According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most popular dog breed in America is the Labrador. Labradors, also known as Labrador retrievers, are a medium-sized dog known for their obedience, playfulness, loyalty, intelligence, and trainability. 

History of the Labrador

Contrary to popular belief, the Labrador’s origin dates back to Newfoundland, not Labrador-Canada as their name would suggest. They were initially used as fishing dogs to collect fish that had escaped the fishermen’s hooks. Their water-repellent coats and webbed paws made them perfect for the job. They also offered companionship and unwavering loyalty to their owners.

The Labrador was later introduced to England in the 1800s after the Earl of Malmesbury witnessed them in action in Newfoundland. In England, they became sport dogs that participated in shooting games. .

By the early 1900s, their popularity had spread to America, where they participated in farming and more hunting activities. The AKC finally recognized the Labrador breed in 1917, and soon after, they became a beloved family pet in America. 

The Common Labrador Mixes

Labradors have continued to display their intelligence, loyalty, and friendliness to date. They are the perfect companions to single individuals as well as families. Their charismatic trait has made them one of the most sought after dogs for crossbreeding in the world. We’re going to discuss below some of the most common Labrador mixes. 

1. Golden Labrador

The Golden Labrador is a popular crossbreed between the Golden retriever and the Labrador retriever. They are usually relatively large, weighing between 60 to 80 lbs (27 to 36 kg) and reaching heights of between 22 to 24 inches (56 to 61 cm). Thanks to their parents, Goldadors’ coats range from yellow to gold to even black colors.

Although they are reasonably healthy and live up to 15 years, they are prone to several diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, diabetes, and cataracts. You should also ensure to check and clean your dog’s ears to avoid infections. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and trimming their nails is also highly recommended.

Goldadors commonly serve as therapy dogs, guide dogs, bomb-detection dogs, search and rescue dogs, and of course, family dogs. Despite their popularity, they are yet to join any breed clubs. With the sensitivity of the Golden retriever and the stamina of the Labrador, they make such an outstanding pet for first-time fur parents. If you’re able to exercise them for 30 to 60 minutes every day, then living in an apartment should not be an issue for them. 

2. Rottador

Rottadors are a crossbreed between the Rottweiler and Labrador retriever dog breeds, bred initially in North America in the 1990s. Other names referring to the Rottador include Labweiller, Labrottie, and Rottwador. The average weight of mature Rottadors ranges between 70- 115 lbs (32-52 kg) with a height of between 24 and 27 inches (61 and 69 cm). Their fur coats come in either solid colors of brown, grey, and black, but a mix of any of these colors is also typical.

Labweillers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. They are, however, prone to canine diseases such as hip dysplasia and bloat. Just like their parents, they are very energetic and loyal. However, due to their large frames, care should be taken when they are interacting or playing with smaller children. Potential dog owners who are highly allergic are discouraged from getting this breed to their fair amount of shedding.

When it comes to social characteristics, they make excellent family companions as well as watchdogs. Nonetheless, you should not leave them alone for too long as they are bound to get depressed and frustrated.

3. Aussiedor  

Also known as Aussie Labs, the Aussiedor is a cross between the Australian shepherd and the Labrador Retriever dog breeds. They are a generally healthy dog breed with a life span of between 12 to 15 years. The average mature Aussiedor weighs between 40 to 80 lbs (20 to 36 kg) and can achieve a height of 22 to 25 inches (56 to 64 cm). Their fur coats come in black, brown, cream, brindle, and tan colors.

This breed is very athletic and energetic, much like their parent breeds. Novice dog owners are often discouraged from adopting Aussiedors as some level of parenting experience is necessary to take care of them. Much like their parents, they are brilliant and, therefore, highly trainable.

As an Aussiedor’s parent, you should be ready to engage in intense exercises and activities to keep your fur baby happy and fulfilled. Long walks, hiking, swimming, as well as brain games, should do the trick.

As with all mixed breeds, you should expect any of the parents’ genes to be more dominant than the other. In the Aussie Lab’s case, if shepherd’s genes prevail, you should expect your dog to be quite shy and protective of you, unlike the Labrador.

4. Boxador

The Boxador, also called Boxerlab or Laboxer, is a mixed breed between the famous Boxer and Labrador Retriever dogs. You should expect your Boxador to be as large as her parents weighing about 80 lbs, and attaining average heights of between 23 to 25 inches. Their fur coats come in brown, chocolate, gold, brindle, or even a mix of the listed colors.

Despite the notorious rumors surrounding her Boxer parent, Boxadors are quite friendly, kind, and affectionate. They are perfect for any fur parent, including novices.

However, they are very energetic hence requiring a lot of attention and playtime from their fur parents. Do not be surprised to find your Boxador barking at strangers as this is their way of protecting you from the unknown.

5. American Bullador

The American Bullador is a medium-sized cross breed between the famous American bulldog and the Labrador retriever. Their crossbreeding started in the 1900s to create an offspring with similar traits to their parents, but much healthier. They weigh between 55 and 85 lbs, although some can occasionally get to 100 lbs.

American Bulladors make great companions and watchdogs. They are low maintenance when it comes to grooming as they are a low-shedding breed. They are very affectionate and loyal, but can also be very stubborn. This unpredictability is a result of their mixed genes. Training them and socializing them from an early age should help improve their behavior around humans and other pets.

6. Doberdor

The Doberdor is a crossbreed of the Doberman pinscher and Labrador retriever dog breeds. They are a reasonably healthy breed with a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. They averagely weigh between 60 to 100 lbs and can get as tall as 28 inches. Their fur coats come in black, tan, chocolate or tan colors.

They don’t do well in apartment setups as they are very energetic and playful, requiring a backyard to run around in. As a novice owner, you should be aware that Doberdors can be quite stubborn and require strict training. Doberdors love to exercise even more than the average active dog. They enjoy walks, runs, ball games, as well as playing with toys.

Other Labrador breeds to look into include: Pugadors, Boradors, Labradoodles, Springadors, Bassadors, among many others.

Conclusion

Labrador retriever’s popularity is evident in the number of crossbreeds available in the world. Labrador mix dogs are bound to be as intelligent, friendly, loyal, and active as their Labrador parents. You must remember, however, that as is common with crossbreeds, each dog is going to be different from the next. This difference refers to not only appearance but also temperament and personality thanks to inherited genes from the other parent breed.

Before you become a Labrador mix fur parent, you must do background checks on the breed to ensure that she is perfect for you and your family. However, the common factor that should remain is that you’re in for a loving and adventurous life, no matter the mix.