The Lab hound mix is the cross between a Labrador Retriever and any of the hound breeds. Depending on their parent breeds, Lab hounds can go by many names such as Dachsador, Beagador, Bassador, and a lot more!
Lab hounds are unique pooches that share the wits and loyalty of the Lab. But why exactly are Labrador Retrievers bred with hounds? Are these dogs better than purebred Labs?
In this guide, we’ll answer all of these questions and more. You’ll also find the best places to find Lab hound mixes in the latter part of this guide. Let’s get started!
What Is a Lab Hound Mix?
The Lab hound mix is a mixed breed between a purebred Labrador and a hound dog. Lab hounds are medium to large dogs that sport unique appearances. These pups come in all colors, patterns, and sizes.
Some famous members of the Lab hound family of dogs are the Beagadors, Bassadors, and Dachsadors.
There are many reasons why Lab hounds mixes are bred; one of these is their looks.
Lab hounds blend the iconic look of Labradors with that of the hound dogs such as Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dachshund, Bloodhound, and others.
As a result, most Lab hound mixes turn out to be intelligent, loyal, and lovely-looking pooches.
Temperament-wise, these dogs can quickly get along with kids and other pets. They have good health, and they live relatively long lives as well!
These dogs are recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, and the International Designer Canine Registry. Unfortunately, they have yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club.
Lab Hound Mix Appearance: What Does a Lab Hound Mix Look Like?
On average, Lab hounds are medium to large dogs. The average height of these pups is between 23 and 30 inches tall, and their average weight is around 55 to 110 pounds.
Usually, Lab hounds adopt the athletic build of the Labrador Retriever. These hybrids have good muscular structure, strong limbs, and elongated snouts.
More often than not, Lab hounds also adopt the short coat of a Labrador Retriever.
Unfortunately, other than these features, the general appearance of a Lab hound mix is hard to generalize.
These pooches come in all sorts of coat colors, coat markings, and overall silhouettes. The good news is that every Lab hound is truly one-of-a-kind!
Beagle Lab Mix
The Beagle Lab mix, also known as the Beagador, is the hybrid between a Labrador Retriever and a Beagle. In some parts of the world, these dogs are also called the “Labbe.”
Beagles have short fur that comes in various combinations of black, white, tan, and red. These pups are roughly 12 to 24 inches in height and 20 to 70 pounds in weight.
Because of the wide variety of the Beagle, the appearance of Beagle Lab mixes is usually diverse. However, one telltale feature that a dog is a Beagador is its floppy ears.
Basset Hound Lab Mix
Photo by @ashrevelee (IG)
If those cute, stubby legs don’t give it away, the adorable pooch in the photo above is a Basset Hound Lab mix. This pup is the hybrid of a Labrador and a Basset Hound.
Basset Hound Lab mixes come in black, white, tan, red, or any combination of these colors. These pups have short coats that are slightly less wrinkly than the Basset Hound breed.
In terms of temperament and personality traits, this Lab hound mix is usually a timid couch potato that is extremely loyal and easy to train.
If you are looking for a gentle pet that does not require much exercise, this is the one!
Dachshund Lab Mix
Photo by @sir_maximus_of_longfellow (IG)
The Dachshund Lab mix, also known as Dachsador, is the cross between a Lab and a Dachshund. This mixed breed is slightly smaller than a Labrador Retriever yet somewhat bigger than a purebred Dachshund.
Dachsadors are playful pooches that have medium energy levels. Their telltale features are their sausage-shaped bodies, relatively short legs, floppy ears, and long muzzles.
Bloodhound Lab Mix
Bloodhound Lab mixes, also known as Labloodhounds, are the offspring of Labs and Bloodhounds. These pooches are muscular, heavy, and powerful.
On most occasions, these dogs adopt the wrinkly skin of their Bloodhound parent.
The Labloodhound mix is an excellent hunter with above-average endurance. These qualities make them ideal as service dogs for the police and military.
Unfortunately, these dogs have a pretty short lifespan, at around nine years.
Greyhound Lab Mix
Photo by @myspookysuki (IG)
The Greyhound Lab mix is a tall and elegant dog. Its telltale features are its long legs, broad chest, and small ears. The aerodynamic body of this mixed breed is adopted from its Greyhound parent.
Despite having an extremely athletic physique, the Greyhound Lab mix is a couch potato. These dogs like short bursts of energy, but they do get tired quickly.
Plott Hound Lab Mix
Photo by @_macaronin_ (IG)
The photo above shows a tiger-striped Plott Hound Lab mix. This unique-looking mixed breed is the cross of a Labrador Retriever and a Plott Hound.
This hound Lab mix is known for its athleticism, shiny coat, and brindle markings.
Plott Hound Lab mixes require moderate to heavy exercise. It is worth noting that this mix is a very vocal dog. They tend to bark if they do not get enough mental stimulation and exercise!
Foxhound Lab Mix
Photo by @thatbodhiboi (IG)
The Foxhound Lab mix is a cross between an English Foxhound and a purebred Labrador.
These dogs usually sport a bright red coat color similar to a fox red Labrador. On some occasions, a Foxhound Lab mix may have black or white markings on its back.
Temperament-wise, this Lab hound mix is sociable and gentle. They are playful as well, especially in their puppy years!
Coonhound Lab Mix
Photo by @winniethepooch905 (IG)
The Coonhound Lab mix is a medium-sized dog with slender legs and big floppy ears. This Lab hound mix is a super active pooch that can climb trees. They are speedy runners as well!
Lab Hound Mix History and Origin: Where Do Lab Hound Mixes Come From?
After its AKC recognition in the United States, Labrador Retrievers quickly became a fan-favorite dog breed. The temperament of these dogs is simply unmatched as a family companion.
As a result, many breeders decided to mix-and-match Labs with different dog breeds such as the hounds.
In 1989, the first Labradoodle was bred. While Labradoodles are not Lab hound mixes, their popularity paved the way for Lab hounds.
Due to popular demand, breeders were able to sell Lab mixes for a higher price. These pooches quickly became one of the so-called “designer dog breeds.”
In the hopes of creating the next big designer dog breed, breeders crossed Labs with different kinds of hounds. Their objective was to create a unique-looking dog that has the same temperament as the Labrador Retriever.
Unfortunately, the Lab hound mix never dethroned Labradoodles as the most popular Lab hybrid. However, Lab hound mixes still serve as alternatives for people looking for particular traits in a dog.
Lab Hound Mix Temperament and Personalities: Are Lab Hound Mixes Good Family Dogs?
Labrador Retrievers take the first spot in AKC’s list of most popular dog breeds. One of the biggest factors why Labs are extremely popular is their affable personality.
These dogs are undoubtedly one of the best family dogs out there as they are eager to please their owners!
Luckily, most Lab hound mixes adopt the temperament of Labradors. Of course, these hybrids will also inherit some quirks from their hound parents, but for the most part, they are as friendly as Labs. They also make amazing guard dogs if you are after one.
One thing to keep in mind is that hounds are natural hunters. These dogs can either be sighthounds or scent hounds. That said, the hound Lab mix is sensitive to peculiar scents and fast-moving objects.
Moreover, some hounds exhibit a trait known as “baying.” Baying is the deep and prolonged barking in dogs that may sound irritating to some people. Luckily, it is possible to train your dog not to make unnecessary noise.
Lab Hound Mix Lifespan: How Long Do Lab Hound Mixes Live?
Lab hounds have a pretty decent life expectancy. These pups can live for 9 to 16 years. However, the exact lifespan of a Labrador hound mix will depend on the breed of its parents.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Labrador Retriever has a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Some Lab hounds live longer lives than purebred Labs, while some live shorter lives.
Some of the longest-living Lab hound mixes are the Beagle Lab mix and the Dachshund Lab mix. The lifespan of these dogs is in the higher end of the range at 12 to 16 years.
On the contrary, the Bloodhound Lab mix is on the other end of the range. Sadly, Labloodhounds only have a lifespan of nine years.
On the middle ground, there are the Greyhound Lab mix, Basset Hound Lab mix, and the rest of the Lab hound mixes. These pups live somewhere around 12 to 14 years.
Lab Hound Mix Health Issues: Are Labrador Hound Mixes Healthy Dogs?
The most significant factor affecting the health of a Lab hound mix is the health of its parents.
A Labrador Retriever Hound mix born from healthy parents is likely to be healthy. On the other hand, one with sickly parents is also likely to be sickly.
Fortunately, many Lab hound breeders pay close attention to the health of their dogs.
Most often than not, breeders test their dogs for genetic conditions before having them bred. However, despite breeders’ efforts, Lab hounds still do not have perfect health.
Here are the common health issues affecting Labrador Hound mixes:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a health condition of a hound Lab mix caused by the misalignment of the ball and socket joint. Most of the time, hip dysplasia is due to genetic factors; however, there are instances that it is brought by normal wear and tear. A Lab hound with hip dysplasia may suffer excruciating pain when moving.
Luxating Patella: Luxating patella is a common issue in Labs. Unfortunately, this issue usually gets passed on to Lab hound mixes. A luxating patella occurs when a dog’s kneecap is misaligned from its femur. Cases of luxating patella are classified into four grades – grades one to four. Each of these grades requires different treatment techniques.
Osteoarthritis: Canine osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease common in Lab hound mixes. This health condition affects dogs of all ages, even very young puppies. The common symptoms of osteoarthritis include lethargy, limping, reluctance to jump, and behavior change.
Canine Bloat: Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is an emergency health issue in dogs. GDV is characterized by the twisting of a dog’s stomach, which may cut off blood flow. The typical signs of bloat include pacing, restlessness, excessive drooling, and retching.
All of these conditions are life-altering for a Lab hound. While these issues are treatable, it is still best to prevent them.
Luckily, keeping your Labrador Retriever Hound in tip-top shape is quite easy. All you need is to keep its weight within the ideal range, promote plenty of exercises, and visit the vet regularly.
We’ll talk more about taking care of your Lab hound in a later section of this guide!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Labrador Retrievers and Hounds Together
Now that you have learned a lot about Lab hounds, it’s time to talk a little bit about why these pooches are bred.
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of breeding Labrador Retrievers and hounds together.
Here are some advantages of breeding Labrador Retrievers and hounds together:
Unique Appearance: The unique appearance of Lab hounds is one of the main reasons they are bred. By combining the Labrador Retriever with different hound breeds, breeders get unique-looking pooches with fantastic temperaments. They usually sell these hybrids for a slightly higher price than purebred Labs.
Possibility for Improved Health: Labrador Retrievers and hound dogs have their own health issues. These issues are embedded in the genes that get passed on to their litter. However, when Labs and hounds are bred together, the chances of their puppies developing these diseases are minimized.
Fewer Congenital Issues: Many purebreds suffer from predisposed conditions that get passed on as generations progress. Most of these conditions stay hidden beneath dominant genes. As a result, a perfectly healthy lineage of purebreds may still give birth to a pup with congenital issues. One way to stop this from happening is by crossbreeding.
Surprisingly, there are plenty of rewards that come in crossing the Lab with a hound dog. However, some drawbacks may also arise from breeding this hybrid.
Here are some disadvantages of breeding Labrador Retrievers and hounds together:
Unpredictable Temperament: Most Lab hounds adopt the family-oriented behavior of the Labrador Retriever. However, others might still pick up more qualities from their hound parents. That said, some Lab hounds mixes may prove to be unpredictable at times.
Unpredictable Size: Unlike purebred dogs, hybrids usually have inconsistent sizes. Due to their mixed genetics, their growth chart may not follow a particular trend. Unfortunately, this is the case for Lab hounds. It is hard to tell how big a hound Lab mix puppy is once it reaches its full-grown age.
Possibility of a Risky Delivery: When breeding Labs with small hound dogs, there is always the possibility of a risky delivery. In some instances, Lab hound puppies are harder to push out due to their size. Cases like these require an emergency C-section.
As you can see, crossbreeding is a very promising yet risky feat. When done correctly, breeders can produce healthy and unique-looking pooches.
However, when done irresponsibly, crossbreeding can be problematic for dogs’ health.
How to Take Care of Your Lab Hound Mix?
Lab hounds do not usually require special care. These dogs can live happy and healthy lives with just the bare minimum. That said, here are a couple of reminders on how to take care of your Lab hound mix!
Feeding and Diet
Lab hounds are extremely active pooches, especially in their puppy years. This means you need to ensure that your Lab hound’s food can keep up with its energy requirements.
Luckily, all you need to do is read the label on the backside of dog food packs, and you’re pretty much set. Make sure to pick the kibble that is suitable for your pet’s age and activity level. Keep in mind that puppy food is different from adult dog food!
Sticking to a strict feeding schedule is also ideal for a Lab hound. It is best to feed your pooch around the same time every single day. Three meals a day for Lab hound puppies, while for adults, two meals a day is recommended.
Cleaning and Grooming
The cleaning and grooming needs of a Lab hound vary with a couple of factors. Firstly, it depends on your pup’s coat length.
The longer your hound’s coat is, the more frequently you should brush its hair. This is to avoid matting and tangling, which can damage your pup’s coat health.
Moreover, cleaning your pooch also depends on its environment. If you keep your dog indoors, bathing it every four to six weeks is good enough.
However, if your dog is always outside, you may bathe it as often as every week.
Training and Exercise
Lab hounds are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. However, you will still need a ton of patience in training a Lab hound! The best form of training for Lab hounds is known as positive reinforcement training.
Essentially, positive reinforcement training takes advantage of a reward system.
Whenever your pup follows your command correctly, you may praise it or give it treats. You can also use a dog clicker as an alternative form of reward!
Here’s an insightful video showing how Lab hounds are trained professionally:
7yo Lab/Hound Mix (Cody) - Best Dog Trainers in FXBG<a href="https://youtu.be/mVRiumOVF3U" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FmVRiumOVF3U%2F0.jpg" alt="7yo Lab/Hound Mix (Cody) - Best Dog Trainers in FXBG" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
In terms of exercise and activity needs, Lab hounds need at least two hours of moderate exercise every day. Needless to say, these pooches have high energy levels!
Fortunately, there are lots of fun activities you can engage your hound in. Some fun exercises include playing fetch, running together, swimming, and going on a hike. Even a simple walk will do!
Lab Hound Mix Puppy Prices: How Much Does a Lab Hound Mix Cost?
The price of a Lab hound mix is all over the place. Depending on what Lab hound mix you are looking at, you can expect to pay around $800 to $2,000.
However, Lab hound mixes from champion bloodlines can cost more at around $3,000 to $5,000.
Factors affecting the price of a Lab hound puppy are its age, reputation of its breeder, gender, and the breed of its parents.
While it may be tempting to buy an inexpensive Lab hound pup from a backyard breeder, it is highly discouraged.
Backyard breeders and puppy mills do not hold high standards for the health of their dogs. These sources are usually only in it for the money.
On the contrary, reputable breeders test the Labrador Retriever parent as well as the Hound breed for any genetic issues prior to breeding. This way, their puppies will be free from common health issues.
If you want to save money, the best option is to look for a Lab hound in rescues or shelters.
More often than not, these rescued Lab hounds are originally from reputable breeders, which means they have pretty good health.
Places to Find Lab Hound Mix Puppies for Sale or Adoption
Lab hound mixes are not as popular as Labrador Retrievers, but these pups still have many fans in the pet community. In fact, many breeders still make a living from breeding Lab hound hybrids.
However, it may be challenging to find a breeder that exclusively breeds Lab hound mixes. Often, breeders only breed Lab hounds alongside purebred Labs.
That said, the good news is that Lab hounds are pretty easy to find. You may start your search with the places listed below!
Below are some places where you can find Lab hounds for sale:
Marble Mountain Kennels – Marble Mountain Kennels is a California-based Lab breeder. With over 25 years of experience, this breeder is one of the most trusted Lab breeders out there. Marble Mountain Kennels produce healthy and well-behaved pups with health guarantees. Be sure to check out their available puppies for Lab hound mixes!
Ashland Labradors – This Nashville-based breeder is an expert in raising healthy Labs with laid-back temperaments. Moreover, their dogs are home-raised and free from genetic health issues. If you wish to check out their Lab hound availability, you may shoot them a message through their contact us page.
Endless Mt. Labradors – If you live near Pennsylvania, Endless Mt. Labradors is a breeder to check out. This breeder specializes in English Lab Retrievers, but they may also have Lab hound mixes. The good thing about this breeder is that all their dogs are house-trained and guaranteed against health issues.
Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a website where you can find Lab hound puppies for sale. This website advertises pups from various reputable breeders, so it’s effortless to find Lab mixes using their platform. Don’t miss out on any Lab hound mix from Lancaster Puppies; check out their listings!
If you wish to save a bit of money, you can always adopt instead of shop. Adopting a dog will not only save a dog’s life but will also help shelter volunteers.
Just make sure to adopt a healthy Lab hound, and you’re pretty much all set!
Here are some sources where you can find Lab hounds for adoption:
Labs4Rescue – Labs4Rescue is a rescue organization dedicated to saving Labs and Lab mixes. This rescue is located in Killingworth, Connecticut, and it is run entirely by volunteers. Visit their adoption page for more information about their process.
Labrador Retriever Rescue (LRR) – Established in 1993, LRR is a rescue based in the mid-Atlantics. Their main service areas include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington.
Petfinder – Petfinder is a website that links over 11,000 shelters and rescues to millions of aspiring pet owners. With this service, you can find hundreds of Lab hound mixes in your desired location!
Adopt-a-Pet – Adopt-a-Pet is another adoption website where you can find Lab hounds. Together with 21,000 pet rescue organizations, Adopt-a-Pet has the largest database of adoptable pets. They also have a ton of Lab hounds, so make sure to check out their listings!
Other than these sources, you may also take advantage of social media sites such as Facebook and Reddit.
Nowadays, it’s super easy to find all sorts of communities on these platforms. You’ll surely find a group where you’ll find Lab hound mix breeders or rescues!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lab Hound Mixes Shed?
On average, Lab hound mixes are considered moderate shedders. However, the amount and frequency of shedding of these crossbreeds will still depend on their parent breeds.
The best way to keep shedding manageable is by maintaining a regular grooming habit. For short-haired Lab hounds, brushing two to three times a week is ideal.
On the other hand, Lab hounds with medium hair should be brushed more often.
Are Lab Hound Mixes Hypoallergenic?
The Labrador Retriever is not hypoallergenic. However, many hound mixed breeds are considered hypoallergenic. So depending on how genetics plays out for a Lab hound, it may or may not be hypoallergenic.
If you are concerned about allergies, it is best to stick with a hypoallergenic dog breed. You may read more about these dog breeds on AKC’s list of hypoallergenic dogs.
Do Hound Lab Mixes Bark a Lot?
Lab hounds are very energetic dogs. These pups require frequent mental stimulation and exercise. Typically, a Lab hound that does not get enough of these activities tends to bark a lot.
Some Lab hounds also exhibit territorial behavior. These dogs may bark at the most random things, such as a squirrel in your backyard or car noise.
That said, it is possible to desensitize Lab hounds from common triggers. Many breeders do this to their dogs before selling them.
If you train your Lab hound puppy early on, there’s a good chance it will grow up as a well-behaved adult dog.
Final Thoughts: Is the Lab Hound Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Lab hound mix is a fantastic dog that comes in plenty of varieties and characteristics. It is the perfect dog for you if you are looking for a unique pup as affable as the Labrador Retriever.
For the most part, you will never go wrong with any Lab hound mix. These dogs are intelligent, trainable, and easy to get along with.
However, if you are looking for specific traits in certain crossbreeds, then some Lab hounds are a better option than others.
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