Lab Hound Mix: Expert Guide Of This hunter Cum Retriever

A Lab Hound mix is an ideal blend of the friendly Labrador Retriever and the intuitive Hound breeds. Known for their loyal temperament and keen sense of smell, these versatile dogs excel as family pets and working dogs. Properly trained, they are great with children and make excellent companions.

They need regular exercise due to their energetic nature and life span of 10-14 years. Remember, a Lab Hound mix needs a balanced diet and routine vet check-ups for a healthy life. Embrace the joy of owning a Lab Hound mix today!

We’ll dive deep into Lab Hound Mixes recognized by the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, International Designer Canine Registry, etc. Let’s explore their physical appearance, inherited characteristics, and exemplary qualities that make them endearing pets.

Decoding The Lab Hound Mix Breed

The Lab Hound Mix is a crossbreed dog. It combines the physical traits and characteristics of two distinct breeds – Labrador Retriever and any hound family breed. The result is a unique hybrid with varying appearances.

Definition And Characteristics

The Hound Lab mix, or Labbe, is a unique and fascinating crossbreed. With diverse genetics stemming from both parent breeds, these hybrid dogs showcase an excellent balance of traits.

One example of this versatile crossbreed is when a Labrador Retriever is bred with a Basset Hound. Distinctive floppy ears and droopy eyes characterize the basset hound lab mix alongside its strong body frame.

A Beagle mixed with Labrador showcases another popular variety. The beagle lab mix has a friendly demeanor and excellent hunting instincts.

Physical Appearance Of Lab Hound Mixes

The Hound Lab Mix breed has a range of physical appearances, depending on the breeds that make it up. The lab hound mix appearance is athletic. They have a muscular physique, deep chest, and round and broad shoulders.

Their strength comes from their Labrador Retriever parent, while their hound heritage is visible in their long ears and pointed snouts. These lab hound dogs come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from small to large-sized.

Examples Of Popular Breeds

Hound Lab Mix can be bred with any dog from the hound breed. Here are some examples of popular breeds that are often mixed with Labradors to create Lab Hound Mixes:

1. Beagle:

The Beagle is a small to medium-sized dog breed known for its friendly and curious nature. Combined with a Labrador, the beagle lab mix can inherit the Beagle’s sharp nose and excellent scent detection abilities.

2. Bloodhound:

A large and powerful breed, it is famous for its incredible sense of smell and steadfast loyalty. When mixed with a Labrador Retriever, a bloodhound lab mix may inherit a heightened ability to track and hunt.

3. Coonhound:

Coonhounds are energetic hunting breeds with well-developed senses of hearing and smell. The coonhound lab mix makes excellent companions for those who love outdoor activities like camping or hiking.

4. Greyhound:

The sleek and speedy Greyhound is another popular choice for crossbreeding with Labradors. The greyhound lab mix is known for its athletic build and can contribute speed and agility.

5. Plott Hound:

The Plott Hound is a muscular breed originally bred for hunting in the North Carolina mountains. When mixed with a labrador retriever, the Plott hound lab mix has a high prey drive when it senses something interesting.

6. Dachshund:

The Dachsador is smaller than a labrador yet bigger than a dachshund. These dogs are playful in nature with medium energy levels. With floppy ears, short legs, and long muzzles, these dachshund lab mixes make great pets. 

7. Fox Hound:

A purebred labrador and an English Foxhound are mixed to produce a sociable and gentle pet. Usually, with a red coat, they may also inhibit black and white marks. They are most playful in their puppy years.

Traits Inherited From Each Parent

The Hound Lab Mix is a crossbreed between the friendly and active Labrador Retriever and a dog from the Hound group. It creates unique traits inherited from each parent. From their Labrador parent, Lab Hound mixes are intelligent, eager to please, and trainable dogs.

The Mixes inherit their hunting instincts and discerning sense of smell from their basset hound parent. They also have a strong build, deep chests, round shoulders, and powerful legs. It makes them athletic dogs capable of high-endurance activities like running or hiking.

Unique Characteristics Of The Hound Lab Mix

Aside from being highly intelligent and trainable, the Hound Lab Mix also possesses unparalleled hunting instincts and unwavering loyalty. Let’s learn more about these fascinating traits in our comprehensive guide.

Intelligence And Trainability

The Hound Lab Mix is a highly intelligent breed eager to please its owner, making it easy to train. They have inherited their intelligence from their Labrador parent and the hunting instincts of their hound parent.

Hound Lab Mix puppies owners must give them proper socialization and obedience training early. These dogs have high energy levels and require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and attention.

Besides being trained for basic obedience commands, some Lab Hound Mixes excel at advanced tasks like tracking or agility courses.

Hunting Instincts

Hound Lab Mix dogs have a strong hunting instinct inherited from their hound parent. These dogs are natural trackers and love to pursue prey. It makes them great hunting partners for avid outdoorsmen.

However, the Lab Hound Mix’s instincts can pose risks if not well-controlled. They may chase after small animals or run after cars, putting themselves in danger. Proper training and socialization can help deter these undesirable behaviors. It will also allow them to express their innate traits safely.

Loyalty And Affection

The Hound Lab Mix is known for its unwavering loyalty and affection towards its owners. This breed loves spending time with its family, getting attention, and unconditionally showering love to its humans.

They make great emotional support animals because of their empathetic nature. They comfort their owners when they are feeling down.

Lab Hound Mixes are also excellent watchdogs as they protect their loved ones. When building relationships, these dogs are keen learners and quick socializers. They enjoy making friends with animals and people alike.

Personality And Temperament Of Basset Hound Lab Mix

Hound Lab Mix dogs are known for their friendly and affectionate personality and hunting instincts. The lab hound mix temperament makes them great companions for active owners.

Behavioral Traits

The Basset Hound Lab Mix is highly intelligent and adaptable. They are also friendly, loyal, and affectionate towards their owners. These dogs inherit hunting instincts and are always eager to explore new scents and sounds.

Lab Hound Mix breeds require daily exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior like chewing or digging. Socializing your pup early on can help develop positive behavior around other animals and humans.

Socialization And Training Of Lab Hound Mix Puppy

Socialization and training are essential to raising a happy and well-adjusted Labrador Hound Mix. You can begin socializing your lab hound puppy early to help them develop positive interactions.

When it comes to training, consistent reinforcement is key. Lab Hound Mixes are known for their high energy levels and intelligence inherited from their Labrador Retrievers. Hence, they respond well to positive reinforcement techniques like treats and verbal praise.

Regular exercise and mental stimulation activities like obedience classes or interactive toys will keep your Lab Hound Mix engaged. They will learn good behaviors while strengthening the bond between you both.

Exercise And Activity Requirements

The Basset hound lab mix requires regular exercise and playtime to stay healthy and happy. Since both of their parent breeds are athletic dogs, a daily walk or run is ideal for this mixed breed. Aim to take them out for at least 30 minutes to an hour daily.

Providing opportunities for mental stimulation is also great for the Lab Hound Mix’s overall well-being. Consider using puzzle toys or setting up obstacle courses during playtime. It will challenge their intellect and problem-solving skills.

Caring For Your Lab Hound Mix Puppy

Provide adequate exercise and nutrition to keep these mixed-breed dogs healthy and happy. Proper training and socialization, grooming, hygiene, and preventative healthcare tips are essential.

Exercise And Nutrition For Most Hound Dogs

Now, these are athletic dogs that require regular exercise. Here are some guidelines for ensuring your mixed-breed dog gets the proper nutrition and exercise if exposed to triggers like pollen or dust mites.

1. Feeding: Provide a well-balanced diet with high-quality dog food that meets their needs. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on the best food option.
2. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes, as overfeeding can lead to obesity. Give them the right protein sources with meats like beef, lamb, and chicken. Also, remember the typical diet for adult dogs must contain between 2.5 and 4.5 % fiber. Go for popular dog food brands, including Ceasar, Blue Buffalo, Crave, etc.
3. Exercise Needs: These dogs require daily exercises like walks, runs, or hikes to maintain their muscular physique.
4. Mental Stimulation: Engage your dog in activities stimulating their minds, like puzzle toys, interactive games, or obedience training.
5. Avoid Overexertion: Do not over-exert them as they can be prone to joint problems due to their larger size.
6. Water Breaks: Ensure you carry enough water during playtime so the dog remains hydrated.

Training And Socialization For Lab Hounds

• Proper training and socialization are crucial for hound lab mixes. Consistency is key in training. So have a strict schedule and stick to it.
• Early socialization helps your puppy learn appropriate behavior around people, other dogs, and different environments.
• Teach basic commands such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come” using short and clear commands.
• Use games as part of the training to keep the puppy stimulated mentally while exercising.
• Enroll in obedience classes or seek a professional dog trainer if you need Lab Hound Mix training assistance.

Socialization allows your dog to learn how to interact appropriately with other animals and humans. Here are some tips on socializing your Lab Hound Mix:

1. Introduce them to new people slowly, one at a time, starting with family members
2. Take them out for walks daily so that they get accustomed to different sights, sounds, and smells.
3. Allow them to play with other dogs of similar size but monitor their interactions closely.
4. Expose them gradually to new environments like a dog park or beaches.
5. Reinforce good behavior by rewarding them frequently during social activities.

Grooming And Hygiene For This Rescue Dog

Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to ensure your hybrid dog remains healthy.

1. Brushing:

These dogs have short, dense coats that require regular brushing. Use a slicker brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Weekly brushing should suffice, but more frequently during shedding seasons.

2. Bathing:

Bathe your dog about once a month or when it gets muddy or smelly. Use only dog-specific shampoos to prevent skin irritation.

3. Dental Care:

Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste. Dental chews or toys can also help keep their teeth clean.

4. Nail Trimming:

Trim your dog’s nails every two weeks using a nail clipper designed for dogs. Avoid cutting their quick—the blood vessel inside the nail—and use styptic powder if bleeding occurs.

5. Ear Cleaning:

Clean your dog’s ears weekly using an ear-cleaning solution and cotton balls or pads. Gently wipe the ear flap and canal, avoiding the deep insertion of objects.

6. Flea and Tick Prevention:

Use flea/tick prevention treatments your veterinarian recommends monthly during summer or year-round in warmer climates.

Health Concerns For Lab Hounds

Lab Hound Mixes are generally healthy dogs. But like all breeds, they can still be susceptible to certain health issues. Some potential concerns include hip dysplasia, ear infections, and allergies. You may already know some of these conditions as a Labrador retriever owner.

Another condition that can affect both breeds is ear infections. These are often caused by an excess buildup of wax or moisture inside the ear canal.

Canine Bloat or Gastric Dilation Volvulus is an emergency health issue in these dogs. It includes stomach twisting that results in cutting off blood flow. 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative health issue common in lab-hound mixes. It can affect dogs of all ages, and symptoms include limping and behavioral changes. 

Luxating Patella is a common health condition in Labs that may pass down to these mixes. It occurs when the pup’s kneecap gets misaligned from the femur.

Finally, allergies can also impact your Lab Hound Mix’s health. They may suffer from skin irritations or respiratory issues if exposed to triggers like pollen or dust mites.

While animal shelters or rescue groups provide dog breeds at an economical rate, it is best to rely on reputable breeders. Avoid puppy mills or backyard breeders to ensure your hound lab mixes are tested for genetic health issues.

Pros And Cons Of Owning A Lab Hound Mix

Benefits of Owning a Lab Hound Mix include their affectionate personality, intelligence, trainability, and hunting instincts.

Benefits Of Owning A Lab and Hound Mix

1. Loyal and Affectionate Companionship:

The mix is famous for its loving, loyal, and affectionate personality. They are happy to be around people and do well as family pets.

2. Athletic Built and High Energy:

They are high-energy dogs and require plenty of exercise to stay healthy. They are great companions for outdoor activities such as hiking or jogging.

3. Intelligent and Trainable:

Labrador Retrievers are known for their intelligence and trainability. It makes them ideal dogs for learning new tricks and obedience training. The Lab Hound Mix inherits this trait from labrador retrievers and are intelligent dogs.

4. Protective Nature:

As hunting dogs, basset hounds have a protective nature that can extend to their owners too. With proper socialization and training, the Lab Hound Mix can become a loyal protector for their family.

5. Versatile:

These mixed breeds have an athletic build and high energy levels. They are energetic dogs that excel in hunting, tracking, agility trials, therapy work, and more.

6. Low Maintenance Grooming:

Unlike breeds that shed excessively or require frequent grooming, the Lab Hound Mix has low-maintenance requirements. Thanks to its short coat, it only needs brushing once a week.

7. Long Lifespan:

On average, the lifespan varies between 10-15 years. They can live longer than other dog breeds with proper care, nutrition, and regular check-ups.

Potential Challenges And Considerations Of Lab Hound

Taking care of can be very rewarding. However, there are some challenges and considerations that dog owners should keep in mind:

1. Exercise requirements: Both breeds are highly energetic and require a lot of exercise. Providing your mix with the required physical activity may be challenging if you have a busy schedule.
2. Separation anxiety: Purebred labs and basset hounds are known for their affectionate nature. This means your Lab Hound Mix may become anxious or destructive when left alone for extended periods.
3. Hunting instincts: The breed’s hound ancestry may make them more likely to chase after small animals like squirrels or rabbits. Walking them off-leash or letting them into fenced yards can present issues.
4. Grooming needs: Depending on the dominant breed, your mix may require regular grooming to maintain their coat’s cleanliness and health.
5. Potential health problems: Like all crossbreeds, the Lab Hound mix puppy can inherit genetic health issues from either parent breed.

Hound Lab Mix Puppies for Sale

The popularity of mixed breeds has increased in recent times. While you may not find a breeder explicitly dealing with Hound Lab Mixes, they may breed them alongside purebreds.

Here are some breeders that will help you find a Hound Lab Mix –

• Marble Moutain Kennels
• Endless Mt. Labradors
• Ashland Labradors

Some prospective owners prefer adopting dogs and providing them with a loving home. Here are a few adoption centers that can benefit –

• Adopt-a-pet 
• Labs4Rescue
• Petfinder

Besides these methods, you can also opt for social media communities to find the perfect furry companion.

How much does a Lab Hound Mix cost?

Depending on the Labrador Hound Mix you are getting, it can cost between $ 500 and $ 2000. However, dogs from champion bloodlines cost more, around $ 3000 and $ 5000. 

Lab Hound Mix	Cost
Greyhound Lab Mix	$ 400 – $ 1000
Dachshund Lab Mix	$ 400 – $ 600
Bloodhound Lab Mix	$ 500 – $ 1200
Beagle Lab Mix	$ 600 – $ 1000
Coonhound Lab Mix	$ 700 – $ 2000
Plotthound Lab Mix	$ 300 – $ 2000

FAQ For Labrador hound mix

How big is a Lab hound mix?

The size of can vary depending on the breeds mixed. They are medium to large dogs, with an average weight of 50-80 pounds. Their height is around 20-28 inches.

What is a Lab hound mix called?

A Lab hound mix is also commonly known as a “Labrador hound mix” or a “Lab hound dog.”

Are hounds difficult to train?

Hounds can be more challenging to train than other breeds due to their strong instincts and independence. However, they can learn to follow commands with patience and positive reinforcement training.

What is the energy level of a hound mix?

Hound mixes tend to have high energy levels and enjoy physical activity, especially outdoor exercise and playtime.

Are Lab Hound mix good dogs?

Lab hound mixes can make great pets for the right owners. They tend to be friendly, loyal, and energetic but may also have strong hunting instincts. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

What is the personality of a lab bloodhound?

A lab bloodhound mix can have friendly and affectionate personality traits while being independent and stubborn sometimes. They may also have a strong sense of smell and hunting instincts.

What is a hound dog that looks like a Lab?

Different hound breeds may resemble a Labrador in appearance. Examples include the Black and Tan Coonhound, Plott Hound, or Treeing Walker Coonhound.

Are Lab hound mixes hypoallergenic?

No, Lab hound mixes are not hypoallergenic. They tend to shed and produce dander, which can trigger allergies in some people.

What is the personality of a black lab mix?

A black lab mix can have a friendly, loyal, and playful personality. They tend to be good with children, enjoy being active, and spend time with their owners.

Is Black Lab a good family dog?

Black Labs are known for their friendly and gentle nature, making them great family dogs.

How big do black lab dogs get?

Black Labs typically weigh 55-80 pounds and stand 21-24 inches tall.

Is a Lab hound mix a good family dog?

Lab hound mixes can make good family dogs. Especially for active households with plenty of space and time to devote to their exercise and training needs.

What breed is a Lab hound mix?

A Lab hound mix is a mixed breed between a Labrador Retriever and a hound breed like a Bloodhound, Coonhound, or Basset Hound.

What is the best mix with a Labrador?

The best mix with a Labrador can vary depending on personal preferences and lifestyle. Popular and well-suited mixes include the Labradoodle (Labrador and Poodle), Goldador (Labrador and Golden Retriever), Dachshador ( Dachshund Lab mix ) and Labmaraner (Labrador and Weimaraner).

What is a hound mixed with a yellow Lab?

A hound mixed with a yellow purebred lab can refer to any crossbreed between a yellow Labrador Retriever and a hound breed. Lab hound mix breeders can use Beagle, Coonhound, or Foxhound.