Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the world, so you will find lots of mixed-breed dogs with a Labrador parent. One breed that is becoming increasingly popular is a Lab hound mix.
A Lab hound is a mix between a Labrador retriever and any dog from the hound family.
That means one of their parents could be a bloodhound, greyhound, Basset hound, Plott hound, or even a blue tick hound, so there is a lot of variation within this mixed breed.
These dogs tend to be loving and friendly pups ideal for families with lots of energy and love to give. Let’s take a closer look at exactly what to expect from a Lab hound mix!
What to Expect From a Lab Hound Mix
Lab and hound mixes go by a variety of names, including Labbe, Bassador, and Dachsador, depending on which hound is mixed with the friendly and popular Labrador Retriever. But, this means each Lab Hound mix is very different from the next.
A mixed breed dog can inherit any traits from either parent used. So, a puppy could be more like its Lab parent, or much more like its hound parent. To get a better idea of what your Labrador hound mix will be like, you should take a look at its parents. Remember, it could be any mix of the two. Later on in this guide, we’ll look at some specific examples of Lab hound mixes. But for now, here’s a more general idea of what to expect from this cross.
The appearance of a mixed breed puppy like this could be any blend of its two parents. To predict how your puppy will look, examine his parents to see what traits he could inherit. Labradors are medium sized sporting dogs.
Their coats come in three colors: yellow, black, and chocolate. Their “all-weather” fur is both short and thick. You could have a black Lab hound mix, inheriting the Labrador color – or something with more complex patterning.
There is a slight difference between the working Lab appearance and the show Lab appearance. But, you can read about this more here. Hounds are a diverse collection of dogs that are segmented into three categories. Within these categories exist many distinct breeds of hound dogs, with varying points of origin. So, it’s really hard to generalize a hound appearance. You will have more luck predicting your puppy’s appearance by looking at the specific hound used as a parent.
Before we examine the different Labrador retriever hound mix combinations, it should be noted that the offspring of Labs and hounds will reflect the unique temperaments of their parents.
In this case, size doesn’t matter! Whether you have a small Lab mix or large Lab mix, a black Lab hound mix or a yellow one, the temperament is contingent on his parents’ DNA.
Keep in mind, however, that temperamental traits are inherited in a random fashion, and can only be “predicted” in broad, general terms. No one can guarantee with certainty the precise combination of traits that a Labrador Spaniel mix, Bluetick Lab mix, or Bloodhound lab mix will inherit, nor how these qualities will be expressed.
It is nature’s little secret as to how the bundles of each breed’s genetic information will mix and match to create a unique cross breed canine.
Here’s a general look at Labrador and hound dog temperaments to help.
With a sunny, affable personality, Labs are easy to get along with, take well to training, and are eager to please: it’s a win-win situation for all involved!
It’s no wonder they’re America’s favorite dog.
With an impressive energy level, Labs are a popular choice for law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and service dog duty.
Labs are good companion animals for families, but don’t expect the trusting, affectionate Lab to be a ferocious guard dog; it’s just not in their nature!
Hounds are infamous for using a keen sense of sight and/or smell to pick up on a hunter’s intended prey. Some hounds complement their fine-tuned sensory ability with an amazing gift of speed.
Dogs in the sighthound category excel at using their laser-like sight to focus in on and stalk prey.
In contrast, pooches in the scent hound category use their superior sense of smell to help locate game. Due to the valuable nature of their acute sense of smell, scent hounds are also used to find missing persons.
Some experts consider hounds who follow prey using both the senses of sight and scent a distinct category.
But all are active, intelligent, and alert.
Some dogs in the hound group are known for a unique trait known as ‘baying’, which is a loud and distinct vocal emanation. Not everyone is fond (or tolerant) of baying, so it’s best to hear it first hand before bringing such a hound home.
No matter which hound breed is used in your Lab hound mix, it’s important to socialize your dog well.
Proper socialization as a puppy helps to ensure adult dogs grow to be happy, confident, and friendly.
It will help to minimize aggression towards people and other animals, particularly fear-based aggression.
So, no matter what Lab hound mix you get, make sure to socialize them well to as many new things, people, and places as possible before they are 12 weeks old.
Even though one parent will be the Labrador – which is known for being friendly – it still needs to be socialized. The friendliest breeds can still benefit from it!
With the certain uncertainty of mixed breeds in mind, let’s take a look at the profiles of a few Lab hound mix canines a bit more in depth.
The Beagle Lab mix is also known as a “Labbe.” Beagles are scent hounds that are thought to have originated in Ancient Greece. Hunters used the small dog for its superior sense of smell.
In 2019, Beagles were the 7th most popular breed in the US. The best known Beagle may just be Charlie Brown’s friend, Snoopy. Just like the cartoon Snoopy, real-life Beagles are curious and friendly animals who enjoy being around humans.
Beagles sport a short, heavy fur that comes in colors that include black, tan, red, and white, with blue ticking a possibility. Their coats require regular brushing and can be expected to shed on a seasonal basis.
On average Beagles range from almost 20 pounds up to around 70 pounds, and they typically average one to two feet in height. A lifespan of 10 to 15 years is common.
As a whole, Beagles are prone to hypothyroidism and epilepsy, as well as disc issues. Some Beagles develop a condition known as “Funny Puppy,” where the pup develops at a slower than normal rate. The unfortunate result is a Beagle that is left with a curved back and weakened legs.
If you are interested in a Lab and Beagle mix, a responsible breeder will provide you with health information regarding your puppy, as well as its parents.
The Dachsador is a Dachshund Lab mix. Dachshunds, fondly known as wiener or sausage dogs, originated in Germany where they were used to hunt underground game. Friendly and lively, they are a small breed, with a medium level of energy.
Their slender, elongated bodies and short legs made them ideally suited for tunneling for rabbits, etc., but today the small breed is mainly known as affectionate and loyal.
They like to bond with their special human. But given their hound ancestry, can be a quite vocal companion. The Doxie lifespan averages from 12 to 16 years.
Dachshund coats come in smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired varieties and require regular brushing. Doxies are low-lying dogs, with standard-sized canines averaging 8 to 9 inches (and 15 to 30 pounds) and miniature sized dogs around 5 to 6 inches (weighing about 10 pounds and under).
Unfortunately these clever and distinctive looking dogs are prone to a few serious health issues. Back problems are common, with over one quarter of the breed (ages 5-9 years old) thought to suffer from back issues.
For this reason Dachshunds should be picked up with two hands beneath the body, and children need to be cautioned against rough play. Epilepsy and blindness are other major health concerns with this breed.
The elegant, beautiful Greyhound is a large breed with a medium level of energy. This uniquely aerodynamic, active dog requires regular exercise but can maintain a status as a house dog quite happily.
Males average 28 to 30 inches in height (and 65-70 pounds) with females coming in at around 27 inches tall and weighing up to 65 pounds. The Greyhound lifespan is around 10 to 13 years.
Greyhounds have short, smooth coats and a regular brushing will keep them looking handsome and trim. Greyhounds are relatively healthy breeds, but potential health issues include heart disease and bloating.
On a side note, the athletic Greyhound’s penchant for activity can lead to exercise-related issues affecting the feet, skin, and tail. Examples of such injuries include split pads, broken tails, and pulled muscles.
Greyhounds can be successfully trained using supportive and positive methods, but all hounds are known to have a bit of a renegade streak in their personality!
With its big, droopy ears and solid, low-lying body, the wrinkly Basset Hound is an adorably picturesque dog. As a result, the Basset Lab mix appearance is a one-of-a-kind look.
The Basset Hound is a scent hound of French ancestry. His gentle, uncomplicated manner renders him an excellent family pet, and dare we say, couch companion!
You’ll find that this patient dog is easy to train, and requires quite a bit less physical stimulation than his scent and sight hound brethren. As an added bonus, this medium-sized dog is not as vocal either!
His smooth coat sheds seasonally, and weekly grooming is enough to keep him handsome and trim. Bassets are either tri- or bi-colored with black, white, tan, and red colors distributed randomly on the coat.
Basset Hounds reach heights up to 15 inches and typically weigh between 40 to 65 pounds. In general, you can expect a basset hound to live up to 13 years.
While their joints are forming (until around one year of age) heavy-set Basset puppies should place minimal stress on their limbs in order to avoid permanent damage- this includes excessive jumping.
Since air does not freely circulate in and out of their drapery-like ears, they require regular inspection to avoid possible infections. Owners should also be wary of excess weight gain.
The Bloodhound Lab mix, AKA Labloodhound, is a big dog who can reach nearly 30 inches tall and top out at over 100 pounds. He is a sturdy, heavyweight dog with a lifespan of approximately 9 years and an endurance level that makes him ideal for search-and-rescue work.
But at home, this dog is a loveable companion, with a temperament not unlike the friendly Lab. He enjoys being in the company of his humans as well as other animals, and is relatively easy to train.
Like the Basset Hound, this scent hound has a signature look. He has wrinkly skin and long floppy ears, and his fur colors include red, tan, liver, and black. But beware, he is a frequent shedder, and should be brushed daily and groomed weekly.
Major health issues include hip and/or elbow dysplasia and heart problems. Eye health is also a concern.
Coonhounds belong to the scent hound group. This All-American dog originated from foxhounds found in Europe.
The Coonhound was bred to do what the Foxhound was not meant to do. Namely, hunt tree-climbing game. Thus, the Coonhound found its purpose hunting game in the US, including possums and racoons.
The six types of Coonhounds include the Treeing Walker Coonhound, English Coonhound, and Plott hound. Let’s look at the Plott hound a bit more in depth.
The Plott Hound has the distinction of being North Carolina’s state dog. But this breed is not very well known in the other 49 states.
The Plott Hound is a strong dog, willing and capable of chasing after large animals such as bears and wildcats. He is a sort of gentle giant, though, capable of pursuing large game with a high level of endurance, but also exhibiting a tender streak with his humans.
As you may imagine, this medium-sized dog has a medium to high energy level and needs regular, active exercise in order to remain healthy and happy. This is also a dog that likes to bark, so keep this in mind when considering adding her to your household.
Plott Hounds sport a short, shiny, low-maintenance coat (that sheds seasonally) with colors that include black and tan, and several brindle markings.
According to the AKC, Plott Hounds are relatively healthy dogs. Although as with most breeds, hip dysplasia and eye disease may be potential issues. Of note, the Plott Hound is a deep-chested dog and these animals can be susceptible to bloating.
Overall you’ll find this pooch to be a smart, athletic, and highly trainable companion.
Finally, another popular Lab and Hound mix is the Blue Tick Hound Lab mix. The Blue Tick Coonhound has a blue and white ticked coat, that can also have tan coloring mixed in.
This breed is particularly affectionate and loyal to its family. They are also very intelligent, and will pick up new skills quickly.
They have a short, glossy coat. But, this will shed moderately throughout the year, so it isn’t a great breed for people with allergies.
Blue Tick Coonhounds have strong prey drives, so must be socialized well and trained properly from a young age.
They also need plenty of exercise in order to avoid destructive boredom.
Lab Hound Mix Shedding and Grooming
Labradors and hound breeds all tend to shed moderately. This amount increases during shedding seasons.
Grooming can help to keep your mixed breed shedding under control.
Generally, grooming them a couple of times a week is enough if they have a short, dense coat, like a Labrador.
But, grooming needs can vary depending on the type of coat your mix inherits. Your vet is the best person to go to for advice.
Lab Hound Mix Appearance: What Does a Lab Hound Mix Look Like?
On average, Lab hounds are medium to large dogs. The average height of these pups is between 23 and 30 inches tall, and their average weight is around 55 to 110 pounds.
Usually, Lab hounds adopt the athletic build of the Labrador Retriever. These hybrids have good muscular structure, strong limbs, and elongated snouts.
More often than not, Lab hounds also adopt the short coat of a Labrador Retriever.
Unfortunately, other than these features, the general appearance of a Lab hound mix is hard to generalize.
These pooches come in all sorts of coat colors, coat markings, and overall silhouettes. The good news is that every Lab hound is truly one-of-a-kind!
The Beagle Lab mix, also known as the Beagador, is the hybrid between a Labrador Retriever and a Beagle. In some parts of the world, these dogs are also called the “Labbe.”
Beagles have short fur that comes in various combinations of black, white, tan, and red. These pups are roughly 12 to 24 inches in height and 20 to 70 pounds in weight.
Because of the wide variety of the Beagle, the appearance of Beagle Lab mixes is usually diverse. However, one telltale feature that a dog is a Beagador is its floppy ears.
If those cute, stubby legs don’t give it away, the adorable pooch in the photo above is a Basset Hound Lab mix. This pup is the hybrid of a Labrador and a Basset Hound.
Basset Hound Lab mixes come in black, white, tan, red, or any combination of these colors. These pups have short coats that are slightly less wrinkly than the Basset Hound breed.
In terms of temperament and personality traits, this Lab hound mix is usually a timid couch potato that is extremely loyal and easy to train.
If you are looking for a gentle pet that does not require much exercise, this is the one!
The Dachshund Lab mix, also known as Dachsador, is the cross between a Lab and a Dachshund. This mixed breed is slightly smaller than a Labrador Retriever yet somewhat bigger than a purebred Dachshund.
Dachsadors are playful pooches that have medium energy levels. Their telltale features are their sausage-shaped bodies, relatively short legs, floppy ears, and long muzzles.
Bloodhound Lab mixes, also known as Labloodhounds, are the offspring of Labs and Bloodhounds. These pooches are muscular, heavy, and powerful.
On most occasions, these dogs adopt the wrinkly skin of their Bloodhound parent.
The Labloodhound mix is an excellent hunter with above-average endurance. These qualities make them ideal as service dogs for the police and military.
Unfortunately, these dogs have a pretty short lifespan, at around nine years.
The Greyhound Lab mix is a tall and elegant dog. Its telltale features are its long legs, broad chest, and small ears. The aerodynamic body of this mixed breed is adopted from its Greyhound parent.
Despite having an extremely athletic physique, the Greyhound Lab mix is a couch potato. These dogs like short bursts of energy, but they do get tired quickly.
The photo above shows a tiger-striped Plott Hound Lab mix. This unique-looking mixed breed is the cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Plott Hound.
This hound Lab mix is known for its athleticism, shiny coat, and brindle markings.
Plott Hound Lab mixes require moderate to heavy exercise. It is worth noting that this mix is a very vocal dog. They tend to bark if they do not get enough mental stimulation and exercise!
The Foxhound Lab mix is a cross between an English Foxhound and a purebred Labrador.
These dogs usually sport a bright red coat color similar to a fox red Labrador. On some occasions, a Foxhound Lab mix may have black or white markings on its back.
Temperament-wise, this Lab hound mix is sociable and gentle. They are playful as well, especially in their puppy years!
The Coonhound Lab mix is a medium-sized dog with slender legs and big floppy ears. This Lab hound mix is a super active pooch that can climb trees. They are speedy runners as well!
FAQ
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