Foxhound Lab Mix: A Guide to Care and Ownership

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Posted Oct 15, 2024

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Person Walking a Labrador Retriever Dog
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This breed is perfect for families with children, as they are known to be gentle and patient.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Foxhound Lab Mixes are energetic dogs that need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They require at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can include walks, runs, or playtime in the yard.

Appearance

The appearance of a Foxhound Lab mix can be quite diverse, as it's a mix of two distinct breeds.

Labradors are medium-sized sporting dogs, so you can expect your Foxhound Lab mix to be of similar size.

Their coats come in three colors: yellow, black, and chocolate, just like the Labrador parent.

You could have a black Foxhound Lab mix, inheriting the Labrador color – or something with more complex patterning.

It's really hard to generalize a Foxhound appearance, as they are a diverse collection of dogs.

Looking at the specific Foxhound used as a parent will give you a better idea of what your puppy's appearance will be like.

You might like: Dog Looks like Labrador

Temperament & Intelligence

Credit: youtube.com, 6 MO Foxhound Lab Mix | Deacon | Best Dog Trainers | Virginia |

The American Foxhound Lab Mix is a friendly and sweet-tempered breed, inheriting the friendly and affectionate nature of both parent breeds. They're highly energetic and love to play, making them a great match for families who prioritize physical activity.

They can thrive in homes with large outdoor spaces, where they have room to roam and burn off their energy. However, they may not be suitable for apartment life, especially if they take after the American Foxhound's energetic nature.

Labrador Retrievers are known for being easy to train, which is a great asset for any dog owner. The American Foxhound Lab Mix may inherit this trait, making them a relatively easy breed to train.

Their intelligence can vary depending on which parent they take after more. Labrador Retrievers are considered one of the smartest dog breeds, ranking seventh in Stanley Coren's list of intelligent breeds.

See what others are reading: Lab Mix Breeds

Care and Maintenance

A regular grooming schedule is a must for your Foxhound Lab mix. Brush its coat once a day, five to six days a week, to keep its coat sleek and tangle-free.

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Brushing daily is recommended for Foxhound Lab mixes that shed more, especially if they have a shiny coat. Regular bathing will also help maintain its coat's health.

Wipe your Foxhound Lab mix's face and neck wrinkles with a baby wipe or washcloth, and dry thoroughly. A sprinkling of baby powder or corn starch can help keep the skin dry and clean in those areas.

Regular tooth brushing is essential for your Foxhound Lab mix, especially since they're notorious chewers. Strong teeth require regular attention to stay healthy.

Exercise

Exercise is crucial for your American Foxhound Lab's physical and mental well-being. They require at least one or two hours of exercise daily to prevent boredom and hyperactivity.

A daily walk or hike is a great way to get your dog moving, but always keep them on a leash to ensure their safety. They'll likely love joining you on these adventures and exploring new sights and smells.

From above unhappy English Foxhound dog with brown and white fur standing behind metal bars and looking up with sadness
Credit: pexels.com, From above unhappy English Foxhound dog with brown and white fur standing behind metal bars and looking up with sadness

Swimming is another favorite physical activity for this breed, and with some training, they can become natural swimmers. However, don't be surprised if they take some time to develop their swimming skills.

In addition to physical exercise, your American Foxhound Lab also needs mental stimulation. Engaging in dog sports like tracking, rally, obedience, and agility can provide them with the mental and physical stimulation they need.

If your dog takes after their Labrador Retriever side, they may also excel at dock diving. This is a fun way to provide them with exercise and mental stimulation, while also getting some quality time with your dog.

As a Hound crossed with a Lab, your hybrid dog will require at least an hour of exercise every day. This can be broken up into shorter periods of playtime and exercise throughout the day.

Be sure to keep an eye on the weather when exercising your dog, as they shouldn't be exercised on hot days. A 20-mile weekly walking or running distance is also a good rule of thumb to follow.

Grooming Your

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A regular grooming schedule is a must for your Lab Hound mix, as they are considered moderate shedders. Brushing its coat once a day, five to six days a week, will keep your pet's coat sleek and tangle-free.

Daily brushing is a must for Labloodhounds, as they tend to shed more. Regular bathing will also help maintain their shiny coat.

If your Lab Hound mix has wrinkles on its face and neck, make sure to wipe them clean with a baby wipe or washcloth and dry thoroughly. A sprinkling of baby powder or corn starch can be a lifesaver for this area.

Lab Hound mixes have very strong teeth, so brushing them regularly is a must, especially since they're notorious chewers.

Health and Wellness

As a foxhound lab mix owner, you'll want to be aware of the potential health issues that can arise in your furry friend. Lab hound mixes, especially larger ones, can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, a deformity of the joint that occurs when big dogs grow out of proportion.

Credit: youtube.com, Foxhound & Lab Mix running free

Regular ear cleaning is a must for these dogs, as their long ears can close their hearing passageways and make them prone to ear infections and hearing problems as they age.

Both Labs and hounds love to eat, and they aren’t good at knowing when they are full, which means lab hound mixes have a tendency to overeat and develop obesity when their diet is not strictly controlled.

To prevent obesity, it's essential to maintain strict mealtimes with the right caloric proportions, and never leave food out for your pup to graze.

Lab hound mixes tend to have a slightly shorter lifespan than purebred Labs, usually living for around 11 to 13 years.

Here are some potential health issues to watch out for in your foxhound lab mix:

  • Hip or elbow dysplasia
  • Ear infections and hearing problems
  • Obesity
  • Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking steps to prevent them, you can help your foxhound lab mix live a happy and healthy life.

Training and Socialization

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Training a Foxhound Lab Mix requires patience and consistency. This breed can be stubborn and independent, making it challenging to train.

Socialization is crucial for a Foxhound Lab Mix, especially since they can inherit the Hound's tendency to be fearful of new people and animals. Proper socialization as a puppy helps to ensure adult dogs grow to be happy, confident, and friendly.

To start training your Foxhound Lab Mix early is key. Begin training as soon as you bring your puppy home, ideally around 8 weeks old, to avoid developing a headstrong dog.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when training your Foxhound Lab Mix:

  • Focus on positive reinforcement training methods.
  • Use consistent actions, praise, and rewards to encourage good behavior.
  • Start with short training sessions and gradually increase the duration as your dog becomes more focused.

Remember, even the friendliest breeds like Labradors need socialization to become confident and well-adjusted adult dogs.

Socialization

Socialization is a crucial aspect of training your Lab Hound mix, and it's essential to start early. Proper socialization as a puppy helps to ensure adult dogs grow to be happy, confident, and friendly.

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Socialization should begin before your puppy is 12 weeks old, exposing them to as many new things, people, and places as possible. Even the friendliest breeds, like Labradors, can benefit from socialization.

To socialize your Lab Hound mix, consider enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class or start the process at home by exposing them to friends, family, and other animals. This will help to minimize aggression towards people and other animals, particularly fear-based aggression.

It's also important to remember that socialization should be a continuous process, not just a one-time event. Consistency is key, and it's essential to continue socializing your dog as they grow and mature.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when socializing your Lab Hound mix:

  • Exposure to new environments, people, and animals should be gradual and positive.
  • Start with small, manageable steps, such as introducing your puppy to a new person or place.
  • Be patient and reward good behavior with praise and treats.

By following these tips and starting socialization early, you can help your Lab Hound mix grow into a happy, confident, and well-adjusted adult dog.

What to Expect

As you start training and socializing your Lab Hound mix, keep in mind that each one can be very different from the next. This is because they can inherit any traits from either parent, making each puppy a unique individual.

A Lab Hound mix can be more like its Lab parent or its hound parent, so it's essential to observe their behavior and characteristics to understand their needs.

Owning a Foxhound Lab Mix

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They need a home where exercise is prioritized, with at least one to two hours of physical activity daily. This is crucial to prevent destructive behaviors or bad habits like excessive barking.

These dogs can be a bit too demanding for some potential owners, so it's essential to consider whether you can provide the necessary exercise and attention. They'll reward you with a loving, affectionate, and playful companion for many years to come.

Should I Adopt?

If you're considering adopting a Foxhound Lab mix, you'll want to think carefully about your lifestyle and whether it's a good fit for these energetic dogs. They need a home where exercise is prioritized.

These dogs require anywhere from one to two hours of physical activity daily, which can be a bit too demanding for some potential owners. Destructive behaviors or excessive barking can develop if they don't get enough exercise.

Foxhound Lab mixes are incredibly sweet-natured, affectionate, and playful, but they can be a little stubborn or independent during training sessions. They need someone with experience in dog training to set them up for success.

If you're a novice dog owner, you may want to consider a different breed. These dogs need someone who can provide the structure and consistency they need to thrive.

Owning Essentials

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Foxhound Lab mixes are prone to shedding, so be prepared to brush their coat regularly. This will help reduce the amount of loose hair in your home.

Their energetic nature requires at least 30 minutes of exercise per day to keep them happy and healthy. This can be achieved through a combination of walks, runs, and playtime in the yard.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a great candidate for obedience training, which can start as early as 8 weeks old. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.

Foxhound Lab mixes are generally good with children, but as with any breed, socialization is crucial to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adult dogs. Introduce them to various environments and people from an early age.

Puppies and Buying

If you're looking to bring home a Foxhound Lab mix puppy, there are a few things to consider. You might not find breeders specializing in this mix, so it's essential to think outside the box.

Labrador Retriever in collar with tag and twig looking away in sunlight on blurred background
Credit: pexels.com, Labrador Retriever in collar with tag and twig looking away in sunlight on blurred background

Adopting from shelters or animal rescues is a great option, as you'll likely get a better sense of the dog's temperament since they're generally a bit older.

Shelter animals are often less prone to the dramatic changes that puppies undergo in their first year of life.

When buying from a breeder, make sure to do your research and find one that's reputable and responsible.

A clean and spacious area is a good sign of a responsible breeder, and don't hesitate to ask to meet the parent breeds to get an idea of their health.

Genetic testing is also a must, as it helps ensure the parent dogs are healthy and can reduce the risk of hidden health issues in the puppy.

Here are two breeders to consider: Greenfield Puppies and Lancaster Puppies.

General Information

The Foxhound Lab mix is a unique and energetic breed. They are a cross between a Foxhound and a Labrador Retriever, which can result in a dog that's both athletic and gentle.

Foxhounds are known for their strong hunting instinct, and this trait is often passed down to their Lab mix offspring. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

With their short coats, Foxhound Lab mixes are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Origin & History

Photo of a Labrador Retriever Dog Near Water
Credit: pexels.com, Photo of a Labrador Retriever Dog Near Water

The American Foxhound Lab Mix has a unique origin story, but we can look to its parent breeds for a glimpse into its history. The American Foxhound is a scent hound developed in the United States.

George Washington played a key role in the development of the American Foxhound breed. These pups were originally bred to hunt foxes.

The Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, originated in the Canadian province of Newfoundland. Early Labs were used as retrievers for fish and game.

The Labrador Retriever's origins in Newfoundland laid the groundwork for its development as a hunting companion.

On a similar theme: Redbone Coonhound Mix Puppies

Three Little-Known Facts About

The shortest war in history was between Britain and Zanzibar on August 27, 1896, and lasted only 38 minutes.

The first computer bug was an actual insect that got stuck in the Harvard Mark II computer in 1947.

There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth.

Three Reasons to Get a Dog

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Getting a dog can be a wonderful decision. Having a dog can bring immense joy and companionship to your life.

Dogs are known to be friendly and loving animals. A Hound Lab mix, for example, is one of the friendliest dogs around. It loves the company of humans and is eager to please them.

Dogs also have incredible senses, including a strong sense of smell. A Hound Lab mix has an amazing sense of smell and can literally follow a scent for hours. This means you won't have to worry about losing your stuff as your dog can find it for you.

Having a dog can also encourage you to lead a more active lifestyle. A Hound Lab mix is athletic, energetic, and adventurous, making it a great companion for family trips and outdoor activities. It will have a great time hiking and camping with you, and it also loves to swim.

If you're considering adopting a dog, there are many resources available to help you. Websites like www.petfinder.com and www.adoptapet.com can connect you with dogs in need of a home.

Food and Nutrition

Credit: youtube.com, Top 3 Best Dog Foods for Labradors

A Foxhound Lab mix needs the right food to stay healthy and happy. Their food requirements will depend on their size and age.

As a big breed, your Foxhound Lab mix will need to eat a large portion of high-quality dog food. You can't go wrong with food made specifically for large breeds.

To keep your Foxhound Lab mix's energy levels up, consider sprinkling some snacks throughout the day. This can even be integrated into their training to emphasize positive reinforcement.

Here are some top food picks for your Foxhound Lab mix:

  • Wellness Core Dog Food: This brand boasts 38% protein with chicken meal, deboned chicken, and turkey meal as its top three ingredients.
  • Dog For Dog Food: This brand uses only natural ingredients and makes delicious dog treats for training sessions.
  • K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Formula: This premium brand uses freeze-dried grass-fed New Zealand beef and other fruits and vegetables for optimal growth.
  • Natural Balance Original Ultra Whole Body Health Large Breed Recipe: This dog food formula uses chicken, chicken meal, and duck meal to build lean muscle mass.
  • Nutra Thrive dog food supplement: This adds an energy boost for your big Foxhound Lab mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Lab hound mix good dogs?

A Lab Hound mix is a friendly and affectionate dog that thrives on human interaction. They are eager to please and make great companions for families and individuals alike.

What is the life expectancy of an American Foxhound mix?

American Foxhound mixes typically live between 11-14 years, inheriting the breed's overall good health and high energy level. With proper care, they can enjoy a long and active life as loving companions.

How big does a Foxhound mix get?

A Foxhound mix typically stands between 21-25 inches tall and weighs 65-75 pounds, inheriting the athletic build of its Foxhound parent. Their size may vary depending on the breed mix, but they generally remain a medium to large-sized dog.

Dana Mitchell

Writer

Dana Mitchell is a passionate writer with a knack for storytelling. Her articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics that bring joy and knowledge to pet owners and enthusiasts alike. With a focus on mixed-breed dogs, Dana's writing aims to educate and inspire readers to appreciate the unique qualities of these lovable companions.

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