Coonhound Lab Mix: A Comprehensive Breed Overview

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Posted Oct 27, 2024

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They typically have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Their size can vary, but most Coonhound Lab Mixes fall within the medium to large breed range.

Their energy levels are moderate to high, making them an ideal companion for active families or individuals who enjoy outdoor activities.

Breed Basics

The coonhound breed is a unique and fascinating one, with several types of coonhounds sharing common features like a lanky frame and big, swinging ears.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes six coonhound breeds in the hound group. These breeds include the Black and Tan Coonhound, Treeing Walker Coonhound, Bluetick Coonhound, Redbone Coonhound, American English Coonhound, and Plott Hound.

Here are the key characteristics of each breed:

About the Breed

The Australian Cattle Dog is a highly energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need at least an hour of physical activity every day.

Their intelligence and strong work ethic make them a great fit for active families or individuals who can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need.

The breed's origins date back to the 19th century, when they were bred to herd cattle in the rugged Australian outback.

They have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. A weekly brush is all they need to stay looking their best.

See what others are reading: Rat Terrier Australian Cattle Dog Mix

History of the Breed

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The Labrador retriever is one of the most popular household pets in the United States. They were originally bred for retrieving game in wetlands.

Labrador retrievers were bred for their intelligence, eagerness to please, and friendly nature. This made them suitable for roles such as disability support.

The popularity of Labrador retrievers led to mixing them with other breeds in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Breeders started to mix a variety of breeds with Labs following the success of the Labradoodle.

The Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a poodle. The goal was to have a Labrador's intelligence and personality with the low-shedding coat of a poodle.

The Blue Tick Coonhound, another hound breed, originates from Louisiana. It was developed using the English Foxhound, the American Foxhound, and the Grand Bleu de Gascogne hound from France.

The Blue Tick Coonhound was originally registered under the United Kennel Club as a Coonhound and Foxhound. It became a recognized breed in 1946.

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Size and Build

Credit: youtube.com, Duke, a 3-year-old Labrador Retriever/Coonhound mix available at the Wisconsin Humane Society

Coonhound Lab mixes can weigh between 50 and 80 pounds, depending on the specific hound breed mixed with the Labrador.

Their tall, leggy, and thin build helps them travel long distances in pursuit of prey, making them well-suited for active families.

They're not recommended for first-time dog owners due to their powerful build and potential to drag you along on walks.

A Coonhound Lab mix can be challenging to bathe, especially if they don't like the experience, so be prepared with plenty of treats and toys.

Their size can be a drawback for small living spaces, as they require lots of space to explore and run around.

Coonhound Lab mixes can range in height from 20 to 22 inches, depending on the specific hound breed mixed with the Labrador.

Their athletic build is inherited from both Labradors and hounds, resulting in a muscular form that's compact and proportional or longer and narrower.

For your interest: Labrador Cross Dog

Temperament and Trainability

Coonhound Lab mixes have a calm and caring temperament, making them great companions. They're incredibly knowledgeable and talented, with a natural aptitude for picking up new abilities quickly.

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Early socialization is key to strengthening their kind character, especially since they can be less sociable than Labradors. This should begin before they become 12 weeks old.

They're also known to be affectionate, caring, and gentle, which is why they're great service dogs, police dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. This makes them a perfect fit for active families and individuals.

Coonhounds are among the most vocal dog breeds, and they're famous for their deep bays, which can be thunderously loud. This prolonged howl-like sound is a great way to express their emotions, but it may not be ideal for neighbors.

Loyalty is a common trait shared between coonhounds, though aloofness with strangers can also creep up. Building their confidence through early socialization with people and other pets can prevent any issues.

Coonhounds are hunting dogs at heart, so don't expect them to always lounge around the house. They need a workout, preferably by exploring places with their nose while leashed, to keep them happy and healthy.

Positive, reward-based training is a must for coonhound lab mixes, along with varied lessons that hold their attention. This is especially important since they can be stubborn at times.

Keep them leashed in unsecured areas, no matter how solid their recall seems. They will follow their nose after any interesting scent, and you don't want to risk losing them.

Care and Maintenance

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Taking care of a Coonhound Lab Mix is relatively easy, they are generally low maintenance dogs.

Proper care practices are essential to ensure the quality and length of their lives.

To keep your Coonhound Lab Mix healthy and happy, you'll need to establish a regular maintenance routine, just like with any other dog.

This routine will include regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to prevent any potential health issues.

Exercise

Exercise is crucial for a Blue Tick Hound Lab mix puppy. They need at least 2 hours of exercise daily due to their high energy levels.

Raising one of these dogs requires a lot of patience, so be prepared to spend time with them. Their energy needs to be drained through rigorous activities for 40 to 60 minutes each day.

Playing fetch is a great way to keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated. You can also try swimming, running, or going on a hike with your dog.

Going on a long walk with an interactive toy is another good option to keep your dog entertained.

Maintaining Your Dog

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Maintaining Your Dog is crucial to keep them healthy and happy.

Labrador Hound Mixes are generally low maintenance dogs, but they still require regular care and attention.

Feeding your dog at the same time every day can help with their overall health and well-being.

A strict food regimen is essential, with Lab Hound Mixes requiring 3 meals a day as puppies and 2 meals a day as adults.

A healthy diet is key to preventing health issues in Labrador Hound Mixes.

Pet Plate meals are ideal as they offer a balanced and customized diet made from human-grade ingredients.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify any potential health issues early on.

By following these care tips, you can help your Labrador Hound Mix live a long and happy life.

Health and Grooming

Your Coonhound Lab mix is a healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health issues. Elbow and hip dysplasia are common concerns, so it's essential to keep an eye on your pup's joints.

Credit: youtube.com, Redbone Coonhound Dog Breed: 10 Amazing Facts You Must Know

Regular ear cleaning is a must, especially since their long ears can close their hearing passageways, making them prone to ear infections and hearing problems as they age. This is a simple task that can save your dog from a lot of pain and discomfort.

A balanced diet is crucial to prevent obesity and bloat, which can be deadly. Stick to high-quality dog food, and never leave food out for your pup to graze.

Shedding Grooming Tips

Shedding can be a challenge for many dog owners, but with the right grooming tips, you can keep your Lab Coonhound mix's coat healthy and beautiful.

The good news is that Bluetick Coonhound Lab mixes have a short, shedding coat that requires minimal grooming. They shed periodically, so be prepared with a quality vacuum to keep your home tidy.

Weekly brushing is a must to keep their coat tidy and clean, and nail trims, baths, and teeth cleanings are essential for overall health.

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If your dog has a longer coat, you'll need to brush more frequently to prevent tangles and mats, which can lower their coat's health.

Labrador Hound mixes can be heavy shedders due to their short and dense coats, but brushing a few times every week can help manage shedding.

You can bathe your dog every 4 to 6 weeks if they mostly stay indoors, but more frequent baths may be needed if they love playing outside.

Remember, grooming is not just about looks – it's also crucial for your dog's overall health and well-being.

Health

Lab Hound mixes can be prone to health issues, so it's essential to keep an eye out for potential problems. Regular ear cleaning is a must to prevent ear infections and hearing problems.

Their large, dangling ears are prone to infection, so check your pup's ears regularly and clean them as needed. Lab Hound mixes, especially larger ones, can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.

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This is a deformity of the joint that occurs when big dogs grow out of proportion, causing serious pain and mobility issues as they get older. Be careful not to over-exercise your pup, despite their high energy levels.

Until they are fully grown, they should only get about 5 minutes of exercise per day for every month of age. Vision problems are also fairly common among these dogs.

Many will lose at least some of their sight as they age, so it's crucial to monitor their vision regularly. Both Labs and hounds love to eat, and they aren't good at knowing when they are full.

This means Lab Hound mixes have a tendency to overeat and develop obesity when their diet is not strictly controlled. Never leave food out for your pup to graze, and always maintain strict mealtimes with the right caloric proportions.

Evenly-spaced and well-portioned meals of high-quality dog food can also ensure your Lab Hound mix doesn't suffer from bloat, a condition that can become deadly very quickly.

Cost and Adoption

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The cost of a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix can vary depending on several factors, including location, size, color, coat type, and health status. Prices can range from $700 to $2,000.

Adopting from a rescue group is a more affordable option, with costs starting at around $300 or even less. This is because rescue groups often have lower overhead costs compared to breeders.

If you're looking to bring a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix into your life, be prepared for regular grooming sessions due to their medium shedding coat.

Adopting a Pet

Considering adopting a pet can be a big decision, especially when it comes to costs. If you're thinking of adopting a Lab Hound Mix, it's essential to know that they can make great family pets.

The costs of adopting a pet can vary depending on the type of pet and the adoption process. According to our profile of the Lab Hound Mix, they are generally a healthy breed with an average lifespan of 10-12 years.

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You'll also need to consider the costs of spaying or neutering your pet, which can range from $50 to $500. This is a crucial step in responsible pet ownership, and it's often included in the adoption fee.

Lab Hound Mixes are highly social dogs that thrive on interaction and exercise. They need regular walks and playtime, which can be a significant commitment for some owners.

In addition to these costs, you'll also need to factor in the cost of food, toys, and veterinary care, which can range from $500 to $1,000 per year.

Cost

The cost of adopting a Bluetick Hound Lab Mix can vary depending on several factors. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $700 to $2,000.

A significant factor affecting the cost is the dog's location, size, color, coat type, health status, and other characteristics. This can greatly impact the price you'll pay.

Adopting from a rescue group is a more affordable option, with prices starting at around $300 or even less.

Consider reading: Pitbull Lab Mix Cost

Lifespan and Suitability

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A Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix typically has a 12- to 15-year lifespan, which is influenced by their diet, activity, regular vet visits, and health problems.

Their longevity can be impacted by health issues they may inherit from their parent breeds. Routine checks are necessary to live a healthy life.

These dogs can make great family pets, but it's essential to consider their high prey drive and loud baying, which may not be suitable for homes with young children or newborns.

Lifespan

A Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix typically has a 12- to 15-year lifespan. Their lifespan is heavily influenced by their diet, activity level, regular vet visits, and potential health problems.

The average lifespan of a Labrador is 12 to 13 years, but the Bluetick Coonhound has a variable lifespan. This unpredictability can make it difficult to determine the exact lifespan of a Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix.

Routine checks are necessary to help these dogs live a healthy life. They can pick up various illnesses from their parent breeds, so regular veterinary care is crucial.

Socializing is key to making these dogs happier and healthier. By providing a stable and loving environment, you can help your Bluetick Coonhound Lab mix thrive for many years.

Family Pet Suitability

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They are generally great pets to have, and their eagerness to please their humans makes them highly sociable and easy to train.

Their fantastic temperament and ability to make good guard dogs means they'll let you know about any strangers in a vocal manner, which can be a great asset for families.

However, it's worth noting that Bluetick Coonhound Lab mixes have a high prey drive, so they may not be the best fit for homes with small pets or young children who may not understand how to interact with them gently.

Their hound parent's loud baying can be a challenge for families with newborns, but with proper training, they can learn to be more mindful of their surroundings.

Overall, with the right training and socialization, a Lab Hound Mix can make a wonderful addition to a family.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bluetick Hound Lab mix can weigh up to 80 pounds, making them a sturdy breed.

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They can be highly vocal due to their original purpose as a scent-tracking breed, so be prepared for some barking.

Labradors, which are likely a parent breed of your Coonhound Lab mix, typically won't settle down until they're at least two years old, and sometimes not until they turn four.

If your dog is crying, it might be excited, anxious, or stressed – or it might just want more attention, so try to read its body language.

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.