The Complete Guide to Caring for Pitbull Lab Mix Dogs

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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.