temperament | Playful, loyal, loving |
| Breed group | Gundog |
Labrabull Temperament
Pitbull mixed with Lab dogs are pleasant and friendly. They enjoy being around people. These dogs are brilliant. You need to engage them and keep them busy all day to avoid destructive behaviors. They are friendly and get along well with kids and other animals.
It is natural for Labrabulls to crave attention from their family members. They enjoy being in the center of things and getting all the praises and affection. Contrary to common belief, Labrabulls are not naturally aggressive. When well raised and socialized, Labradors are one of the best-behaved dogs.
These dogs don’t bark unnecessarily but will alert you if strangers are in your home, making them excellent watchdogs. They love attention and being around people, which makes them great family dogs. Labradors are intelligent and will always be top performers in puppy school. They also enjoy learning new tricks and exploring the outdoors.
Lab and Pix Mix Health Issues
Some health issues affect Labrabulls more than any other dog breed. These are usually the same issues that their dog parents are prone to. Here are some health issues that affect Lab and Pit mix dogs:
Hip Dysplasia
This disease is common in large dog breeds and is hereditary. It is a condition in which the thigh bone does not fit well into the hip joint. As a result, your dog may show lameness or pain in the hind legs. As the dog grows, the issue may worsen, resulting in arthritis. Controlled exercise and keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help prevent hip dysplasia.
Progressive Renal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an eye disease that results from the lack of photoreceptors at the back of your dog’s eye. If left untreated, this disease can eventually cause total blindness. Keeping an eye on your pup and regular vet trips will ensure you catch this disease before it becomes fatal.
Ear Infections
Like most dogs, Pit and Lab mix puppies are an easy target for ski problems, mainly around the ears. The ear canal can get irritated by grass, dust, or grains. Parasites, infections, and allergies can also cause ear irritation, resulting in ear canal inflammation.
This inflammation results in excessive itchiness inside the ear, causing your dog to flip its ears, shake its head, and scratch using the hind paws.
Lumps and Bumps
Some Labradors develop lumps in the layers of skin and muscles covering their bodies. These might be cysts, watts, or mast cell tumors. Masts are skin cells that help dogs respond to traumatic events. However, these cells may replicate into an infectious tumor called a mass cell tumor.
These tumors differ in shape and size; most take the form of a single lump on the skin. Treatment depends on the location, size, and nature of the lump. Removing the tumors involves surgery.
Buying your Lab and Pit mix puppy from a good breeder can greatly reduce the chances of the above diseases. Reputable breeders run tests on both parents and will not breed if there are chances of passing on any conditions to the offspring.
Breed Feeding and Diet Info
Like human babies, Pit and Lab mix puppies grow quickly! They need healthy and nutritious food to fuel their growth. Having a feeding plan for the first twelve months will ensure your hairy baby gets all the nutrients it needs to grow strong. Like all other dogs, Labrabulls’ feeding needs will differ from puppyhood and adulthood into their senior years.
Labrabulls are playful and energetic. Therefore they require lots of food to maintain their energy levels. You should feed your puppy milk and other soft foods four to six times daily during the first six months. As your puppy approaches his first year, you should reduce the frequency of its meals.
An adult Labrabull should consume 1,500 to 2,000 calories or four cups of kibbles daily. Always check the package to see the amount of food you should give your Labrabull based on its weight.
Feed your full-grown black Lab Pit mix with high-quality dog food twice or thrice daily. Including oily fish in their diet will help to keep their coats shiny. These dogs can also take meat, broccoli, carrots, and bananas. You may also feed them cashew nuts and peanuts occasionally.
This breed tends to add weight if overfed. Therefore you should stick to a regular feeding pattern. Avoid leaving food out during the day and limit the number of treats.
Family Compatibility
The Lab and Pitbull mix makes a great family dog! Loving and friendly, these dogs love to be around people, getting all the attention. They do not like being left alone. This behavior can cause them separation anxiety and cause destructive behavior. Therefore you must ensure you do not leave them alone for long hours.
These dogs should always need entertainment and mental stimulation. This work requires the participation of every family member. You will be overwhelmed if you are a single person. Labrabulls love children!
They are energetic, playful, and fun which makes them great playmates. Remember, you should not leave dogs with kids without adult supervision. You should kennel or crate the dog if there is no adult to oversee the games.
To avoid accidents, teach your child never to pull the dog’s tail or ears. They should also not bother the dog when it’s eating, sleeping, or trying to take away its food. Doing so will result in aggressiveness and accidents.
If well trained, Labrabulls get along well with cats, dogs, and other family pets. This dog will bring joy and happiness to any family who adopts them.
Socializing and Training This Dog
Pit and Lab mix breed dogs are intelligent, making it easy to train them. The ease of training makes them good first dogs. You should start training your Pit and Lab mix puppies young. Training is an excellent way to bond and can be fulfilling for you and your dog.
These dogs are pleasantly intelligent and obedient. You will be impressed with the results. Labrabulls are naturally eager to learn and take training very positively. Remember to reinforce positive training by rewarding good behavior with verbal praises and treats. Avoid punishing your puppy for misbehavior, as it will result in aggressiveness.
Your dog will likely bite you during training because they feel uncomfortable or threatened. In such a case, take a break from the training to comfort your pup. Calming your dog will make it trust you and feel safe.
Socializing the Lab and red nose Pit mix is also easy. With proper training, they can easily interact with kids and other pets. Remember to start socializing your Pit and Lab mix puppy young. Introduce them to new sights, sounds, smells, places, and people when taking a walk.
The risk of biting is higher with Labrabulls compared to other dog breeds. The bites are also more severe. Also, Pitbulls are territorial and show guarding characteristics. It will help if you start socializing your pitbull at an early age.
Confident dogs are happier, safer dogs. Dogs gain confidence through exposure to situations that are likely to worry them as they grow. It is crucial to train and socialize your Labrabull puppy as often and as early as possible.
Labrabulls Exercise Needs
The Lab Pit mix breed needs a regular exercise routine. Medium and large breed dogs require an exercise time of two hours daily, so ensure you have that time before buying a Labrador. Out of the two hours, thirty minutes should be intense exercise.
Labrabulls love long walks and fresh air, making them an ideal pet for outdoorsy people. You can tag them along for a bicycle ride or a jog. You may also take it to the dog park to play with other dogs.
Games such as fetch and tug of war are great for keeping your Labrabull active and mentally stimulated. Like their Labrador parent, they also enjoy hiking and swimming. Due to their high intelligence, Labrabulls are top performers in dog sports such as flyball and agility.
These dogs have a high energy drive, which can be destructive if not well channeled. Thanks to their Labrador parent, these dogs have a high prey drive. Ensure they are on a leash each time you take them for a walk because they cannot resist chasing squirrels, rabbits, and other small animals.
Most people believe this dog breed is aggressive. Some areas have strict rules and restrictions on Labradors being out in public. Confirm if your local area has limitations before taking your hairy friend outdoors. You may also have to keep your Labrabull on a leash or have it wear a muzzle.
Remember to observe the five-minute rule with the Lab and Pit puppies—five minutes of exercising for each month. Therefore if your puppy is three months old, you should exercise it for fifteen minutes.
The Labrabull’s Grooming Needs
Grooming a lab and pit mixed dog is easy since they have low shedding coats. Brushing their fur two times a week will keep their coats smooth and shiny. You can brush your fur daily if your Labrabull has a denser coat.
Due to their short, sparse coats, Labrabulls are not well suited for extreme weather. You may have to buy a coat in winter for your dog. You should also apply sunscreen on the nose, ears, and other sensitive parts with less hair during summer.
This dog breed is susceptible to skin conditions and allergies. Dry shampoo will ensure its coat retains its natural oils. As with all other dogs, proper oral hygiene is essential. Brush your pit and lab mix dog regularly to avoid infections and bad breath. Use a dog clipper to clip its nails after every two weeks.
It is advisable to introduce this early as part of your pup’s routine; this will help familiarize them with the process as they grow. While grooming, always examine your dog’s body. Look out for any pests, bumps, or lumps.
Remember to check your furry buddy’s eyes for any discharge or redness. Examine the ears for any brown or black wax or a strange smell. If you notice any of the above, you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. You should also consider taking your furry buddy to a professional groomer once in a while for thorough cleaning.
Where Can I Find Pit and Lab Mix Puppies for Sale?
Are you on a journey to find your new Lab and Pit mix puppy? Many people do not have the time and resources to go through hundreds of breeders looking for Lab and Pit mix puppies for sale. Finding a good breeder is the first and most crucial step to finding your new Labrabull puppy.
You can get good breeders by requesting referrals from your vet or trusted friends. Some reputable breeders selling Lab and Pit mix puppies include Greenfield and Lancaster puppies.
If you are looking for a pit and lab puppy to adopt, consider buying from Petfinder or Adopt a pet. You can also check Save-A-Bull Rescue and Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption.
How Much Does A Lab and Pit Mix Cost?
You can choose to adopt or buy a Lab and Pit mix dog. The cost of Lab and Pit mix puppies ranges from $500 to $1500. Here are some factors that affect the price of this dog breed.
Are you buying a dog or a puppy? Adult dogs are cheaper than puppies. Labrabull puppies are approximately $300 more expensive than dogs.
Are you buying or adopting from a dog shelter? Most dog shelters charge less than 50$ for Labrabuls.
Breeder reputation: Reputable breeders often charge more than other unknown breeders. That’s because these breeders sell healthy, good-quality dogs.
Local demand: The breeders are likely to charge more if there’s a high demand for this dog breed in your local area.
The cost of raising a Labrabul is approximately $85 per month. This cost covers healthcare, grooming, toys, food, and other supplies. Additional or one-off costs include training, dog walking, and professional dog-keeping.
Summary
Labrabulls are loyal, fun, and intelligent dogs who are always ready for a good playing session. They interact well with kids and other pets, making them ideal for big families. Pit and Lab mix is easy to maintain, especially regarding their grooming needs. All you need to do is brush their fur once or twice a week.
Labradors enjoy outdoor activities. They are energetic and require enough space to play and exercise. That said, these dogs are not ideal for people who live in apartments. Labrabulls are intelligent, which makes them easy to train. They are also excellent watchdogs and enjoy hunting small animals.
Lab and Pit mixes get highly attached to their human masters. They are great dogs and would bring happiness to any family that chooses to buy or adopt them.