The lab mix with American bulldog, often called America’s favourite dog breed, is a versatile and robust working dog. But what happens when you cross this breed with the American Bulldog, resulting in a Lab mix with the American Bulldog?
The American Bulldog Lab is a mixed breed. As a result, you never truly know what to expect. Purebred dogs tend to be more standardized.
When you crossbreed an American Bulldog with a Labrador Retriever, the results are significantly less predictable.
There is a wider range of features that the puppies could inherit, and it is impossible to predict which ones your dog will acquire.
Lab Mix With American Bulldog Breed Details
Height: 17–25 inches
Weight: 50-90 pounds.
Lifespan: 10 to 16 years.
Colours: Black, brown, white, tan, or brindle
Ideal for: Families are active
Temperament: Stubborn, devoted and protective
Because this dog is a cross between two different breeds, predicting how it will behave or look can be tricky. However, the dog can only inherit qualities from the American Bulldog or the Labrador, allowing us to make broad assumptions.
American Bulldog Lab Puppies
It is unusual to locate a breeder who specializes in American Bulldog Lab puppies. Because this is not a certified breed or even considered a distinct breed, there are few breeders. Normally, these puppies are “accidents” or the product of home breeders. You might locate them at your local animal shelter or rescue.
If you rescue one of these puppies, the cost you’ll have to pay is low. This is mostly to cover their vaccines and medical expenses, which can be quite costly for these puppies.
Adult dogs are likely to cost the same and may be more easily found. Check your local rescues and let them know what you’re looking for. Many will gladly call you if a dog matching your description walks through the door.
Getting your puppy from a breeder will be higher in price. However, the price will vary depending on the puppies’ parentage.
Temperament and Intelligence of American Bulldog Lab Mix
The temperament of this hybrid breed can vary greatly. They are usually very nice to others, almost too friendly. Early socialization is essential to keep your canine from becoming overly enthusiastic every time someone new arrives. They are generally affectionate and lovable. However, they are not lap dogs in any way.
These dogs are quite active in their temperament. They like playing constantly and tend to retain their puppyhood longer than most dogs.
They tend to be protective of their family, which might lead to aggressiveness. Some of these dogs may make terrific watchdogs, while others will be overly friendly. They are courageous and faithful. Whether this overcomes their welcoming disposition is up to the individual dog.
These canines can be extremely stubborn, or they may not be stubborn at all. This is where you will notice the largest difference, even across puppies from the same litter. It simply depends on which parent they most closely resemble.
Are These Dogs Suitable for Families?
Whether this dog is right for your family is mostly determined by how active your family is and how much time you have available to devote to a dog. As larger dogs, American Bulldog Labs require extensive training to ensure that they are well-behaved around people.
Socialization is also necessary to ensure that they understand that strangers do not pose a threat to their people and to reduce their protective instincts.
These dogs are friendly and playful. However, they need a significant amount of effort and time. As a result, we do not recommend them for families who are not physically active or do not have a lot of time to devote to their dog.
Because of their huge size, these canines are also suitable for young children. Just keep an eye on them, as these dogs can become overly exuberant and knock children over. However, the youngster is unlikely to damage these dogs, reducing the likelihood of pain- or fear-based biting, which is the most common type of biting in canines.
Does this Breed Get Along Well with Other Pets?
They can, although their territorial tendencies sometimes complicate their interactions with other dogs. Typically, effective socialization results in a canine that tolerates the presence of other dogs.
Early socializing is crucial and necessary. We highly recommend puppy lessons for these pets.
While American Bulldog Labs are not hunting dogs, they enjoy chasing things. This can cause problems for pets such as cats and poultry.
These dogs are not particularly excellent around livestock. Early socialization can assist, but you should still be cautious around cats and other similar animals.
What to Know About Owning an American Bulldog Lab Mix
Food and Diet Requirements
These dogs have no specific dietary needs. They are quite enormous, thus they consume more than some other canines. You should preferably get a high-protein food that contains plenty of meat. Avoid fillers and unneeded carbohydrates, such as large amounts of grains and vegetables.
You should exercise caution when feeding these dogs as puppies. We recommend a puppy chow created specifically for giant breed puppies, as these larger canines require more nutrients to grow.
You should avoid overfeeding pups, even if they appear to be hungry all the time. Too many calories might cause the dog’s growth to outstrip their bones and joints, potentially leading to hip dysplasia later on.
It is critical to follow the correct feeding instructions while your dog is young.
Exercise
These canines are quite active. It makes no difference which parents they take after; you should plan on taking them for lengthy, regular walks. Outside playtime is essential, but you should keep them in a fenced-in area.
Depending on how stubborn they are, these dogs can occasionally learn a dependable recall. If your dog does not seem to respond to your directions all the time, you should not expect them to return when called.
These dogs often excel at agility events and love a range of games. They are very intelligent, which you can utilize to your advantage while exercising them.
Teach children activities like hide-and-seek to help them exercise their bodies and minds simultaneously.
Training
Because of their intelligence, these dogs learn commands relatively quickly. They quickly figure out what you want them to do. However, this does not guarantee that they will always do what you ask. Often, these dogs are stubborn.
The unusual American Bulldog Lab may not be stubborn at all and will do whatever you ask. Most people, however, will think about whether or not to follow a demand. Some people can be extremely stubborn and only respond when something is in it for them (such as food).
Because of their high activity levels, these dogs are very play-oriented. Toys, rather than rewards, are typically used to entertain them. The same essential training principles apply.
Ask them to follow a command, and then throw the ball or play tug for a moment. The playtime serves as the reward. This is an excellent technique to work them out while also training them.
Grooming
These dogs require minimal grooming. They do shed a lot, so regular brushing may be required to reduce the amount of fur that winds up all over your home. Aside from that, they don’t require any grooming.
They may require an occasional bath if they become visibly dirty, although this is only necessary if they roll around in mud or something similar.
It is advised that all dogs wash their teeth regularly. You should also examine their ears regularly for junk buildup, but this is less of an issue with this breed. Their nails will need to be clipped frequently.
However, because of their high activity level, they may require less frequent haircuts than other breeds.
Health & Conditions
As a mixed breed, these dogs are typically healthier than others. They have a broader genetic pool, thus they are less likely to inherit genetic disorders. They are nonetheless susceptible to a few circumstances, primarily because to their size.
These dogs are prone to hip dysplasia because they put a lot of weight on their hips. This can be very serious for some dogs, while others may show no symptoms at all. Proper feeding during the puppy years is critical to preventing this.
They might also suffer progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, or skin allergies. However, these are less common than in other breeds.
Male versus Female
While males may be slightly larger, these dogs vary so greatly that it is difficult to distinguish between sexes. It is also difficult to foresee variances in temperament and conduct.
Three little-known facts about the American Bulldog Lab.
1. Solid Colours Are Uncommon in This Blend
While the Labrador Retriever typically has uniform colours, this mixed breed frequently does not.
This is partly due to the American Bulldog’s genes, which nearly guarantee that the puppy will have some form of markings. Of fact, solid colours are feasible, but they are unusual.
2. These Dogs May be Entirely Trainable or Extremely Recalcitrant
Because of the temperaments of both parents, this mixed breed can be either easy to train or exceedingly stubborn. Even within the same litter, puppies will exhibit significant variances.
None of the puppies are likely to be as stubborn as the American Bulldog. However, none will be as trainable as a Labrador Retriever.
Most puppies will fall somewhere in the middle, while extremes on either end of the spectrum are possible.
3. Their Exercise Requirements will Differ
The American Bulldog is a highly active breed with short bursts of energy. They can run swiftly for a short period, but their endurance is limited. The Labrador Retriever is the complete opposite.
They have a high level of endurance, which allows them to go for a long period. However, they are not as energetic as the American Bulldog. Mixed-breed puppies may end up anywhere in the centre.
Conclusion
In summary, together with the American Bulldog, the Lab Mix breeds an admirable cross of two cherished breeds of dogs.
From a sweet-natured and jovial temperament to overwhelming enthusiasm and hardworking spirits, such dogs offer generous companionship without a tinge of boredom.
While they might be somewhat less well-known than other drain breeds, the cross-canine-a-bark American Bulldog hybrid is well worth discovering.
Whether you’ve got an active family or prefer to lounge on the couch, these breeds are guaranteed to steal your heart and give you a lifetime of love, laughter, and companionship.
