Lab-pointer Dog Breed

Labrador Retriever Pointer mixes make capable hunting and exercise partners. Both parent breeds are also hunting companions-- the hard working pointer useful for tracking and pointing small game such as hares, and the gentle Labrador Retriever to retrieve fallen game without damaging it. The Lab-pointer herself is a devoted, affectionate, bright and friendly dog with plenty of energy. The best match for this her is a sportsman or athletic active individual or family with a large home and fenced yard. The following Lab-pointer facts should be helpful in making your decision if this is the right breed for you:

PROS

• Excellent with children
• Friendly with other pets
• Friendly with visitors
• Rarely barks
• Hunting and Retrieving abilities
• Low maintenance grooming
• Can be alone while the owner goes about daily activities
• Can live indoors or out
• Wonderful exercise partner
• Trains easily
• Devoted, affectionate and loving

CONS

• High energy and requires daily outdoor exercise
• Not an apartment dog
• Fenced yard ideal
• Can be hard to keep their attention
• Not a dog for guarding/protection

The Lab Pointer has all of the appearance of an alert, proud hunting dog. This includes a well muscled chest and forequarters along with large, floppy ears and bright, keen eyes. Usually their coat is short and stiff, it can be solid or multicolored (typically some color with white). Individuals are most often large sized but can also be of height and weight in the "medium" category.

The very bright Lab-pointer descends from two breeds that are equally as bright and train very well. Even first timers are able to consider this breed to to ease of obedience training; hunting and retrieving are also activities where they will excel quickly. Ever alert, you need to be firm, consistent and offer plenty of treats and praise in order to keep their attention.

Hardworking and eager to please, these dogs love to be tasked and make great companions for hunters as well as active owners or families. They are affectionate and loving towards children, plus they have the energy to play all day! Other pets, including, cats will be fine around these friendly, outgoing canines. Also important to not, they are not prone to separation anxiety and barking.

Not only are they lovely hunting companions, they are a runner's dream dog. They possess high energy and stamina, keeping up with you during nearly any exercise activities. Some may enjoy swimming if they inherit a Labrador personality. A fenced yard or large property is best for this breed and they must have daily outdoor exercise (at least an hour).

Energetic, intelligent, loving, good-natured, and often inattentive, the Lab-Pointer mix temperament is one of activity and love. Dogs of this breed are loyal, fun-loving, and extremely playful, and will socialize well with humans and other animals alike. With two hunting dogs as parents, a Lab-Pointer is normally full of energy, and will make an active hunting or exercise companion--though it tends to lose focus more easily than some other breeds. These dogs exhibit willing to please behaviors, though, if the owner can keep the attention focused.

As intelligent, willing animals, Lab-Pointers learn fairly easily--but training them may prove difficult because, as previously noted, they have short attention spans. They might, in the midst of a training session, suddenly focus on a random, unrelated sight or sound--and the session will be over. Experts suggest using a good deal of positive, reward-based methods (in other words, lots of treats!) to keep these dogs' attention and help them learn individual tasks or tricks. The good news is that they will typically retain the learned information pretty well.

Another Lab-Pointer mix characteristic is that they make good watchdogs. Their loyal, protective natures will have them sounding a vocal alarm if confronted with a potential threat.

Due to the relatively new popularity of hybrid dog breeds there isn't as much conclusive health information about the Labrador Retriever-Pointer mix. It's usually safe to assume a hybrid litter of puppies will grow to achieve better health than their purebred parents due to greater genetic diversity. Pointers average a 12-14 year lifespan and Labrador Retrievers 10-12 years; most breeders and owners report the Lab-pointer to be a healthy dog so expect yours to live somewhere around this length, if not longer.

If you are interested in diseases and other health problems common in both parent breeds, visit out pages for the Pointer and the Labrador Retriever. As always, doing your research to choose a reputable, responsible breeder that offers a health guarantee is a good start to ensuring the best health for your new puppy or dog. Good diet (including amount of food), enough exercise and regular trips to your veterinarian will go a long way to detect and prevent further conditions.