Lab Pit Mix: Your Complete Guide
Known by many names like ‘pitador’ or ‘Labrabull’, the Labrador pit bull mix is growing in popularity. Labrador retrievers are an especially beloved breed of dogs in the United States, but despite many dog lovers’ attempts to dispel misinformation, pit bulls still carry a stigma. This mixed breed, however, is catching the attention of many prospective dog owners.
Lab pit mixes are the best of both worlds, combining similar traits from both breeds to their advantage. Playful, energetic, and smart; they make great pets.
There’s a lot of variety in this mix, thanks to the various dogs falling under the pit bull umbrella and the different kinds of Labrador retrievers. In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of what you can expect, but each dog will be unique.
A Quick Look at the Lab Pit Mix
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 40-90 pounds/20-25 inches |
| Coat Type | Smooth, dense, but not typically long |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Energetic, loving, obedient |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level |  |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
What Is the History of Lab Pit Mixes?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when people started intentionally breeding Labrador retrievers and pit bulls together, but both contributing breeds have long documented histories. There are several breed variations that fall under the “pit bull” heading, such as the Staffordshire bull terrier, the American Staffordshire pit bull terrier, and the American bulldog.
The breed originates from the UK in the early 19th century. Unfortunately, the dogs were bred for their strength so they could be used in blood sports like bear-baiting and dog fighting before such sports were banned.
During waves of immigration from the British Isles in the late 19th century, pit bulls were brought to America. They were often used as working dogs to assist with herding cattle and guarding livestock on homesteads in the US. They were also put to work by the US military during the First and Second World Wars.
Sadly, illegal dog fighting has still affected this breed. Some people also intentionally breed and train them to be more aggressive to use as guard dogs. This has created a stigma around pit bulls, making many shy away from adopting one.
Labrador retrievers are descended from St. John’s Dogs found in Newfoundland in the 16th century. As their modern name implies, they were bred to help hunters retrieve their prey. Their love of water and skill as swimmers made them famous in Canada’s coastal regions.
The breed became a popular export back to countries like England in the 19th and 20th centuries. The St. John’s Dogs of Newfoundland have died out, but their traits are still carried in modern Labrador retrievers which have been the most popular family dog in the United States for several years in a row. They are also popular choices as service dogs due to their intelligence and loving nature.
What Do Lab Pit Mixes Look Like?
Since Lab pit mixes are a mixed breed, there are no standards set by any kennel club. That, coupled with the fact that there are several “pit bull” breeds and a number of Labrador varieties, makes Lab pit mixes quite varied.
These dogs tend to be muscular and medium to large in size. Their coats can be solid or spotted and can range in color depending on their parents’ physical characteristics.
Not every Lab pit mix is 50/50 either. One parent might be a 50/50 mix, then bred to a purebred Labrador retriever or a variety of pit bull. Sometimes this cross-breeding can go back several generations. A mix may have stronger physical or temperamental characteristics towards one or the other breed.
What Size Is a Lab Pit Mix?
Lab pit mixes are medium to large dogs. Much of their size depends on which pit bull variety they are bred from. It’s hard to get accurate averages, but you should anticipate your dog to grow into the 20 to 25 inches range in height and weigh anywhere from 40 to 90 pounds. There may be some outliers on either side, of course.
What Is a Lab Pit Mix’s Coat Type and Length?
Due to the variability of Lab pit mixes, they might have any number of coat colors, some solid, some splotchy. Their fur tends to be on the shorter side, straight, and smooth. It can often be described as having a stiff, bristly texture.
What Is a Lab Pit Mix’s Temperament?
Both Labrador retrievers and pit bulls are intelligent, motivated dogs that love people. They have plenty of energy and are happiest when they are staying active. They are also outgoing and enjoy being with their family and charming new people.
Despite the reputation that pit bulls have, given the choice, they would rather cuddle than fight. However, they will be protective of their family, standing up to any danger for the people that they love.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Good With Kids?
Lab pit mixes have a lot of variation due to the nature of the breed. The traits of the breed and the dog’s individual personality come into play, along with the training and socialization they’ve experienced.
Lab pit mixes can be a great family dog, but it’s important to exercise caution whenever you’re adopting a dog of unknown background. Sometimes behavioral issues can crop up in early adulthood, so some families may opt to adopt an older, calmer dog.
Overall though, Lab pit mixes need lots of love and mental and physical stimulation. A family with children who are big enough to understand how to appropriately play with animals can be a good environment to give them what they need. They will also lovingly guard the children of their family or pack.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Good With Other Animals?
The way a Lab pit mix interacts with other dogs largely depends on how they are socialized. Pit bulls can sometimes be aloof with other dogs, so that trait may come through, especially if they have more pit bull DNA. Labs tend to be more outgoing and sociable, but often prefer human attention.
Both breeds can also have a higher prey drive, so they may chase squirrels at the park, but sometimes small household pets can also trigger that instinct.
If you want your Lab pit mix to get along well with other animals, then it’s important to introduce them to other pets when they’re young. This will help them to see these other animals as part of their pack, and will encourage them to love and protect them as well.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Aggressive?
Despite many concerns about pit mixes, pitadors are not naturally aggressive. Many organizations have fought to reduce the stigma towards breeds like pit bulls and instead shift the focus to the responsibility of dog owners.
Aggression can emerge if your dog is anxious, which can result from them lacking socialization. It can also develop if your dog lacks company and stimulation.
Since Lab pit mixes are physically strong, it’s even more important to make sure they develop the skills they need to be comfortable and confident around other dogs as well as unfamiliar people. Otherwise, their instinct to protect could cause them to see others as a threat.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Affectionate?
Since Labradors and pit bulls are both people-oriented breeds, it’s not surprising that Lab pit mixes are very affectionate. They tend to be clingy dogs that love to be close to their human families. If you’re relaxing on the couch, they’ll probably want to be there with you.
They are also sensitive to your emotional state and provide comfort when you’re feeling distressed. That being said, these dogs are poor candidates to spend long stretches of time alone. They crave connection and attention and can become depressed and anxious if you don’t make time for them.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Intelligent?
Coming from two very smart working breeds, Lab pit mixes tend to be clever dogs. They have the ability to learn many commands and can even complete tasks for you. That’s why their parent breeds were so popular with hunters and farmers, respectively.
Individual dogs will vary somewhat in their capacity, and your dog may inherit a bit of that pit bull stubbornness as well. Overall, though, you’ll likely find your Lab pit mix to be a very smart and responsive dog that’s responsive to your commands.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Energetic?
Some owners describe their Lab pit mixes as having seemingly endless energy. Besides needing the chance to run and play, these dogs also need mental stimulation. They are curious animals that love to explore new scents.
If their physical and mental energy doesn’t have a positive outlet, they may exhibit anxiety or destructive behavior. Plenty of exercise is essential. They also can be good candidates for puzzle solving, or enrichment activities like scentwork classes.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Easy to Train?
As mentioned, Lab pit mixes are very intelligent dogs. This means that they can learn quite a few tricks and commands, but it’s important to be consistent with your training. Since these dogs are so loving and eager to please, it’s essential to give them plenty of positive reinforcement.
Develop a regular routine of training alongside plenty of exercise for your dog. Keep in mind that as your dog progresses, you may need to add additional challenges and sources of enrichment to prevent boredom.
As you create a bond of trust with your dog, you may be shocked by how much they can learn. Of course, each dog is unique and may need different things from you to thrive. If you’re not sure where to start, you can always work with a professional trainer or use an online training course to help you stay consistent.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Good Watchdogs?
While Lab pit mixes are loyal and protective, they aren’t always natural watchdogs. Due to their outgoing and sociable personalities, they may be more interested in making friends with a potential intruder than alerting you to their presence.
They also don’t tend to bark, which is great for many situations, but not ideal for a guard dog. On the other hand, Lab pit mixes are very alert and trainable. With proper training and reinforcement, some Lab pit mixes can develop the skills needed to be a watchdog.
Are Lab Pit Mixes Good Service Dogs?
Some service dog trainers may not work with pit bull mixes due to the stigma around the breed. This is unfortunate because some Lab pit mixes can make great service dogs. Obviously each dog will vary on an individual basis, but many labrabulls have qualities that make them good candidates for this role.
If your Lab pit mix is confident and comfortable in a variety of settings and around unfamiliar people, they may have the potential to be a service dog. Their natural skills for carrying out tasks, along with their emotional sensitivity and attachment to their owners allows them to provide practical assistance and emotional support.
For the same reasons, Lab pit mixes can make good emotional support animals as well. If your dog is a service animal or emotional support animal then they cannot be banned from apartment complexes even if dogs or pit bull mixes typically are.
How to Care for a Lab Pit Mix?
Beyond providing love, socialization, and plenty of mental and physical stimulation, Lab pit mixes need other day-to-day care as well. Fortunately, they don’t tend to be a high-maintenance breed, but all dogs need appropriate grooming, nutrition, and veterinary care to have a long and happy life.
Do You Need to Groom a Lab Pit Mix?
The grooming needs for an average Lab pit mix are not too intense. It’s recommended that they have baths anywhere from once a month to once every six months depending on the needs of your individual dog. Bathing them too often can strip necessary oils from their skin and fur, which can lead to irritations.
Brushing their hair weekly is also recommended, along with daily dental care. Start developing this habit when they are young to help them tolerate it better.
Do Lab Pit Mixes Shed?
Despite having a shorter coat, Lab pit mixes still shed. Their bristly little hairs will end up on your floors, furniture, and clothes if you let them. Regular brushing, about once a week should be enough to help keep it in check.
If you notice that they are shedding more at certain times of the year, you can increase how often you brush them.
What Health Problems Do Lab Pit Mixes Have?
Mix breed dogs tend to have fewer health problems than purebred dogs, but there are still some potential health issues to watch out for.
This mix is at a higher risk for obesity, which can contribute to other potential problems like hip dysplasia or even diabetes. Like many large dog breeds, there is also a risk for gastric dilatation volvulus, or “bloat,” which can be life threatening.
Some Lab pit mixes may also have allergies, which often lead to skin symptoms. Environmental or food allergies can cause skin irritation, particularly to their paws, as well as ear infections.
How Long Do Lab Pit Mixes Live?
The average lifespan for a Lab pit mix ranges anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Some of this will depend on genetics, but you can ensure your dog enjoys their full lifespan by taking them for regular checkups and feeding them a healthy diet.
What Should a Lab Pit Mix Eat?
Adult Lab pit mixes will usually eat about three cups of food a day. It’s important for the main food source to be well balanced with adequate protein. Foods that add supplementary vitamins and minerals can help keep your dog healthy by preventing any nutritional gaps.
Dry food can be supplemented with high-quality wet food and the occasional pieces of meat, with your vet’s approval.
Is a Lab Pit Mix the Right Dog for Me?
Lab pit mixes have the potential to be great family dogs. They may also be more accessible for people living in housing where pit bulls are prohibited, but mixed breeds are accepted.
No doubt, combining two intelligent and loving dogs will result in a charming and clever companion. However, these dogs are full of energy and need a lot of attention and stimulation to avoid behavioral problems.If your family has the time, energy, and space to dedicate to one of these canine companions, you’ll likely find the experience very rewarding.