Pitbull Labrador Retriever Mix: AKA Labrabull Or Pitador Breed Info

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

Quick Summary: The American Pitbull Terrier and Labrador Retriever mix is also known as the Pitador and Labrabull. The mix will often inherit traits from both of its parent breeds. You get a Labrador with the athletic abilities of a Pitbull mixed with the muscle of a Pitbull to create an energetic, agile, and tough furry friend. Most Pitbull Lab mix dogs have a larger head than a Lab but smaller than the Pit. Pitbulls typically live from 10 to 15 years, while Labradors average 10 to 12 years. You can expect your Pitbull Lab mix to live about the same duration: anywhere from 10 to 15 years.

What could be more wonderful than loving kindness and unending loyalty? The Pitbull Lab Mix, also known as the Pitador or the Labrabull, is exactly that! This package includes more than just cute faces. It has all the best qualities of the Pitbull and Labrador Retriever.

Like all dogs, it is important to understand the pitbull and the labrador as much as possible. You will be able to take better care of your new furry family member the more prepared you are. Happy dogs are the best!

We’ll cover the basics of this amazing mixed breed and some information about its parent breeds. So let’s get started.

Parent Breeds: Background and History

The Pitbull Lab Mix is a mix of the American Pitbull Terrier and the Labrador Retriever. These purebreds are great dogs but have different traits.

This mix contains a bit of each to give it its unique personality and look. Pitbull Lab mix is also known as the Pitador or the Labrabull. In this case, we will refer to them as Labrabulls.

This medium-sized dog has traits such as intelligence, energy, loyalty, and boldness. We’ll take a closer look at the two breeds to better understand what your Labrabull may be like.

American Pitbull Terrier: An Overview

The American Pitbull Terrier (APBT) is a direct descendant of the English Pitbull Terrier, which originated in England. During the 19^th century, the Pitbull was most often used in dog fighting. Pitbulls are not one breed of dog. In fact, it refers to several breeds of dogs that are descended from Bulldogs and terriers.

Perhaps the Pitbull’s origin is what gives it a bad reputation today. But the truth is that this breed is loyal and protective. Later on in their history, they were used as farm guard dogs and big game hunting dogs. They are strong and powerful, making them reliable protectors and guardians. They tend to be more dominant but are very responsive to training and will take orders positively.

Pitbulls are sometimes called “nanny dogs” because they are excellent with children. Pitbulls are strong, brave, and courageous, but they can be gentle with children and have a protective instinct around them.

Pitbulls can have a wide range of coat colors and appearances. They are mixed with other dogs but still keep their “Pitbull” name. Dogs who don’t even have a relationship to a Pitbull breed are often improperly labeled as Pitbulls. Pitbulls are extremely common parent breeds of many mixes, mostly because of how many there are and how frequently they unintentionally pair up with other dogs.

Pitbulls are usually just 17 to 19 inches tall, but they can weigh anywhere from 30 to 85 pounds due to their large amounts of muscle. They come in a wide array of colors, like red, blue, brown, grey, black, and white. Their coats require very little maintenance and are extremely short.

Labrador Retriever: An Overview

The Labrador Retriever is America’s most popular dog breed. You will probably be able to understand why if you have ever had the pleasure of meeting this friendly dog. Labrador Retrievers make great companions and are smart working dogs. Labradors are also popular mixes, and they are usually more intentionally paired with other purebred dogs because of their friendliness and even temper.

The Lab’s most well-known trait is their friendliness. This, combined with their intelligence, makes them a highly useful breed. Labs make great family pets and are often trained to be service dogs, emotional support dogs, competitors, and search-and-rescue dogs. Because of their temperament, they are often picked as the other half of many different mixed breeds, like the Borador and the Mastador, for example.

This breed can be anywhere from 21 to 25 inches tall and weighs 55 to 70 pounds. Although their two-layered coat makes them easy to maintain, they do shed quite often. They come in a variety of colors, including black, chocolate, and yellow. They are able to keep warm and dry outdoors thanks to their double coat.

As with many breeds, the “show line” and “working line” have developed to look quite different. Show Labs are generally smaller and have a larger build. They also tend to have fuller faces. They tend to be slightly calmer than their working counterparts. A Lab is very active and athletic, so they need a lot of entertainment and exercise. A bored Lab, lonely and unmotivated, can quickly become destructive and disobedient.

Pitbull Labrador Retriever Mix: The Labrabull (aka Pitador)

The Pitbull Lab mix will often inherit traits from both of its parents. Many Labrabull owners will tell you that their dog is loyal and has the devotion and dedication of the APBT. Their pup is friendly and easygoing, with a relaxed attitude towards other dogs. This combination tends to form strong bonds with its family. They are outgoing and can learn, grow and play freely in a family environment. They are very attentive and will adore you.

Pitadors can form strong bonds and love attention. They don’t like being left alone, so they can be a problem in busy families. They need to be surrounded by people all the time. Although Labrabulls can be a bit temperamental with other dogs, their social skills are better than those of purebred APBTs.

Despite Pitbulls’ poor reputation from years spent in dog-fighting, Pitbulls are very calm and even-tempered. They are not a bad breed, but bad owners who cause their aggression.

Due to these facts and the additional traits of a Lab’s friendly nature, your Pitador should have a loving temperament. Your training will make a difference in your dog’s ability and willingness to be gentle.

Appearance and Size

Now that you have heard a little about Pitbull and Labrador Retrievers, it’s time to get into this strong and beautiful mix’s physical characteristics. Let’s find out more about the Labrabull.

Pitbull Lab mixes are very sturdy, solid dogs. You get a Labrador with the athletic abilities of a Pitbull mixed with the muscle of a Pitbull to create an energetic, agile, and tough animal.

As with all mixed breeds, it can be difficult to determine the physical characteristics of Pitbull Lab mixes. You can expect your mixed breed to be anywhere between 17 and 25 inches tall. Pitbulls can be a little taller than Labs, but Labs tend to be larger. In the same way, your Labrabull could be anywhere from 45 to 90 pounds heavy. Looking at their parents’ measurements is a great way to gauge your Labrabull’s adult sizes.

Most Pitbull Lab mix dogs have a larger head than a Lab but smaller than a Pit. Their ears are pointed, and they have long muzzles. The Pitbull and Labrador have short hairs, so the Labrabull can follow their lead in many colors.

Coat and Colors

The Pitador can be any color the parent breeds allow. Pitbulls and Labs can be almost any color, minus merle. You will likely see a Black Labrabull as the most common, followed by yellow, shades of red, and some varied length or texture of white coat.

Pitadors are likely to have medium-to-short hair most of the time. They will have a medium-length coat if they look after their Lab parent. They will likely have shorter coats if they look after their Pitbull parent more. The Pitador should not need more than a weekly brushing. 

Grooming Requirements

Pitbull Lab mix puppies are easy to groom. Their short-haired coat is fairly low-shedding, but brushing it once a week will help keep their fur shiny and smooth. Daily brushing may be more effective if your Labrabull has a thicker coat because of its Lab background.

Labrabulls have sensitive skin and can develop skin conditions such as allergies. Dry shampoo for dogs can preserve their natural oils between baths. Preemptively bathing them with a shampoo made for sensitive skin can be a good idea. These mixes are just as important, if not more, than the average dog.

Temperament and Personality Traits

You can expect the Pitbull Lab combination to be friendly and to love people. They will get along well with anyone they meet if they are socialized. These dogs get along well with other pets and people too. They can have a high prey drive, making it difficult to get along with small animals and cats. An early introduction can stop this from happening, however.

They will not treat cats as prey animals if you tell them. They are intelligent and easy to train. The Pitbull Labrador Retriever Mix will do almost everything you ask.

Pitadors can become hyper. This is the most serious behavioral problem. Their excitability can cause them to injure others if they are not getting enough exercise. They thrive in a family with lots of exercise or a large, enclosed backyard where they can run.

Exercise and Living Requirements

The Labrabull is considered to be muscular and athletic. The Pitador needs to have access to a large yard because both of its parents are active breeds. They need to be socialized with other dogs and people regularly.

It is not a good idea for a dog to have pent-up energy without any way to release it. People who are busy and don’t have the time or space to exercise their pets should not look into the Labrabull. You will not be happy, and neither will your dog.

Pitadors love to chew, so chew toys are necessary. All your other toys should be tough, durable, and able to withstand chewing as well. These dogs love fetching but can destroy their balls.

Training and Socialization

When training a Pitbull Lab Mix, consider yourself lucky. The Labrador and Pitbull are both highly intelligent and trainable animals that respond well to positive reinforcement. The Pit Lab mix is equally rewarding to train.

Like all breeds, it is important to start training your Labrabull puppy immediately. They are very patient and will listen to their masters.

To avoid issues later on in their lives, it is important to not use harsh punishments during training sessions. This breed can be distrusted if you become angry or frustrated while training. You can expect your pup to be happy and healthy, but they won’t act out of fear. This could lead to aggression and biting in the future.

If you plan to crate train, make sure you get a crate that’s the right size. Also, start early in puppyhood so that your new furry friend gets used to the crate early and often, decreasing the amount of protesting you’ll endure.

Nutritional Guide

Labrabulls, which are rapidly growing pups, need a lot of fuel and nutrients to develop properly. It is important for puppies to be fed according to a schedule that provides all the nutrients they require to develop their muscles.

The Pitbull Labrador Retriever Mix is extremely active, strong, and athletic. They need at least three cups of food daily. They need this amount of food to fuel their energy levels. Labs can be obese, so it is important not to overfeed them.

Because Labrador Retrievers and Pitbulls usually weigh about the same weight, you can usually use any dog foods suited for a Pitbull or specifically formulated for a Labrador. You can probably use both, depending on the parent breed.

Health Issues

Mixed breeds are less likely to have genetic problems than purebreds. However, they still face the risk of health problems from their parents. You must look at the parents to assess your Labrabulls’ health risks properly.

Labradors have been known to develop hip or elbow dysplasia, which can cause severe pain and immobilization. Gastric dilation can also be a risk, proving to be dangerous and even fatal. Eye disease, blindness, and exercise-induced collapsing are other health hazards Labs are susceptible to.

Pitbulls are usually healthy. Because they have short hair, Pitbulls are more susceptible to skin problems and allergies like demodectic-mange. Hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, and hypothyroidism are other possible problems for Pits.

All of the above are issues to be aware of when you have a mixed breed. A record of the health of your dog’s parents can prove very useful. These issues should be checked out by you.

OCD

This may not be the OCD you’re thinking of. OCD, when used to describe dogs, is Osteochondritis dissecans. OCD is caused by the disruption of bone development during a fetus’s development. A developing dog will usually grow cartilage which is then converted into bone.

But sometimes, the process can get a little messy. The result is a thickened piece of cartilage that does not belong where the bone should be. This is a common problem in large breeds such as Pitbulls and retrievers. This can also happen in mixed breeds. This disorder is often caused by environmental factors.

Bloat

Bloat, also known as GDV, is common among larger dogs with deep chests. This is when the stomach twists and then becomes full of gas. Although vets don’t know why it happens, they believe it is related to eating large meals and intense exercise.

Bloat may appear outwardly. This is a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention. The stomach will expand as it fills up with gas. This can cause the stomach to expand, reduce blood flow, and the dog may even stop breathing. They may also experience uneasiness and panting. You’ll need to be aware of this when you have a Pitbull Lab mix.

Reputable Breeders and Puppy Prices

Puppy prices of the Pitbull Labrador mix will vary depending on where you go to adopt your puppy. If you are adopting directly from a breeder, expect to pay about $800 and up if the Labrador parent is papered. Pitbull Terriers will not be papered as they are not an AKC-recognized breed. They will instead refer to them as American Staffordshire Terriers. This does fall under the “Pitbull Dog Type” classification but is not actually an American Pitbull Terrier.

Adopting From Rescues vs. Buying From Breeders

Breeders will cost a lot more than looking to rescue your Pitbull Labrador Retriever Mix. It’s not unusual to find well-balanced Pitbull Labrador mixes at rescues, as both Labradors and Pitbulls are very popular.

Usually, you can visit a rescue and bring home a Labrabull forever at a price tag that’s well under $500 if you visit a rescue. A breeder will not offer the same experience.

This is not to discourage you from purchasing a Pitador puppy. Some people prefer to raise a Pitador puppy from 8 weeks of age. This will prevent them from inheriting any bad behaviors that rescue dogs may have. Still, rescuing can save lives and be easier on the wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Pitbull Lab mix stay alive?

Pitbulls typically live from 10 to 15 years, while Labradors average 10 to 12 years. You can expect your Pitbull Lab mix to live about the same duration: anywhere from 10 to 15 years.

How much does Pitbull Lab mix cost?

The Pitbull Lab mix can run about $800 and up from a breeder. Contacting your local shelters is a good idea, as they often have more mixed breeds than purebreds.

Is Pitbull Lab Mix aggressive or gentle?

Contrary to what some might believe due to Pitbull’s bad reputation, Labrabulls don’t naturally act aggressively. They are actually calm and loving dogs.

When does a Pitbull Lab mix stop growing?

As with all breeds, the Pitbull Lab Mix will cease growing at about three years of age. They mentally mature at about the same time and become less active around that age.

Are Pitbull Lab mix dogs good?

Yes, the Pitbull Labrador Retriever Mix can be a wonderful choice for families. Poor socialization and training are the most common reasons why a Pitador fails to work with a family.

Is the Pitbull Lab good with other dogs?

Generally speaking, yes. If socialized early, they are great with children. However, males may find it difficult to get along with other dogs. Your Labrabull can be trained well early to make sure they are comfortable with children and other dogs.

How big is the Pitbull Lab mix?

Commonly, the Pitador ends up somewhere between 40 and 80 pounds. It will vary depending on how large each parent is. Rarely will they exceed 80 pounds, though, unless the Labrador parent is larger.

Conclusion

The Pitbull’s name is a common sight in today’s society. Questions about safety tend to raise eyebrows. Many myths about the Pitbull’s aggression and tendencies toward biting and hurting people have been dispelled. You can have a great mixed breed with the Pitbull Lab Mix.

This adorable Pitador is a shining example of the Pitador qualities of loyalty, courage, intelligence, friendliness, and love. A Pitbull Labrador Retriever mix is a great choice for people who have small children. It is important to train them with respect and not aggression. Give them lots of time to let their energy flow!