If you are into athletic and energetic canines, a Lab Hound mix is perfect for you! As one of the most sought-after breeds, the Labrador Retriever mixed with any hound breed gives you the perfect outdoor pooch.
Labrador Hound Mixes are mixed breed dogs developed by combining a Labrador Retriever and any purebred dog from the Hound family of dogs such as Basset Hounds, Coonhounds, or Beagles.
Although this designer breed is as lovable as any other pooch, we give fair warning that they may have traits that could be harder to control for a first-time owner.
Read on to know if you are a good fit for these Lab Hound mixes!
Breed Overview
| Height: | 20 – 27 inches |
| Weight: | 45 – 80 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10 – 13 years |
| Coat Colors: | Tan, cream, brown, white, black, combination of two or three of these colors |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, sociable, sweet, energetic, stubborn |
| Suitable for: | Active singles; individuals who like the outdoors; being a hunting or tracking dog |
What Is a Lab Hound Mix?
A Lab Hound mix, also known as a Hound Lab mix, is a hybrid dog breed that is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a hound breed. The exact type of hound breed can vary, but popular choices include the Bloodhound, the Black and Tan Coonhound, the American Foxhound, and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.
Lab Hound mixes are known for their sociable and loyal traits, as well as their intelligence and trainability – both coming from their Labrador Retriever and hound parents.
They typically have a medium to large build, with a short, dense coat that can come in a variety of colors. This could depend on the genes they inherit from their parents.
Like their hound parent, these dogs may have a strong prey drive and enjoy chasing after scents, so owners should be aware that proper training and socialization are important.
They are generally active dogs requiring plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. They are also good outdoor companions.
To better picture a Lab Hound dog, watch this video of one playing with other dogs in a park:
Popular Lab Hound Mixed Breeds
Lab Hounds are becoming increasingly popular among dog lovers, especially those who enjoy the outdoors and physical activities. This may be due to their array of adorable traits and unique appearances.
Whether you are looking for a loyal companion or a hunting partner, Lab Hound mixed breeds can make a great addition to your family. Check out some of these Hound Lab mixes on this list.
1. Bassador (Basset Hound Lab Mix)
The Bassador is a crossbreed between a Basset Hound and a Labrador Retriever, known for its friendly nature, adaptability, and uniqueness.
This pooch, with a compact body, short legs, and long ears, will surely steal your heart with its gentle and affectionate personality. These traits often make them ideal family pets.
Inheriting intelligence and resilience from both its Lab and hound parents, these pups are easy to train and can make great companions for first-time dog owners.
2. Labbe (Beagle Lab Mix)
The Labbe, also sometimes called a Beagador, is a combination of the widely-loved Beagle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog is popular among families and individuals alike.
This dog has a muscular body, short legs, and long ears. It’s known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are active, intelligent, and easy to train but they can be stubborn at times.
These dogs make great family pets and require plenty of exercise to maintain their health. The Labbe is a loyal and loving breed that combines the best traits of both the retriever and hound breeds.
3. Labloodhound (Bloodhound Lab Mix)
The Labloodhound is a result of crossbreeding a Labrador Retriever and a Bloodhound. This breed has a unique appearance, with a sturdy body, floppy ears, and a short, dense coat that can come in various colors.
The Labloodhound are excellent family pets and can get along with almost anyone. These dogs are also smart and very trainable, although they can have a stubborn streak inherited from the Bloodhound parent.
Overall, the Labloodhound is a great companion for those who love a loyal and affectionate dog with a unique appearance.
4. Dachsador (Dachshund Lab Mix)
Mixing the short but sweet Dachshund with the social Labrador will get you the adorable Dachsador. These pups are a great choice for those looking for an active and affectionate companion dog.
Dachsadors are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, making them great family pets. They are intelligent, easy to train, and loyal.
They aren’t recommended as much for first-time owners, however, as they can be stubborn at times, like their Dachshund parent. They also have high energy levels and require plenty of exercise to maintain good health.
5. Labcoon (Coonhound Lab Mix)
The Labcoon is a mix of a Labrador Retriever with a Maine Coon. This breed is distinguished by its muscular build, long hair, and prominent ear tufts inherited from the Maine Coon.
Labcoons are wonderful family pets due to their pleasant and outgoing attitude. They are also bright, trainable, and loyal, making them fantastic pets. These dogs are often lively and need a lot of exercise to be healthy.
As a whole, the Labcoon is a loving and devoted breed that combines the greatest characteristics of both parent breeds.
6. Foxador (Foxhound Lab Mix)
The Foxhound Lab mix is a combination of an English Foxhound and a purebred Labrador. These dogs often have a vivid red coat, akin to a fox red Labrador.
A Foxhound Lab mix, also known as a Foxador, may have black or white markings on its back on occasion. This Lab hound mix has a social and sensitive temperament. They are also lively, especially when they are puppies.
Lab Hound Mix Origin and History
The exact origin and history of the Lab Hound mix breed are unknown and not as well documented as its parent breeds. It is believed, however, to have been developed in the United States during the last few decades.
Knowing the history and origin of the Labrador and hound parent breeds could give you a little more information on these designer dogs.
The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland, Canada, where they were used for retrieving fish that had escaped from fishing nets. The breed was later brought to England, where it was further developed as a hunting dog.
Hounds, on the other hand, are a type of dog that has been bred for centuries for their hunting and tracking abilities. Hounds are known for their incredible sense of smell and their loyalty, making them great family pets.
The Hound Lab mix was likely bred to combine the hunting and tracking skills of the hound with the retrieving and obedience skills of the Labrador Retriever, resulting in a versatile and intelligent breed.
These dogs are commonly used for hunting, search and rescue, and as family pets due to their friendly and loyal personalities. The Lab Hound mix has become a popular hybrid breed due to its desirable traits and versatility.
Lab Hound Mix Appearance
Such as most hybrids, a Lab Hound mix’s physical traits can vary depending on its parents. Some could inherit more characteristics from a Labrador, while others get traits from the hound.
In general, these dogs still have telltale signs for dog enthusiasts to pinpoint them easily. They have a muscular build, with a broad head and short to medium-length coat that is dense and smooth to the touch.
The Lab Hound mix can have a variety of coat colors, including black, brown, yellow, or brindle, and can have markings like spots, patches, or speckles. These colors usually depend on the color of their parents.
Their eyes are typically large and expressive, and their ears can either be floppy like the hound or erect like the Labrador Retriever. The tail is usually thick and tapers towards the end.
The Lab Hound mix is a very athletic and agile dog with a strong and sturdy build that makes them perfect for hunting and outdoor activities.
They have a friendly and welcoming appearance that makes them a popular choice as a family pet.
Lab Hound Mix Size and Weight
Hound Lab mixes stand between 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder and generally weigh from 45 to 80 pounds. However, keep in mind that these measurements are estimates and can vary widely within the breed.
The size and weight of a Lab Hound mix may be influenced by the proportions inherited from each parent breed. They typically fall into the medium to large size range.
Labrador Retrievers have a more solid and stocky build, while hounds are leaner and more slender. This means that the Lab Hound mix can exhibit a range of body types — from more compact and muscular to lean and agile.
Lab Hound Mix Temperament and Personality
Labrador hound mixes are typically gentle and affectionate, displaying high loyalty and bonding with their owners. These dogs are often seen as being great with children and other pets, as they are patient and tolerant.
In terms of energy level, Lab Hound mixes are typically active and require regular exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. They have a natural curiosity and love to explore their surroundings.
Due to their Hound heritage, Lab Hound mixes may tend to follow their noses, so it is important to ensure they have a secure and well-fenced yard or keep them on a leash during walks.
Lab Hound mixes are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods. Their desire to please their owners and their quick learning abilities make them relatively easy to train.
However, it’s important to note that they can also inherit some stubbornness from the hound parent, which may require patience and consistent training approaches.
Lab Hound Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
On average, the Lab Hound has a lifespan of around 10 to 13 years, although some may live longer. Proper nutrition, exercise, and veterinary care will help maintain their health and longevity.
The lifespan can also vary depending on the individual dog and the characteristics inherited from the retriever and hound genes.
However, as with all dogs, these designer pooches can be prone to certain health problems.
Here are some of the health problems that Lab Hound mixes can have:
- Bloat: Bloat is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can affect dogs, including the Lab Hound mix. This occurs when the stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food, causing it to expand and twist on itself. This is commonly detected among Labloodhounds or Labrador and Bloodhound mixes.
- Skin allergies: Skin allergies in dogs, also known as canine allergic dermatitis, occur when a dog’s immune system overreacts to certain allergens. Common triggers include fleas, pollen, certain foods, and environmental irritants. For the Lab Hound mixes, this could usually be inherited from the Labrador genes.
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition common in dogs. It is a developmental disorder that affects the hip joint, causing instability and abnormal wear and tear on the joint over time. This can be caused by a combination of inherited Labrador or Hound genes and many environmental factors.
To help your Lab Hound mix stay clear of these health issues, ensure that you take good care of its nutrition and overall well-being. One way to do this is by taking your furry friend to the vet on a regular basis.
You should also see to it that your dog gets a nutritious diet that is suitable for its age and activity level. Regular exercise is something your Hound Lab mix will greatly benefit from.
How to Take Care of Your Labrador Hound Mix
Taking care of your Hound Lab Mix includes adequate food, frequent exercise, and routine veterinarian treatment. Here’s a quick guide with recommendations to assist you in caring for your hybrid:
Food and Diet
The food and diet of a Lab Hound mix should be well-balanced and tailored to meet their nutritional needs. Appropriate high-quality dog food of at least 2 to 3 cups per meal is recommended.
The Lab Hound mix’s diet, given at least once or twice daily, should at least include a mix of lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, or turkey, as well as carbohydrates from whole grains and vegetables.
It’s important to feed these dogs the appropriate portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight, as obesity can lead to various health issues. They should always have access to fresh water to stay properly hydrated.
It’s also worth noting that some Lab Hound mixes may have sensitivities or allergies to certain ingredients, so it’s important to monitor their reactions to food and consult with a veterinarian if any dietary concerns arise.
Cleaning and Grooming
The cleaning and grooming needs of a Lab Hound mix may vary depending on the specific traits inherited from their parent breeds.
However, in general, they have short to medium-length coats that require regular brushing. Grooming your Lab Hound at least twice a month and brushing its fur twice a week should be enough.
This is to keep their coat in good condition and minimize shedding. A brush with firm bristles or a rubber grooming mitt can help remove loose hair and keep the coat looking neat.
Hound Lab mixes typically have floppy or semi-erect ears, which may require checking and cleaning at least twice a month to prevent moisture buildup and potential ear infections.
Nail trimming once a week is also essential to stop overgrowth. Lab Hound mixes that are active and spend time outdoors may naturally wear down their nails, but regular inspection and trimming are still important.
Training and Exercise
Training and exercise are crucial for the well-being and fulfillment of a Lab Hound mix. These dogs are intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods.
Socialization is equally important for Hound Lab mixes to develop good manners and adaptability in various environments. Early socialization and behavior training is always recommended.
Exposing them to different people, animals, sounds, and situations from an early age helps them become well-rounded and confident companions.
Lab Hound mixes also require at least 30 minutes of exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive activities are essential to prevent boredom and channel their energy.
Hound traits may influence their desire to follow scents, so it’s important to ensure they are in a secure and well-fenced area or kept on a leash during outdoor activities.
How Much Does a Lab Hound Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The cost of a Lab Hound mixed breed puppy can range from $600 to $2,000 depending on factors such as the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s lineage, location, and available documents.
Breeders with good backgrounds, track records, and champion lineages will charge higher prices.
In addition to the initial cost of the mixed breed puppy, new owners should also expect additional expenses for beginning supplies such as food, bedding, crates, toys, treats, leash, collar, and more.
Here is a summary of the initial costs you may encounter when raising a Hound Lab mix puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $150 |
| Bowls | $10 – $40 |
| Toys | $30 – $100 |
| Beds | $40 – $300 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $500 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $250 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $80 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $3,150 |
Keep in mind that these prices are estimates, and the actual cost would depend on the prices in your area and your preferences in the quality of materials.
Fortunately, you may save money by reusing existing items from your previous pet if available. These may include crates, beds, or toys. Make sure, however, that they are still in good condition for your dog to use.
Places to Find Lab Hound Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you have already decided to get your own Lab Hound mix, the next step is to find a reputable breeder from where you could take home that new furry family member.
As you look for your pup, be sure to avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills. These sources do not always have the best breeding practices and usually prioritize earnings over the health of their dogs.
To get you started, here are some reputable sources where you may find Lab Hound mixes for sale:
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is an online puppy marketplace that sells crossbreeds and other puppy breeds from reputable sellers. It’s recommended to use the search filters “Labrador mix” and “Hound mix” when looking for a specific Lab Hound designer dog.
- PuppyFinder – PuppyFinder is a puppy search engine that provides free advertising to dog breeders, rescue organizations, and individual sellers. This website also connects you to respectable breeders that may have Lab Hound mix puppies for sale.
- Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is a website that offers pups from reliable suppliers all across the United States. This page features a selection of purebreds and designer canines from trustworthy and well-reviewed dealers. Make it a habit to visit their website for updates on available Lab Hound mixes.
Since the Lab Hound mix is a crossbreed, finding breeders who specialize in this breed may be challenging. This means you need to exert a bit more effort to find reputable sources for this hybrid.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to adopt a Lab Hound, check out these reputable rescue organizations:
- Labrador Retriever Rescue (LRR)– LRR is a rescue and rehabilitation center that accepts purebred and mixed Labrador Retrievers that have been abandoned or surrendered. Most of the dogs they rehome go to past adoptive parents, LRR friends, and pet owners who they find to be really interested in the breed. This ensures that all of their dogs find new homes in the shortest time possible.
- Labs4Rescue – The primary goal of Labs4Rescue is to save displaced Labradors and their mixes. After rescuing, the dogs undergo necessary vet screening and treatment. They are also vaccinated, neutered/spayed, and some of them are given heartworm prevention medication.
- Southeast Beagle Rescue – This rescue center dedicates itself to saving and rehabilitating purebred and mixed Beagles that have been abused or left behind. You may have a chance of finding your Lab Hound mix in this shelter. If you’re set on adopting a dog from Southeast Beagle Rescue, all you have to do is visit their page and accomplish their adoption survey.
Keep in mind that Hound Lab mixes from rescues are usually senior dogs already, and some may have aggressive tendencies brought about by trauma they may have experienced in their previous home.
If you still have not found your perfect mix in these listed sources, you could try asking for recommendations from friends in the dog communities near you.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Labrador Hound Mix
Lab Hound mixes are undeniably one of the most adorable and heart-snatching mixes out there. However, as with all dogs, there are both pros and cons to raising these pups.
Here are the pros of having a Lab Hound as a pet:
- Sociable personality: Hound Lab mixes, despite their size, are some of the friendliest dogs around. Because of their Lab ancestors, these dogs enjoy the company of humans and strive to please them. While they are not velcro dogs, they do enjoy following and being around their owners.
- Scent tracking skills: Hounds are scent dogs, so it’s no wonder that their hybrid offspring would have keen senses of smell. These dogs can track a smell for hours on end. You won’t have to worry about misplacing your belongings since your mixed-breed dogs can find them for you.
- Outdoor companion: The Lab Hound mixes are athletic, enthusiastic, and daring. They are excellent travel companions for families, and they will thoroughly enjoy hiking and camping with you. These dogs also enjoy swimming, so a beach holiday will be more enjoyable.
On the other hand, here are the cons of owning a Hound Lab:
- Not kid-friendly: They might not be as child-friendly as most dogs. Large dogs, such as Lab Hounds, are not suitable for children due to their sheer size. Their high energy can also cause playtime to be more chaotic with children in the mix. Even if they have been taught and socialized, playtime may unintentionally harm kids.
- Loud and vocal: These mixed breeds may have acquired the hound’s tendency to bay. Hound dogs are noted for “baying,” a highly loud and distinct vocalization. Unfortunately, the sound is disturbing, and not everyone accepts or tolerates it.
- Not a guard dog: Because of the Labrador influence, these dogs are naturally welcoming and enjoy being around people. While they are wary of strangers at times, they are not alarmed or bothered by unknown humans in their territory.
To help you decide if this dog is right for you, it’s best to first know the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Lab Hound. Use the information above to ponder thoroughly if this mixed breed is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Lab Hound Mixes Good Family Dogs?
Yes, Lab Hound mixes are generally good family dogs. They are known for their friendly and sociable nature, which makes them excellent companions for all family members, including children and other pets.
Do Lab Hound Mixes Shed?
Lab Hound mixes can shed moderately. The amount of shedding can vary depending on the individual dog and the traits inherited from its Labrador Retriever and hound parents.
Regular brushing and grooming can help manage their shedding and keep their coat in good condition.
Are Lab Hound Mixes Hypoallergenic?
No, Lab Hound mixes are not considered hypoallergenic. They can still produce dander and shed their fur, which may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Final Thoughts
The Lab Hound mix is a wonderful dog with many distinct traits and qualities. If you want a pup as friendly as a Labrador Retriever and as good a scent tracker as hounds, this is the dog for you.
In general, you can’t go wrong with any Lab hound combination. These canines are clever, trainable, and pleasant to be around.
However, if you’re looking for particular traits in certain crossbreeds, some Lab Hounds may be a better fit for you.
As you adopt or buy one, keep in mind that the appearance and personality of a crossbreed will rely heavily on the characteristics it inherits from its parents. Each cross is different, so you must do your research first.
So, have you found your favorite Hound Lab mix? Share your thoughts about these pups in the comments below!
