Chow Chow Labrador Mix Facts
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Labrador Chow Chow Mix
The Labrador Chow Chow Mix. is the result of breeding Chow Chow with Labrador Retriever. While the two seem entirely from different spectrums, their crossbreed would come out as adorable and as fluffy as it sounds. It is not as popular a crossbreed as others since the two do not seem like they would match as what is expected. Luckily, this pup will come out with each of its unusual characteristics depending on which purebred parent he/she favors most genetically.
While it might seem that the two parents are different, their hybrid offspring seem to get the best from each parent.
3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Labrador Chow Chow Mix
- It’s a shedder. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but when a Labrador mixed with Chow Chow hair grows thicker, it gets harder to tend to. Its fur coating is high maintenance: there would be a lot of sweeping (or vacuuming) and a lot of grooming. One must maintain frequent visits to the groomer. This could lead to more tasks to add to your chores and errands.
- It is aggressive (if not appropriately socialized). Chow chows are known for their aggressive nature, and such is passed on to the Chow Chow mixed with Labrador offspring. Without proper socializing with other dogs and humans, it can get territorial and defensive. Its aggression will pose a large problem for family gatherings and other assemblies of the same kind. It will not be fun if the dog makes the guests uncomfortable. Moreover, the Labrador Chow Chow mix would not be a great companion for small kids. While it is true that the pup is affectionate, when someone does not respect its territory, they tend to get gnarly and aggressive. Thus, it needs to be well socialized.
- Its temperament is unpredictable. Taking it from the different temperament of its parents, the Labrador Chow Chow Mix has an unpredictable behavior, even with constant socialization. It can be hard to predict its actions, as the Chow Chow mixed with Labrador temper might change unexpectedly. Because of this, you need to keep an eye on your pup’s action 98% of the time. It requires that much attention, and the long walks outside might not seem so happy as it would be more stressful than relaxing.
3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Chow Chow Labrador Mix
- It is loyal. Its questionable temper does not apply to the same as to its owner. When a Labrador mixed with Chow Chow deems you as its master, it would stay with you and never do you harm. It would most likely protect you from harm.
- It is intelligent. Like its parents, Labrador crossed with Chow Chow can adapt to situations and follow orders if appropriately trained. They adjust well to circumstances and listen carefully to what its master tells it to do.
- It’s affectionate and loving. The Chow Chow crossed with Labrador recognizes its immediate family, and is sweet and caring to them. It does not stand-off and curls up in the distance at home but instead comes endearing towards you. You can expect Labrador mixed with Chow Chow to show you some love almost every day.
Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Chow Chow mixed with Labrador
| Weight | 8-10 lbs (full-grown) depending on which dog parent it favors genetically |
| Height | 18-24 inches (full-grown) depending on which dog parent it favors genetically |
| Size | Large |
| Coat Type | Water-resistant, wooly volume, and dense |
| Coat Color(s) | Light Brown, Golden, Fawn, Dark Brown, Black, Brown, Chocolate |
| Amount of Shedding | Heavy |
| Eyes | Hazelnut or Chestnut in shape, Dark |
| Nose | Thick and stout, Broad muzzle |
| Ears | Droopy |
| Temperament | Sweet, Energetic, Attentive, Affectionate, Territorial, Unpredictable |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Kid Friendly | No |
| New Owner Friendly | No |
| Breed Recognition | No |
Generally, whichever parents it favors, the Chow Chow crossed with Labrador is stocky, well-built, and sturdy crossbreed that possesses the strong built and ample size and temperament of both its parents. This pup, in its later years, come out to be resilient and muscular. Because of this, they are able to utilize their bone structure for swimming, as they have webbed feet. Also, they bear strong features such as a broad neck, straight and smooth coat, and typically a thick stout nose with a broad muzzle whose ends is a well-defined point.
It has eyes the shape of hazelnut, with ears hanging droopily at the side. It also has a hair-covered tail that is sturdy and thinks until its tapered end.
Chow Chow crossed with Labrador Puppies For Sale
What makes the Labrador crossed with Chow Chow a popular choice for some is its adorable yet strong features. The dog owners, whether new or old, must always remember that while crossbreeds are fairly inheriting good features, they also inherit the not-so-good ones.
Although it is true that mixed breeds are usually healthier than their purebred parents, it still leaves them susceptible to their parents’ potential diseases. A safety measure to ensure that such inheritance is avoided, if not limited, is to be careful when looking for Labrador Chow Chow puppies that are for sale.
A pro-tip is to never buy a puppy from an online seller or a large pet store. This is not to hinder support for locals business but to ensure that you pick the right choice. In addition, the bigger picture of this is that these companies, more likely than not, conduct large scale breeding of dogs. Often, in this practice, the health of the parent dogs concerning their offspring are not sufficiently considered.
It is highly recommended to focus on local small scale breeders who are open for customers to be able to check out their operation and kennels. A respectable breeder is one who allows their customers to inspect the living conditions of their dogs for sale. It is essential for you to check if the facility is spacious, clean, and ethical enough for the animals to socialize and have fun.
These are also the breeders who are transparent when it comes to the records of their dogs. More likely than not, they would be more than willing to present their stock for genetic health conditions and issues to the customers. You can ask for the records of the parents and puppies.
Here is a list of breeders to jumpstart your search:
One can also find good puppies from rescue animal shelters all across the state. It is possible that these rescue animal shelters have a Labrador Chow Chow mix who is looking for a lovely home. Here are some reliable rescue groups to contact.
Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida (Pompano Beach, FL)
West Star Ranch (Pahrump, NV)
Chows Plus Rescue (California)
Other websites also are useful tools for your search, so long as they are reliable. Try www.adoptapet.com or www.petfinder.com.
Grooming Your Labrador crossed with Chow Chow
Since both of its parents are shedders, it is no surprise that the Labrador Chow Chow Mix is a shedder too. Its hair needs higher maintenance than most crossbreed dogs. However, it is nothing a normal person could not handle.
The Chow Chow Labrador Mix hair could either be smooth or have a hard coating, depending on the favored parent. Needless to say, both hair types have a lavish double coat that will require steady and frequent grooming.
It is recommended that there be consistent brushing at least twice a week to pull the hair to stiffness. Such a practice would likewise decrease the matting effect and keep your pup’s skin and fur healthy. The regular brushing must be consistent to help maintain the coat and keep the shedding of hair and loose ones from sticking to the carpet, floor, sofas, and other house furniture.
A monthly bath is also highly encouraged. After each bath, it is recommended that he be brushed gently and blown dry with a neat blow dryer on a low-setting cool heat.
The ears of a Labrador require constant cleaning, and the same goes for the Chow Chow mixed with Labrador. This is to keep wax and moisture under control. The nails also need constant trimming to avoid those nasty splits and cracks. Note, however, that grinding their nails need extra care and precision so as not to cause bleeding and prevent infection.
Labrador crossed with Chow chow Health Problems
It must be noted that all crossbreeds can be prone to an array of issues from either of its purebred parents.
As such, before addressing the issues own the Chow Chow crossed with Labrador, we must first focus on those which its parent purebreds face, to give an overview before the specifics.
A healthy Chow chow’s lifespan is 11-13 years. In those 13 years, the common problems it has are hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, stomach cancer, gastric torsion, cataracts, and autoimmune thyroiditis.
A healthy Labrador Retriever’s lifespan is around 10-12 years. They are known to suffer from elbow or hip dysplasia. Similarly, they also develop eye problems such as cataracts or PRA blindness.
With that information in mind, the life expectancy of your Chow Chow Mixed with Labrador could be anywhere from 10-13 years, depending on its favored parent.
The Labrador crossed with Chow Chow have usually been shown to be vulnerable to ailments that affect their parent:
- Hip Dysplasia: A lot of Chow Chow Labrador mix suffers from this. This is why it is vital to lessen the exercise of the dog at a young age. Over-exercising could lead to Hip Dysplasia in the long run.
- Eye Problems: Cataracts and other problems are also common for this crossbreed. To help prevent these problems, including in the dog’s diet a sufficient amount of food rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Labrador crossed with Chow Chow Food Requirements
Feeding your dog the right food and giving him the necessary diet will significantly improve his/her well-being. Making sure to provide them with the best and healthiest food is key to their general good health. The amount of dog food needed is different for each breed, much more for crossbreeds. For a Chow Chow crossed with a Labrador, close monitoring is necessary.
In the whole day, they can easily consume up to 3.5 cups of dry food daily. However, since its parent Labrador tends to overheat, this daily intake must be monitored carefully.
Administering of treats and scheduled feedings must be intermixed with free-feeding of at least once to twice per week. This is to ensure that your dog does not become obese. The focus must be not to go overfeeding the dog, that’s why the free-feeding option is introduced at least twice per week.
The focus on a healthy feeding pattern is to help avoid hip dysplasia. It is recommended that the dry food be included with one that is high in Omega-3 fatty acids to help ease the diet and avoid the susceptibility to this disease.
The proper mix of vitamins and minerals for your dog must be consulted with the veterinarian. The doctor will be able to assess the nutritional needs of your dog relative to their age, weight, and size.
Should you notice that the Labrador crossed with Chow Chow is feeling overheated or getting a tad bit too stocky, ask the veterinarian for exercise and diet tips. Monitor the weight of your dog following what is normal for their size and age.
What must be the focus of the proper diet is a blend that would be good for joint and bone health. Such is done with the consultation with the veterinarian.
Owners should be able to focus on purchasing dog foods that have glucosamine or chronodotin, or both. These nutrients help in lowering the risk for hip dysplasia. A good thing about the market is that it is filled with high-quality dog food and you won’t miss them out. Ask your local pet store or dog food provider for products with these specific characteristics.
Here are some examples of high-quality dog food available in the market:
- BlueLife Food: This company has a specialty in making all-organic and all-natural dog food. DHA is incorporated into their ingredients for more significant help in mobility and brain growth.
- Dogswell Happy Hips Chicken and Oats Dry Dog Food: This dog food is well known to include a rich level of glucosamine perfect for your Labrador Chow Chow mix. They would not only provide glucosamine but already greatly improve your pup’s joint health. In addition, this dog food is made with free-range chicken without added growth hormones and steroid to provide your dog with the necessary amino acids which help define muscle tone and fiber. It also comes with Vitamin E to act as an antioxidant with rich essential fat soluble vitamin; this vitamin will keep the connective tissues of the muscles strong and prevents the loss of the elasticity of your dog’s skin and muscle. It has fiber from real fruits and vegetables, which support digestion and intestinal health.
- Victor Performance Formula with Glucosamine Dog Food: Another notable dry dog food rich in glucosamine. While it may be a bit too pricey for some, it’s worth the buy, and you’re getting your dog the nutrients that it needs to keep strong bones and healthy joints. The multiple protein sources from this dry dog food provide a healthy balance of amino acids, supporting muscle development and maintenance. Plus, it would be a flavorful change of palette for your dog with the natural flavors it possesses. Lastly, it has high levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for diet control along with a hint of Vitamin E to help maintain a shiny and healthy skin and coat.
- Purina Beyond Grain-Free Adult Canned Dog Food: This is a dog food that is good for building your dogs muscles. It is crafted as an ideal choice for average to large dogs for stocking them up with muscle fibers. This complements the joint health because without strong muscles the bone would remain to be susceptible to problems. Its main ingredients, among other things, are salmon meat (high in glucosamine), real beef, and chicken, perfect for a Labrador and Chow chow mix to enjoy.
- SmartBlend One: One of the essential benefits from this Purina One product is its ability to provide a rich and delicious diet for your pup. It has high amounts of essential botanical oils and glucosamine to improve your dog’s bone structure and health.
- Wellness Complete Health Senior Debone Chicken and Barley Recipe Dry dog food: What this fresh-tasting meal consists of is primarily deboned chicken, blueberries, apples, carrots, and spinach. This formula is aptly designed to fit your dog’s needs in maintaining a healthy weight, a beautiful coat, and strong bones and joints. This is ideal for your Chow chow Labrador mix because of its versatility in terms of what nutrients it can thusly provide for your dog. Not only does this provide an answer for those joints, but it also packs the fibers from berries and vegetable for their natural bowel movement.
It doesn’t matter whether your pup is big or small — you want it happy and healthy at all times. We’re here to help you choose the best dry dog food that will meet your pooch’s dietary needs. To start you off, we recommend going for either Wellness Core Dog Food or Dog For Dog Food, and mix in the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement every now and then. We’ve also got a useful guide on the worst dry dog food and how to recognoze it.
If you have a little munchkin at home, check out our list of the best puppy food brands. If the opposite is true, and you have an elderly furry companion, make sure to give them only the best senior dry dog food to keep those brittle bones intact!
For every gorgeous mixed doggo out there, we recommend trying the best dry dog food for small dogs or the best large breed dry dog food and seeing which one sticks! Just make sure to consult with your vet before you completely change your pup’s diet!
Labrador crossed with Chow Chow Exercise Requirements
With the high energy of the Labrador that the Labrador Chow Chow Mix takes from, the crossbreed is as active and happy. It is required to be taken to a quick walk daily. This will require for the owner, a focused attention and mental stimulation.
In these daily outings, one could expect not just a simple walk but sometimes also a playful jog and run. The Labrador Chow Chow Mix. is especially active outside for an exercise, but adequate care must be taken because your pup could overheat.
Chow Chow crossed with Labrador Training
A Chow Chow is known for its “selective hearing’ while a Labrador is known for its stubbornness. Mix those two together, and you have the training attitude of a Chow Chow mixed with Labrador.
It might seem difficult at first looking at those traits, but it’s not as hard as it looks. Potty-training, for instance, won’t be much of a chore for Chow Chow crossed with Labrador. That is if you teach it at the earliest instance that you can.
Its obedience training must start at an early age. Before a Chow Chow mixed with Labrador turns to around 14-16 months old, it must be at least expected to know how to sit and stay on your command. In addition, they must be, by that age able to sit closely with you. This is since it is especially difficult to train an adult Chow Chow mixed with Labrador.
After such, they would be adaptive and straightforward to training, provided that you exercise patient and positive training methods.
If your Chow Chow Labrador Mix takes more from its Labrador parent, it would be able to pick up commands efficiently and effectively than if it takes after the Chow Chow parent.
Labrador Crossed with Chow Chow and Families
The temperament of both its parents makes for an unpredictable behavior of the Chow Chow Labrador mix. It would tend to be territorial and aggressive against those people it is not familiar with.
This is especially difficult for families with kids, because one moment they would be playing with the dog, the next second it would get territorial and aggravated. Because of this, it is a dog not ideal for families with a bunch of little kids. It must be explained to the children how the dog might get a bit too tempered at times.
The only remedy to this is training your Chow Chow crossed with Labrador to be trained to be social and active.
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.
- Yang, Hechuan, et al. “The Origin of Chow Chows in the Light of the East Asian Breeds.” BMC Genomics, vol. 18, no. 1, 16 Feb. 2017, doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3525-9.
- Wilcox, Charlotte. The Chow Chow. Capstone High/Low Books, 1999.
- Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2007.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chow_Chow
