So, you are planning to bring home a Chihuahua Labrador mix? This sounds exciting that you are ready to bring home a puzzling combination of dog breeds. With a Chihuahua Labrador mix, you get the affectionate and friendly nature of a Labrador blended with the fiery charm of a Chihuahua. This is a dog full of adaptability, unique personality and another few surprises that you might not have anticipated before you get one home. While you are planning to add Chihuahua cross Labrador within your family, there are some key aspects that you must know about this dog breed mix especially their size, care instructions, lifestyle compatibility and their temperament (majorly) because these factors help you determine things that you need to be ready before this one comes home.
Here are some very important points crucial aspects of this unique breed.
What Exactly Is a Chihuahua Labrador Mix?
A Chihuahua Labrador mix, commonly known as Chihuahua cross Labrador, is a designer dog breed which is developed after the cross breeding Labrador Retriever and a Chihuahua. This is definitely not a natural pairing due to the striking differences in their sizes. Normally, the process is made effective using artificial insemination, and due to its large size, the Labrador is the mother.
A Chihuahua Labrador mix are not so popuar as many other designer dogs, but they have gained dedicated following because of their quirky appearance and personalities. A peculiar fact about this mixed beed is that you may spot their resemblance with one parent and in some cases they possess a combination of both in very surprising ways.
What is Chihuahua Labrador Mix called?
A popular name of Chihuahua Labrador mix dog is Labrahuahua. A labrahuahua is a crossbreed outcome of a female Labrador Retriever and a male Chihuahua. This mix dog breed adapts their parents capabilities making them loyal, smart and adaptable with kids and adults.
What Does a Chihuahua Labrador Mix Look Like?
The appearance of a Chihuahua Labrador mix varies drastically. A biggest concern and ask of people interested in the breed is how will my Chihuahua cross Labrador look like?” Being a mix breed, this hybrid dog might adapt the looks of an athletic and large Labrador or could become a compact, tiny form of a Chihuahua. However, they normally land anywhere between the two parent breeds.
Some common traits include:
- Size: A Labrahuahua is usually medium-sized, however, their height and weight largely depend on the parent breed they favor. A Chihuahua cross Labrador has the possibility to weigh anywhere from 25 to 50 pounds.
- Color and Coat: The color of a Labrahuahua’s coat ranges from yellow, chocolate, or black hues of the Labrador. They can also be found in tan, cream, or brown colors of a Chihuahua. The size of their coat could be short and sleek just like the Labrador’s or it might go a bit longer and hairy, like it is in some Chihuahuas.
Chihuahua cross Labrador Temperament: The Best (and Worst) of Both Breeds
This mixed breed has a combination of friendly nature of a Labrador and feisty demeanor of a Chihuahua making this breed interesting as well as popular. Labradors are intelligent, playful and loyal, all the factors that make them excellent family dog. Chihuahuas, on the other hand, are bold tiny furry little ones that are informal in nature.
Here are some facts about Chihuahua cross Labrador termperament that :
- They Are Energetic: Both the parent breeds of a Labrahuahua are high on energy levels. In fact a Chihuahua Labrador mix might require plenty of exercise and physical activity. They love their playtime and are always in need of active households.
- They Are Loyal & Loving: Labradors are considered people-pleasers, and usually all Chihuahua Labrador mixes inherit this trait. These furry buddies are attracted to the love from the family they live with and most often, you’ll be followed by them from one room to another.
- They Are Highly Protective: Labradors are friendly while Chihuahuas are protective. This combination makes them excellent watchdogs. As soon as they notice unfamiliar activity around the house, they’ll just alert you instantly.
- They Are Quite Fearless: They are bold, almost have a stubborn streak and they get this quality from their Chihuahua side. Despite being small in size, their courageous nature can be very assertive, though they do not realize.
Care Required For Chihuahua Labrador Mix
If you are firm with your plan to bring a Chihuahua cross Labrador home, it’s essential that you learn about their key care requirements and expectations. These mixed breed dogs require regular attention in order to keep their physical and mental health in check.
- Need For Exercise: Due to their Labrador genes, this mix breed typically requires moderate exercise. You’ve got to aim for minimum 30 to 60 minutes of physical activity every day day. This could be split in playtime in yard, walks or playing indoor with interactive toys. One thing you must keep in mind is that they are easily prone to boredom so are always in need of mental stimulation to stay happy.
- Require Grooming: The need for their grooming depends mostly on the type of coat they inherit from their parent breed. In case Labrador parent breed dominates, they are expected to do some shedding, especially during the spring and fall season. They’ll need sessions of brushing every week in order to keep this under control. However, if they are on Chihuahua’s side, there’ll be minimal shedding making the grooming needs easier.
- Diet: Labradors and Chihuahuas both are known for their sensitive stomachs, so it’s important that you feed your Chihuahua Labrador mix with a highly balanced diet, mix of quality ingredients and essential nutrients. Provide them with a reasonable portion size and keep an eye to avoid overeatiny. Their obesity could lead to major joint problems.
- Training: Being a highly intelligent mix breed, they easily learn on training commands. But in case of their stubborn Chihuahua side, they might bcome more independent, so you’ll need to keep your patience intact.
What Are Health Concerns in Chihuahua Labrador mix?
Just like most mixed breed, Chihuahua Labrador mix is prone to inheriting health conditions from both their parent breeds. It is important to understand all the potential risks involved so you can keep them under check and are able to maintaine your pup’s well-being. Here are some common health concerns you need to be aware of:
- Heart Conditions: Chihuahuas dogs many times suffer from heart problems like heart murmurs so they require frequent vet check-ups for early detection of potential riskes involved.
- Hip Dysplasia: Labradors dogs majorly suffer from hip dysplasia. It’s a condition in which the hip joint doesn’t properly fit within the socket. It’s not necessary that all Chihuahua Labrador mixes suffer from this issue but it is recommended that one keep them under observation and save them from major discomforts.
- Patellar Luxation: This health problem is common among smaller dogs like Chihuahuas. In this condition, the kneecap dislocates easily. In case your Chihuahua cross Labrador inherits this from their smaller parent, you’ve got to be attentive towards any signs of discomfort or limping.
Is a Chihuahua Labrador Mix the Right Fit for Your Home?
These mix breed dogs can adapt to a various types of living environments like apartments or houses with yards. However, their stubbornness (in some cases) or highly energetic personality expects people to become owners only if they are ready to take up challenges. They easily survive in homes where active individuals are involved with them constantly while giving boost to their mental and physical stimulation.
This breed adapts well with other pets, especially if they get to socialized sooner. Make sure to have a good introduction session with your existing pets.
So if you are looking for a bold adventurer and a playful companion in one dog, the Chihuahua Labrador mix would be a perfect addition to your family.
Unique Personality Traits of this Mix
A common thing mentioned by many Chihuahua Labrador mix owners is that unique quirks emerge from this hybrid. While these traits are not as widely discussed, they’re worth mentioning:
- They Form Strong Bonds: This breed usually forms expectional attachment to its owners which can lead to separation anxiety if left alone for longer periods.
- They Are Highly Curious: A lot of Chihuahua cross Labradors have heightened levels of curiosity which makes them adventurous walking companions, highly desperate to explore their surroundings, eventually making them
If you are planning to bring home a Chihuahua Labrador mix, be ready to explore more facts about this hybrid mix because even if we tell you everything about this interesting breed, there’ll still be a lot left for you to explore.
Their personality, physical appearance and excitement might vary widely, but what’s guaranteed is that with them you bring home, love and happiness. Their quirky and unique nature ensures that a happy family becomes happier with their addition. So, if you’re prepared for chearfullness, bring home a Chihuahua cross Labrador and make this hybrid your perfect pet for life.
Featured image courtesy: https://www.labradortraininghq.com/labrador-breed-information/chihuahua-lab-mix/