The Beagle-Labrador mix is a delight of a dog. Having one around will ensure that not a dull moment comes your way. Find some more information about this rare designer mix in this DogAppy article.
Fast Facts
Playful
Social
Grooming Requirement
Loving
Barking
Other Names – Labbe Retriever, Beagador
Recognition – International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR)
If you are someone who likes going out on treks, excursions, and outings, or whose idea of a simple workout is a run or a bicycle ride, then here is a perfect companion for you. The Labbe, or the Beagle-Labrador mix, is a dog that does not possess the words ‘chill out’ in its vocabulary. Boisterous and brimming with energy, it brings a certain amount of enthusiasm and optimism to the household. It does require a certain amount of care, especially with the diet and training, but your concerns will disappear once you realize just how awesome a pet you have.
This is a mix of two very bubbly breeds, the Lab and the Beagle, and just like its parents, it is independent and intelligent. It is good with all beings, two and four-legged, little and big. It will love you to death, and what’s more, will protect you against any bad elements. Are you intrigued yet? Keep reading to find out some more interesting facts about the Labbe in the following paragraphs.
Appearance
The Beagle-Lab mix can take after either of its parents, whichever one has the stronger genes. Hence, when it comes to appearances and size, nothing can be said for certain. Even pups from two different litters of the same parents can look dissimilar. And how big does it get? A Labbe can look like a large Beagle or a small Labrador! Thus, height and weight parameters can range from 16 to 25 inches and 30 to 75 pounds. Like I said, it is all genetic.
This mix usually has the eyes and head of a Beagle. Some may even inherit the trademark Beagle bark. One very common quality found in the Labbe is that almost all dogs love to sniff! When buying a mix breed, always check out some images of dogs beforehand so that you can get an idea of what to expect, and also remember that anything is possible! Apart from the versatility in looks, this dog makes for a pretty awesome pet.
The Labbe has a small, short coat that can take on the glossiness of a Lab’s. The coat is water-resistant and protects the dog from the outside elements. Coat colors can range from black to fawn, brown, white-and-brick (red), black-and-tan, or white-and-orange. You can also find a ticked pattern on some Labbes.
Family Time!
Personality Traits
This dog is a bundle of love, enthusiasm, loyalty, and optimism. The Labbe is very affectionate, and has a gentle and sweet nature. It loves its people dearly, and is always pumped up about activities. The best part about this breed is that it is very tolerant of small kids, and makes a great play pal. In case the games get too rough, it will simply wander off to another room, but will never get aggressive.
Like a Beagle, the Labbe is also an alert breed that will bark at anything suspicious. However, again like a Beagle, there are chances that it may bark at any and all new scents coming its way, which can become a frequent occurrence, resulting in problem barking. For this, training will be required. Also, this dog loves people and cannot stay alone for a very long time, so get one only if someone will be there to keep it company at home. It can experience separation anxiety, and that will break your heart too.
Training
Owing to its intelligence and part Beagle blood, the Labbe tends to be a little stubborn when it comes to obeying commands. This requires the trainer/parent to be strong, consistent, firm, kind, and patient. A treats system works quite well to get your dog to perform the commands, but ensure that the situation does not misfire with your dog obeying only if you have a treat in your hand.
Positive reinforcement and encouragement are two techniques that always work. If you are having trouble with the process, it is best to consult a professional trainer. Obedience training is also required at times. Socializing a labbe is important, despite its friendly nature. A puppy must get used to the other pets and people around it so as to develop a well-rounded temperament.
Exercise
As mentioned before, this dog loves to play. It is quite active, and has a special affinity towards sniffing. A brisk walk or two a day, or a cycling and jogging session, along with additional playtime in the yard will help your dog let out all that built-up energy.
Remember, a bored dog is a destructive dog. So before your lovely pooch creates some activities to entertain him/herself, it is better that you are already prepared with some. You may be wondering if a Labbe likes swimming, and the answer lies with your dog! There are Labbes that are water babies, and then there are those that run in the other direction!
As for the sniffing affection, it is inherited from the Beagle. New owners must remember that the Beagle has a tendency to take off sniffing and become selectively deaf for the duration of the adventure, and your Labbe can do that too. So if your puppy is still in training, it is best not to let him/her off lead on walks until the command ‘Stop’ is mastered! If you own a yard, then it is advisable to get it fenced, lest your dog feel like taking an excursion.
Grooming and Diet
The Labbe’s short coat does not require excessive grooming. Running a brush through it once a week is more than sufficient. A bath can be given once a month to keep the coat clean and shiny. The nails also need to be trimmed regularly; you can either do this with a clipper or, if your dog walks on rough surfaces like concrete regularly, then your job is done! The nails will be automatically filed.
As for the diet, the Labbe has the power to take you on a guilt ride with its large, soulful eyes, asking for that cookie in your hand. But don’t be fooled, and most importantly, don’t cave in! This breed is genetically prone to obesity from both sides, and this can lead to many health problems. So keep your dog’s diet in control, make a diet chart with your vet’s opinion if you would like to, and don’t fall for those eyes and that pretty face!
Health
Hip dysplasia and seizures run on both sides of the Labbe family, and are very common health problems. So some individual Labbes are bound to inherit it. However, being a cross breed, the chances of experiencing these issues are lower, as it will be genetically stronger than its purebred parents. The average lifespan of this breed is 10 to 14 years.
Living Conditions
This is an active dog that needs to run around. It can do alright in an apartment, but a fenced yard would be the best. As mentioned before, it is an active breed and has good tracking abilities like both its parents, thus making it a good retriever.
When getting a Labbe puppy home, check if it is indeed a 50-50 Labrador and Beagle cross. Sometimes, multi-generation crosses are also seen, wherein either one or both the parents are Labbes. It doesn’t matter anyway though; once you get to experience the love this dog has to give, you will forget everything else.
