The Labrabull is an unlikely cross between a Labrador Retriever and an American pit bull terrier.
You couldn’t imagine a breed whose parents are known for having completely opposite temperaments.
Labradors are known for their friendly, affectionate and eager to please nature whereas the Pitbull is dominant, protective and extremely loyal.
However, the Labrabull dog has the potential to make a great family pet.
Inheriting the loving and friendly side of the Labrador, with the strength and playfulness of the Pitbull, means it won’t take you long to fall in love with this breed.
If this sounds like the dog for you, then read on to find more about: their temperament, where to buy them and how to care for them!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is A Labrabull?
Described as gentle giants, Labrabulls have an excellent temperament getting along well with people and other animals.
Even though both parents were bred to be working dogs, this hybrid is considered to be a companion dog.
They are the perfect addition for any individual or family looking for a loyal dog.
Kennel Club Recognition
Labrabulls are a designer dog, meaning they are a mix of two purebred parents.
Many major dog clubs don’t recognize designer dogs as their own breed as there can be a lot of variations when it comes to their offspring.
This is the case with the Labrabull too.
The American Kennel Club do not recognize this breed, however the Dog Registry of America is one of the few that does.
If you’re thinking about adopting one of these adorable puppies, here are some organizations that are dedicated to rescuing this mix:
- Pittie Love Rescue
- Bully Paws Pitbull Patriots
- American Lab Rescue
- Save-a-Bull Rescue
Breed Origin
The origin of the Labrabull is unknown as it is a fairly new hybrid; but by understanding the history of its parents we can get to know the breed a little better.
Labrador
Labrador Retrievers were originally from Newfoundland in Canada where they worked as retriever dogs specifically for fishermen and eventually hunters.
Today they continue to steal the hearts of American people as one of the most popular dog breeds of all time.
Still a working dog, they are often used as police sniffer dogs, therapy dogs and service dogs.
Pitbull
The Labrador was bred for its gentle nature, the Pitbull was first bred for a very different reason.
They were used for bull and bear-baiting, which were aggressive sports.
Once these sports were banned, the Pitbull became a farm dog watching over their territory and providing companionship to families.
The Labrabull has definitely inherited qualities from both of their parents that can be seen in the breed today: they are loyal, active and intelligent.
| Age | Min (Pound) | Max (Pound) |
| 3 months | 10 | 15 |
| 6 months | 22 | 25 |
| 9 months | 27 | 30 |
| 12 months | 30 | 37 |
Labrabull Puppies
As always with a hybrid dog, due to genetic diversity, you never know exactly what you might get.
You may find yourself with a puppy that looks like a Pitbull (and the temperament of a Labrador) or you may get the opposite.
Like both the Labrador and Pitbull, your puppy will grow quickly and will reach maturity at around at around 12 months of age, but, they will continue to grow until they are 2 years old.
When purchasing from a Labrabull breeder, a Labrabull puppy can cost anywhere from $200 to $1,000.
Variation in price depends on the parent’s background, demand and coat color; black is the most common color so lighter coats (e.g. white, cream or silver) will be more expensive.
Litter sizes can be quite large, ranging from five to ten puppies.
| Age | Min (Pound) | Max (Pound) |
| 3 months | 10 | 15 |
| 6 months | 22 | 25 |
| 9 months | 27 | 30 |
| 12 months | 30 | 37 |
Labrabull Temperament
Many see them as an aggressive dog, but this is far from the truth.Their kind nature may come as a surprise to some (as they are half Pitbull). However, Pitbull dogs in general are very misunderstood.
It is important to remember there is no such thing as an aggressive dog but poor upbringing that leads dogs to aggression.
Labrabulls are protective and loyal to their family, so might be aloof or bark at strangers. Once introduced correctly, all they will ask for is a tummy rub or a game of fetch!
They love to chase so they might need the odd reminder to not run after other smaller animals like cats or squirrels.
Compatibility with Families
This dog makes a great family pet!
With the happy-go-lucky and affectionate side of the Labrador mixed with the playfulness of the Pitbull, it’s no wonder why they make the perfect family companion.
A well-socialized Labrabull interacts well with people of all ages including children.
It goes without saying but make sure your children are aware of how to play with a larger sized dog without frustrating them.
The same goes with other animals and dogs, if socialized from a young age you shouldn’t have any problems introducing this dog to your family home… even if you already have pets.
Personality
Labrabulls are very sweet natured and love to play, they are friendly to children and other animals alike.
They will want all the attention from family and friends, who in return won’t be able to do anything other than love them back.
These dogs do have a protective side to them, which can sometimes show itself in the form of aggression, however this is rare, as most will shy away from confrontation.
They are an intelligent and loyal breed that love to please their human so if you have their back you can be sure they’ll have yours.
Labrabull Full Grown and Appearance
Size
Their height and weight will largely depend on which parent they mostly take after.
However, coming from medium to large sized parents this dog is considered to be a medium-sized dog too.
Your Labrabull can measure between 20 to 24 inches. Males usually grow up to 24 inches whilst females up to 22 inches.
Their weight will vary greatly too, the lightest being 45 pounds with the heaviest weighing 90 pounds.
A dog’s size and weight should definitely be taken into consideration when adopting, you don’t want to end up with a dog bigger than you can manage or accommodate.
Appearance
Labrabulls are more likely to take on the physical characteristics of the Labrador; a dog with an athletic body with a soft complexion.
However, it is possible to find some with the muscular yet agile body of the Pitbull.
Their almond shaped eyes can come in brown or hazel and their nose in black or brown too.
The standout features of a Lab Pitbull mix are the white markings on their chest, paws and tip of the tail.
Color
The beauty of crossbreeds is they usually come in more colors as their parents are two different breeds and the colors can also be mixed.
These dogs come in an array of colors ranging from: black, grey, white, brown, yellow and silver.
As mentioned, your dog can have a mix of these colors with white markings.
The typical look for a Labrabull is black with a white chest, paws and tip of the tail.
Their coat can come in a variety of colors but also shades. The brown can range from a dark chocolate to medium brown. Similarly, the yellow color can come in golden, tan or fawn
Coat
Taking after their parents they have a short straight sparse coat, which means light to moderate shedding.
Shedding will obviously increase during the warmer months you’ll want to give a few extra brushes so make sure your home doesn’t get covered in hair.
Grooming
Some dogs can be fussy about being groomed so starting a routine whilst they are young should mean you don’t have any issues.
With a short coat, the Labrabull only need brushing once a week with a bristle brush to get rid of any dead hair lying around.
Bathing should be done only when necessary, however if you notice an increase in odor you should use doggy shampoo.
Ears should be checked once every two weeks for signs of redness and odor, which could indicate an infection. Nails also should be cut every two weeks or if you start to hear nails clicking on the floor.
Teeth also need cleaning two or three times a week to avoid dental disease and bad breath.
Labrabull Care Guide
Not ideal for first time dog owners, as they require a lot of socialization and someone with handling experience to teach them what is expected of them.
Best suited to an active family, with or without children, this kind natured yet willful dog requires someone who has experience training a dominant dog.
Food and Dietary Requirements
| Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Guide | 1,500 calories |
| Cups of Kibble |  |
Labradors are notoriously greedy and love their food!
So first things first, make sure you don’t over indulge your Labrabull especially when it comes to treats.
They require a large amount a meat-based protein in their diet, so incorporating a mix of canned and dry food early on will ensure they develop into happy and healthy adults.
About three cups of food each day will provide them with sufficient nutrients and energy; spread this across two smaller meals a day to avoid bloating.
Exercise Requirements
| Daily Exercise Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 60 minutes |
| Activity Level |  |
It is important your Labrabull gets enough exercise to stay healthy.
Around an hour of exercise each day is ideal for this dog.
Water is a Labradors happy place! They are naturally gifted swimmers and love a good splash!
If there are any lakes or rivers in the area, letting your dog go for a swim is a great way for them to get their daily exercise.
Your dog will also be forever thankful if you take them to the dog park.
Not only will they love running free, but when well socialized, they will love to play with the other dogs too.
Labrabull Training
These dogs can be very willful and dominant, so they need an experienced dog handler who can teach them.
Obedience training and socialization should start from an early age, as this is when they will learn the most.
They are a smart breed so should enjoy training, however they’re not keen on too much repetition. So keep the sessions short and up beat so they don’t get bored and lose interest.
Chewing is one of the Labradors favorite pastimes and Labrabulls are no different.
Try and prevent this when they are young with positive reinforcement, but if they persist introduce a chewing toy and encourage them to chew on that instead of your furniture.
Known Health Problems
A condition often seen in larger dogs is hip dysplasia; this is a degenerative condition so they will gradually find it harder to walk.
Dysplasia is common in Labradors so may be inherited by your puppy too.
Another health condition common in Labradors is bloat, also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. This is when the stomach starts to twist in on itself and is life threating.
Epilepsy and Hypothyroidism are also some conditions to look out for.
Lifespan
The Labrabull is a medium to large sized dog so they typically live up to about 14 years old.
Summary
This dog has a great temperament, getting along well with children, other small animals and dogs.
The Labrabull is a great breed for those looking for their next dog! Their friendly and playful temperament means welcoming them into the family won’t be a problem.
They need early socialization, training and someone who can manage a large dog that may be dominant.
Perfect for a busy household (with plenty of people) and even better in a home where they can get their daily walks and the occasional swim!
Let us know what you think about this furry friend in the comments below.
Other Labrador Retriever and American Pitbull Terrier Mixes
If you’re interested in learning about other Lab mixes or American pit bull terrier mixes, check out the hybrid dog breeds below.
Lab Mixes
- German Shepherd Lab Mix
- Pitbull Lab Mix
- Blue Heeler Lab Mix
- Golden Retriever Lab Mix
- Rottweiler Lab Mix
- Beagle Lab Mix
- Border Collie Lab Mix
- Husky Lab Mix
- Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
- Labradoodle Dog
- Boxador
- Mini Labradoodle
- Australian Labradoodle
I have one of these and he is the sweetest lap dog in the world. I rescued him five months ago and love him. I walk him two to three times a day. I have a cat and he has never harmed my cat. Jethro is a wonderful addition to our home.
I just got this breed of puppy. She is so playful and loving. She tried to sleep with my cat! I have three boys, 10, 7, and 6. She absolutely loves them and licks them constantly. She’s already learning to use a puppy pads and whines when she needs to go potty.
My Labrabull rescued herself after spending a month in coyote territory after having been dumped. Se adopted two small black kittens who sleep with her. Her best buddy in a large cat who takes walks with her. She is sassy, but will listen to a stern voice. She refuses to bark, probably a remnant from her previous keeper. Being trained as a Therapy Dog for visits to a local Children’s Hospital. Loves to chew her soft toys and ‘eat their brains’. Hates baths and refuses to swim.
I owned a labrabull for 11 years she was everything that they say this breed of dog is. She was extremely loyal to my family and myself. I got her when she was 2 years old and all 3 of my children have been raised with her. My oldest son was 1 1/2 when I got her and I’ve had 2 more raised with her since then. This dog breed is like they say very protective she would alert us to anyone that pulled into the driveway and if she didn’t know you look out she would make you second guess getting out of you vehicle but she was all bark and no bite. As soon as she would recognize who it was all she wanted was her tummy rubbed. My son loves fishing and I have a creek in the backyard we live in country but she was always down there with him. And if my 2 daughters were outside she would sit in a place where she could see all 3 kids all the time. I think she seen them as her babies as well. The only thing that in the eleven years I had her that she wouldn’t do was swim. She hated the water completely. I tried to get her to come in the water with me but she wanted no part of it. The only times I actually got her in the water was when I had my son pretend to be drowning and without hesitation she ran and leaped rite in the creek and dragged him back to shore. The creek was only 2 foot deep and he was not in any danger but she thought he was and she leaped in without even thinking twice. So yes there protective instincts and there loyalty to you amd your family is extremely true. I’m very confident in saying that she would have died trying to save us if it had ever come to that. Unfortunately my girl passed away on Dec 5th 2020 due to cancer. But she was a protector until her final moments. In my opinion if you are looking at this dog breed to be the next member of your family then look no more. This breed of dog is everything they say and so much more.
I have one as a gift from my brother. He rescued her from the pound when she was like 3 months old. She used to be very active and now has slowed down their exercise, but still loves walks and car rides. The only big problem you will find is that indeed she is always hungry. She will always try to put her best poor hungry puppy face to get some scraps and now, that she is living full time inside the house, as gained some weight and pain on their legs and is under a strict diet. So keep an eye on your labrabull food intake and exercise levels and you will have one of the best companions in the canine world.