The Pitbull Lab Mix: Training, Grooming and Health Tips

What could be better than a mix of loving kindness and undying loyalty? The Pitbull Lab mix, also known as the Pitador and the Labrabull is just that! With all the best traits of both the Pitbull and the Labrador Retriever, this package deal includes much more than just a cute face.

Like all dogs, the best thing you can do before adopting is to learn as much as you can about both breeds. The more prepared you are, the better you can take care of your new family member. Happy dogs are the best dogs!.

We’ll take a moment to learn the basics of this amazing hybrid as well as some information about the two parent breeds. let’s start.

Parent Breeds

As mentioned earlier, the Pit Bull Lab mix is ​​a cross between an American Pit Bull and a Labrador Retriever. Both of these purebreds are excellent dogs, but they also have many characteristics that differ from each other.

Because of this, this combination combines features of both to create a unique look and personality. Some other names for Pitbull Lab mixes include Pitador and Labrabull. In our case, we’ll call them Labradors.

This medium-sized puppy is energetic, intelligent, and affectionate as well as fiercely loyal and bold. To get a better idea of ​​what your Labrabull might look like, we’ll take a closer look at the two breeds that make it possible.

American Pitbull Terrier

The American Bulldog (APBT) is a direct descendant of the English Bulldog and appears to have originated in England. In the 19th century, pitbulls were most commonly used in air battles. The Pitbull is not a single type of dog. In fact, it is used to refer to several dog breeds including bulldogs and terriers. These include the American Bulldog, the American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bully and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Perhaps its origins have given the pit bull its bad name today, but the truth is that the breed is very loyal and protective. Later in history, they were used as farm guard dogs and large hunting dogs. These puppies are very strong and muscular, which is why they are reliable guardians and protectors. Although they tend to have a more dominant attitude, they respond very well to proper training and take orders positively.

You may have heard pit bulls referred to as “nanny dogs”. This is because they excel around children. Although strong, courageous and brave, they are very gentle with young children and create a feeling of protection around them.

The exact appearance and coat color of Pitbulls vary widely, as they are often mixed with other dogs while retaining their “pitbull” title. Even dogs unrelated to the Pit Bull breed are often mislabeled as a Pit Bull. Pitbulls are popular for many mixed parent breeds, mainly because of their numbers and how often they accidentally mate with other dogs.

Pitbulls are usually only 17 to 19 inches tall, but because of their muscular build, they can weigh 30 to 85 pounds. They come in different colors like red, blue, brown, grey, black and white. Although they come in a variety of colors, they require little grooming. Their coats are short and low maintenance.

Labrador Retrievers

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in America. If you’ve ever interacted with this happy-faced puppy, you can understand why. Labrador Retrievers are not only super friendly companions, but also intelligent working dogs. Labradors are also a popular mix and they are often more intentionally paired with other purebreds because they are friendly and even grumpy.

Friendliness is the laboratory’s most famous characteristic. When you combine that with their intelligence, you get a very useful breed. Labs not only make great family pets, but are often trained as service dogs, emotional support animals, competition dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Because of their hot temper, they are often chosen as the other half of various mixed breeds, such as the Borador and the Mastador.

This breed is 21 to 25 inches tall and weighs 55 to 70 pounds. Although their double coat is easy to manage, these pups shed a lot. Their yellow, chocolate and black colors make them versatile. Their double coat keeps them warm and dry for all kinds of outdoor activities.

As with many breeds, the “introductory line” and “working line” have looked quite different. Overall, Show Labs tend to be smaller, stronger bodies, and fuller faces. They are also a bit calmer than their peers. A Labs are very active and athletic, so they need plenty of recreational activities and exercise. Don’t be fooled by their natural friendliness; A boring, lonely, and depressed lab can quickly become destructive and disobedient.

Pitador Overview

Pitbull Lab mixes will often inherit hybrid characteristics between the two parent breeds. Most Labrabull owners will vouch that their pup is an extremely loyal dog who has inherited the dedication and devotion of the APBT. They also often say that their pup has the friendliness of a Labrador and a more laid-back attitude toward other dogs. This combination tends to form a very strong bond with its owner and family. Their outgoing nature gives them the freedom to learn, grow and play in a home environment. They love attention, and lots of compliments will get you far.

However, because Matadors have a strong ability to bond and they love attention, they don’t do well in busy households that are often out and about. They don’t like being alone and need constant company. While Labrabulls don’t always get along perfectly with other dogs, they are generally more social than purebred APBTs.

Despite their notoriety due to their years in the dog fighting business, pitbulls are actually pretty even-tempered. Their aggressiveness issues come purely from bad owners, not bad breeds.

Because of these facts, and the added trait of the Labrador’s friendly nature, your Pit Bull’s temperament is likely to be very peaceful and loving. However, your training will determine your dog’s ability to be kind and gentle. Let’s take a closer look at this breed and see if it’s right for your family.

Temperament

You can expect Pitbull Lab mixes to be friendly and caring towards people. When socializing, they’re likely to get along with everyone they meet. In general, these dogs get along well with people and other pets. Their prey drive can sometimes be relatively high, so they can have a hard time getting along with cats and other small animals.

However, early introduction prevents this from happening. If you teach them that cats are not predators, they won’t treat them that way. They are usually smart and well-liked by everyone. Easy to train, the Pitbull Labrador Retriever mix will usually do what you want them to do with ease.

The most important behavioral issue with Pitadors is that they can be aggressive. Without proper exercise, their excitability can lead them to inadvertently injure others. They do best in an active home that tires them out, or in a large fenced back yard where they can run out.

Size & Appearance

After learning about Pitbulls and Labrador Retrievers, you can gain insight into the personality and physical traits of this beautiful and strong mix. Let’s learn about Labrabull.

Pitbull Lab mixes are very strong and strong. When you combine the athleticism of a Labrador with the muscular frame of a Pitbull, you end up with an animal that is agile, tough and energetic.

Like all mixed breeds, it can be difficult to determine the exact physical characteristics of a Pitbull Lab mix. You can expect your mixed race to be between 17 and 25 inches tall. While Labradors are taller, Pitbulls are slightly shorter, so you never know which genes will take precedence. Likewise, your Labrabull will likely weigh between 45 and 90 lbs.

The best way to get a better idea of ​​your Labrabull’s adult size is to take a close look at your parents’ measurements.

Most Pitbull Lab mixes have wider heads than Labs, but smaller than Pit’s. They tend to have long muzzles and long, pointy ears. Both Labradors and Pitbulls have short coats, so Labradors will follow suit in a variety of colors.

Coat & Colors

Pitador can be almost any color of the parent breed. For Pitbull and Labs, this opens up nearly every color in the varietal spectrum minus merle. You can see the black Labrabull being the most common, followed by yellow, shades of red and of course some white coats of varying length or texture.

Most of the time, Pitadors will have short to medium hair. If they took more care of their lab parents, they would probably have the same average length coat. If they take more care of their pitbull parents, they are more likely to have shorter coats. Either way, the Pitador should not be brushing more than once a week, as we’ll cover in the next section.

Grooming

Pitbull Lab mixes are low maintenance puppies in terms of grooming. Their short coat sheds very little, but brushing once a week will keep their coat shiny and smooth. If your Labrabull has a thicker coat due to its Lab background, daily brushing may be more effective.

Labrabulls have sensitive skin, so they are prone to allergies and other skin conditions. Dry shampoo for dogs can help preserve their natural oils between bath days. Pitador dogs are also sometimes known to have sensitive skin, so it may be a good idea to pre-bathe them with a shampoo made for sensitive skin. In addition, these mixes require the same, if not less, maintenance than the average puppy.

Exercise & Living Conditions

Sport and muscle are two clear signs that Labrabull needs a lot of exercise. Since both its parents are active breeds, the Pitador requires a large yard. They also need active interactions with people and other dogs, as well as plenty of playtime.

It is never good for a dog to have pent-up energy with no way of releasing it. Busy people who don’t have the space or time to walk their pet should consider a less active breed than the Labrabull. Otherwise, neither of you will be happy, and your personal belongings and home will certainly suffer—your dog will, too.

Pitadors also love to chew, so chew toys will need to be provided. All your other toys should be hard, durable, and chewable. These dogs love to grab but tend to destroy their balls.

Training

Consider yourself lucky when it comes to training your Pitbull Lab mix. Pitbulls and Labradors are both very intelligent and highly trainable animals that work very well with positive reinforcement. Therefore, the Pit Lab mix is ​​equally beneficial for training.

As with all breeds, you should start training your Labrabull puppy as soon as you receive them. This combination is well directed and they are happy to please their owners.

To avoid aggression problems later in life, it is important not to use harsh punishments in training sessions. When you get angry or frustrated during training with this breed, it can lead to trust issues. Your dog will not show signs of being distracted by fear, which could lead to future aggressive behavior and biting.

If you’re going to be cage training, make sure to buy the right size crib and start small so your new furry friend will get used to the crib early and often, reducing stress. will have to live with it.

Health

Although mixed breeds are less likely to deal with genetic problems than purebreds, they are still at risk of health problems from either parent. To accurately assess the health risks of Labrabulls, you must consider their parents.

Labradors are known to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, which can lead to significant pain and immobility. They are also at high risk for gastric dilatation, which can be very dangerous, even life-threatening. Other health risks Labs are prone to eye disease, blindness, and exercise-induced collapse.

Pitbulls are generally quite healthy animals. However, because they have such a short coat, they are more likely to experience skin problems and allergens like demodectic scabies than other dogs. Other possible problems with Pits are hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia.

The above issues are all things to watch out for with your mixed breed. It can be very helpful to have an accurate record of the health of your puppy’s parents. You should also check your dog for these issues.

OCD

It’s probably not the OCD you think of. OCD is an acronym for Osteochondritis Dissecans when used in reference to dogs. The disorder is characterized by a blockage of bone growth during fetal development. Typically, growing dogs develop cartilage, which then turns into bone.

However, sometimes the process can get a little messy. This causes an abnormally thick piece of cartilage to appear where the bone should be. Large breeds, including retrievers and pit bulls, are prone to this condition. Therefore, this mixed race can develop this condition. However, environmental factors play an important role in the development of this disease.

Swell.

Gas, also known as gastric distention and intestinal twisting (GDV), is a common condition in large dogs with deep chests. In this condition, the stomach twists and becomes bloated. Veterinarians aren’t sure why this happens, but it seems to be related to heavy physical activity followed by heavy meals.

On the surface, flatulence may not seem like a serious problem. However, this is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention. When the stomach fills with gas, it begins to swell. This can strain the stomach, cut off blood flow, and even disrupt breathing. Symptoms include irritability, panting, drooling, and a mildly swollen abdomen. That’s what you’re looking for in a Pitbull Lab mix.

Nutrition

Labrabulls are fast growing puppies that need a lot of fuel and nutrition to grow properly. As a puppy, it is important to have a well-planned feeding schedule that provides all the ingredients needed to maintain muscle growth.

Since Pit Bull Labrador Retriever mixes are very active, strong and athletic, they need at least three cups of food per day. These foods give them the fuel they need to match their energy levels. However, since Labs are prone to obesity, it is important that you do not overfeed your mix in order to maintain a healthy weight.

Since Labrador Retrievers and Pitbulls usually weigh about the same, you can usually use any dog ​​food that is suitable for Pitbulls or any food specially formulated for Labradors. Chances are, you can use them interchangeably, depending on the parent breed they are after.

Puppy Prices

Pitbull Lab mixed puppy prices can vary greatly depending on the direction you decide to go for and adopt your puppy. If you are adopting directly from a breeder, it will cost you about $800 or more if the Labrador parents are paper. Bulldogs are not labeled as they are not officially recognized by the AKC. Instead, they call them American Staffordshire Terriers, which fall under the “Pit Bull Type” classification, but are not actually true American Pit Bulls.

Rescues vs. Breeders

As mentioned earlier, it will end up costing you a lot more to the breeder than finding your Pit Bull Labrador Retriever mix in a rescue. Because both Pitbulls and Labradors are so popular, it’s not uncommon to find a well-balanced Pitbull Lab mix in rescues. Often, if you go to the rescue, you can bring home a Labrador forever for well under $500. You won’t have the same experience with a breeder.

That being said, this is not to dissuade you from buying a Pitador puppy. Some people prefer to have a puppy and start raising them at 8 weeks of age so as not to inherit any bad habits that a rescue puppy might have. Rescue saves lives and saves money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Pitbull Lab mix live?

Pitbulls typically live 10 to 15 years, while Labradors live an average of 10 to 12 years. You can expect your Pitbull Lab mix to last for the same amount of time: anywhere from 10 to 15 years.

How much does a Pitbull Lab mix cost?.

Pitbull Lab mixes can fetch around $800 or more from breeders. However, you should not register with your local shelter as they tend to be more of a mixed breed than a purebred.

Is the Pitbull Lab Mix aggressive?.

Due to the pit bull’s bad reputation, one might think that, contrary to what one might think, Labradors are not naturally aggressive. In fact, they are a playful, calm and loyal breed.

When does the Pitbull Lab mix stop growing?.

Like most breeds, the Pitbull Lab mix will stop growing by the age of three. Their mental maturity is at the same age and around this time they also become a little less active.

Does the Pitbull Lab have a good dog mix?.

Yes, the Pit Bull Labrador Retriever mix is ​​great for families. Usually, if a pit bull doesn’t exercise with the family, it’s because they’re not trained and socialized.

Is the Pitbull Lab a good combination with other dogs and children?.

In general, yes. They are generally good with children if socialized early, other dogs can be a challenge for males. Chances are your Labrador will get along well with children and other dogs if they are properly trained from the start.

How big is the Pitbull Lab portfolio?.

Typically, a Pitador weighs between 40 and 80 pounds. It can vary greatly depending on the size of each parent. However, they rarely exceed 80 pounds, unless the Labrador has larger parents.

Final Thoughts

In today’s society, the name Pitbull tends to raise a few eyebrows along with questions of safety. However, several myths concerning their levels of aggression and tendency towards biting and harming people have been debunked. The truth of the matter is that with the Pitbull Lab mix, you have an excellent mixed breed.

Pitador qualities of loyalty, courage, intelligence, friendliness, and love shine through this adorable animal every day. Great around small children, adults, and other dogs, a Pitbull Labrador Retriever Mix may be the perfect choice for you. Just remember that it is extremely important that you train them without aggression and give them plenty of time to release their high levels of energy!