The Complete Guide to Caring for Pitbull Lab Mix Dogs

Written by: Dr. Kathryn Dench

August 12, 2024

Time to read 7 min

The Pitbull and Lab mix dog breed is quickly becoming a favorite of dog enthusiasts today. The unique Lab Pit mix has various names – Pitador, Bullador, or Labrabull – and may be seen in various colors and unique physical features. When it comes to personality, this mixed-breed dog is known for its loyalty, charm, and energetic nature.

Caring for a Pitbull Lab mix dog is not much different from looking after other dogs but there are a few special considerations. This guide will help you understand how a Pit and Lab mix fur baby can be the perfect addition to many homes. We’ll explore their:

Table of Content

History and Origin of Pit Lab Mixes

Pitbull Lab mixes are hybrid dogs that have been around long before the mix was recognized by the Designer Breed Registry.

The precise origin and history of the Pitbull mix with Labrador dog breed are unknown. However, by looking at their puppy's parent breeds, pet parents and potential owners may learn more about their dog's unique appearance and behavior.

Pit Bull

The Pitbulls we see today are mixed breed dogs from the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and American Bulldog line of descent.

They were bred during the 19th century to get the strongest traits capable of performing dog sports like bull and bear-baiting, which is where they get their name.

They were also used as companions in hunting games, where they earned the reputation of being one of the most aggressive dogs around. Later, Pit Bull mixed breeds were used to help on farms. Their protective nature makes them a fantastic dog breed for guarding against intruders.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They used to accompany hunters and gamekeepers because they were excellent gun dogs for retrieving fish, ducks, and other animals (Robins, 2024). That is where the name "Retriever" comes from.

Today, Labs are still versatile and can be found in various fields including bomb detection, search and rescue groups, and service or therapy dogs. Labradors also have a sweet temperament, which earns them a reputation for being a great lap dog.

During the 1990s in North America, Pit-Lab mix dogs emerged as breeders began to look for ways to combine desirable features from both the Pitbull and Labrador Retriever. As designer dogs, Pitbull mixed with Lab dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Because of the various origins of Pit Bulls alone, a Pitbull Lab mix puppy is rarely bred 50-50 and generally comes from multi-generational Pitbull-Lab cross-breeding.

Common Characteristics

The Labrador Pitbull mix became popular because both parent breeds are considered working dogs and display similar physical and behavioral qualities.

Physical attributes

Lab mixed with Pit Bulls usually have a muscular build, medium size, and are 20 to 24 inches in height. They may weigh around 40 to 90 pounds when fully grown. Some Lab and Pit mix dogs have floppy ears like the Labrador Retriever while others have short, erect ears like the Pit Bull.

Their colors may be a beautiful chocolate Lab Pitbull mix, brindle, or white. You also get yellow Lab Pitbull mix dogs or a combination of these colors. Depending on the more dominant gene mix, their eyes may be brown or hazel while their noses may be black or brown.

Temperament and personality

When you adopt a Pit Bull mixed with a Lab, you may easily be getting the most energetic designer breed available. They are very active dogs with an outgoing nature. This makes them diligent workers suitable for outdoorsy owners.

The Lab and Pit Bull combination also results in their having a loyal, loving demeanor towards their families. It's a highly intelligent dog breed that's eager to learn.

Lab mixed with Pit Bull breeds are also highly sociable, friendly dogs. They are always busy and engaged, but if under-stimulated, they can be destructive and may even display aggression.

Health and Lifespan

The life expectancy of an average dog with Lab Pitbull heritage is fairly long, ranging from 10 to 14 years. However, designer breeds are a challenge when it comes to tracing the healthy lineage compared to purebred dogs. Fortunately, health issues of the Pit mix with Lab fur babies can be managed and prevented if detected early.

Common health issues include the following:

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect some Lab Pit mix dogs. It can lead to seizures. Trigger control and medication are a few methods used to manage the condition.

Hip dysplasia

Common in Pitbull Lab mixes especially when younger, hip dysplasia is a condition that involves improper formation of hip joints resulting in pain and arthritis as they grow. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise can help prevent the progression of this condition. In severe cases, surgical intervention may prolong the dog’s lifespan and quality of life.

Obesity and gastric problems

Pitbull Lab mixed-breed dogs are also prone to obesity which may lead to other health issues like joint malformation and diabetes. These dogs may also develop bloat or gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) – a potentially life-threatening stomach condition that affects blood flow to the stomach (Levine, et.al., 2009).

Skin-related concerns

The Pitbull Lab mixed parent breed can be allergic to food or specific outdoor conditions. Despite the dogs' short coats that require minimal grooming, these allergies may manifest as skin irritations or infections that sometimes develop into chronic ear infections. Allergies can also lead to chronic health issues like painful cysts or inflamed bumps in the interdigital areas of their toes (Williams, 2023).

Addressing Pitbull Lab mix health issues

What can a pet parent do to relieve such conditions? After proper consultation and veterinary recommendation, CBD oil can be used to improve skin and tummy conditions, support joint health, alleviate separation anxiety, and boost immune system health.

CBD’s therapeutic effects have also been used to reduce pain intensity and frequency (Banach, et.al., 2023). High-quality CBD products like CBD Full-Spectrum Happy™ Oil provide a natural, holistic approach to supporting your pet's health.

Read our article What Does CBD Oil Do for Dogs? for more information on this topic.

Lab Pit Mix Regular Care Practices

To ensure a happy and healthy Pitbull Lab, here are some best care practices and routines to help you look after your fur baby:

Creating a Pitbull Lab-ready home

A Lab mix with Pitbull puppy firstly requires a family that gets them out of that pet store! That accomplished, they need a safe, comfortable, loving environment to stay in. The Pitbull Lab mix breed is suitable for active owners who match their puppy's high energy levels. Because of their playfulness, Pit Bull puppies mixed with Lab breeds require large, enclosed yards and daily runs outdoors to keep them entertained.

Following proper nutritional requirements

As dynamic and energetic canines, Pit Bull Labs need a vet-approved, regular source of healthy dog food containing a balanced mix of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Adults usually consume an average of 3 cups of dog food daily while puppies need high-protein sources to support their growth and development.

Even with the best dog food, additional nutritional sources are vital when it comes to a mixed-breed dog that is agile and athletic. One suggestion is Primal-Vitality™ Beef Organ Complex as it enhances organ functions and strengthens immunity and overall dog development.

Observing early training and socialization

Lab Pit mix dogs are friendly, highly sociable, and love being around children. With early positive reinforcement of good attitude, training, and socialization routines, this breed can learn how to interact safely from a young age. With correct training, the Pit Bull Lab mix dogs’ aggressive and destructive behavior can be minimized.

The ASPCA has made its position clear on the discriminatory enforcement of "dangerous dog" and "leash" laws. They emphasize that these policies should not focus specifically on breeds, particularly Pit Bulls, but on owners’ accountability for their dogs' behavior.

Establishing regular vet visits

Pitbull Lab mix breeds are at risk of suffering more health concerns and issues when vet visits are neglected. Regular veterinary exams and updated vaccinations are key to the prevention and early detection of health problems. It is recommended to visit the vet at least twice a year for dogs seven years old and older for physical evaluation and continuous guidance from a medical expert.

Conclusion: Understanding Pitbull Lab Mix Dog Needs

Being a responsible Lab Pitbull parent does not end with getting a Pitbull Labrador mix dog from a reputable breeder. Being mindful of common health issues that may affect their lifespan can also help improve their quality of life. CBD products can be a helpful supplement for the health management and promotion of Pit Bull Labrador mix breed dogs’ overall well-being.

Further, responsible ownership means recognizing the importance of proper training and socialization, a balanced diet, and regular vet visits. Together, these measures will keep your Pit Lab mix fur baby healthy, well-behaved, and happy.

Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench

With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.