Quite a favorite among dog lovers, this breed of dog is also known as Labrahuahua. These dogs are mixed breeds and you can hardly remember their features and temperaments. The only way to understand this mixed breed is to study the history of its parents.
Generally, they are a mixture of Chihuahuas and Labrador Retrievers. It is a rare breed of mixed dog therefore it is considered quite a catch among dog enthusiasts.
History Of Chihuahua Lab Mix:
The history of the Chihuahua Lab mix is not so clear and established. But it is evident that some people didn’t like the lengths or heights of some dogs, so they started to mix the breeds and make new combos.
Let’s peep into the history of Chihuahuas and Labradors separately.
History of Chihuahua Dogs:
Chihuahuas are large dogs and their history dates back to 300 BC. But over the last few centuries, this dog was bred to be smaller. In the 1800s, Americans visited Mexico and liked this dog breed so much that they brought a few of these dogs with them. An interesting fact is that Chihuahua dogs are also national dogs of Mexico.
History of Labrador Retriever:
Labrador dogs are service dogs and are used for search and rescue purposes. The history of Labrador dates back to the 1600s. In the 1800s, the British visited Canada and brought these dogs with them back to their country. The British used them as waterfowl retrievers.
Features of Chihuahua Lab Mix:
Looks of Chihuahua Lab Mix:
You can’t predict anything about the looks of the Chihuahua Lab mix. As these dogs are a mix of Labrador and Chihuahua, puppies might have looks of just Chihuahuas or just Labradors. There is a huge difference between the size of these two dogs. Chihuahuas are not taller than 8 inches whereas Labs are 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall.
The weight of Chihuahua dogs is 6 pounds and Lab dogs weigh 55 to 80 pounds. The mixture of both of these dogs will be smaller than a Lab and larger than Chihuahua. Chihuahua Lab mix has more chances of having an athletic and proportioned body. The head may be round like a Chihuahua dog while the ears are triangular and floppy.
Fur Coats of Chihuahua Lab Mix:
Chihuahuas have either long or short hair whereas Labradors have dense and short fur. The color of the fur of Labs is chocolate, black and yellow. Chihuahuas have white, blue, red, black, and brindle-colored coats.
The mixture of Labs and Chihuahua has short or medium-length fur coats. Fur can be fine and soft or coarse and greasy. The color of fur varies and can be black, white, and fawn.
Training of Chihuahua Lab Mix:
Proper training of Chihuahua Lab mix is very crucial at a very young age. Labrador dogs are very intelligent whereas Chihuahuas are very smart but stubborn. This stubborn attitude can be found in Labrahuahua dogs that can be a challenge for the trainer. The same is the problem with potty training.
Trainer has to be consistent and should have positive reinforcement to train the mixed breed. Labradors and Chihuahuas are active and playful dogs, so the mixtures should be given regular exercise time and playtime. The amount and type of exercise largely depend on the size of the Labrahuahua.
Health of Labrahuahua Dogs:
As mix-breeds are a combination of two breeds of dogs, they may inherit several health issues from both their parents. A healthy Labrahuahua has a life span of 10 to 16 years. During this lifetime, they may face many health issues or even have genetic diseases. So people thinking of buying any mixed breed should be careful so that these genetic deformities can be avoided.
Let’s glance at some of the health concerns of Labrahuahua dogs:
Patellar Luxation:
In this condition, the kneecap of Lab mix moves out of its place. This displacement causes lameness. This is the most common disease in Labrahuahuas.
Cardiomyopathy:
This is the disease in dogs that is related to their heart. The heart muscles become thin and weak.
Entropion:
Another common disease in mixed breeds is an eye disorder. Dogs suffering from Entropion have eyelids that roll inwards. This causes severe pain, corneal ulcers, and poor eyesight.
Other Diseases:
Other diseases that are genetically transferred in Labrahuahua are given below, but these diseases are less commonly occurring diseases:
- Impacted teeth
- Legg-calves-Perthes disease
- Tracheal collapse
- Dystocia
- Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis
- Mitral Valve disease
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Syringomyelia
- Epilepsy
- Chiari malformations
The temperament of a Labrahuahua Dog:
Though training a dog is the key to good behavior and personality but Chihuahua Lab mix inherits personality from either of its parents. Labradors are UK and USA’s favorite dogs. They are friendly dogs and have lots of energy. Whereas Chihuahua dogs are small dogs with big egos. They are independent, charming, and confident dogs but have aggressive attitudes.
The Chihuahua Lab mix can also have this quality but with proper training and care, this behavior can be curbed. One should be careful to bring this mixed breed home if there are children or other animals.
Diet for Chihuahua Lab Mix:
The Diet of Labrahuahua largely depends on the size and energy level. A healthy and fit Labrahuahua can eat 1 to 1 ½ cup of kibble. The best way to determine the diet of Labrahuahua is to consult a vet doctor.
The vet doctor will advise the perfect diet after completely examining the health, weight, and size of the mixed breed. He will ask you not to serve high-calcium and high-energy diets. Both types of diets can cause orthopedic ailments.
The weight of Labrahuahuas should be in strong control because overweight and obese dogs are more prone to diseases. As Labrahuahuaa are food fanatics, owners should be extremely careful regarding the amount of food their pets are eating. The best way to keep the health of their pets at the peak is to feed them 3 times a day. Regular exercise and walking are compulsory after every meal.
This helps a lot in digesting the food properly and easily. Strict exercise schedules play a vital role in shaping your dog’s health.
Problems of Chihuahua Lab Mix:
Though designer breed dogs are trending nowadays, there are several problems related to the Chihuahua Lab mix. As Labradors and Chihuahua are two different breeds, they have a drastic difference in their sizes. This difference causes various difficulties in the lives of Labrahuahua puppies. They mostly face physical problems and few health issues. Chihuahua Lab mixes are more vulnerable as compared to other mixed breeds.
Cost of Chihuahua Lab Mix:
As it is a mixture of two breeds, the breeding process requires a lot of skill and effort. An artificial insemination process is applied to breed this Lab mix. Some people prefer specific colors for their Labrahuahua puppies, so it requires extra effort. All these processes are costly and so are Chihuahua Lab Mix puppies. These puppies will cost $1000 or even more.
Before buying these mixed breed puppies, always check the health history of their parents. Always ask for health certificates. Chances are if the parents had any health problem, the puppies will develop any kind of severe illness in future life.
Lifespan of a Labrahuahua Dog:
Though Chihuahua Lab mix dogs are healthy dogs they are vulnerable to inheriting diseases from their parents. These hybrid dogs have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.
Where can you find a Chihuahua Lab Mix?
The most appropriate way to find a Labrahuahua dog is to look out for shelters or foster homes. They might not have any dog for immediate adoption but they might know which other shelters have such mix-breed dogs. They will guide you in the right direction. After finding the equitable and local shelters, start looking out for your desired breed.
The foremost way of bringing Labrahuahua home is to adopt them and take care of them. Nowadays, social media has played a substantial role in finding the perfect mix-breed dogs. You can ask for reviews from previous customers as well as can meet the breeders in-person or online. You can even
ask them for health certificates of mixed breeds. The foremost challenge an owner can face is to make sure that the puppy has exemplary health. The puppy should not b at risk of developing any kind of disease in the future.
Final Verdict:
Though these Chihuahua Lab mix dogs are beautiful and smart, they require your most attention and love. Proper training and socialization of Labrahuahau puppies will largely help to groom them and manage their anger issues. They are not friendly with strangers but will mix up after some time.
If you have purchased a Labrahuahua puppy, all family members should be friendly, devoted, and loving behavior with it. They can be exceptional compatriots for each member of the family. Proper exercise and walk are a must for Labrahuahua puppies or even adult dogs.
