Lab Terrier Mix Facts
Lab Terrier Mix
The Lab Terrier Mix combines the best traits of the Labrador Retriever and any of the many Terrier breeds. This breed features dogs of average size that are smaller than the Labrador Retriever but larger than the Terrier.
The dogs have a playful and happy demeanor in general and usually demonstrate affection and loyalty. Although they will always listen intently to your words, there are still times when they will not obey. The hybrid is a people pleaser and will, therefore, respond well to training while enjoying the attention and the chance to make you happy that comes with it.
They are very active at a young age, joining you for games and being eager, waiting for you at the door when it is time for their walk. The Lab Terrier Mix is entirely compatible with children because they demonstrate both playfulness and patience. They are inclined to become clingy to a family and will get lonely if left alone for too long. Moreover, these dogs are quite easy to socialize.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Labrador Terrier Cross
1. Lab Terrier Hybrid has high exercise requirements.
This hybrid has parents that are both highly active breeds. It is to be expected that the puppy would inherit the same trait. If they do not meet the required exercise requirements, they might be at risk of many dog diseases.
2. Lab Terrier Hybrid can suffer from separation anxiety.
This hybrid is an affectionate breed that loves to be with its owner most of the time. If left alone to be bored, they can develop separation anxiety which leads to destructive tendencies.
3. Lab Terrier Hybrid has a high risk of obesity.
Although they are highly active dogs, the hybrid also loves eating. They have a high risk of obesity which can be prevented with proper exercise. If not solved early on, a dog’s obesity can lead to more complex problems.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Lab Terrier Hybrid
- Lab Terrier Cross are intelligent and easy to train.
Their inherited intelligence from both parent breeds combined with their eagerness to learn to make them easy to train. This makes them an ideal breed for first-time owners.
- Lab Terrier Cross have excellent social skills.
This hybrid is highly friendly and has no problems getting along with people, kids, or even other dogs. They must be socialized at an early age, like most dogs. They would highly enjoy park and doggy daycare trips.
- Lab Terrier Cross only have low to moderate maintenance requirement.
While they have high exercise requirements, they only have a moderate maintenance requirement. This is because the hybrid is not a shedder. A scheduled weekly and occasional brushes will suffice to keep their short coats untangled.
Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Labrador Mixed With Terrier
| Weight | 20 to 50 pounds |
| Height | 13 to 17 inches |
| Size | Average |
| Coat Type | Straight, Extremely Dense, Medium in length |
| Coat Color | Black, Brown, White |
| Amount of Shedding | Moderate to Excessive |
| Eyes | Brown |
| Nose | Black |
| Ears | Floppy or Short and Erect with Floppy Tip |
| Temperament | Happy, Energetic, Playful, Loyal, Intelligent, Affectionate |
| Life Expectancy | 10 to 15 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Kids Friendly | Yes |
| New Owners Friendly | Yes |
| Breed Recognition | AKC, DRA |
Lab mixed with Terrier is an average sized dog. A male adult dog can weigh from 27 to 50 pounds while a female one can weigh from 20 to 45 pounds. Their heights, if measured from the front paws to the top of the shoulder while they are standing on all of their four legs, can be from 13 to 17 inches. The female dogs stand at 13 to 15 inches while the male ones have an average height range of 13 to 17 inches. Generally speaking, a male Lab mixed with Terrier is taller and heavier than a female one.
This hybrid has a coat that is straight and extremely dense. Each hair is medium in length. Since its parent breeds are opposites when it comes to the amount of shedding, the hybrid’s coat shedding will depend on which trait it inherited. Their coats can be brown, black, white, or a combination of those. Their furs are usually bi-colored or solid.
Their body is short and stocky but in proper proportion to their heads. The breed has actually a longer muzzle then the Terrier parent. Its nose also only comes in color black. Their brown eyes are very expressive. Their smiley face is a well-known characteristic. They can also convey a quizzical look when they raise their eyebrows. Their ears can also be floppy like those of the Labrador Retriever or short and erect with a floppy tip like that of the Terrier. Their legs are straight and strong and come with rounded paws. Their tails are medium-sized and are held low away from their body.
Most experts and dog owners describe the Terrier Lab mix as a happy dog. They always excited enough energy for anything and everything. They are also very eager to be a part of family life and daily outings. They tend to get lonely and cause mischief if not given enough attention. The hybrid considers itself a part of your pack and they want a firm but fair pack leader, so it is essential that you exhibit these traits.
They learn quickly and respond well to treats, praises, kind words, and even the tone of voice. They should be trained at a young age because they tend to get bored quickly and lose interest as they mature. Their affectionate nature will be enough to comfort you at times of need. They are intelligent dogs who can eagerly listen to you and read your mood.
The Terrier Lab mix can live up to 10 to 15 years, depending on their diet and lifestyle. Their affectionate and understanding nature allows them to get along well with kids. Their intelligence and urge to learn to make them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. However, this breed is not hypoallergenic due to their thick coat, so it is not recommended for people with allergies.
As of now, this breed is only recognized by two associations which are:
- American Kennel Club
- Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Terrier Lab Mix Puppies For Sale
Being a designer dog, there is a high risk of adopting a Terrier Lab Mix puppy that has a low-quality ancestry. While most experts recommend adopting hybrids, you can still choose to buy one from a shop or an online store.
On your journey to finding your new pet, the first step is to look for reputable breeders. They usually have the best of the breed’s welfare in mind, and you can trust that they are not overbreeding the parent breeds. Upon finding a reputable breeder, next is to ask for the documents about the puppy and both of its parents. These crucial documents may include vaccine schedules and more importantly, the health records of the parent breeds. If a breeder fails to show you these documents, maybe it is your chance to find another breeder because the chances are that the puppy might be unhealthy.
Through these documents, you can also see early on the possible inherited risks that your puppy may have at the moment or in the future. Make sure that the puppy has undergone different tests and screenings to ensure their health condition. You should also meet the breeder and the dog in person.
Meeting the breeder in person will allow you to ask them about the needs your puppy will have. They will also be able to give you proper advice in raising the puppy through this. On the other hand, meeting the puppy personally will help you decide whether or not you are really prepared for raising one.
Here is a list of online sites where you might find Terrier Lab Hybrids from trusted breeders:
- LancasterPuppies.com
- AdoptAPet.com
- Petfinder.com
- GreenfieldPuppies.com
- ShopForYourCause.com
Before meeting with the breeder, it is also advisable that you research about the hybrid and its parent breeds. Doing this will help you ask questions that are critical for raising the puppy. Aside from all these, it is also recommended that you visit a veterinarian with your new puppy to have a second opinion about the health status of the dog.
Grooming Your Terrier Labrador Cross
The Terrier Lab Cross, contrary to popular belief is actually very easy to care for since it only needs minimum maintenance requirement for the owner. A quick brush every once a week with a firm bristled brush is all that is required. You can also make their coat a little shinier by rubbing them down with a soft damp cloth. The Terrier mixed with Lab loves attention, so it is advisable to subject them to ritual grooming every week. Ritual grooming can be as simple as brushing them down, checking their nails if it has become too long, and checking their ears. A soft damp cloth can be used to wipe gently inside their ears; doing so will help remove any build up of dirt or debris.
Getting them used to their teeth being brush at a young age is also helpful. Train them in doing so by rewarding them with good behavior afterward. This kind of practice eliminates any grooming issues when they mature. The recommended tools that you should keep for their grooming needs are:
- Pin brush
- Comb
- Nail clipper
- Their damp cloth
Terrier Lab Hybrid Health Problems
Although the hybrid is typically healthy, there are still instances wherein the breed member has inherited health issues from one or both of the parents. This is why the health history of the parent breeds are so important.
While all dogs have the potential to inherit and develop genetic diseases, some breeds are more susceptible than others. You could avoid having to worry about these if you chose to adopt a puppy from the start. A reputable breeder must be honest about the health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances are made so that a dog is proven to be tested from and cleared for a particular condition.
The Terrier Lab mix must undergo occasional tests like X-Rays, Urinalysis, Full Blood Work, and General Physical Examination to monitor the peak of their health condition regularly. On the other hand, here are the health conditions that some Terrier mixed with Lab dogs has experienced:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease – is a disease that also affects the spinal cord over time. It is not apparent until a trigger presents itself. Symptoms can range from mild pain to paralysis.
- Hip Dysplasia – it is a heritable disease in which bones either do not fit the joint or grow at different proportions. It may lead to arthritis and usually goes unnoticed most of the time.
- Ear Infections – it is the inflammation either in the inner ear or the middle ear of the dog, both of which are caused by bacterial infection. This disease is commonly found in the dog’s parent breed, Labrador Retrievers.
- Patellar Luxation – it is the dislocation of the dog’s kneecap from its original position and will cause discomfort and knee joint abnormalities.
The best course of action to prevent these diseases is to have them regularly checked and have a document of their health history. You can also ask your trusted veterinarian more about these diseases and what are the small ways you can do to reduce their risks.
Terrier Mixed With Lab Food Requirements
A Terrier mixed with Lab’s food consumption will depend on and can be affected by different factors like their health status and age. Aside from their food, make sure that your dog is always hydrated by keeping their water bowl full all the time. It is essential to monitor their eating patterns since this hybrid is prone to obesity. Make sure that they only consume the right amount of food that is right for their active lifestyle.
Some of the ways in choosing the right dog food are to look at their ingredients. To help you get started, here are some of the best dry dog foods of 2019 for highly active puppies:
- Merrick Grain Free Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food – This brand is packed full of chicken protein and industry-leading levels of Chondroitin and Glucosamine. This brand has such a good taste that even the many picky puppies appear to like it.
- Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Puppy Food – This brand offers a nutritionally balanced kibble that is available in two flavors. High Prairie contains bison and venison while Pacific Stream includes a variety of fish species. The puppies who have digested it have appeared to be healthier, exhibiting high energy levels and a shinier coat.
- Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Puppy Food – This brand is considered a premium puppy food but is available at a very reasonable price point. This dry food is produced in three different formulations called “platforms” by the manufacturer. Most puppies digest the dog food with no problem.
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Puppy Food – This brand is made from an impressive collection of ingredients which includes farm-raised chickens and several fruits and vegetables. The recipe is designed for small and medium puppies, but the manufacturer also produces a large-breed formula under a different name. Aside from its taste and exceptional ingredients, dog food also promotes a healthy coat. It also provides dogs with higher energy levels.
- Blue Wilderness Dry Puppy Food – This brand is designed to mimic the natural diet of the dog’s ancestors. Because of this, it is full of great-tasting proteins, nutritious fruits, and vegetables. This brand will keep your puppy healthy and happy. Most puppies also appear to love the taste of this dog food.
Whether you have a giant or a miniature breed pooch, you want to make sure that they stay happy and healthy. That is why you should avoid giving them the worst dry dog food. Choose the best dry dog food instead — for example, Wellness Core Dog Food, Dog For Dog Food, or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. If your furry friend is still a cub, check out the best puppy food brands on offer right now. If your goggie is a wise, elderly dog-grandpa, give them only the best senior dry dog food, and keep their brittle bones safe!
Every mixed doggo carries the genes of their beautiful, one-of-a-kind parents. So, you might want to try your luck with the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food and see which one they like better! Do consult with your vet beforehand — changing your pup’s diet on your own is never a good idea!
Lab Mixed With Terrier Exercise Requirements
This breed will be at its best behavior if they can exercise regularly every day. A daily walk for at least an hour mixed with some games at home will keep the Lab Terrier Mix fit and healthy. They can get accustomed to apartment life if they are exercised well daily and if they could explore their place a little. They are not in favor of areas with extreme climates and would do well in moderate climates.
Since they are highly active dogs, their recommended walk mileage per week is at least 9 miles. They are also advised to have at least 120 minutes of physical activities as a daily requirement.
Best Dog Food for Lab Terrier Mix
Choose the best dog food for a Lab Terrier mix by opting for a high-quality formula with real meat as the primary ingredient, supporting their energy levels and muscle development. Look for options enriched with essential nutrients, catering to the Lab’s intelligence and the Terrier’s vitality, ensuring a well-balanced diet for their overall health and well-being.
- Features farm-raised beef as the number one ingredient and this naturally delicious premium food is made with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
- Made without artificial preservatives or flavors and with colors only from natural sources.
- Medium adult dry dog food formulated with precise nutrition specifically made for dogs 1–7 years old weighing 23–55 lb.
- Supports natural defenses for immune support with a blend of prebiotics and antioxidants for dogs.
- Maintains healthy skin and a healthy dog coat with optimal levels of EPA and DHA.
- Promotes dog digestive health with easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber.
- Palatable, medium breed adult dog food has an exclusive kibble design to encourage chewing.
- Complete and balanced nutrition has antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to help maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acid nourish the skin and help keep his coat shiny and healthy.
- Whole grains and a special fiber blend support healthy digestion with a delicious roasted chicken flavor.
- Unique, crunchy texture helps clean the teeth with every bite to support good oral health between brushings.
- Proudly made in the USA with the world’s finest ingredients; contains no high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors or sugar.
Lab Terrier Mix Training
Since the Lab Terrier mix is a hybrid which produces naturally intelligent and playful dogs, you will not have a hard time training them. Their own eagerness to learn is also a factor which makes them very active during training. Like most dogs, they must also undergo training at a young age because they tend to become more stubborn as they grow older. If left alone and bored, they can become destructive.
While positive reinforcements are highly encouraged, make sure that you only give them the right amount of treats because they have a high risk of obesity. Since this breed is an intelligent dog who loves physical challenges, more exercise can help in their ease of training. Socialization with others is also an important component to make sure to take them out to park or visit doggy daycare to get them around as many people and dogs as possible.
To help you get started with their training, here are some of the essential commands that every dog must obey at a young age:
- Sit – the typical obedience command that you can teach your dog. Use this command in different situations so that your puppy will learn it fast.
- Come – this command will help you keep the dog out of trouble. It can also be used if you lost your dog at a safe distance of if you lost the grip on the leash.
- Down – this command can be a difficult one since it shows submissiveness of the dog. While teaching this to your dog, make sure to keep a positive and relaxed tone.
- Stay – this command is a form of self-control for your dog. A mastery of the command “sit” will be helpful before starting to teach this command to the dog.
- Leave It – this is another self-control and obedience command. Upon its mastery, it can help you keep your dog safe from potential harm brought about by its curiosity to explore possible dangerous things.
Terrier Labrador Mix and Families
While the Terrier Lab mix will have no trouble getting along with your kids and anyone else in your family, there are also some things to consider. Keep in mind that these dogs are moderate to excessive shedders. They also have a high physical exercise requirement, since they are very active dogs. They also have a reputation for chewing on the very things that you told them not to chew.
However, these dogs are one of the most loyal and friendly companions. They are a livewire of energy and are highly sociable, enjoying the company of dogs and other pets. Since they like to be active, you should not buy them if you only intend to treat them as a purse dog or lap sitters.
(FAQs) about Lab Terrier Mixes:
What is a Lab Terrier Mix?
A Lab Terrier Mix is a crossbreed resulting from the mating of a Labrador Retriever with a terrier breed. This mix combines the traits of the Labrador’s friendliness and the terrier’s energy and intelligence.
What are some common terrier breeds mixed with Labrador Retrievers?
Common terrier breeds mixed with Labradors include the Jack Russell Terrier, Bull Terrier, and Terrier mixes such as the Lab Pitbull Mix.
What is the size and appearance of Lab Terrier Mixes?
Lab Terrier Mixes can vary in size, typically ranging from medium to large. Their appearance depends on the specific terrier breed involved, with variations in coat color, length, and texture.
What is the temperament of Lab Terrier Mixes?
Lab Terrier Mixes are often known for their friendly and energetic nature. They may inherit the Labrador’s sociability and the terrier’s intelligence, making them lively and adaptable companions.
How much exercise do Lab Terrier Mixes need?
Lab Terrier Mixes are generally active and require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and engaging activities are important for their well-being.
Are Lab Terrier Mixes good with children and other pets?
When properly socialized, Lab Terrier Mixes can be excellent family pets. They are typically good with children and may get along with other pets, showcasing their adaptable and friendly nature.
What is the grooming routine for Lab Terrier Mixes?
Grooming requirements can vary, but Lab Terrier Mixes may have moderate grooming needs. Regular brushing, occasional baths, and attention to ear cleaning are essential for their overall well-being.
Do Lab Terrier Mixes have specific health concerns?
Like any mixed breed, Lab Terrier Mixes may inherit health issues from both parent breeds. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for preventive care, and potential concerns may include hip dysplasia and certain eye conditions.
How trainable are Lab Terrier Mixes?
Lab Terrier Mixes are generally intelligent and trainable. Positive reinforcement methods, consistency, and early socialization contribute to their well-behaved nature.
What is the lifespan of Lab Terrier Mixes?
The average lifespan of Lab Terrier Mixes is typically around 10 to 14 years, with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary attention.
What are some considerations for potential Lab Terrier Mix owners?
Prospective owners should be prepared for an active and loving companion. Understanding the needs of both parent breeds, including exercise requirements, grooming, and potential health issues, is crucial for providing a happy and suitable home for a Lab Terrier Mix.
References:
- Davison, L.j., et al. “The CaninePOMCGene, Obesity in Labrador Retrievers and Susceptibility to Diabetes Mellitus.” Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, vol. 31, no. 2, 8 Feb. 2017, pp. 343–348., doi:10.1111/jvim.14636.
- Souza, Clarissa P., et al. “Evaluation of Immunological Parameters in Pit Bull Terrier-Type Dogs with Juvenile Onset Generalized Demodicosis and Age-Matched Healthy Pit Bull Terrier-Type Dogs.” Veterinary Dermatology, vol. 29, no. 6, 23 Aug. 2018, doi:10.1111/vde.12681.
- Pierce, Tamora. Terrier. Ember, 2018.
- Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2007.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrier
