Chabrador: Your Complete Guide

The Chabrador is among the more interesting Labrador crossbreeds in the last few decades. A massive canine with a beautiful coat and big, puppy-dog eyes, it is easy to see from a glance how folks have fallen for the bulky descendant of the chow chow. Despite its charming and handsome appearance, the breed can be a handful for several owners.

They are naturally defensive dogs and will prove difficult to contain for people who have frequent visitors or live in noisy neighborhoods. Similarly, you may have to get shoulder surgery if the dog catches sight of any critters on your daily walk.

Those willing to put in the effort will get a wonderfully sweet dog that is as cuddly and caring as any breed available. The following paragraphs will give a concise and complete guide to the Chabrador mix.

Quick Look at the Chabrador

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Chabradors?

When it comes to mixed breeds that have popped up as recently as the Chabrador, the dogs haven’t had enough time to have a history. Their ancestral breeds, however, go back quite a bit. The Labrador retriever breed was first discovered when a Canadian man brought St. John’s Dogs to Britain and had them bred with hunting dogs throughout the area.

A few years later, one of the most popular breeds was born. The Labrador has been used in various ways, from hunting and retrieving birds to watching homes. Recently, they have become well-known as deeply talented service dogs due to their high intelligence and obedient disposition. Because of their utility, they are a common choice for mixed breeds.

On the other hand, the chow chow is one of the oldest breeds still hopping around. The breed has existed anywhere from 2,000 to 3,000 years and comes from China. They were initially believed to be used as war dogs, with several ancient paintings depicting the bulky breed. They have been used as hunting and guard dogs for at least two millennia.

The chow chow was first brought to the Western world in the 1700s and was considered an exotic and unique animal. They quickly endeared themselves to the local populace and became a more popular breed before spreading to the United States. They became a part of the AKC in 1906 and are still a popular breed to this day.

What Do Chabradors Look Like?

Chabradors have breathtaking coats that are thick, soft to the touch, and vary in color. The standard colors found in the mixed mutts are black, blue, brown, cream, and red. Typically, the fur will be one uniform color, though markings can sometimes be present. They are very densely insulated, so they must not stay in hot climates for long.

Conversely, they are naturally suited to the cold and perform better in lower temperatures than the average pooch. If you are worried about dog breeds being unable to handle the colder climate you live in, a Chabrador is excellently suited for the chilly environment.

What Size Is a Chabrador?

While they may look like they are easily packing triple-digit numbers, the thick Chabrador coat tends to add twenty pounds. Typically, they sit around 45 – 80 pounds and will be lighter than expected, though some can grow very dense. They tend to sit on the stout side and range from 18 – 24 inches, and they are a uniquely broad canine.

What Is a Chabrador’s Coat Type and Length?

Their fur is typically pretty straight and easy to work with when grooming, as their hair does not grow long enough to get routinely tangled. That said, they have a deep outer layer that can have short to medium-length fur, depending on the dog. They are known shedders, and certain parts of the year may require owners to get active with a brush.

What Is a Chabrador’s Temperament?

Chabradors are not an animal that should be taken lightly. Their deeply rooted defensive side can prove disastrous if owners grow complacent with their training. The breed is capable of snapping at newcomers or people they perceive as a threat, and any person looking to adopt one should prepare for regular training.

That said, they are not mean dogs by nature. In fact, any owner will gush for hours about how sweet they are. They can be independent and strong-willed, though they also have an affectionate and friendly side to family members that many people will fall in love with. With the right owner, the breed can easily be well-behaved, obedient, and docile to guests.

Are Chabradors Good With Kids?

The protective and snappy nature Chabradors sometimes have towards strangers may make bigger families concerned, though the breed is pretty good with kids. They do not perceive smaller children as a threat and will become patient protectors to the smaller members of the home. However, this protective nature can cause issues if others get too close.

The danger of a Chabrador with kids is rarely going to affect the child. Instead, training is essential to ensure the dog doesn’t get aggressive with a nearby aunt or uncle.

The breed will still need to be monitored heavily first to ensure your child and the dog understand each other’s boundaries. Similarly, socializing the cold-resistant canine when they are young will help them deal with other children, people, and pets.

Are Chabradors Good With Other Animals?

They will prove challenging for people with smaller animals at first, as the breed has a palpable prey drive that may cause them to chase cats, birds, or rodents. Similarly, they can have issues with other dogs if they are unfamiliar or apprehensive, and it may take time for the two to grow together. That said, they can absolutely integrate with other animals, given some time.

Speaking of their prey drive, trying to rein in this breed when they spot a squirrel may be impossible for some people. They are unexpectedly strong and will break into a full sprint at the drop of an acorn. Because of their eagerness to chase, even people without other pets need to work on getting the dog used to walking around smaller animals.

Are Chabradors Aggressive?

They certainly can be, and prospective owners should be aware of their potential for violence ahead of time. This isn’t to say that they are always going to be aggressive or that they will attack you. However, if they are not properly trained to coexist with other people and pets, it could result in someone getting bitten because the dog misunderstands the situation.

With proper socialization and training, however, they can become very sweet dogs that are well-loved by their family and family friends. These are not dogs for newer owners. However, if you are comfortable putting time aside for your beefy buddy, they will know when to turn their aggressive streak on.

Do Chabradors Bark?

They are not as bad as some smaller breeds, though the watchdog nature of a Chabrador will have them fending off what they perceive as potential threats through a bassy, boisterous bark. That means that if you live in an apartment and they are concerned about who is walking around on the floor above you, they will let everyone know about it.

This vocal quirk can be trained out, and those who live in rural areas will notice a much quieter dog. However, Chabradors will always feel the need to bark when they perceive danger. Their propensity for speaking up will come down to how comfortable they are in their environment and how often their owners work with them.

Are Chabradors Affectionate?

They are wonderfully cuddly companions, and their insulated coat is a great addition to a drafty home. In fact, you may come to regret how cuddly they are when your lower body feels like it’s holding a running radiator. Chabradors are incredibly sweet when they want to be, and even the most stubborn and obstinate dog can quickly endear itself to a family.

Are Chabradors Intelligent?

The breed comes from cerebral stock and will prove more than capable in training, though some may be less willing to listen than others. They are not as stubborn as certain breeds, though they have a headstrong streak that can irritate people unprepared for it. That being said, they are a dog that blooms wonderfully with patience.

If owners are willing to take the time to work with them, they will be amazed at the capability of the canine. With intelligence comes a need for knowledge, and the dogs will need infrequent mental stimulation to avoid destructive behaviors.

Similarly, they are well-cushioned private eyes who enjoy investigating the various sounds, smells, and sights in front of them. They will not be as attentive as other breeds who stare out the window all day, though they have impressive senses that can detect surroundings well.

Are Chabradors Energetic?

Folks looking to take on a Chabrador as a pet should set aside an hour a day to let them run in a dog park or give them a lengthy walk. They aren’t going to sprint around in furious circles for hours on end, though they are a fairly active dog that will require some regular exercise. Similarly, a fenced-in backyard can help the dog exercise alone if you work long hours.

Are Chabradors Easy to Train?

They may have a few hiccups in the first week, but they quickly catch on. Their intelligent mind and need for tasks can work in an owner’s favor, although some may hesitate to obey commands. However, once they get into the swing of training, they can really take to advanced tricks and are capable of quite a few commands.

Are Chabradors Good Watchdogs?

The breed makes exceptional watchdogs, and they come from a line of dogs who have been property protectors for thousands of years. While the breed may need instruction for socializing and obeying commands, they require little assistance when looking out for your house and keeping your family well-informed.

Chabradors are fearless and protective, with a self-belief that makes them seem twice their size. They are not the most terrifying breed on the market, though they are a great middle-ground for people who want a cuddly companion who can keep a keen eye on the house. However, they will need to be taught who to avoid snapping at, as the guard gene runs very deep.

Are Chabradors Good Service Dogs?

They certainly can be, though individual demeanor will come into play. The breed is rare, so it would be entirely expected not to have examples of Chabradors as service animals. Ironically enough, they are so intelligent and adaptable that several service Chabradors exist and have proven invaluable to their owners and those they assist.

They may not be as quickly competent as their Labrador siblings, but they are gifted at completing tasks and providing sincere aid.

Emotional support will depend on the dog. While most are cuddly and affectionate, some take to extended periods of independence. If you are having a bad day and your Chabrador is otherwise occupied and emotionally unavailable, it is not a good pick. If your dog is more interested in constant, close-knit companionship, then they would be a fantastic choice.

How to Care for a Chabrador?

The breed is not as bad as some of the puffier polluters of the canine world, though they will require a fair bit of attention on their owner’s part. As previously discussed, they will require consistent, moderate exercise of around one hour a day. They will also need mental and physical stimulation, or you may begin to notice destroyed furniture and tossed garbage.

Hygienically, they will require the same maintenance as all dogs, with a bit more attention to their coat than the average pooch. They are not high-maintenance animals, but they are a poor choice for someone who wants a dog that exists more as a friendly roommate. Because of how dense their coat is, check for ticks occasionally if you live in a rural area.

Do You Need to Groom a Chabrador?

The individual dog’s coat will decide how consistent grooming needs to be. Some shorter coats can get away with less frequent brushings, though folks usually need to brush them thoroughly two times a week. Because of the sheer size and volume of some Chabrador coats, it is recommended that they see a groomer or get a proper bath monthly.

Like all dogs, their teeth should be taken care of regularly to prevent poor dental hygiene and avoid oral disease. Similarly, when they are done with their daily exercise, it is worth carefully examining their ears to check for gunk (this is not the scientific term) build-up.

Do Chabradors Shed?

These guys and girls can redecorate a living room if not maintained, particularly in the shedding season. Their thick coats will prove problematic for people who can not keep up with the errant hair that will pile up when they are not brushed enough. If the dog is groomed regularly, shedding will still occur but can be reigned in quite a bit.

What Health Problems Do Chabradors Have?

Like several other mixed breeds, Chabradors are considered robust and healthy dogs. However, They have a few genetic predispositions passed down by their ancestral breeds. Watching their weight, exercising the dog regularly, and portioning their food can prevent some of the medical conditions below.

The most common medical ailments of a Chabrador are:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Cataracts
• Patellar Luxation

If you are concerned about whether or not a dog comes from poor medical genetics, it is worth looking into breeders who keep track of their animal’s health. These pets will usually cost quite a bit more than rescues, though you will know exactly what you are getting, whereas rescue shelters have far less information on average.

How Long Do Chabradors Live?

If they are well-kept and live a healthy lifestyle, you and your Chabrador could spend anywhere from 12 to 15 years together. They have longer than average lifespans for their size and are one of the healthier breeds owners will find. Regular veterinary visits, exercise, and a good diet can help the canine’s longevity.

What Should a Chabrador Eat?

Food should be nutrient-dense and portioned out to avoid overindulgence, though your choice will depend on the Chabrador. They have a massive shift in size from one dog to another, so it may be better to ask the breeder or a local veterinarian who can get a better idea of the dog’s size, lifestyle, and what brand will fit it best.

If you cannot visit a breeder or local vet, a food designed for middling dogs that live somewhat active lifestyles will work fine, though ensure that it is a good quality brand.

Is a Chabrador the Right Dog for Me?

If you are patient, experienced, and willing to handle a powerful dog with a strong prey drive, you will be an incredible Chabrador owner. If you cannot dedicate time, are not keen on dealing with shoulder-snapping walks, and live in an apartment, there are better dogs out there. The breed takes a lot of time and care and is not for everybody.

However, they are incredible watchdogs, good around children, sharp as a tack, and incredibly loyal. Chabradors can wear many hats at once and accomplish a wide variety of tasks, from hunting and guarding to providing physical assistance to those in need. While they are a breed that is not for everyone, they are a perfect choice for several.