Pitbull Lab Mix – A Guide to This Wonderful Mixed Breed Dog!

As prospective dog owners, it’s sometimes impossible to choose which breed you want to adopt. There are so many incredible canine companions that you want to adopt them all! Whilst that may be a little extreme, a great way to get the best of two breeds is to adopt a mix.

Which is exactly what Pitbull Lab mix owners have done. They get the intelligence and affection of a labrador with the playful and protective nature of an American Pitbull Terrier. Win-win.

In this blog, we’re going to have a closer look at the Labrabull (as they’re also called) so you can decide if this dog is for you.

What Is A Pitbull Lab Mix?

The Pitbull Lab mix is a hybrid dog breed with two of America’s favorite dog breeds as its parents – the Labrador Retriever and the American Pitbull Terrier. These pups are medium-sized dogs that are very energetic, playful, intelligent, and loyal.

They’re not naturally aggressive and love the company of children. Lab Pit mixes are not the best choice for first-time pup parents, but they are willing to learn and are very eager to please their owners.

They’re cute, loving, and a great choice for active families.

History of a Lab Pit Mix

As is the case with the German Shepherd Pitbull mix, the Pit Lab mix could naturally have occurred before they were officially recognized as a mixed breed dog. Both parent breeds are very popular, so it’s quite possible these dogs have existed for decades.

The popularity of these mixed-breed dogs really took off in the 1990s. During this time, breeders were specifically breeding designer dogs to help with some of the health conditions common in purebred pups. They wanted to breed healthier pups that inherited the best qualities of both parent breeds.

When they realized just how incredible the Pitbull Lab mix is as a pet, they started to further breed them. These dogs are constantly gaining popularity – and it’s easy to see why!

Parent Breeds of the Labrador Pitbull Mix

Designer dog breeds aren’t accepted by Kennel Clubs because they’re not considered purebred dogs. This means there’s no standard for breeders to breed to, which can make it hard to know exactly what your puppy will look like.

A good way to get a better overview is to have a look at the parent breeds.

Labrador Retriever

The Labrador Retriever is always very high up on the list of America’s favorite dog breeds. These wonderful pups can be a couple of different colors including black, yellow, and chocolate. They can also be red dogs which is a particularly beautiful color.

Labs are goofy, intelligent, playful, and active dogs that need daily exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They love swimming and exploring everything around them. They’re a popular parent breed for many mixes, including the Lab Husky Mix.

Labrador Retrievers are very friendly pups and get on well with other dogs and kids. They’ll love running around the dog park or chasing after a frisbee for hours at a time.

American Pitbull Terrier

The American Pitbull Terrier is not a breed accepted by the American Kennel Club. These dogs are, however, recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Dog Breeders Association.

Unfortunately, Pitbulls have a bit of a bad reputation for being aggressive dogs. But this couldn’t be further from the truth! A well-bred Pitbull is affectionate, caring, and gentle and even gets the nickname of being a ‘nanny dog’. They love children and are very loyal.

They were, however, first bred for blood sports and some dogs are still used for underground dog fighting today. It’s always really important to research an ethical breeder that breeds out aggression and isn’t contributing to the suffering of dogs.

These medium-sized dogs are muscular, stocky, and athletic. They can be many different colors, with the black Pitbull and brindle Pitbull being particularly impressive. They need lots of daily exercise to keep them entertained.

The Appearance of A Pitbull Lab Mix

The appearance of a Pit Bull Lab mix can differ a lot from dog to dog. Even puppies in the same litter can look very different depending on genetics and the characteristics they inherit. There are, however, a few common characteristics that many Pitbull Lab mixes have.

Size

A Pitbull Lab mix puppy will grow to be between 20 and 24 inches tall. They will likely weigh between 45 and 80 pounds with females being slightly smaller.

Coat

Most Labrabulls have a coat that’s somewhere between the Pitbull’s very short one and the Labrador’s slightly longer one. They can be many different colors including black, gray, silver, white, yellow, and brown. The most common color is probably black with white markings.

Because they will inherit a relatively short coat, these designer dogs are not suited to living in very cold climates. If you do live somewhere cold, think about getting your pooch a winter jacket.

Body

A Pitbull labrador mix will probably have a stocky and muscular body. Under their heavier coat, Labradors are actually pretty muscular, and this is only exaggerated with the addition of Pitbull genes!

They’ll probably have a boxy face; beautiful, friendly eyes; pointy ears; and they might inherit the otter tail common in Labrador Retrievers.

The Temperament of a Pitbull Lab Mix

One of the best things about adopting a Labrabull is its amazing personality. They really inherit the best qualities of both parents.

These dogs are playful and very active. Just like the Labrador and the Pitbull, these dogs need regular outdoor exercise. They’ll love chasing after dog-safe bubbles or a soccer ball, running around after children, swimming, playing with their friends at the park… and basically any other form of activity.

Pitbull Lab mixes are also very loyal and loving. They adore being part of a family and will always defend them. They’re not naturally aggressive, in fact, they’re very lovey-dovey and would rather make friends than show aggression. But their loyalty and love for their families means they won’t tolerate any threats.

Do Pitbul Lab Mixes Get On Well With Children?

Yes! These pups love being around children. Like both Labrador Retrievers and Pitbulls, these dogs love having little humans to play with – especially when they can match their energy. They’re incredibly loving and will always keep an eye out for the welfare of their small companions.

As with all dogs, it’s important that play time is always monitored by an adult and that children are taught how to properly respect a dog. Even the most kid-friendly dog (and these ones almost have that title) won’t love having their tails pulled.

Do Pitbull Lab Mixes Get On With Other Dogs?

There’s no reason why a well-trained Pit Lab mix shouldn’t get on with other dogs and pets. But they really need to be exposed to other animals from a young age and learn how to interact with them.

Dogs that haven’t been exposed to other pups may be nervous and even a little aggressive.

Can Labrabulls Be Left Alone?

Whilst no dog should be left for long periods of time alone, some pups are much better at entertaining themselves than others.

The Pitbull Lab mix, however, is not one of them. These dogs like to be the heart of a family and develop very strong bonds with their humans. If left alone for long periods, these pups can become agitated and even destructive. They may also suffer from separation anxiety. If you do need to leave them, get them an indestructible dog toy to keep them entertained for a little bit.

Is The Lab Pit Mix A Good Guard Dog?

Pitbulls are considered one of the scariest dog breeds in the world. Whilst this doesn’t help the breed’s image, it does make them (and their mixes) good guard dogs because people tend to stay clear of them.

The Pitbull Labrador mix is also a very alert dog. Whilst they don’t bark a lot, they’ll be happy to let you know when someone is approaching or if there is something you should be aware of.

Training and Socializing a Labrabull

Socialization is a really important part of any dog’s education. Exposure to new things helps them to become confident and learn how to behave in new relationships with both animals and humans. A dog that hasn’t been well socialized from puppyhood may become anxious, aggressive, and destructive.

Pitbull Lab mixes should be easy to train. They’re highly intelligent and very eager to please. They are sensitive dogs though, and don’t respond well to raised voices or harsh tones. They learn well from positive reinforcement and can be very treat-orientated. Try using healthier snacks like strawberries, asparagus, or cucumber as motivation.

Living Needs of A Labrabull

Because these dogs are medium-sized and very energetic, they really need to live in a house with a backyard or space to roam. They’re not a good choice for those living in apartments.

Having a space for them to play in will allow them to blow off some steam and energy in between walks. The space should always be fenced-in and you might want to think about getting them a dog GPS collar just to be safe.

The Health of A Pitbull Lab Mix

These designer dogs are usually healthy pups. Like all furry friends, however, they can suffer from certain conditions common in the parent dogs. In this case, common health concerns include:

• Hip dysplasia
• Epilepsy
• Bloat (a slow feeder dog bowl will help)
• Hypothyroidism
• Skin conditions and allergies

Taking them to the vet regularly can help to catch any conditions early on and find effective treatment. You also need to feed your pup good food, take them for regular exercise, and keep their minds engaged with puzzle toys and plenty of time outdoors.

Life Expectancy of A Lab Pit Mix

A well-looked-after and loved Pitbull Lab mix can live to be 10-14 years old.

Care and Grooming a Pit Lab Mix

Your new puppy will probably inherit a fairly short, easy-to-manage coat that only requires weekly brushing. You can wash your pup occasionally but try to use a sensitive dog shampoo and this breed can be prone to skin irritations.

Because these dogs might love to swim, it’s important to check their ears afterward and make sure they’re dry to prevent infection. Their nails should wear down naturally but talk to a groomer or vet if you’re unsure about the length.

Clean your Pitbull Lab mix’s teeth regularly to prevent tartar buildup. This mixed breed can be prone to gum disease and other oral health issues.

Do Pitbull Labrador Mixes Shed?

This really depends on which coat your dog inherits. Labrador Retrievers shed more than Pitbulls, so if your pup inherits a Lab’s coat, you might need to brush them more often.

If they inherit the sleeker, Pitbull coat they won’t shed as much and you won’t have to brush them as regularly.

Feeding a Pitbull Lab Mix

Just like Labradors, this mixed breed can be prone to weight gain. It’s therefore really important to feed them good-quality food and the correct amount. A Pitbull Lab mix is very active and burns a lot of energy every day, so you also don’t want to underfeed them.

You could think about giving them fresh dog food. This is a great way to get even more nutrients into their diet and improve their energy levels, coat, and poops! The meals are designed by pup nutritionists and many of them are pre-portioned depending on your dog’s activity level and weight. It’s a great way to make sure you’re not over or underfeeding.

As we previously mentioned, this breed responds really well to treats and positive reinforcement. Check out the BarkingTalk Food Page for loads of ideas for healthier treats and snacks.

Adopting a Pitbull Lab Mix

Before adopting any breed, it’s important you work out if they’re the breed for you, your lifestyle, and your family. These pups are active and need lots of mental stimulation, space to play in, and people to entertain them.

You should also research an ethical breeder. Pitbulls, in particular, have been the victims of unethical breeding, so you want to make sure your mixed pup isn’t affected by this. A responsible breeder will provide you with all the correct paperwork, including health certificates, so you know your pup has come from a happy and healthy line of Pitbulls and Labs.

How Much Does a Pitbull Lab Mix Cost?

Because these dogs aren’t purebred, they’re often cheaper than their parent breeds. A Pitbull Lab mix should cost you around $500, but the price will depend on your area, local breeders, and demand.

Avoid dogs that are being sold for much less, as they may be unethically bred.

You may well find one of these beautiful pups looking for its forever home in a shelter. Not only will you be saving a canine and getting a new best friend, but it will also be a lot cheaper.

Final Thoughts – Should You Adopt A Lab Pit Mix?

These dogs are amazing. They combine some of the best traits of two favorite dog breeds in America, so what isn’t to like? They’re intelligent, affectionate, very loyal, and sweet dogs that need to be part of a loving home.

They can be multiple colors, although black is common, and tend to be medium-sized.

If you can provide all the activities this dog needs, plus keep up with their energy levels, you’ll be getting a forever friend that will love you unconditionally.