Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Have you heard of the Labahoula dog breed? If not, you’re in for a treat! This is another unique dog breed we came across when doing some research.
The Labhoula is a hybrid dog breed! Can you guess the parents? If not, then read on to learn more about these amazing dogs!
What is a Labahoula Dog?
The Labahoula is a hybrid mixed breed dog that’s a cross between a purebred Catahoula Leopard dog and a purebred Labrador Retriever! What a great combination this is!
These hybrid dogs are known for being strong-willed, powerful dogs. In addition, the Labahoula may also bear the striking leopard-like pattern of their Catahoula parent. The dogs are very athletic and have an even temperament (more like their Lab parent). These are working dogs that love to hunt!
Not much is known about the history of the Labahoula, except it’s thought they were first bred in the 1980s. The breeder’s goal may have been to develop a dog that was loyal and loving yet had excellent hunting capabilities. While we don’t know much about the Labahoula, we do know more about the purebred parents of this hybrid dog.
The Catahoula Leopard Dog (also called the Louisiana hog dog) is a mix of dogs native to the Americas. It’s thought the dogs are a mix of the Spanish Mastiff, Greyhounds, and others. The dogs were developed to track and drive feral hogs and cattle. You can bet they were fearless in their work!
The dogs are tough and have a striking fur coat that’s brindle, solid, spotted, or patched with other colors. Some people are amazed to learn these dogs have webbed feet! But when you stop to consider they were originally developed to hunt feral pigs, it makes sense. The pigs sometimes hid out in swampy areas, so the dogs were better able to manage the swamps with their webbed feet.
Catahoulas can also have beautifully colored eyes of brown, green, blue, or amber. Some dogs may even have eyes that are different colors or “cracked eyes.” Cracked eyes are those that have two different colors within the same eye.
The Labahoula’s other purebred parent is the Labrador Retriever! The Lab was originally developed in Newfoundland, an island off the Atlantic coast of Canada. The dogs were bred to help fishermen; however, they were later used for hunting.
Labs are known for being intelligent, loving, kind dogs. These are the number one dog breed on the AKC’s list! Most people quickly recognize a Lab when they see one, even those who are not pet parents.
Labs are highly athletic dogs that have plenty of energy in their muscular bodies. They have short coats that are easy to maintain. In addition, the dogs are highly intelligent and love being with their families. These dogs are people-oriented and love nothing more than to be close to their people and included in family activities.
With parents like these, how could you go wrong with a Labrahoula?
The Labrahoula usually stands between 20 to 26 inches tall and weighs between 55 to 95 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 10 to 14 years.
Labahoula Appearance
The Labrahoula is a large, strong dog breed that combines to create a beautiful, hybrid dog breed. These dogs have striking looks that are sure to draw attention. They usually have a broad, wedge-shaped head with long muzzles, and ears that drop down to the dog’s jawline.
As mentioned earlier, these dogs have very striking eyes. They may have eyes that are blue, hazel, brown, or amber. What’s more, a Labrahoula can also have eyes of two different colors, or eyes that have two different colors in them! The dogs usually have black, brown, or Isabella noses.
Next, these dogs have a striking coat that’s an amazing combination of the Lab and Catahoula leopard’s spotted coat. The leopard coat may be patterned with dark blue, black, or dark brown. What’s more, the dog’s coat is usually water-repellent and the coats are short and close to the skin.
The dogs’ fur can come in a wide variety of shades, including brindle, black, sable, fawn, and red.
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live NowLabrahoula Temperament
The Labrahoula is usually a good-natured dog that’s gentle and usually does well with kids and other pets (if the dogs have been socialized from a young age). However, these dogs can have a dominant attitude and will take over if they don’t have a strong pet parent. For these reasons, Labrahoulas are not recommended for first-time pet parents.
Needless to say, these dogs must be properly trained and socialized from a young age. If so, then they can make wonderful companion dogs for families. The dogs tend to be loyal and loving; however, they don’t do well when left alone for long periods. They may develop separation anxiety and develop destructive behaviors.
Training
Labrahoulas usually excel at obedience and training. They are highly intelligent dogs that love to work. They’re also eager to please. However, the dogs may have a high prey drive that leads them to chase after other animals (even those that are larger!).
Labrahoulas respond best to positive reinforcement training methods and need a pet parent who is patient, firm, and consistent with training.
One more note—it’s highly recommended to keep your fur baby on the leash at all times. Never allow the Labrahoula to run free, as they will chase other animals. These dogs are fast, and you may not be able to catch your fur baby if he runs after something.
Dietary Requirements
Labrahoulas do best on the dog food diet of dry kibble that’s high in protein with a healthy blend of fats and carbs. The dog food needs to be formulated for medium dogs that are highly active.
Exercise
These unique hybrid dogs need plenty of daily exercise. Expect to spend at least an hour a day exercising your fur baby. Labrahoulas love to walk, swim, play fetch, and more. They also do well at agility and other dog competitions.
Summing It Up
The Labrahoula is a unique hybrid dog that is the result of crossing a Catahoula Leopard dog with a Labrador Retriever. These dogs inherit the intelligence of both dogs, along with a high prey drive. The dogs go best with active families who have older kids. If the dogs are properly trained and socialized, it may be possible to have them with other dogs and pets; however, they do have a strong prey drive. So, it’s not recommended to have these dogs around cats and other small animals.
If you decide to adopt a Labrahoula dog, we’re pretty sure you’re going to have a loving, loyal, intelligent companion who will keep you on your toes for years to come!
Connect with a verified veterinarian in minutes. Licensed vets are available 24/7 to answer your questions. No need to worry about your furry family member.
Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
Review symptoms, medications & behavior to keep your pets healthy with a Vet Online in just minutes.
Ask a Vet Live Now
