What do you get when you mix the world’s friendliest and most loved dog, the Labrador Retriever, and its most protective and fierce bulldog, the American Pitbull Terrier? A smart, loyal, loving but defensive pup! The Pitbull Lab mix, otherwise referred to as the Labrabull or the Pitador, is a hybrid that is energetic and agile, but also very alert and watchful, and takes good care of their owners. They vary in physical features and temperament based on the dominant parental gene, so it is important to understand the behaviour of its parents before adopting.
The Labrador Retriever is known for its calm composure and its stellar sense of smell, but its pleasant and outgoing personality is the premier reason for its place in many families. Labradors were historically bred to become working dogs, which helped to develop their brilliance and motor skills, resulting in the intelligent and witty dog we know today. They are naturally active and agile dogs that need both mentally and physically challenging activities to keep them stimulated.
The American Pitbull Terrier is perhaps the opposite of the Retriever in many way, firstly by virtue of it being one of the most feared dogs ever. Pitbulls are very defensive dogs that tend to be aggressive towards strangers if not properly socialized, but otherwise they tend to be very affectionate and caring to their owners. They tend to get a bad reputation based on how they’re portrayed, but behind that tough defensive exterior, is the most bright and astute, kind-hearted and loyal companion you will ever find.
Pitbull Lab Mix Appearance & Physical Features
Adopting physical features from both parents, the Pitbull Lab Mix ranges in size from as small as 17 inches to 25 inches in height, and can weigh as much as 80 pounds at maximum. They come in a variety of different colours as both the Labrador Retriever and the Pitbull Terrier have different colours. These colours include but are not limited to black, brown, grey, red and white, and others may even be particolored with speckles of different colours on one coat.
Their coat texture is normally short and straight, but shedding can be an issues as the Labrador Retriever is known for excessive shedding.. To get rid of excess hairs, simply brush the coat of your Pitador weekly. There fur is normally shiny and soft, and patching or dryness may be an indication of an underlying health issue. Labrabulls stand tall and confidently, and are very playful.
Temperament & Character
With a hybrid, you can never be sure what kind of personality you’re gonna get, but both the Labrador Retriever and the Pitbull have admirable traits that you’ll want in your pup. In order to ensure you get the best of both worlds, you can have a look at the parents and their temperament before adopting, this way you know character traits to look for. Identifying these negative traits and applying socialisation and proper training can be a huge difference between a lovable Pitador or one that becomes a nuisance.
Labradors are normally very reliable, loyal and playful pups, and while they can become a bit aggressive towards strangers, this can easily be fixed with a little training and socialization. They love to play, and are good companions for older children and adults. They make for great watch dogs and guard dogs, and tend to bark if threatened, or if an intruder or stranger appears. Labrabulls are generally highly social and active dogs to have around, and easily fit right into the family, but be sure to ensure he gets his exercise.
Training & Socialisation
Pitadors are lauded as some of the most brilliant and intelligent dogs out there, which makes training easy and worthwhile. They respond well to commands, and generally do well in housetraining. With positive reinforcements and soft easy commands, this pup will be an ease to train, and throwing a couple snacks or toys in there as a reward wouldn’t hurt either. Pitadors should be trained and socialised at a young age to ensure that they adopt all the principles needed to make them more accommodating to strangers.
Pitbulls naturally have an aggressive nature, making it hard for them to be comfortable around other pets. This trait can be passed down to your Pitador, but with proper socialisation, it can be reversed. Labrador Retrievers on the other hand are naturally friendly and will get along with just about anybody, and if this trait is passed down to your Pitador, then socialisation will be a breeze.
Grooming & Maintenance
Labrador’s are popular for their thick undercoat which makes grooming a little more difficult than the average dog. Fortunately enough, Pitadors normally do not inherit this undercoat, which significantly reduces their grooming time. Pitadors can be easily groomed by weekly brushing to get rid of excess hair and dirt, and the nails must be trimmed regularly. Ensure to take care of his dental hygiene to prevent dental health issues, and bathe them normally to keep them clean.
Health Care & Life Expectancy
Pitadors generally live active and healthy lives, and have an average life expectancy of 10 – 14 years. The major issue resulting from the Pitador is that both the Labrador Retriever and the American Pitbull Terrier are prone to some of the same health issues and diseases. This in turn further doubles the chance of Pitador suffering from congenital defects and many other hereditary and non hereditary diseases.
These health conditions include joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiovascular defects, eye issues and more major and possibly fatal issues such as hypothyroidism and epilepsy. To reduce the possibilities of your Pitador becoming sick in the future, ensure that both parents are generally healthy. In the Pitbull, you should check for skin conditions and eye issues, and in the Labrador Retriever, you should check for joint issues such as possible hip dysplasia, and eye issues as well.
It’s important to note that though your pup is at increased risk for certain health conditions, this doesn’t mean he’s going to get sick. Many Pitadors live happy and healthy lives despite their parent suffering from certain diseases. So there you have it, important features to help you decide if the Pitador is for you. This fun but protective pup would make a great addition to any family.
