Labrador mix Terrier

The Labrador mix Terrier is a combination of the famous and well-liked Labrador Retriever with any of the terrier breeds out there. The most commonly used terrier breeds in this cross are the American Pitbull Terrier (ABPT) and the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff). You can check our review of the Labrabull or Labrador American Pitbull Terrier mix.

Labs and terriers are very dissimilar breeds with different personalities. Regardless of the terrier type, the breeder chooses, however, you expect a mix that is larger than a terrier but smaller than a Lab. The cross is known for its cheerful and playful disposition and is very friendly and loving. You also expect a range of colors including a chocolate Lab terrier mix and more.

Today, we shall be looking at the mix between a Lab and a Terrier with a focus on their nature, resemblance, nutritional needs, training, exercise, lifespan, health issues, grooming, and more. By the end of this review, you will have decided whether this mix is the right pooch for you. Continue reading.

What do you call a Labrador mix Terrier?

The name of the Lab Terrier mix depends on which type of terrier was used to create the mix. For instance, an American Staffordshire Pitbull Terrier mixed with Lab is called a Labrastaff. Because of their status as designer dogs, Terrier Labrador mixes are not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a breed.

These hybrids can be registered with the DRA.

Look at this adorable video below of a Terrier Lab mix playing

Table

Size	Miniature – 10 to 13 inches Large – up to 24 inches
Weight	10 to 15 lbs. Large – up to 90 lbs.
Lifespan	10 to 12 years
Grooming Needs	Moderate
Temperament	Affectionate, Loyal
Coat & Colors	Straight & very dense coat; a wide variety of colors
Suitable for:	Active individuals & families

History of the Breed

Not much is known about the Lab terrier mix as to when they were first bred. We can, however, assume that they were intentionally bred within the last decade when hybrid dogs started becoming popular.

Let us look at the parents of the Labrador mix Terrier to understand this crossbreed better.

Parents

The Labrador Retriever – Labradors originated in Canada, specifically in Newfoundland but their history dates back to the 1500s. They were purposely bred as working dogs for rich people with tracks of land that liked hunting. Labs were also fishermen’s favorite since they helped them retrieve fish and haul nets full of fish.

Labrador Retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the world, specifically among people in the United States and the United Kingdom. They are loved for their friendly disposition, affection, smartness, and devotion, traits that dog enthusiasts look for when looking for a companion or family dog. Labradors are the 7^th most intelligent dogs in terms of dog IQ making them obedient and trainable.

Labrador retrievers are classified as medium-to-large dog breeds that are 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulders and between 64 and 71 lbs. in weight. They were recognized by the AKC in 1917 and have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Common health issues include obesity, soft joints, bloat, epilepsy, allergies, tumors, hip dysplasia, and eye disease.

The Terrier – Terriers were developed in England to initially help people find and exterminate vermin in homes and workplaces. Other types of terriers were also used to hunt foxes and then in dog sports such as bullbaiting, like the Pitbull terrier, which was a cruel game. Today, terriers are classified based on their size (2 lbs. up to 50 lbs.) and purpose.

These pups are intelligent and commonly friendly, even with kids, but are not the type that loves to cuddle like the Labrador. They have an independent streak because they were created to work independently and can be aggressive despite their small size. That being said, they are loyal and fun to be with. Check here if you prefer a Dachshund Terrier mix.

Most terriers are small dogs that are prone to health issues such as dental disease, obesity, patellar luxation, and mitral valve disease. Terriers have a lifespan of between 8 and 16 years.

Appearance

Due to the diversity of terriers (some small and others big), it becomes tricky to predict how big your Lab Terrier mix pup will be. A Labrador mixed with miniature terriers is smaller in size at approx. 10 to 13 inches tall with a weight of between 10 and 15 lbs. Larger terriers can stand 24 inches high and weigh up to 90 lbs.

If you are wondering what a Labrador Terrier mix will look like, they can inherit from any or both parents. Labs have 3 main colors compared to terriers which have a range of colors. This means that your Lab Terrier mix pup will have any terrier parent’s color. When it comes to the coat, your mix will have a straight and very dense coat. It may shed moderately or excessively based on which parent it favors.

Check out the image below of a black Lab terrier mix.

Temperament and Characteristics

The disposition of your Lab Terrier mix will depend on the parent they favor most. Due to their Lab parent, however, you expect an affectionate pooch that is very loyal to both parents. These pups are good with family as well as other pets and strangers, and it is possible that they can inherit the protectiveness of a terrier. As such, most of them will make excellent watchdogs.

It is likely that your mix can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long periods due to their Lab parent’s affectionate nature.

Ease of Training

It is recommended that you train and socialize your Lab Terrier mix puppies as early as possible to help curb bad behaviors and improve how they act around people and pets. Terriers are quick learners and so are Labs. Therefore, this crossbreed is smart, this makes your pooch very trainable. They may, however, inherit the stubbornness of their terrier parent.

To make training easy and enjoyable for you and your Lab Terrier, use positive reinforcement tactics and praises. This will melt the independent streak and make them obey commands. It is also better to start training in obedience and the rest when they are young.

Remember this mixed breed is prone to obesity so you should avoid giving them treats.

Exercise

Labs were bred as working dogs which makes them very active, and terriers are known to be energetic. When you mix the two, the result is a pup that thrives on plenty of exercises. You should make sure that they exercise for at least 60 minutes a day of intense physical exercise.

A Lab Terrier cross will also like activities that stimulate their intelligence so consider playing a game of fetch with your canine buddy. They will like it better than a walk by the seaside.

Nutritional Requirements

Your Terrier Retriever mix dietary needs will depend on their size, activity level, and weight. That being said, they would thrive better in a diet that is rich in protein to help promote the proper growth of muscles. This is recommended especially if your mix has high energy levels like their Lab parent.

This hybrid between a Terrier and Labrador Retriever is prone to obesity. Although they may tend to eat a lot, avoid feeding them excessive amounts of food to keep them healthy. Avoiding unhealthy treats goes a long way in preventing weight gain.

Health Issues

Like most mixed breeds, a Labrador Terrier mix tends to be healthier than both parents but is still predisposed to health issues that face their parents. Frequent health issues in these hybrids include allergies, joint problems, eye problems, ear infections, and osteochondritis dissecans.

You are recommended to take your mix to the vet for checkups as scheduled to help detect any health issues that may arise. This will help improve your Terrier Lab mix lifespan remarkably.

Life Expectancy

A Lab Terrier mix lifespan falls anywhere between 10 and 14 years when in good health conditions.

How to Care for them

Proper nutrition, adequate exercise, early socialization, and training, as well as regular vet visits, are some of the best ways to care for your Labrador Terrier dog.

Grooming your Labrador mix Terrier is vital too. Lucky for you, they have easy maintenance which includes brushing them often and wiping their coat down with a soft wet cloth. Check their ears for debris, dirt, and pests and clean them following your vet’s directives. Clipping their nails should be done as needed and brush their teeth often to maintain good oral health.

Cost

You can find a Lab terrier mix for sale from a reputable breeder at a price tag of between $400 and $800. This, of course, depends on which type of terrier was used to create the mix. Before taking your puppy home, ask the breeder to show you proper documentation of the mix. Look at the health records of the parents and if they refuse, check another breeder.

Where to Adopt

It is possible to find a Labrador Terrier mix in a shelter. The hardest thing, however, is to tell what type of terrier was used to cross with the Lab. There is a chance you would get a good pup or one with inferior ancestry.

FAQs