best dog food for pitbull lab mix

Pitbull Lab Mix

Pitbull Lab mix dogs are an energetic, loyal and active hybrid designer dog, with one American Pitbull Terrier parent and one Labrador parent. Known as the Bullador, Labrabull or Pitador, their ancestors were cooperative hunting partners, service animals, hard working guardians and even fighting dogs. Pitbull Lab mixes are smart, alert dogs that make great companions and faithful, protective watchdogs. These high shedding, short coated medium sized pups weighing around 70lbs when full grown. Pitbull Lab mix puppies are unlikely to be aggressive when well socialized, positively trained and exercised.

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Protective yet friendly, the Pitbull Lab mix has a range of reputations to live up to. Well dig into the myths around Pitbull mix aggression, and look at whether this traditional nanny dog really is good with kids or strangers.

A Varied History

The American Pitbull can trace its ancestry back to Britain. Their breeders combined Old English Terriers with Old English Bulldogs. These breeds were used in bloodsports until the practice was banned. Sadly, the stigma attached to being used as fighting dogs has stuck with Pitbull-type breeds through the years.

Labrador Retrievers were originally bred as hunting dogs. Consistently ranked as Americas most popular dog breed, they are popular family pets. They are also commonly used as therapy dogs, in search and rescue missions and as seeing eye dogs for the blind. When you make a Pitbull and Lab mix, any of the qualities of the parent breeds can be passed on, in any combination.

Growing controversy over American Pitbulls in recent years has led to a lot of misinformation about the breed. Pitbulls are banned in several countries because of their reputation as a fighting dog. A big concern is that when Pitbulls bite, they dont let go. And its a reasonable worry. However, if properly bred, socialized and trained, these are wonderful dogs with a warm, loving and affectionate temperament.

What Do They Look Like?

When buying a cross-breed there are no guarantees. Puppies can resemble either parent, or a combination of both. There can even be big differences within the same litter. But, Labrador and Pitbull breeds do have some similarities that are likely to appear in your Pitador puppy.

Pitbull Lab Mix Size

Both have medium-sized, athletic frames. Pitbulls are quite muscular, with wide chests and broad, flat heads. But, Labs are taller, with a slimmer shape and a longer nose. So, Labrabulls will range from 50 to 90 pounds.

Labrabull Coats and Colors

They have a short and silky coat and come in a variety of colors.

Coat colors include brindle, brown, black and white and tan. You may also find a black Lab and Pitbull mix or a chocolate Lab Pitbull mix. Another popular variety is the yellow Lab Pitbull mix.

A dogs coat can change with age. For example, your glossy black Lab Pitbull mix puppy will likely get some gray around his muzzle and eyes as he gets older.

Grooming and Shedding

Thanks to its parents short-haired genes, the Labrador Pitbull mix is fairly low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

His smooth, dense coat doesnt require much attention so you can relax. Just bathe when necessary and brush as needed. But, during shedding season you might find you are grooming a lot.

Labradors are very high shedding dogs, and as such your puppy could be too. Make sure to get him used to being groomed regularly. This will make your job easier when he starts to molt!

Pitbull Lab Mix Temperament

Both Labradors and Pitbulls are clever and loyal dogs. So you can expect your Pitbull Lab mix to be the same. Many Pitbull advocates praise their intelligence, willingness to learn and love for their families.

Labrador Retrievers are known as excellent family pets. They are friendly and outgoing and play well with other dogs. So, a Pitbull and Lab mix is likely to be a people-pleaser when it comes to his family. This super-smart mutt will do anything for praise and attention.

But, they will need company for much of the day, due to their strong bonds. They are therefore not an ideal pet for anyone who works away from home. Or who cannot bring their dog along with them during the day.

Intelligent dogs can become bored and destructive if left to their own devices too often. This can also result in barking.

Are They Aggressive?

A genuine concern about Pitbulls is their bite reflex. Compared with bites from other dogs, the damage that they can do is much more severe. In a study of over 200 bites over a period of 15 years at one trauma center, 30 injuries were by Pitbulls. The level of injury caused by them was far greater.

If you are bitten by a Pitbull you are more likely to have a worse injury, and more likely to die from it. Its a chilling fact, but we can put another spin on it.

Biting Risks

The American Temperament Test Society runs a temperament test to evaluate breed behavior. According to its 2016 results, the American Pitbull passed the test with a 87.4 percent pass rate. So, this makes it more even-tempered than Cocker Spaniels and Beagles!

Many anti-Pitbull advocates point to the Center for Disease Controls claim that Pitbulls are within the top three biting breeds, behind Chihuahuas and Bulldogs. However, the CDC itself admits that these numbers are culled from media headlines that could potentially misidentify the breed.

A more recent study by Dr. James Serpell at the University of Pennsylvania ran different breeds through a series of tests and found that the top three most aggressive were Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Jack Russell Terriers.

Cautions For Pitbull Owners

Pitbulls might not be the most likely dog to bite you. But if they do, it is much more likely to lead to severe injury or death. This doesnt necessarily mean you shouldnt own a Pitbull. But you need to throw yourself into socialization and definitely meet the Pitbull parent to assess their temperament.

Although genetics play a role in aggression, a dogs upbringing can have an impact, too. Being a responsible owner means giving your dog the tools to curb his anxiety. This involves training, socialization, and lots of praise and support.

Pitbull Lab Mix Training

Training your Lab Pit mix is a very rewarding experience for both dogs and owners. Given its extremely intelligent parentage, this hybrid responds very well to instructions and can master the basics in no time. Both Pitbull and Lab breeds work best with positive reinforcement. They love to please their owners and are extremely willing.

Using punishment to train your puppy is not advised. This can destroy the trust between dog and owner. In addition, it can lead to problems in the future with aggression. Punishing a dog causes them to hide the warning signals that they are unhappy.

This makes biting more likely in future, because they dont know how to tell you they are uncomfortable in a situation. Use reward-based methods and train together every day to build an even stronger bond between you.

Your Labrabull will definitely need regular exercise. As it will be on the larger side and quite active. An hours worth of exercise per day is recommended, as well as play time in a fenced-in yard.

Importance Of Socialization

While Pitbulls have a bad reputation that is not entirely fair, there is some truth to it.

The risks of biting is higher than with some breeds, the severity of bites is far worse. Plus, Pitties can be territorial and display some guarding characteristics. So, when you buy a puppy with a Pit parent, you need to commit to socialization as a number one priority.

A confident dog is a safer, happier dog. And dogs become confident through early exposure to the situations which have potential to worry them as adults. It is very important to socialize a Pitbull Lab mix puppy as early and often as possible.

Health And Care

Both Labradors and Pitbulls are generally healthy dogs. But there are some serious genetic health conditions that your puppy could inherit. So health screening of both parents is essential.

The breeder should provide you with evidence of good hip and elbow scores for both the Labrador and Pitbull parent. They should also show you an eye test for each of them, carried out less than a year ago. And a clear DNA test for PRA blindness.

The Labrador parent should have no family history of exercise-induced collapse or cruciate ligament problems. The Pitbull parent should have no history of skin problems. Do not go to a breeder who is unwilling to provide evidence of the parent dogs health.

How Long Do Pitbull Lab Mix Dogs Live?

Labradors live on average 12.5 years. Pitbull lifespan is around the same. This is, therefore, a fair guess for your puppys life expectancy. This is about the average lifespan for medium-sized to large breeds.

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You need to feed your Bullador a well-balanced diet to ensure he gets all the nutrients he needs. Especially because these dogs require so much exercise! On top of this, make sure you regularly check your Labrador Pitbull mixs teeth and ears.

Are Pitbull Lab Mix Dogs Good With Kids?

Although Pitbull dogs are often great with the kids in their families, the nature of their bite and severity of the injuries they cause is something you need to seriously consider before you bring one into a home with children.

Never leave a Pit mix alone and unsupervised with kids, and make sure that they treat him with respect.Well-bred, well-socialized Labrador and Pitbull mixes are a breed that give as much as they get. Putting lots of love, time and attention into your dog when its a puppy will reap rich rewards in the future.

Shelter Dogs

Adopting dogs is always a risk, as you wont know their parentage or health history. But giving a rescue Pitbull Lab mix can be very rewarding. For both pup and owner. Check with your local shelters to see if they have any mixed breeds.

Pitbull Lab Mix Puppies

Being a hybrid, Labrador Pitbull mix puppies can vary. Some may inherit more Lab genes, others will favor Pitbulls. The only way to know what you are getting is to meet your puppy first, and talk to the breeder.

Most breeders charge around $400 for a Labrabull puppy. But, there may be additional costs for health check-ups and official documentation.

From day one make sure you have visitors to the house at least four times a week. Make sure there is a range of adults and children, and that each new person gives the puppy praise and treats upon arrival.

Take your pup to every type of location you think you might visit together. And make sure lots of people say hello to her. Again, if possible, they can give her treats to reward her and help build a positive association.

Supervised interaction with other dogs will teach your dog how to play properly, and respect his furry friends. Organised play dates or behaviorial classes can help your puppy learn to be a calm and happy part of a pack.

Pitbull Lab Mix: All You Need to Know about Lab Pit Crossbreed

Last Updated on April 23, 2023

The Pitbull Lab Mix is a cross between the loving and amiable Labrador Retriever and the loyal American Pit Bull Terrier, also known as Labrabull, Bullador, and Pitador.

Its a medium-to-large-sized dog, measuring 17 to 25 inches (43 to 64 cm) tall and weighing around 45 to 90 pounds (20 to 41 kg). The average lifespan of the Labrabull is around 10 to 14 years.

Lab Pit mixes are excellent family pets. They are loyal, affectionate, and protective dogs, especially when it comes to kids. They can also be a good watchdog for your home as they will bark to alert you if you have guests or strangers around your place.

If youre planning to own a Pitbull Lab puppy, you can get it between $300 to $700 from an ethical breeder.

Read on to discover all you need to need to know about this lovable mixed breed.

The Pit Bull Lab Mix at a Glance

Weve put together a table below to give you a quick overview of the Pit Lab crossbreed.

Breed Summary	Quick Facts
Breed Purpose	Companion Dog, Watchdog
Breed Size	Medium-to-Large
Height	17 to 25 inches (43 to 64 cm)
Weight	45 to 90 lbs (20 to 41 kg)
Coat Type	Short, sparse coat
Shedding	Moderate
Most Popular Coat Colors	Black, white, chocolate, golden, and cream
Lifespan	10 to 14 years
Temperament	Affectionate, Loyal, Friendly, Protective
Energy	High
Exercise Needs	1 to 1.5 hrs per day
Average Price	$300 to $700

Origins of the Pit Lab Mix

The Labrabull was originally bred to combine the most desirable traits and characteristics of the American Pitbull Terrier and Labrador Retriever into one dog. Lets learn a few details about these two parent breeds before getting into the nitty-gritty of having a Pitbull Lab cross.

Labrador Retrievers as Hunting Dogs

Labrador(Labs) are one of the most commonly popular breeds in the US, and even in the UK. Their ancestors were initially from Canada, where they were bred in the 18th century as trusted and reliable helpers for fishermen.

Labs were originally bred as hunting dogs, but theyre ideal family pets. They are known today as loyal, intelligent, friendly, and eager to please. They get along well with people of various age groups as well as other animals.

American Pit Bull Terriers used in Dogfighting

We can trace back the origin of the American Pit Bull Terrier from the lineage of the English Pitbull Terrier, who was bred in the 19th century. They have a history of being used in extreme sports such as dogfighting.

The tenacious and strong Pit Bull Terriers were bred along with larger canines. They had a history of being farm guard dogs who were also tasked with aiding in hunting massive game.

Sadly, these lovable purebreds have retained a reputation for having a naturally aggressive temperament up to this day.

However, Pit Bulls are very loyal and protective, so you can always trust them around kids. They tend to be dominant pets, but they can respond well to the training done the right way.

What Does a Pitbull Lab Mix Look Like?

The Pit Bull Lab mix has a strong, muscular built and an energetic and agile demeanor. It can have the characteristics of either a parent breed or a mixture of both.

Its head is broader than that of a Labrador Retriever but is much smaller in width than a Pitbulls. These crossbreeds have a longer muzzle and have long pointed ears like the Labrador.

The Labrador Pitbull mix, just like its parents, has a short-haired coat. These dogs have colorful coats that have different variations in color, from black, white, and chocolate to golden, spotted, brindle and cream.

How big will a Lab Pitbull mix get?

On average, a full-grown, adult Lab-Pit mix ranges from 17 inches to 25 inches (43 to 64 cm) in height and weighs between 45 lbs to 90 lbs (20 to 41 kg).

What is the Temperament of a Lab Pitbull Mix?

Generally, these lovable canines are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and energetic. They are very friendly and can be trusted, especially when it comes to kids, and will get along well with other animals.

This is an adorable video of an adopted two-year-old Lab-Pitbull mix named Lily. Lily enjoys the outdoors and loves to play, typical of the breeds characteristics.

It is natural for a Pitbull and Lab crossbreed to crave attention from his family. He loves being in the center of things and getting all the love and praise.

Contrary to popular belief, Pitbull Labrador mix dogs are not naturally aggressive. They love to play and explore the outdoors. They are generally a calm and fun-loving breed.

Does the Lab Pit mix bark often?

The Labrabull will rarely cause a commotion since it is one of the most well-behaved dogs around, but it will bark to alert you if you have guests or strangers lurking around your place.

This crossbreed is an ideal watchdog for your home.

The Pit Lab Mixs Exercise Requirements

A Lab-Pitbull mix should have a regular exercise regimen. These high-energy dogs need lots of playtimeand they must have daily walks to keep them physically fit.

A Pitbull Labrador mix should be getting 1 to 1.5 hoursper day.

This crossbreed needs fresh air, so it is a perfect pet for outdoorsy people.

Take these dogs along for a bicycle ride or jog and play to tire them out. Things like going to the dog park 2 times a day and playing fetch and tug-of-war are a must for this breed.

This dog has plenty of energy that can get destructive if not channeled correctly.

Just make sure you use a leash if you plan to take your Lab-Pit mix on a walk. Due to their Labrador parentage, this crossbreed has a high prey drive.

It wont be able to resist chasing squirrels and other small animals, and you definitely want to spend the day chasing down your dog.

The Pitbull Labrador mix is not the dog for you if you are planning to stay out for long periods frequently. These dogs will not be very pleased when they are left alone, and they wont hesitate in making their displeasure evident.

How Do You Train a Lab Pit Mix?

Training should begin at a young age for Lab-Pitbull puppies. It can prove to be an enriching experience for both dogs and owners.

These dogs are incredibly smart and obedient, and you will be pleased with the results.

Pitbull Lab mixes are naturally eager to learn, so they take well to training.

These crossbreeds respond best to positive reinforcement. This involves reward and praise for good behavior, but never a punishment for bad behavior.

Keep in mind that punishment can lead to aggressive behavior in the future.

Biting is more likely under these circumstances because they feel threatened and are unsure of how to express their discomfort.

What Potential Health Issues Will a Pit Lab Mix Inherit?

Labrabulls are more at risk to inherit joint problems from their parent breeds, considering that larger dogs are generally more affected with hip dysplasia.

Moreover, epilepsy and hypothyroidism may be likely issues for your pup. You should discuss heart, eye, and ear issues in your dog with the breeder.

Purchasing from a reputable and certified breeder reduces the chances of owning a dog with unexpected health problems.Parents of Labrabulls should undergo health testing for common conditions that may affect their breed.

A reputable breeder should provide you with the proper health clearances of both parents. They should have excellent hip and elbow scores, as well as a clear eye test, and be cleared for PRA in genetic testing. The American Pitbull Terrier parent should be clear from any skin conditions too.

The right breeder will also have no problems with you visiting their kennel so you can ensure that the pups were bred and brought up in a clean, safe environment.

A Lab Pit has a life span anywhere between 10 to 14 years, assuming that both parents have not passed on any health conditions to the puppy.

How Do You Take Care of a Lab Pit Mix?

Grooming a Labrabull is not a difficult task to do since these dogs have a moderate-shedding coat.

You can opt to have a good once-a-week brushing of its fur to keep it shiny and smooth.

You can also do the brushing once daily, especially for Labrabulls with a denser coat.

Pitbull Lab mixes are susceptible to allergies and skin conditions,so a dry shampoo may help prevent stripping its coat of natural oils.

Proper dental health care is essential for every dog; similarly, it is crucial for these mixed puppies.

If you want to adopt a Pit Bull Lab puppy, then it is imperative to take care of his teeth. Brush your dogs teeth at the same time every day so they can get used to the routine.

Overall, Lab Pit mixes tend to need only low to moderate care. So I think we can safely say that this crossbreed falls squarely in the average range in regards to grooming!

What to Feed Your Lab-Pit Cross?

Lab-Pit mix puppies are just like human babies they grow quickly, and they need extra nutrients to fuel their growth.

Having a feeding plan from the first month until this breed is a year old helps ensure that it is getting all the nutrients he needs to grow strong and healthy.

Feed him milk four times a day during the first six months as well as other soft foods. As the Pitbull Lab nears his first year, the frequency of his mealtime is also reduced.

A Pit Bull Lab mix can be given 3 to 4 cupsof dry dog food daily. In some cases, this crossbreed can be fed oily fish, which will help maintain the shine in their coats.

These hybrids can also feed on meat, broccoli, carrots, and bananas and should be given some peanuts and cashews occasionally.

Feeding your Labrabull a varied diet is beneficial for their overall growth and well-being.

How Much Does a Lab Pit Puppy Cost?

The cost of Pitbull Lab mix puppies may range from $300 to $700.

Some opt to buy their puppies from a reputable breeder, while others choose the adoption route.

Puppyfind, Greenfield Puppies, and Lancaster Puppies are just some of the places where you can buy these crossbreed puppies.

For adoption, you can find them at Adopt a Pet, Petfinder, and Overstock, to name a few.

The cost of adopting a Pit Bull Lab is lower and is usually inclusive of spay and neuter services, adoption fees, food and shelter expenses, and a dog license fee.

Is a Pit Lab Mix a Good Dog For You?

To wrap it up, here are some of the pros and cons of having a Pit Bull Lab mix.

These mixed breeds are loyal, intelligent dogs who will always be up for some fun playtime.

They are quite easy to maintain, especially when it comes to their grooming needs. They make excellent watchdogs and are ideal family dogs.

Labrabulls love the outdoors and may not be a good fit for apartment owners since they require lots of open space to roam around and exercise.

These canines also tend to have strong hunting instincts and are prone to chase smaller animals at times.

Pitbull Lab mixes are easily trained and will make great pets for the right owners.

They are extremely attached to their human packs. They will bring joy and pleasure to any family who will consider buying or adopting them.

Have you had the pleasure of owning a Pitbull Lab mix? Do you have stories you are raring to share with other lovers of this breed? Tell us about them in the comments section below!

Other Pitbull mixes you might like:

Cess Gamas( Head of Content Marketing and Editor )

Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.

When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.