Lab Pointer Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Lab Pointer?

This designer dog breed is a Labrador Retriever and pointer mix. They are a very new breed, having only been developed in the last decade. As a mixed breed, this dog has inherited its looks and traits from its parent breeds.

There is not much information on this dog breed as its place of origin, and its reason for being developed is unknown. However, we can look at its parent breeds, the Labrador Retriever and the Pointer.

The Labrador Retriever originated from Canada and was bred as a hunter and a retriever. They are one of the most popular breeds to have as companions in America and can also be trained to work as guide dogs, a job that they excel at. The Pointer originated in England and was bred as a tracker and pointer.

Both breeds are registered with the American Kennel Club, whereas the Lab Pointer is not. However, the Lab Pointer is recognised by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America, and the Designer Breed Registry.

Who are Lab Pointer dogs best for?

The Lab Pointer mix is best suited for larger families who love to go on outdoor adventures. They are energetic and will jump at the chance to be their owner's partner when doing activities.

They get along well with children of all ages and are the perfect playmates because they are full of energy. They are incredibly loyal to their family members and can get attached quickly. This attachment can lead to them becoming stressed when left alone.

This stress means they are better suited in households with multiple people, as this would eliminate the risk of them becoming clingy to one person who may not always have the time to give them extra attention.

Apartment living is not the style of living this dog is suited for as they require space to run around. They are known to have a high prey drive which can cause an issue in a household with other pets and small animals.

How much grooming does a Lab Pointer need?

Mixed breed dogs take on the looks and maintenance needs of either or both of their parent breed. In this case, the Lab pointer mix is a mix of the Labrador Retriever and the Pointer.

They can be identified as medium-sized dogs with long muscular legs, broad floppy ears, round dark eyes, and short coat.

Their coat is shiny like the Pointers and dense like the Labradors. It is straight, and its coat colours can be black, brown, or creamy white. They do not require a complicated grooming routine.

They should only be brushed occasionally and more frequently during the shedding season, usually in warm weather. Use a deshedder brush during this time. Brushing will get rid of loose hair and any debris that may have been built up.

Brush their teeth at least once a week, cut their nails when it looks too long, and occasionally clean their ears. Bathing should only be done when necessary as they have water-resistant coats that do not need to be washed too often.

Do Lab Pointer bark much?

Lab pointer mixes are not the type to bark incessantly or out of aggression. Barking is usually a way to communicate that they are feeling threatened or that there may be a danger.

They are mostly friendly towards strangers and may be wary of smaller animals because of their high prey drive.

Barking can also signify boredom for these dogs as they must always be up and about. They require both mental and physical stimulation.

It can also be a sign of stress due to separation anxiety; make sure you spend as much time with your dog as possible. If you can, take it with you when travelling.

Early socialisation is key to managing any unwanted behaviour, especially when it comes to barking, as it can be unpleasant for everyone. This will teach them to communicate effectively and only at the necessary times.

Do Lab Pointer bite?

Retriever breeds tend to have a habit of biting, not necessarily aggressively, but more because of their herd instincts. This means that gnawing and chewing from them is more likely to be them trying to herd their human family members rather than harming them.

A lab pointer mix puppy should be given obedience training as soon as possible so that this behaviour can be controlled and minimised so that it does not become a difficult situation when they are older.

What can help is to provide them with chew toys to redirect them from people to something appropriate. This intelligent dog will learn very quickly that biting is not something that should be done.

What is the temperament & personality of a Lab Pointer?

This is what you can expect from pointer mix dogs:

• An energetic dog breed

• Loyal to their pet parents

• Friendly towards strangers and other animals

• An intelligent breed

• They can get attached to their family members quickly.

• High prey drive toward smaller animals

• One of the very active dog breeds

• Tendency to display disruptive behaviour if not sufficiently stimulated mentally and physically.

What is the weight & size of a Lab Pointer?

The Labrador retriever pointer mix is categorised as a medium-sized dog and should have an average weight of 26 kg and an average length of 55 - 71 cm.

Their size and weight may vary between males and females as males are typically larger. They are also prone to weight gain, so it is best to monitor this as they age.

How much training does a Lab Pointer need?

Training should start from a young age and should continue throughout their lives. Mixed dog breeds are often bred to take on their parent breeds' physical and mental traits, which can lead to double the trouble, making the training very important.

In this case, the Labrador pointer has taken on only the best qualities of its parent breeds. Such as being intelligent dogs, loyal, and athletic making them easy to train.

These dogs form strong bonds with their pet parents, aiming to please them in every aspect. They have high energy and should be used to their advantage in methods such as dog sports and agility training.

Pointer lab mixes respond well to positive reinforcement training, allowing them to feel rewarded by the dog owners they are so attached to.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Lab Pointer?

The Labrador pointer mix is considered a healthy dog, but being mixed means they may be predisposed to the health problems their parent breeds have.

These are the most common health problems this breed faces:

• Obesity

• Hip and elbow dysplasia - Hip and elbow dysplasia is when the joints in these areas are loosened.

• Skin problems

What is the lifespan of a Lab Pointer?

A dog's lifespan depends entirely on how they are raised and whether they are maintaining good health. If your dog is getting regular exercise, being fed a healthy diet and is treated well, they are sure to live for a long time.

The life expectancy of lab pointers is 10 - 15 years.

How much should you feed a Lab Pointer?

Labrador pointers should be fed 2 - 2/5 cups of high-quality dog food daily.

They are prone to gaining weight, so you should not leave their food out throughout the day.

What is the price of a Lab Pointer in Australia?

To purchase these dogs in Australia could cost anywhere between $420 - $840. Keep in mind that expenses will be added to this price.

Medical costs, pet insurance, food, toys, grooming, and more will be spent monthly. This is extremely important to consider as you need to be able to provide for your lab pointer mix dog throughout its life.

If this may be too expensive for you, you may want to consider a different breed.