The Pitbull Lab mix is a medium-sized pup, created by crossing the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Labrador Retriever. Could this adorable, friendly and loving mixed-breed dog be your next family pet? Read on to learn more about the Lab Pitbull mix and see for yourself if this Pitbull mix would be a good fit for your family!
We’ll explore the histories, popularity, temperaments and suitability of their parent breeds to learn more about where this Pitbull Terrier Lab mix came from.
Pitbull Lab Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 50 – 80 pounds |
| Height: | 17 – 25 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 14 years |
| Coat Colors: | Black, chocolate, golden, yellow, white, spotted, brindle, cream |
| Temperament: | Active, energetic, loyal, loving, affectionate, gentle |
| Most Suitable For: | Active families with or without children, active single individuals |
What Does a Pitbull Lab Mix Look Like?
Like most designer breeds, the Lab Pitbull mix will inherit different parts of its physical appearance from each parent breed, inheriting a stocky, muscular body from the American Pitbull Terrier and the adorable facial features of Labrador Retrievers.
The Labrador Pitbull may also inherit the longer, lanky frame of the Labrador Retriever, complete with the longer snout and triangular ears of the Labrador that folded at the sides. The muscular chest of the Pitbull Terrier will be most prominent in most Lab Pitbull mixes, with the traditional white markings on their chests.
The Labrador Pitbull could inherit a variety of coat colors, including brown and white, black and white, or brindle. Your Lab Pitbull may inherit the double coat of the Labrador Retriever, or the single coat of the American Pit Bull Terrier. In either case, your Lab Pitbull will have a short, shiny coat.
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The History of the Pitbull Lab Mix
Like many designer dog breeds, not much is known about the Lab Pitbull mix. It is likely that the Labrador Pitbull Terrier was bred during the 1990s or early 2000s, as the phenomenon of crossbreeding became popular in the United States.
We’ll explore the history of both parent breeds to understand better where one of the most popular breed crosses came from.
The History of the Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever was first bred during the mid to late 19th century, from dogs imported from the Canadian province of Newfoundland, named after the Labrador region of the province of Newfoundland. They were originally bred with British hunting dogs of the time to produce the modern iteration of the Labrador Retriever.
The Labrador Retriever was originally bred to collect waterfowl and other small game. Despite originally being bred as hunting companions for the British, they have become one of the world’s most popular dogs. Renowned for being affectionate companions and excellent family pets, due to their gentle nature.
Despite being bred for hunting, Labradors would soon become the most popular family dogs in the world. Labradors were also used as therapy dogs, rescue dogs, and as faithful canine companions.
How Popular Are Labradors in the United States?
Labrador Retrievers were first imported to the United States during the First World War, when they were used extensively as messenger dogs and guard dogs. Over time, Labradors would become popular with the American public at large and grow to become the nation’s most popular family dog and all-round pet.
In 2021 – according to the American Kennel Club – the Labrador Retriever was the most popular dog in the United States, as it has been for the last several years.
Who Are Labs a Good Dog For?
Labrador Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs in the world, partially because of their loving temperament and friendly nature among humans and other animals, making them some of the most devoted companions.
Unfortunately, Labrador Retrievers are medium-sized dogs, which makes them a poor fit for those in apartments and for the elderly, as they have moderate to high exercise requirements that must be met in order for them to live a long and healthy life.
Labrador Retrievers do much better with a house and year with an active family unit.
How Did Labs Come About?
Labrador Retrievers were first imported to the United Kingdom in the 19th century from the Canadian province of Newfoundland and bred with British hunting dogs to create the modern-day Labrador.
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Labrador Retriever?
Some evidence suggests that the Labrador Retriever was first crossbred in 1955 with a Poodle – this produced the Labradoodle. More recently, the country’s most popular dog breed has been crossed with many other breeds during the 1990s and early 2000s. Some of these popular Labrador Retriever crosses include:
- Corgi Labrador Retriever Mix (Corgidor)
- Jack Russell Lab Mix (Jackador)
- Black Mouth Cur Lab Mix (Black Mouth Lab)
- Husky Lab Mix (Labsky)
- Boxer Lab Mix (Boxador)
The History of the Pitbull
The American Pit Bull Terrier, or simply the Pitbull or Pitbull Terrier has an unfortunate history that began in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They were bred in England from the Olde English Bulldog and Old English Terrier to create a hefty, stocky breed that could be used in blood sports.
Among the most blood sports that the Pitbull Terrier participated in were ‘bull-baiting’ and dog fighting. Bull-baiting was extremely popular throughout the United Kingdom and involved placing a Pit Bull or other terrier-type dog (Boxers were also commonly used) in an enclosure with an angry bull cow.
The game was over when the Pitbull was either killed or the cow collapsed from exhaustion. This, along with dog fighting, made the Pit Bull a fierce and feared canine. In 1835, the British Government outlawed bull-baiting and dog fighting with the “Cruelty Against Animals Act.” This made the Pit Bull Terrier almost immediately unpopular in England.
Sometime between 1845 and 1860, the Pit Bull first arrived in the United States, where settlers used the Pit Bull Terrier as a guard dog and for dog fighting purposes – until that was legislated away. In 1934, the United Kennel Club recognized the Pitbull Terrier as a breed, renaming it the “American Pit Bull Terrier.”
The American Kennel Club neglected to recognize the Pit Bull as a breed of any sort and instead views it as a broad classification, but is yet to recognize the breed to this day – likely due to the murky legal status of American Pitbull Terriers.
Nowadays, American Pitbull Terriers are largely banned in many major American cities, though no state has outright banned ownership the breed.
How Popular Are Pitbulls in the United States?
Unfortunately, it is difficult to discern just how popular American Pit Bull Terriers are – this is due to their legal status. Accurate information about popular dogs usually gathered by the American Kennel Club isn’t collected on American Pit Bull Terriers.
Other sources indicate that American Pit Bull Terriers make up 20% of America’s ‘strong’ dog population.
Who Are Pitbulls a Good Dog For?
Despite their reputation and the laws surrounding their ownership, American Pit Bull Terriers are some of America’s most beloved pets. They make wonderful guard dogs and despite their tendency for aggressive behavior, can equally be loving and affectionate family pets.
American Pit Bull Terriers aren’t great dogs for those living in apartments, as they can suffer from separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior. They are also not recommend for first-time dog owners, or for those who don’t possess the necessary physical strength to walk them properly and give them the regular exercise they need.
How Did Pitbulls Come About?
In England, pit bulls were first bred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Bred from the Olde English Bulldog and Old English Terrier, the Pitbull Terrier didn’t become the American Pitbull Terrier until the 1930s, when the United Kennel Club recognized the breed as “American Pit Bull Terriers.”
When Did We First Cross-Breed The Pitbull?
The American Pitbull Terrier has likely been crossbred with other dogs of similar size many times since it arrived in the United States – partially as a way to skirt the law surrounding ownership – and to infuse some Pitbull stock into a perhaps meeker breed.
The most popular time to crossbreed Pitbulls and indeed other dogs was the late 1990s and early 2000s. Several popular Pitbull crosses – created during this period of time include:
- Rottweiler Pitbull Mix (Rottie Pit)
- Pitbull Beagle Mix (Beaglebull)
- Pitbull Jack Russell Mix (Jack Pit)
- Blue Heeler Pitbull Mix (Pit Heeler)
- Pitbull Australian Shepherd Mix (Aussie Pit)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of your research as a prospective dog owner will be the temperament of the dog you seek to adopt or purchase.
You want to find a dog that’s likely compatible with your and your family’s overall temperament and habits. If you have children, you’ll need to ensure that the dog isn’t likely to show aggression towards them, likewise if you have other pets.
If you are an active family, you’ll want to find an active companion. Or, if you live in an apartment space, you’ll want to find an apartment-friendly pup that’s low-maintenance and unlikely to suffer separation anxiety and bark excessively.
Doing adequate research on the overall temperament of your family’s newest potential member will save you a lot of money, time and effort put into training bad habits out of your newest addition.
What is the Temperament of the Pitbull Lab Mix?
Luckily for most owners, the Pitbull Lab mix is likely to be a very friendly pet! Both Labs and Pitbulls are well known for their affectionate nature towards friends and family. You may experience some stubbornness and hyperactivity, thanks to their Pitbull genes – though this can be quelled with proper training.
Is The Pitbull Lab Mix Friendly?
Yes! In general, the Pitbull Lab mix is a very friendly pet. Though it may initially be suspicious of strangers. Be aware, however that your Pitbull Lab may inherit an aggressiveness that needs to be trained out immediately! If you notice any aggression, be sure to take your Pitbull Lab away from the situation and address the aggression in a training session with a professional trainer.
Is The Pitbull Lab Mix Easy to Train?
Your Pitbull Lab may initially be resistant to training, Be sure to use persistence and positive reinforcement techniques, rather than admonishment.
How Much Can A Pitbull Lab Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Pitbull Lab mix is between 50 and 80 pounds.
How Tall Can A Pitbull Lab Mix Get?
The average height of a Pitbull Lab mix is between 17 – 25 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Lab Pitbull, they include:
- Bouvier Des Flandres
- Collie
- English Setter
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
Does the Pitbull Lab Mix Shed?
Your Pitbull Lab is likely to inherit the shorter coat of the Pitbull Terrier, this will mean they will be a light shedder and you won’t have to worry about daily brushing.
How Much Exercise Does A Pitbull Lab Mix Require?
The Pitbull Lab mix is going to require plenty of exercise, as it heralds from two athletic breeds. Between 45 minute or hour-long daily walks are recommended for the Labrabull. Exercise should include mental stimulation and brain exercises. This can either be a game of fetch, or the use of a KONG toy, filled with their favorite treats, for when you’re not at home to keep the Pitbull Lab entertained!
How Long Can a Pitbull Lab Mix Live?
The average lifespan of the Pitbull Lab mix is between 10 and 14 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Pitbull Lab Mix Have?
- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (Bloat)
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Hypothyroidism (Thyroid problem)
- Epilepsy (Neurological condition)
- Elbow Dysplasia (Elbow joint inflammation)
How Can You Find a Pitbull Lab Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start searching for a Pitbull Labrador Retriever mix to purchase, we highly recommend you consider adoption first. Unfortunately, many Pitbull Labs find themselves languishing in animal shelters and vet clinics across the country, just waiting to find their forever home.
If you’re unable to locate a Pitbull Lab in person at either a vet clinic or animal shelter, try searching online at AdoptaPet.com.
How Much Does a Pitbull Lab Mix Puppy Cost?
Luckily for many, the Pitbull Lab is among the least expensive designer breeds to buy – costing around $500 to $700. While adoption is still a cheaper option, that price point does make Pit Labs very attractive to those looking for a mixed-breed dog.
If you do decide to buy a Pitbull Lab, we recommend you search high-and-low for a reputable breeder. Reputable breeders and puppy mills are sometimes difficult to tell apart, so we’ve created a handy guide to finding a reputable breeder. Read that before you begin your search!
Is the Pitbull Lab Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’ve been searching for a dog that’ll keep you on your toes, but is equally loving and doesn’t take up too much house real estate, then the Pitbull Lab might be your best bet!
However, if you know that a Pitbull Lab isn’t for you – check our dozens of other breed guides – to see if we’ve covered a more appropriate mix that could be your next family pet.
Nick Meagher
I'm Nick Meagher, a lifelong dog enthusiast and the voice behind this blog. Having grown up with dogs, I've developed a deep understanding and an unbreakable bond with these amazing companions. Through MyK9Life, I aim to share insights, tips, and heartwarming stories, celebrating the joy and journey of life with our four-legged friends.
