Lab Hound Mix

Lab Hound mix is a hybrid that’s not only unusual, but also lovable. The Labrador Retriever has become one of the most beloved and popular dogs in the world. It’s no surprise that many crossbreeds include the Labrador Retriever as a parent.

What is the Lab Hound Mix breed ?

Labrador hound mixes are any mix of Labrador Retriever and hound breeds. Examples of popular Labrador hound mixes include the Basset Hound Lab, Plott Hound Lab, and Blue Tick Hound Lab. All mix breed dogs inherit their genetic blueprints from both parents. A Lab hound could be any mix of a Labrador with their hound parent.

Also read about: Dachshund Bloodhound Mix

Origin of the Hound Lab Mix

Hound Lab mix may not be one of the most popular hybrid dogs in the canine world, but his popularity is growing.

The Hound Lab mix has some way to go until his history is cemented. To learn more about the Hound Lab mix, we will need to look at his parent breeds. In the late 1980s, and into the early 1990s, breeders began to mix Labrador retrievers with hounds after the Labradoodle became popular.

Parent breed Information

The Labrador Retriever

According to American Kennel Club the Labrador Retriever is currently ranked number one on the AKC list of America’s top purebreds. The Labrador Retriever was originally bred as a retrieving water dog, but is now known as the world’s most popular dog.

The American Kennel Club’s top breed is the warm, intelligent Labrador Retriever. Labs are easily recognizable by non-dog owners, and many artists and photographers have captured them in their images. They usually appear as a loyal companion waiting patiently at their owner’s feet.

The Labrador comes in three different colors. He is a popular family pet and gets along well with children, strangers and other animals. The Labrador breed is one of the most popular service dogs due to its intelligence and friendly nature.

Breeds of Hound Dog

Hounds have a long history dating back to 10,000 BC. Hounds are believed to have originated in North Africa, although remnants of the pups were found all over the world.

It’s possible that Hound dogs were used by nomads to hunt and find food as early as 5,000 years ago. Hounds have been used throughout history for many different tasks, from nose work and sight work.

Today, there are 31 different breeds of hounds. All were bred to hunt. These 31 hounds can be divided into Sight Hounds, and Scent Hounds.

Both Hound groups are able to do exactly what their names suggest – either they sniff out or track down prey on behalf of their masters.

You may be familiar with the Bloodhound and other popular Hound breeds, such as the Greyhound, Plott Hound, Afghan Hound, and Basset Hound.

Hounds have some things in common. They are all active, intelligent, and motivated to work. Those are the only traits that Hounds share.

It is difficult to pinpoint the traits of your Hound Lab Mix in this article. Let’s now break down the Hound Lab Mix dog’s personality as best we can.

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Size

The size of Lab hound mix dogs can vary widely depending on which hounds are included in the mix. Labradors can be medium sized dog breed’s to large dogs, measuring between 21.5 and 22.5 inches and weighing 55-80 pounds.

If a Labrador and a Basset Hound, which rarely exceeds 15 inches in height, are mixed, the result will be shorter and more stocky than a Lab.

Moreover, a Labrador is mixed with a large bloodhound, which can reach heights of 28 inches and weigh up to 120 pounds, you can expect an overall taller dog.

If the parent hound is a Greyhound, then you can expect a taller dog, as they are usually between 27-30 inches tall. Greyhounds have a slimmer build than Labradors, so you can expect to see the Labrador’s normally muscular body thinned out.

Temperament

It is important to note that Labrador retrievers and hounds have different temperaments.

Size doesn’t really matter in this case! The temperament of a Lab mix is determined by the DNA of his parents.

Hound Lab mixed breed dogs will fall somewhere between being highly trainable to being incredibly stubborn. However, it’s impossible to tell until the dog has grown past the puppy phase.

Both Labradors & hounds are friendly dogs who love to play. They prefer to make friends and play with animals and small people rather than to chase them. They are not good guard dogs but make great family pets.

Exercise and Training

Both the Labrador parent as well as most hounds breeds are intelligent. You’ll get great results if you use positive, consistent training methods.

No matter what hound breed you use, your puppy will require plenty of exercise. This mix won’t be content to sit around all day. The dogs need space and time to run and play.

The training will give them some exercise every day, but also a more formal form of exercise. These breeds will become bored and destructive without it! As puppies, do not over-exercise them, as it can damage their joints.

Do not over-exercise despite your dog’s high energy level. They should get only 5 minutes per month until they reach full size. According to this rule, a six month old puppy only needs 30 minutes of daily exercise.

Lifespan

Lab hound mix dogs tend to live a little shorter than purebred Lab’s. They usually only live 11-13 years.

Read about Bloodhound Boxer Mix

Health

Lab hound mix dogs, particularly the larger ones, are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It is a joint deformity that happens when large dogs grow out-of-proportion. The elbow or hip joint may not fit together properly as a result. As they age, this can lead to serious pain and mobility problems.

Labrador and Hound types dog breed’\s are prone to a number of health problems.

• Ear Infections
• Obesity
• Gastric Torsion
• Dental Disease
• Osteochondritis Dissecans
• Patellar Luxation
• Hip Dysplasia
• Lymphoma
• Mast Cell Tumors
• Osteosarcoma

Many of the health problems listed above are common among large dog breeds. These include hip dysplasia, Osteochondritis dissecans (elbow and shoulder dysplasia), as well as other issues. There are some health problems on the list above that are more prevalent in certain breeds, such as Hounds or Labradors.

Grooming

Another great way to reduce health problems or detect them early is by grooming your Hound Lab Mix. Hound Lab mixed breed’s are shedders and will most likely shed twice a year, during the shedding season.

Brush your Hound Lab Mix at least twice a week. Pay special attention to the ears of your Hound Lab Mix to prevent ear infections. Bathe your Hound Lab Mix only once every 5 to 6 weeks to maintain their healthy coat.

In addition to brushing his teeth and bathing him, you should trim his nails often in order to prevent them from breaking.

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Are Lab Hounds good for families?

Lab hound designer dog breed’s are intelligent and friendly. They are great companions and love people. They may be cautious of strangers but they want to make new friends more than they do to cause trouble.

Lab hound mix dog breeds are great with children but their energy can be overwhelming for young children and parents. Children may find them overwhelming and parents may struggle to balance caring for a young child and a Lab hound mixture.

Conclusion

The outcome of cross breeding purebred dogs is unpredictable. Many owners love their cross-breeds and enjoy years of friendship and love with them.