Lab Mix With Terrier

One Lab terrier mix can be very different to the next. It will all depend on the terrier breed used, and the traits your puppy inherits.

But, generally, this cross will be intelligent, friendly, and very energetic, no matter which terrier breed it comes from.

Lab terrier mix puppies will fall somewhere between its two parents in terms of size, temperament, and overall appearance.

We’re going to take a closer look at some of the most popular lab terrier cross dogs in this guide.

But, if you’re keen to get some of your questions answered first, you can navigate to them with these links.

Lab Terrier mix – how big do they grow?

In the previous sections we’ve looked at the various Terrier dog dimensions including weight and height. Your cross breed will be within the ranges of his parents, depending on which Terrier and Lab are bred together.

So, how big do Labradors get? I’m glad you asked! Male Labs range from 22 to 25 inches tall, while females tend to average 21 to 24 inches in height. Likewise, males usually weigh more than females. A typical male Lab will range from 65 to 80 pounds and females typically weigh in between 55 to 70 pounds.

Allergies are common among the different types of Terriers. Allergic response occurs when the immune system reacts to common substances (allergens) as dangerous, resulting in an extreme physical response. Allergens can affect the respiratory and/or digestive systems as well as the skin. Dogs with allergic skin reaction are at risk for skin infection, hair loss, and scabbing.

We’ve listed the known health issues of the various Terrier types, so now let’s take a look at the health issues that come along as part and parcel with the Labrador Retriever breed. Joint issues are at the top of the health issue list, including hip/elbow dysplasia and luxating patella (kneecap dislocation). Dysplasia occurs when a joint and its socket fail to align properly resulting in a painful grinding and rubbing motion versus a smooth movement. Unfortunately the outcomes of these disorders can include severe pain, distress, and loss of function for your pooch, as well as costly surgery.

Eye disease is also a concern with Labs. They are at risk for Canine Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a disorder that affects the retina and can lead to blindness. Cataracts pose another concern for Labs. Cataracts affect the eye lens by obstructing incoming light resulting in compromised vision.

The Labrador parent must be hip and elbow scored, PRA clear and have a clear eye test of less than a year old. The Terrier parent must be tested for any health conditions relevant to their breed too.

Labrador Retrievers have a life expectancy of approximately 12.5 years. Keeping in mind that a Lab and Terrier cross breed will enjoy the same approximate lifespan as it’s parents, so let’s revisit the various Terrier dog lifespans.

Most of the terrier breeds we’ve discussed live for 12 to 14 years on average. In general you can expect a healthy, well cared for mix breed pup to survive for around 10 years up to 12, and maybe a bit beyond. Smaller dogs and mixed breed dogs tend to live a little longer on average, so this gives your pup a good chance of a slightly increased time with you.

If you are considering welcoming a Lab Terrier mix breed dog or puppy into your life, it’s important to do your due diligence where health matters are concerned. Your mixed breed dog is at potential risk for any of the health issues that face her parents.

Health testing should be done for the issues that impact both parent breeds. Ask to see the parents’ certificates proving that they were tested and cleared of hereditary diseases. In particular look for Labrador hip and elbow scores and eye tests.

Working with a responsible breeder is one of the most important things that you can do to minimize unhappy surprises. This is as true for Black Lab Terrier mix puppies as it is for Terriers crossed with Chocolate and Yellow Labs.

Conscientious breeders will help you to learn what you need know about health issues. As well as ancillary concerns such as temperament, grooming, etc. For example, hip dysplasia is just one of the serious health issues which impact Labs and some Terriers.

In order to make an informed decision when choosing your pup, it is crucial to know as much as possible about the parent breeds’ health conditions. And this is where a responsible, knowledgeable breeder comes in.

Remember, your mixed breed dog can inherit any aspect of either parent. So it makes sense to understand all health implications before making a lifelong commitment to a mix breed dog. Keep in mind that all puppies are individuals in their own right, and even littermates can exhibit vastly different traits.

What is a Lab Terrier Mix

The friendly Labrador Retriever is a sweet-natured, intelligent, sociable dog who is a definite people-pleaser. It’s not hard to understand why this athletic, handsome dog is the most popular breed in the US. Equally lovable but in stark contrast in terms of temperament and appearance, are the diverse array of dogs in the Terrier group. This is a varied group, but they do have some general traits in common. Terriers are a feisty lot, with spirited personalities that don’t mind a tussle or two, love digging and are quite vocal. They also make loyal, loving, pocket sized pets.

So what happens when these two different breed types combine? In reality it’s possible for a Lab and Terrier mix to get any aspect of either parent, and even littermates can have vastly different personalities.

Are you thinking of bringing a Lab Terrier mix dog into your home as a pet? If so, we’ve gathered together some useful information for potential Lab and Terrier mix owners. Let’s start our exploration at the beginning, and what better place to begin than with the very conception of the unique Lab x Terrier cross!

As we’ve mentioned, the Labrador Terrier cross breed will have some of the traits and characteristics of each parent. The tricky part is predicting how these characteristics will emerge. In fact, no responsible breeder will guarantee the personality of any mixed breed dog.

It’s simply impossible to determine beforehand how a blend of two unique gene pools will merge and reconfigure into an individual pup. The best anyone can do is consider each breed in turn, and realize that a cross breed canine will be a singular combination of several possibilities. The best of both breeds, the worst of both breeds, or a glorious mashup of the two! With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at both the Labrador Retriever and the Terrier pure breeds.

Are Lab Terrier Mixes Good with Kids?

Labrador Retrievers and all terrier breeds are known to form strong bonds with their families, including young kids that they grow up with.

As long as your mix has been socialized well, they will likely love kids. And, thanks to the common playful natures, kids will usually love them too!

Socialization is important to ensure your mix inherits the friendliest temperament possible, and shows no aggression around kids.

But make sure young kids in your family are taught how to interact with your mix, especially if they are a smaller hybrid that could be easily hurt during rough play.

On top of this, be aware that many terriers have strong chase and hunt instincts. If your mix inherits these, they may be prone to chasing and nipping children.

FAQ

How big will a rat Terrier Lab mix get?

What is a Lab Terrier?