What do you get when you combine the ever-popular Labrador Retriever with a Bloodhound? You get the Labloodhound, otherwise known as a Bloodhound Lab Mix. These dogs might seem intimidating at first due to their large size, but don’t let that fool you! Labloodhounds are actually very gentle and friendly.
This article will help you learn all you need to know about the Bloodhound Lab Mix. Read and discover more about them as we tackle some common questions about the breed.
Table of Contents
What is a Bloodhound Lab Mix?
The Bloodhound Lab Mix is the cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Bloodhound. They are also sometimes called Labloodhounds or Labhounds.
They are a large dog breed that descended from Bloodhounds and Labrador Retrievers. People consider this dog breed as one of the rarest Labrador mixes.
How Does A Bloodhound Lab Mix Look?
This breed has a lot of variations in appearance because they are designer or hybrid dogs. It all depends on which parent breed has more dominant genes.
The first thing people notice about this breed is its sheer size. They can grow up to 22 to 27 inches in height. You will also notice that they have large, deep chests and powerful shoulders.
As for their weight, they can weigh anywhere between 70 to 100 pounds. That’s at least seven times the weight of a newborn baby!
The Bloodhound Lab Mix’s coat can come in three different colors: brown, black, and white. They can also come in a mix of white and brown. Their fur is short but dense. This dog’s coat is also usually straight.
Their noses usually come in black, while their eyes can be hazel or brown.
Bloodhound Lab mixes also tend to have floppy ears. This is a trait obtained from their Bloodhound parents. They might also inherit droopy or saggy skin around the neck and upper back. This is a characteristic that’s commonly found in their Bloodhound parent.
What Is The Origin Of The Bloodhound Lab Mix?
Labloodhounds are a new designer species. Dog breeders and animal experts alike do not know much about their origins, but their parent breeds are very well-documented.
Half of what makes up this dog breed is the Labrador Retriever. Labrador Retrievers are friendly and gentle creatures. Many people, whether novice or experienced dog owners, love having Labrador Retrievers as their personal companions.
Aside from its friendly nature, dog owners are also attracted to its hunting skills. Labrador Retrievers are descendants of Canadian fishing dogs. Dog breeders in the United Kingdom are the first ones to breed them. Because of their lineage, they are capable hunters.
The other half of the mix is called a Bloodhound. These dogs were hunting dogs used in the early days to hunt deer, boar, and even people. The origin of this breed goes as far back as 1000 AD.
Nowadays, the Bloodhound isn’t used for hunting anymore. Law enforcement agencies like to use bloodhounds for their superior tracking abilities.
The Bloodhound Lab Mix takes a fair share of traits from both parents. As a new breed, it combines the best of both worlds.
What is the Bloodhound Lab Mix Breed?
This Bloodhound Lab Mix is considered a designer breed, which is a mix of two different breeds. Because of its lineage, the Bloodhound Lab Mix is a very capable hunter. Law enforcement agencies love to use these dogs for tracking and rescue purposes. Aside from this, it is a great companion for those with active lifestyles.
Organizations such as the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, American Canine Hybrid Club, Dog Registry of America, Inc., and the International Designer Canine Registry® recognize the Bloodhound Lab Mix as an official designer breed.
How Long Do Bloodhound Lab Mixes Live?
Generally, these dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 13 years. However, you can extend their life by providing them with the care they need. Regular visits to the vet and proper food consumption can extend the lifespan of these dogs.
What Do Bloodhound Lab Mixes Eat and What Are Their Nutritional Requirements?
Generally, your Bloodhound Lab Mix’s diet depends on the dog. Like with humans, a dog’s diet is preferential. However, there are some feeding and diet guidelines you should try to follow.
- Size-appropriate feeding. Dogs are supposed to eat an amount of food appropriate to their size. Bloodhound Lab Mixes are relatively large dogs, which means they consume quite a lot of food as well. This gorgeous dog breed is required to eat at least three cups of dog food a day.
- Age-appropriate feeding. Your dog’s age is also something worth considering. Puppies and younger dogs have different needs compared to senior dogs. Often, senior dogs have more dietary restrictions from existing comorbidities.
- Food choice. The choice of food you feed your beloved dog is also something you should consider. Veterinarians and other animal experts generally recommend high-quality dog food. A protein-rich food is also recommended.
- Health supplements. Bloodhound Lab Mixes are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so you may give fish oil supplements to the dog. Fish oil supplements, or Omega-3 fatty acids, are natural anti-inflammatory agents. It helps ease the inflammation of joints, which might cause further degeneration.
If you have more questions about your dog’s diet, consulting with a veterinarian is always a good idea.
How Much Do Bloodhound Lab Mixes Cost?
Raising a dog is not easy. It entails a lot of commitment: emotional, physical, and, of course, financial.
The initial cost of getting a Bloodhound Lab Mix depends on where you get your pet. If you buy your Labloodhound from a reputable breeder, the chances are your pup will cost quite a lot. The price of a Labloodhound pup from a breeder can be anywhere between $700 to $2000.
Rescue pups, otherwise known as shelter dogs, cost a lot less than dogs from breeders. Usually, you only have to pay for a minimal adoption fee which can cost about $350.
Aside from the initial fee, you also have to consider their food, grooming, and other expenses.
What Is the Temperament of a Bloodhound Lab Mix?
The Bloodhound Lab Mix combines the best characteristics of its parents.
Generally, this breed is gentle and playful, like the Labrador Retriever. It is also scent-driven, much like the Bloodhound. Aside from these, Bloodhound Lab Mixes are also outgoing and social dogs. They love to play and hate to be left alone. They also get along reasonably well with both people and other dogs.
These dogs are also very sensitive and can pick up on cues very quickly. However, since these dogs aren’t purebred, their temperament can be difficult to predict. The best way to figure out your puppy’s temperament is by meeting the mother dog if possible.
What’s the Best Way to Exercise Your Bloodhound Lab Mix?
Bloodhound Lab Mixes are playful and active dogs. Because of this, they need a wide space to run around and release all their pent-up energy. They don’t do very well in small houses.
This dog breed loves to be out. If you’re an active person, your Labloodhound can accompany you on hikes, swims, and even walks to the park. The recommended walking mileage that this breed need is at least 20 miles in a single week.
Aside from outdoor trips and walks, the Bloodhound Lab Mix also needs ample exercise time. They need multiple sessions of play. These play sessions should last at least for an hour.
How Do You Groom a Bloodhound Lab Mix?
As mentioned previously, the Bloodhound Lab Mix has a short, dense coat with straight fur. Thankfully, they don’t shed too much. They are also generally low-maintenance dogs.
- Brushing- This process is crucial to make sure that their coats remain in the best condition. One thing you need to do is to brush your dog’s hair at least three to four times a week.
- Trim their nails– Nails that are too long can become pointy and cause discomfort for your dog.
- Brush their teeth- Regularly brushing their teeth is also highly recommended.
How Do You Train a Bloodhound Lab Mix?
Dog owners and experts alike consider Bloodhound Lab Mixes easy to train. They are sensitive, so positive reinforcement works best for them. Trainers have proven that clicker training and crate training work for this breed.
Ultimately, the best training technique for your dog depends on the pooch itself. Spend time with your dog and get to know its likes and dislikes. This will help you foster a better and stronger relationship with your pet. It will also help you figure out which method works best for them.
Another thing to consider is socializing your Bloodhound Lab Mix. With the proper amount of socializing, your Labloodhound can become the perfect watchdog.
What Health Issues Do Bloodhound Lab Mixes Face?
Bloodhound Lab mixes are susceptible to a number of ailments. Below is a list of health risks that this breed faces.
- Gastric Torsion. This disease is common among deep-chested breeds like the Bloodhound Lab Mix. It refers to when the stomach becomes filled with gas and twists up. It is popularly known as bloating.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This disease causes the degeneration of the photoreceptor cells. Eventually, this disease can leave your dog blind.
- Elbow and Hip Dysplasia. Dysplasia is when the joint becomes abnormal. This disease can cause extreme pain for your dog. It also limits their range of motion.
- Entropion is an eyelid abnormality that causes the lid to roll inward. It can cause pain, corneal lesions, and even blindness in dogs.
Sometimes, dogs cannot avoid some of these diseases. The best you can do for your furry friend is to provide them with the best care and utmost attention for them to live long and healthy lives.
Is The Bloodhound Lab Mix A Good Family Dog?
For an active and outgoing family, this dog is the perfect match. They love to be around their owners, including small children. Most importantly, they love to play.
This breed takes after its parents. Labloodhounds are active, gentle, outgoing, and social, like their parents. They are the perfect fit for an active family with a spacious home for a big and energetic dog.
However, caring for a dog brings many responsibilities with it. You should first assess whether you and your family are ready for a dog of this size and energy.
The Bloodhound Lab mix is a dog breed worth looking into if you’re searching for a new pet. They offer companionship because of their gentleness and protection because of their loyalty. Aside from this, Bloodhound Lab Mixes are very smart and capable of tracking people.
The benefits you can reap from this dog far outweigh any cons there may be. Many Bloodhound Lab Mix owners can attest to the wonders of this breed.
Leave a Reply