One of the few unique mixes, the Labrador-Chow Chow hybrid makes an interesting pet. Want to know what its care entails? DogAppy provides some information about the amazing Chow-Lab!
Multiple Identities!
The Labrador-Chow Chow mix is known by many cute and funny nicknames. Some of these are Chow-Lab, Chowder, Chabrador, Chowbrador, Chab, and Labrachow. That’s almost like a secret agent with many identities!
There are many mix breed dogs in existence today. Most of these are called ‘designer breeds’ because of their intentional and special crossing. Pure breeds are crossed with each other to create dogs which are meant for specific purposes. For instance, a Border Collie and Australian Shepherd are crossed to create a working dog that surpasses both these breeds in terms of intelligence and agility. Likewise, the Bullmastiff, a cross between a Mastiff and an Old English Bulldog, was created to help gamekeepers curb the poacher menace. Additionally, mix breeds tend to be healthier because they inherit their parents’ strong genes.
Normally, dogs with similar traits are crossed with each other, but this concept tends to sway from time to time to include some unusual hybrids as well. One example of a dog bred from two opposite breeds is the Lab-Chow, or the Labrador Retriever and Chow Chow mix. It is an unusual hybrid not because it is rare (in fact it is quite commonly seen), but because both its parents are quite different from each other in terms of temperament. The Lab is friendly, affectionate, and social, whereas the Chow is protective, weary of strangers, and aloof. Not that the Chow isn’t loving, it is simply a better guard dog. So there is no two ways about the fact that the offspring of this combination will be quite an interesting one. Let’s find out.
Appearance
This breed will no doubt be a big one. The height will be between 18 and 24 inches, depending upon which parent your pup will take after. The weight is also between a wider range of 50 to 70 pounds (approx 20 to 32 kilos).
One unique feature of this breed is that most of the Lab-Chows have a longer muzzle and head like the Lab, and a blue-black tongue like the Chow. This is what makes them very easily recognizable. The ears can either be upright or dropped, and the tail will be long. Eyes are typically brown in color, although there are some individual dogs with blue eyes!
The best word to describe this breed is ‘fluffy’! It has a dense fur all over its body, giving it a shaggy look. You think that’s cute? Imagine what the shaggy puppies must be looking like! Coat colors range between black, brown, and yellow. Very versatile in the looks department!
Personality Traits
Now this is a little tricky. The Chabrador is a different kind of mix. As mentioned before, both its parent breeds are quite different from each other. So it is not very easy to pin point the exact temperament of this breed. On a general note, this dog is loving, a good companion, and very loyal. It may also inherit some of the Chow’s traits of being weary of strangers, territorial, and intolerant of other animals.
This dog can be a little difficult in the behavior department. It may be very independent and aloof. Obedience training is highly recommended for a Lab-Chow to become a good pet, and more importantly, an outgoing dog. Early and extensive socializing with other animals and people is very important to avoid any personality issues in the future.
Grooming
This dog requires regular brushing to prevent the thick fur from matting. It is a seasonal shedder like the Lab and the Chow, with some amount of regular shedding as well. It does not require to be bathed every week. You can bathe your dog once a month, or if he/she gets really dirty and needs a bath.
Exercise
This is a pooch that loves to play! If you think your Lab-Chow will sleep around the house all day and be content with two daily walks, then you are in for a real surprise! This dog loves activity, a lot. And that is besides the daily walks. You will have to play with your dog every day; and not just physical activity, it needs mental stimulation too. Find out which activities are available for dogs and get them for your pet. Taking after the Lab, some Chabradors love to swim, so check if your pet is also a water baby.
Training
Training is a must for this mix, as mentioned before. A Lab-Chow has an unusual parentage, and hence can have a versatile personality. To be on the safe side, socializing and obedience training must be taken care of when your dog is still a child. This is because pups are moldable and have not conformed to a particular personality; once a dog gets older, it becomes very difficult to break its old habits. Given the genetics of this breed, the training issue must be taken seriously.
Health
This Labrador-Chow Chow mix is a healthy breed with no known health problems that can be life-threatening or hampering. The average life expectancy of this breed is 9 to 12 years.
Living Conditions
Big dog. Needs space. Loves to play. You do the math. Although it may live in an apartment if exercised regularly, a Lab-Chow should preferably have a fenced yard and sufficient space to run around in.
So there you have it; all that you need to know about the Labrador-Chow Chow mix breed. This sure is a unique dog with a very diverse personality and temperament. Just make sure that you impart proper training to your Lab-Chow, and you will find yourself in the company of a wonderful pet!
