Bully Lab Mix Complete Guide to Care and Ownership

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Posted Oct 14, 2024

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Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppy on Floor
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This breed is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Bulldog, resulting in a unique and affectionate companion.

They typically weigh between 70-120 pounds and stand between 17-22 inches tall.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential.

Their adaptable nature makes them suitable for families with children or for individuals living in apartments.

Physical Characteristics

Labrabulls are typically medium in size, though they can be on the larger end of medium. They usually weigh between 45 to 90 pounds.

Males tend to be up to 30 pounds heavier than females. Height can range from 20 to 24 inches at the shoulder.

The Labrador Pitbull mix is a medium to large, powerful dog that can weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. They can reach up to two feet in height.

Labrador Pitbull Mixes have a short fur coat that is easy to brush.

Size

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Labrabulls are generally medium-sized dogs, but they can be on the larger end of that spectrum. They typically weigh between 45 to 90 pounds.

Their height at the shoulder can range from 20 to 24 inches, with some individuals being smaller or larger. Males tend to be up to 30 pounds heavier than females.

As a powerful breed, they can reach up to two feet in height. Their weight can vary from 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown.

Coat Types and Colors

The Labrabull's coat is a unique blend of their parents' coats and colors. They often come in a variety of colors including black, white, gray, brown, yellow, and silver.

The majority of Labrabulls are black with white accents. A good brushing per week is usually enough to keep their coat looking its best.

Labrabulls have short, sparse coats that are very easy to groom. They're not particularly suited for extreme weather, so you may need to take extra precautions in cold or hot temperatures.

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Their short fur coat is easy to brush, making grooming a breeze. You can expect the common coat colors to be a solid tan, black, white, yellow, or brown.

Labrabulls can also come in a brindle color, similar to their Pitbull parent. They may need a coat in the winter and sunscreen in the summer to protect their sensitive areas.

Health and Care

Labrabulls are generally healthy, but they can be prone to some health issues, including OCD, epilepsy, bloat, and hypothyroidism.

To keep your bully lab mix healthy, regular veterinary checkups are crucial. This will help detect any health concerns early on.

You should also keep up with a care routine that includes daily exercise, as Labrabulls have high energy levels and need at least one-plus hours of exercise per day. Regular exercise will help prevent weight gain and release pent-up energy.

To maintain your dog's oral health, brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. Daily brushing is even better to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

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Some potential health issues to be aware of in bully lab mixes include joint problems, gastric bloat, and hypothyroidism. Your breeder should be able to provide information on these potential issues.

Here are some health issues to be aware of in bully lab mixes:

  • OCD
  • Epilepsy
  • Bloat
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Joint problems (hip and elbow dysplasia)
  • Gastric bloat
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Exercise Induced Collapse
  • Hereditary Cataracts
  • Skin problems and allergies

Lifespan

The Lab Pit Mix is a relatively long-lived breed, with an average lifespan of 10 to 14 years.

This means you can expect to spend a significant amount of time with your furry friend, enjoying countless memories and experiences together.

A 10 to 14 year lifespan also requires a long-term commitment to providing regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care to keep your Lab Pit Mix healthy and thriving.

With proper care and attention, many Lab Pit Mixes have been known to live well into their teens, making them a wonderful addition to families and individuals alike.

Health

As a responsible dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Pitbull Lab Mix.

Woman Walking on Grass Field With Yellow Labrador Retriever Puppy
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Hip dysplasia is a common health problem that can cause pain and lameness in your dog's rear legs. Regular vet checkups can help catch this issue before it becomes untreatable.

Gastric bloat and hypothyroidism are also potential health issues that your Pitbull Lab Mix may inherit from its parent breeds.

To reduce the chances of these health issues, it's crucial to buy from a reputable breeder who tests the parent breeds for conditions like Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Exercise Induced Collapse, and Hereditary Cataracts.

Here are some common health problems that your Pitbull Lab Mix may face:

  • OCD
  • Epilepsy
  • Bloat
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Insurance can also help cover the costs of veterinary care, with an average annual cost of around $400.

Care

Maintaining a regular veterinary checkup schedule is crucial to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

Labrabulls require at least one-plus hours of exercise per day to release their pent up energy. This can include activities like walking, running, or playing fetch.

Crop owner taming Labrador Retriever in sunlight outdoors
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Daily ear checks are essential to prevent pests and debris buildup. Your vet can recommend the best way to clean your dog's ears.

Trimming your Labrabull's nails regularly is a must, usually once or twice a month, to prevent them from clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this task.

Brushing your dog's teeth at least two or three times a week is vital to remove tartar buildup and bacteria. Daily brushing is even better to prevent gum disease and bad breath.

Feeding

Feeding your Labrabull is crucial to maintaining their energy levels and preventing weight gain. They have a tendency to gain weight if overfed, so stick to a regular feeding schedule.

A medium-sized breed with high energy, Labrabulls require a lot of food to keep their energy levels up. They need anywhere between 1,500 to 2,000 calories a day, which equates to four cups of kibble a day.

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As a puppy, your Labrabull will need 12g of protein per kg of bodyweight and 8% of their diet in fat form. This will change as they mature.

To ensure you're feeding your Labrabull the right amount, always check the back of the food packet for the exact amount based on their weight. You should also feed them three times a day as an adult.

Labrabulls have different dietary needs at different stages of their life, so ask your veterinarian for recommendations on their diet.

Contents

When considering the health and care of a Pitbull Lab mix, it's essential to note that these dogs are generally healthy but can be prone to certain health issues.

Their lifespan is around 10-14 years, which is relatively long compared to other breeds.

Labradors and Pitbulls are both prone to hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis and mobility issues.

Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage this condition.

Adult Chocolate Labrador Retriever Lying on Brown and White Striped Textile
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Pitbull Lab mixes are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional nail trimming and brushing.

Here are some key health and care considerations for Pitbull Lab mixes:

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking proactive steps, you can help ensure your Pitbull Lab mix lives a happy and healthy life.

Training and Behavior

Training your Bully Lab Mix is a breeze, thanks to their high intelligence and love for learning. They thrive on positive reinforcement training, which means rewarding good behavior with treats and praise.

Early socialization is key to helping your Bully Lab Mix become confident and calm in new situations. This should start from a young age and continue as they grow.

Bully Lab Mixes are naturally friendly and sociable, making them a great fit for families with children. They get along well with other animals too, so you don't have to worry about introducing them to your furry friends.

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To keep your Bully Lab Mix happy and healthy, they need plenty of attention and stimulation. This means engaging them in activities and games that challenge their minds and keep them active.

Their intelligence level means they're easily trainable, and they'll pick up tricks and commands in no time. They even make great guard dogs, as they'll alert you to any potential threats.

Bully Lab Mixes don't like to be left alone for long periods, so be prepared to spend plenty of time with them. This is especially true for the Pitbull in them, who can become feisty when bored or not stimulated.

Exercise

Your Bully Lab Mix needs a lot of exercise due to its size and active parent breeds. They'll require a yard for self-exercise and space to run around.

A Bully Lab Mix is a medium to large breed of dog, so it has high exercise needs. You should aim for around 120 minutes of exercise per day.

Credit: youtube.com, XL Merle American Bully & Lab/Bully mix Exercise together

As a puppy, they'll need only 5 minutes of exercise per month of age. So, if your pup is four months old, you should only be exercising them for around 20 minutes.

These dogs love to join you on hikes, runs, or swims, just like their Labrador parent. They're also intelligent and can learn dog sports like flyball or agility.

Family and Socialization

The bully lab mix is a social butterfly, thriving when surrounded by people and attention. They love to be in the middle of everything and can get destructive if left alone for too long.

They're not picky about who they get along with, either - they're friendly with other family pets and can even be a great playmate for kids. Just remember to supervise interactions between dogs and children, and teach kids how to interact with dogs gently.

These intelligent dogs respond well to positive reinforcement training, and they love to learn new tricks. They're also great with other animals, but make sure they've had plenty of exposure to them from an early age.

Daily Life

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The Pitbull Lab Mix is a very intelligent dog, which makes training them a breeze. They love to learn tricks and please their owners, so they can be a great first pet even if you don't have much experience in training a large breed dog.

These dogs need to be kept entertained and stimulated mentally, which is why they can be such a good playmate for children. They thrive when they're around people and love to be in the middle of everything, getting all the attention.

Pitbull Lab Mixes do not do well when left alone for hours at a time and can exhibit destructive behaviors and signs of separation anxiety. Therefore, it's essential to make sure you're not going to be out for hours at a time if you're thinking about bringing one of these dogs into your home.

Their grooming needs are relatively straightforward, but they do require regular care to stay happy and healthy.

You might like: Doxie Black Lab Mix

Family Compatibility

Black Labrador Retriever Puppy Resting
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The Pitbull Lab mix is a loving and friendly breed that thrives on attention and interaction with their family. They love to be in the middle of everything and can get separation anxiety if left alone for too long.

Pitbull Lab mixes are highly intelligent and easy to train, making them a great first pet for families with children. They respond well to positive reinforcement training and verbal praise.

These dogs require regular stimulation and mental exercise to prevent destructive behaviors. They need to be kept entertained and engaged to prevent boredom and restlessness.

Pitbull Lab mixes get along well with other family pets, including dogs and cats, as long as they have been properly socialized from an early age. They are also tolerant of children and make great playmates.

It's essential to supervise interactions between children and dogs, especially when no adult is present. Crating or kenneling the dog can help prevent any potential conflicts or accidents.

Grooming

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Grooming is relatively easy for bully lab mixes, but they still require regular attention to stay clean and healthy.

Their coats are usually short and sparse, making them easy to brush, and a good brushing per week should suffice, with the occasional bath.

You'll likely need to apply sunscreen to sensitive areas in the summer months to prevent sun damage.

They shed a lot, especially during shedding season, so be prepared to vacuum frequently to keep your home fur-free.

Bathing your bully lab mix can be done as infrequently as 3-4 times a year, but regular nail clipping, ear checks, and tooth brushing are essential to prevent health issues.

Daily tooth brushing is a must to prevent gum disease, and regular ear checks can help spot any signs of infection early on.

Rescue and Adoption

Finding a Labrabull rescue can be a challenge due to their mixed breed status.

You may need to look beyond breed-specific rescues, but some organizations that care for Labrabulls are American Pit Bull Terrier and Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often take in mixes as well.

Some rescues you can try include Save-A-Bull Rescue and Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption.

Rescue Groups

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If you're looking to rescue a Labrabull, you may face a challenge in finding a breed-specific rescue, as they are a mixed breed. However, some breed-specific rescues for American Pit Bull Terriers and Labrador Retrievers often care for mixes as well.

Save-A-Bull Rescue and Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption are two organizations you can consider reaching out to.

These rescues may have Labrabulls available for adoption, and they can provide valuable information and support throughout the adoption process.

Rescuing a Pit

Rescuing a Pit can be a wonderful experience, but it's essential to consider the potential challenges that come with it. Get advice from a positive reinforcement based behaviorist to help you navigate your Pit's specific needs.

Punishment can actually make your dog less likely to growl, so don't assume a lack of growls means they're feeling confident. Instead, focus on building trust and confidence through positive reinforcement.

Rehoming a dog is a big decision, and you need to consider your family's vulnerabilities. Ask the organization for any information about your pup's history or parent breed health information to make an informed decision.

For more insights, see: Dog Golden Retriever Mix

Breeders

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Finding a reputable breeder is crucial when adopting a Labrador Pitbull Mix. Your breeder must provide health clearances for your dog's parents.

Good breeders are happy to provide evidence of clean health checks and to answer all of your questions about the Bullador. They should also be asking you questions to make sure you are equipped to handle this large, energetic breed.

Reputable breeders will ask you questions to ensure you're ready for the responsibilities that come with owning a Bullador. They want to make sure you're prepared for the energy and exercise needs of this breed.

If you're considering a breeder, ask to see the Pitbull parent to observe their temperament for yourself. Any sign of aggression in the parents is a red flag.

Sources

  1. Dog Size Calculator | How big will my puppy get? (omnicalculator.com)
  2. bully dogs (animalplanet.com)
  3. popular bully dog breeds (americanbullydaily.com)
  4. bully dog (dogsaholic.com)
  5. bully dogs (bullybreededucation.com)
  6. desire to chase (hillspet.com)
  7. Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption (luckylabrescue.com)
  8. Save-A-Bull Rescue (saveabullmn.org)
  9. Pitbull Lab Mix - Bullador Breed Traits and Care (thelabradorsite.com)
  10. Pitbull Lab Mix - Complete Owner Guide (animalcorner.org)

Terry Williamson

Junior Writer

Terry Williamson is a rising star in the world of writing, bringing a fresh perspective to the topics she covers. With a passion for animal welfare and education, Terry has established herself as a go-to expert on canine companions. Her articles on the standard poodle and poodle breeds have been widely read and appreciated for their engaging style and informative content.