The Ultimate Guide to the Pit Bull Lab Mix

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Would you like to have an American Pit Bull Terrier but are worried that it may not fit you so well, especially if you are a novice pet parent? Why not settle with a breed that comes with almost similar traits as a Pit Bull but is generally more friendly, like the Labrador retriever? Or if you are torn between these two, just get their offspring, the Pit Bull Lab Mix also known as the Labrabull.

History

The Labrabull’s date and country of origin are still unknown but it is possible the first ones came from the United States. In the first place, many American owners have a special preference for crossbreeds. In fact, there are many organizations for mixed breeds that can be found in the U.S.

The American Kennel Club, for instance, only recognizes purebreds but has launched a program for mixed breeds so they will benefit the way purebreds do. The Labrabulls are among the most popular crosses of Pit Bulls and it does not come as a surprise, given that its parents are also on the list of the most loved breeds.

Recognitions

Major dog clubs do not recognize the Pit Bull Lab, but it is eligible for registration at the Dog Registry of America. Mixed breed organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Designer Breed Registry also acknowledge this crossbreed.

Appearance

This mid-size dog grows anywhere from 45 to 60 pounds. It does not grow as heavy as a purebred Lab or Pit Bull that can weigh up to 80 pounds when full-grown. Their average height is 20-22 inches, closer to the average height of Labs than Pit Bulls.

This mix may have the white facial mark that is often found in Pit Bulls. The white stripe would start from the head and spread down to the muzzle. Many of them have the same eyes as their Pit Bull parents, which are almond or round in shape.

Pit Bull Lab mixes usually come in either solid black or chocolate colored coats. Labradors have a very limited number of coat colors. The main colors of Labs are only black, chocolate, and yellow while Pit Bulls may come in all color combinations except for yellow. They all have a short coat just like the Pit Bulls and the Labs.

When it comes to the type of coat, there is a possibility that it will have a double coat just like the Labrador retrievers. It has a high shedding level so it may not be ideal for people with hypersensitivity to pet dander. Although it may have a short coat, it does not mean it is hypoallergenic or not prone to shedding.

Personality

The Labrabull can be both a good guard dog and a family pet. Do note that just because it has Pit Bull genes it does not mean it will automatically become aggressive. If raised properly, your dog will be just as affectionate and as loving as other breeds of dogs like its Lab parent. Many experts believe it is actually the owner’s fault if a Pit Bull turns out very aggressive.

Unfortunately, many Pit Bulls these days are selected and bred for their fighting ability. Their fighting skills are natural to them as descendants of the English-bull baiting dog. This dog was known for biting and holding bulls, bears, and even larger animals.

At the end of the day, dogs should not be stereotyped because they are still individuals. Just because many Pit Bulls developed a bad rep for being aggressive, it does not mean all Pits will be the same.

If you got your pet from an animal shelter or a rescue organization, it could benefit from obedience training, especially if it never had any level of training before. It could even serve as a refresher for dogs that already went to obedience training before only to end up in dog shelters later in life.

As a crossbreed that can easily follow commands, this dog will be a good one to train. It is also focused and patient, making it an ideal candidate as a watchdog. Just consider positive reinforcements when training your pup so it will develop a good behavior as it grows up.

The only drawback about the Pit Bull Lab is it is not as independent as people thought them to be. In spite of its fierce look, it has the tendency to be clingy and may be afraid to be separated from its owners. The best way to prevent separation anxiety is to get your dog used to other people and places at an early age.

Rather than putting emphasis on the negative traits of the dog, focus on its many positive traits. With a Labrabull, you can always go home with a buddy always looking forward to being with you. When raised accordingly, American Pit Bull Terriers will grow up as friendly dogs with a playful temperament.

Grooming

This dog is a low-maintenance dog because it has a short coat that only sheds in minimal amounts. Simply brush the coat with a bristle brush once a week to remove the dead hair.

Bathing is not required often, but should you need to wash your dog because he got himself dirty, consider washing him with lukewarm water. Because this crossbreed is prone to skin allergies, use a gentle cleansing dog shampoo.

Exercise Needs

With a highly energetic dog like the Labrabull, you will need to dedicate an hour per day for outdoor walks. If the weather does not permit this, consider playing in a large yard games like fetch and tug of war. The active nature of the Pit Bull Lab mix is ideal for pet parents with an active lifestyle and those who don’t mind having a pet that is always up for adventures.

If you are a first time pet parent, a highly active dog like the Labrabull may not be recommended for you. It involves extra work and you will need a secured fence in your home. This dog likes running around freely and you need to secure your fence so your pet will not be able to escape easily. Having this kind of crossbreed will work for you if you have someone else who will guide you in raising the dog, preferably someone who knows by heart the traits of both the Lab and Pit Bull.

Feeding

As a sporting breed, the Pit Bull Lab mix needs a great amount of protein and fat in its diet. In fact, if you intend to feed your pet only commercially prepared food, many vets would say it’s okay to feed these dogs food that contains above-average amounts of protein.

Dog food may come in different types. It can be dry, wet, dehydrated, raw, or homemade. If you are a busy pet parent, your top option could be wet or dry dog food. These meal types are ready to eat and already offer a complete diet.

If you have the time to prepare it, homemade dog food may be the best option for you. The best thing about preparing it yourself is that you can be sure that all ingredients are fresh and the food is free from preservatives that can harm your fur baby.

Otherwise, you may work with a nutritionist veterinarian if you want to introduce human foods into your pet’s usual diet. Canines naturally thrive from animal-based proteins like beef, chicken, and venison. They may also eat veggies and fruits in moderate amounts and if you wish to add these healthy treats into your pet’s diet, better offer them gradually.

Many pet parents switch from commercially prepared food to a frozen raw diet because it has a number of health benefits. According to the followers of raw food diets in dogs, it reduced signs of diseases like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

The only drawback about raw dog food is that it does not last longer compared to dry, wet, or dehydrated pet food. You have to ensure its freshness before serving it to your pet or else he will fall sick from eating the raw food. It is also not ideal if you and your pet often travel.

If you have a Pit Bull Lab puppy, consider giving your pet four meals per day. The amount should not be more than one and a half cups of food per meal. As your pet grows older, you may reduce the number of meals from four to only two feedings per day.

Regardless of the dog’s breed, it is important to keep an eye on the amount of carbohydrates you are serving your pet. Canines only require a low-carb diet because they are not very capable of digesting carbohydrate sources like grains and sugars found in beans.

Stick to grain-free dog food as much as possible as it will be easier to digest compared to those formulated with grains. If your pet has allergies, watch out for common sources of hypersensitivity like wheat and dairy.

Regardless of what you choose to feed your buddy, always make sure that it will support his growing needs. Dogs are very capable of digesting a wide range of food but do note that some human foods are not safe for them. There are a few items you need to avoid sharing with your dog, including sugary treats, chocolates, macadamia, onion, ginger, and grapes as well as raisins.

There are fruits that dogs are allowed to eat but better be careful when sharing these with your pet. Apples and peaches are fine for dogs but you have to remove the seeds first as these can cause intestinal blockages if accidentally swallowed by your pet. When it comes to watermelon, better take away the rind first.

Health

The Labrabull is a fairly healthy breed with a lifespan of 10-14 years, but just like any other dog, it could suffer from certain hereditary conditions like the following:

  • Hip dysplasia – breeding a Labrador carrying hip dysplasia with a Pit Bull carrying the disorder will eventually produce an offspring that is more susceptible to the condition. Hip dysplasia refers to the malformation of the hip connecting the ball and socket joints. The symptoms are crippling lameness and reluctance to move around. Although Pit Bull Lab mixes are highly energetic dogs, make sure their exercises do not cause much pressure in their joints.
  • Bloating – a common problem among Labradors, it is a condition wherein the stomach becomes twisted due to overstretching. The exact cause of bloating is still unknown but it can be triggered by overfeeding and eating immediately after physical activity. The Pit Bull Lab could inherit the Lab’s passion for food, which often becomes a problem. Labradors tend to eat almost anything they see and that often results in obesity.
  • Skin allergies – are among the minor concerns often seen in this breed and the signs may start appearing at six months of age. The good news is that a skin allergy can be easily spotted, treated, and even avoided. Itchiness is the leading symptom of skin allergies. It should be addressed so it does not turn to hair loss and further skin damage. The first thing to do is determine the possible culprit, if it is from the environment or from the food your dog eats. This way, you can eliminate it or avoid the allergen in the future.

Conclusion

The Pit Bull Lab mix is an active and strong breed with a good balance of the Pit Bull and the Lab’s traits. When raised well, this dog will be a fun-loving and affectionate buddy that will be a perfect addition to any family. If you are interested in this crossbreed, work with a reliable breeder who will be willing to work with you to raise this dog accordingly.

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