Labraheeler Dog Breed

The Labraheeler, as a mixed breed, is not an official member of any breed group. Nether does any info exist about these hybrids' true origin; though the Australian Cattle Dog-Lab mix has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. Labraheelers are both energetic and sensitive, and make terrific family pets--but they'll require a great deal of both physical activity and companionship.

A few Labraheeler facts: they're medium-sized, averaging 20 inches at the shoulders in height and 55 pounds in weight; they have short, thick, double-layered coats that shed seasonally; and they're very energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Labraheeler:

Active, intelligent, hard-working, friendly, and sometimes stubborn, the Labraheeler temperament is one of energy and affection. These hybrids will usually get along well with family members, and they'll make great pets for active owners. They're also playful companions for children, and they normally socialize well with other pets too--but part of the Red Heeler-Lab mix personality might include strong herding instincts (inherited from the Aussie Cattle Dog), which means they'll instinctively try to control moving objects like children, animals, and bicyclists by "nipping" or "nudging" them. It's best if owners provide lots of obedience training and socialization, starting during puppyhood if possible, to help minimize this and other unwanted behavioral tendencies. It's also important to give your Labraheeler a great deal of physical and mental stimulation each day to avoid hyperactivity in the dog.

Regarding training: the Lab-Heeler mix personality also includes plenty of intelligence, so these dogs usually respond well to training--but Labraheelers can sometimes be a bit strong-willed, so they may need a few repetitions when learning tasks, tricks, and commands. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

Labraheelers usually have pretty good watchdog skills too. Though they're by no means aggressive, they are alert and protective, and should bark at and/or investigate any unknown sights or sounds.

A Labraheeler, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits from its parent breeds), is usually very healthy. Even so, a few Labraheelers might suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip dysplasia and various eye issues (the most serious of which is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA). A few deeper-chested Labraheelers can also be prone to gastric torsion (or bloat). Potential Owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for Labraheelers is 11-14 years.