9 Signs Your Labrador Is Mixed With Pitbull
Labradors and Pitbulls are popular dog breeds known for their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness. However, some dog owners may wonder if their Labrador is mixed with Pitbull due to certain unique physical and behavioral traits. We will explore the signs your Labrador is mixed with Pitbull, how to identify such traits, and what it means for their temperament and care requirements.
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Signs Your Labrador Is Mixed With Pitbull
Is there a chance that your Labrador is a mix of two incredible breeds? Let’s find out by examining the following signs:
The following are nine signs your labrador is mixed with pitbull:
- Labradors have tight, muscular bodies
- Labradors Have Small, Pointy Ears
- Dogs With Wider Faces Than Most Labradors
- The Lab Is Quiet and Calm
- Mouth Is Small and Doesn’t Droop
- Labradors Have Shorter, Smoother Coats
- Slender Lab Neck – Less Loose Skin
- It Looks Happy With Its Mouth Closed
- Labradors have small, upward-slanting eyes
1. Labradors Have Tight, Muscular Bodies
In the past, pit bulls were bred exclusively for dogfighting, which explains their slender and athletic physique. On the other hand, labradors were originally bred to be companions and assist fishermen in hauling fish, resulting in less athletic and somewhat flabby bodies.
If your labrador appears to have a tight and muscular body, it may have some pit bull ancestry. This mix could define its physique more, showcasing traits from both breeds.
Must Read: When Do Labs Stop Growing? What Affects Growth?
2. Labradors Have Small, Pointy Ears
Labradors are known for their large, floppy ears, which reach down to their mouths. On the other hand, the ears of pit bulls are much smaller. Labrador mix with pit bull usually results in smaller ears.
The original idea of attributing labradors’ floppy ears to domestication can be traced back to Charles Darwin. According to this theory, as labradors are no longer constantly on high alert or under threat, their ears have evolved to require less perking up to detect potential dangers.
Given that a labrador’s ears are a striking characteristic, having small, pointy ears could serve as a clear indicator that your dog is a mix with a pit bull.
3. Dogs With Wider Faces Than Most Labradors
Labradors typically have a slenderer face than pit bulls. However, when they are mixed with pit bulls, their facial structure tends to become wider. While this is not always the case, it is a common occurrence.
If you are still determining whether your dog’s face is wider than a typical labrador’s, we suggest comparing it to a labrador photo. Alternatively, you can directly compare if you have a real-life labrador. When you compare your dog’s face to someone with a pit bull breed, the top half of its face will be wider.
4. The Lab Is Quiet and Calm
If your Labrador has some Pit Bull mixed in, you’ll likely notice traits such as high loyalty, affection, and trustworthiness, mirroring the well-known qualities of Pit Bulls in their relationships with human companions. However, it’s worth acknowledging that purebred Labradors are also inherently friendly and affectionate, making it challenging to rely solely on this characteristic for assessment.
Furthermore, if your Labrador exhibits a calm and laid-back demeanor, there’s a possibility of Pit Bull ancestry. Labradors with Pit Bull lineage often display a tranquil, friendly, and easygoing disposition. They tend to have a significant amount of energy and thrive on playtime. Should these characteristics resonate with your Labrador, it could be a sign of a Pit Bull mix.
5. Mouth Is Small and Doesn’t Droop
Purebred Labradors are characterized by their sizable, drooping mouths, while Pit Bulls tend to have smaller mouth structures. Consequently, the offspring of a Labrador and Pit Bull pairing will often showcase a distinctive trait: a relatively smaller mouth.
Furthermore, the facial arrangement of a Labrador-Pit Bull hybrid typically displays more accentuated contours in contrast to a purebred Labrador. This distinction is particularly evident in the lower section of the face.
If you’re still in the process of determining whether your Labrador has Pit Bull lineage, a useful approach involves comparing the mouth area with that of a typical Labrador. Pay close attention to your dog’s facial features, especially the lower portion, and you might observe the presence of a more compact mouth, providing you with valuable insights into its potential mix with a Pit Bull.
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6. Labradors Have Shorter, Smoother Coats
A shorter and smoother coat is another indicator of a labrador pitbull mix. The coats of purebred labradors aren’t as smooth as those of pit bulls. Additionally, labs tend to grow longer hair in specific areas, like the chest.
The coat of a pit bull mix is usually shorter than that of a purebred labrador. Pit bulls may be mixed with labradors that have soft and short coats.
7. Slender Lab Neck – Less Loose Skin
If your crossbreed dog, a mix of Labrador and Pitbull, is in good health and maintains a high level of fitness, you might notice a distinctive feature – a relatively leaner neck in comparison to a purebred Labrador. When you examine images of Labradors online or come across them in person, you’ll likely notice a broad neck often accompanied by some loose skin.
Now, take a moment to contrast your dog’s neck with the one you’re currently observing. If your dog’s neck seems slimmer and exhibits less loose skin compared to the Labrador you’re using as a reference, it could indicate a Pit Bull mix.
However, if your Labrador demonstrates a slimmer neck than other Labradors, it’s important to note that this alone might not definitively confirm its Pit Bull heritage. While a leaner neck can be a shared trait, it’s crucial to identify other indicators to arrive at a more conclusive assessment.
8. It Looks Happy With Its Mouth Closed
When observing a labrador with its mouth closed, you might notice it appears sad or angry. However, that natural expression at rest does not necessarily indicate negative emotions.
On the other hand, a labrador with a pit bull mix may have a slightly different appearance with its mouth closed.
To determine whether your labrador appears sad or not with its mouth closed, simply observe its facial expression. If you notice a sad and droopy-looking mouth, it’s less likely to be mixed with a pit bull. The more cheerful its smile, the more likely it is to be mixed with a pit bull!
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9. Labradors Have Small, Upward-Slanting Eyes
The eyes of a purebred Labrador are typically round, although they may also slant downward. This eye shape can vary slightly from dog to dog, but round or downward-slanting eyes are common features.
In the case of a Labrador mixed with a Pit Bull, you will likely observe smaller eyes that slant upward instead of downward. This distinctive characteristic serves as one of the tell-tale signs, prompting you to pay attention to your Labrador’s eye shape to discern whether it has a Pit Bull mix.
Moreover, purebred Labradors usually have brown, black, or hazel eyes. In contrast, pit bulls commonly have green eyes. Therefore, labradors with green eyes will likely be mixed with pit bulls.
Nevertheless, it’s crucial to bear in mind that Labrador Pit Bull mixes can also exhibit brown eyes. Therefore, even if your Labrador has brown eyes, there remains a potential chance that it might have a blend of Pit Bull ancestry!
Final Words
Understanding our furry friends’ unique traits and characteristics is an exciting journey for any dog owner. These 9 signs your Labrador is mixed with pitbull might help you.
Remember that mixed-breed dogs are unique and can bring a wonderful blend of traits from their parent breeds. Embrace their uniqueness, and cherish the joyful moments you share with your Labrador mixed with Pitbull!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Labrador and Pitbull mixes suitable for families with children?
Yes, Labrador and Pitbull mixes make great family pets. Socialization and training are essential to ensuring a friendly and well-behaved pet.
Will my Labrador mixed with Pitbull require a lot of exercise?
Yes, Labradors and Pitbulls are energetic breeds, and a mix of the two will likely need mental stimulation and regular exercise.
Are Labrador-Pitbull mixes prone to any specific health issues?
Despite the genetic diversity of mixed-breed dogs, they can still inherit health concerns from both parent breeds. Their health depends on regular veterinary visits.
How can I train my Labrador mixed with Pitbull effectively?
It is best to use positive reinforcement-based training for Labrador and Pitbull mixes. Reward good behavior and remain patient in your training efforts.