Have you ever thought about what a Chihuahua Lab Mix would look like? It definitely sounds like a crazy mix, but actually, the Labrahuahua is an adorable crossbreed!
Don’t feel bad if you never heard of this mix, it’s a very rare designer dog. Obviously, it’s hard to imagine the large Labrador Retriever and a tiny Chihuahua having babies. But, we’ll explain how it all works.
Chihuahua Lab Mix – What to know
With crossbreeds, we never know how they will behave or look like. When you mix two breeds there are three options for how the puppies can turn out.
First, they can be like one parent breed. In this car, more like the Labrador Retriever. They can have their temperament and physical traits.
Secondly, they can be like the other parent breed. In this care the Chihuahua. Basically, they can have the same temperament as the Chihuahuas have.
Thirdly, they can be an equal combination of both. They have traits of both parent breeds.
Now, no one can predict how the puppies will look like or what they will be like. Even puppies in the same litter can be different in looks and behavior. Basically, with crossbreed it’s kind of a surprise how they’ll turn out, there is no standard to them.
That’s why with crossbreed we have to look at the parent breed’s traits and take into consideration how the last generations of puppies looked like.
What they look like
Depending on which parent breed’s genes are more dominant, the Chihuahua Lab Mix can either be a small or medium-sized dog. They can be between 10 and 22 inches and weigh between 25 and 50 pounds. Usually, they look like the Labrador, but a smaller version.
These dogs might be small, but they still have that athletic look to them. Besides this, they have a long, thick tail, brown eyes, and large ears. Their ears are usually erect, like their Chihuahua parents, but they drop down at the tips, just like a Lab’s!
When it comes to their coat, there are no rules! Their coat can vary from puppy to puppy. But typically their coat is thick and dense, but short (sometimes medium length). It’s always straight and smooth with feathering fur around their ears and neck.
There are also many options when it comes to their coat color.
The possible color of the Chihuahua Lab Mix are:
- white
- yellow
- black
- chocolate
- blue
- cream
- red
Usually, their coat is one solid color, but sometimes they can be a mix of two or three colors, or just have spots.
What they’re like
The Chihuahua Lab mix has a great nature, but they are also attention seekers. They will demand your full attention every day the whole day! Talking about a needy dog!
This means they need someone who spends most of their day at home, for example, someone who works from home. A family where someone is always home will work too. It’s just important that they’re never left alone.
These dogs also need a lot of exercises and mental stimulation. So an active family is perfect for them. Someone who loves the outdoors and who can take them on long walks or even hikes. But, the Labrahuahua also loves to just chill out and relax. They enjoy cuddles and have a lot of love to give. They can even sense when you’re sad and will give you that extra loving.
With strangers, they might at first be a bit cold, but once they warm up to someone they’ll try to be friends. One trait of the Chihuahua Lab Mix that might be negative is that they love to bark. If they aren’t happy, they’ll let you know very loudly.
Exercise
Because the Labrahuahua is smaller in size, they are perfect for apartments and big houses. But they also need a lot of energy, so if they live in an apartment you’ll have to make sure they get plenty of exercise.
To be precise, these dogs need between 45 minutes to one hour of exercise every day. Otherwise, they will be miserable and become destructive.
These dogs are very smart, so they need mental stimulation too, not only physical. Games of fetch, Frisbee, retrieving, jogging, basically any activity you can think of, they will love! They will even enjoy swimming!
Don’t forget training either! Just like any other breed, this crossbreed needs early training and socialization. Because they are very smart, training them won’t be hard. Just remember to only use the positive reinforcement method.
Health
The lifespan of the Chihuahua Lab mix is between 12 and 14 years. When it comes to their health, crossbreeds are usually much healthier than their purebred parents. But, that doesn’t mean they are invincible. There are several health problems they are prone to.
- Eye problems – Entropion, progressive retinal atrophy, and cataracts
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Heart conditions
Because they are at risk of all these health problems, you have to make sure to feed them a healthy and balanced diet. Also, take them to the vet regularly.
While you’re here, you can read about other Chihuahua mixes: