Labrastaff Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

18-34 kg

Height

45-61 cm

Lifespan

10-14 years

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About the Labrastaff

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

A Labrastaff is one of the more popular dogs to have as a companion in homes these days. Having inherited some of the best qualities from the American Staffordshire bull terrier and the Labrador Retriever, this dog is the ultimate canine friend.

These high-energy dogs are made for the outdoors and any family will be lucky to have them as an activity buddy.

With so many factors to consider when going through the process of adoption or purchasing. The main concern is always whether this dog breed is the right one for me?

With this Labrastaff breed guide, you will learn everything there is to know about this breed so that you can make an informed decision.

What is the history & origin of the Labrastaff?

The Labrastaff breed was developed from two of the most popular dog breeds. The Staffordshire bull terrier and the Labrador retriever.

The American Staffordshire terrier was previously a hunting dog and was unfortunately used for pit fights and bait bulls. They have since become beloved companion dogs to families all over the world.

The Labrador retriever on the other hand originates from Canada as a hunting dog and retriever. It is now used as a companion dog and can also be trained as a therapy dog.

The Labrastaff, being a mixed-breed dog, has inherited its parent breed’s best qualities being strong, loyal and an overall great dog to their pet parents.

Unlike this hybrid’s parent breeds, the Labrastaff designer dog breed has not been recognised by the American Kennel Club.

What is a Labrastaff breed?

The Labrastaff is a mixed breed dog and is categorised as a medium-sized dog.

It has become an increasingly popular dog breed among pet parents. They are an extremely loyal breed and are known to be intelligent as well as easy to train.

Who is a Labrastaff best for?

If you are looking for a furry friend that will be a great playmate for your children or a partner while on outdoor adventures, then the Labrastaff is the pup for you.

With so many great qualities, this mixed breed dog is the ultimate pooch companion!

They are best suited for individuals or families that live in homes with a yard and do not do well in smaller environments like apartments.

The Labrastaff needs as much physical stimulation as possible so being raised in a household where family members are active is an environment this dog will thrive in. If you are a couch potato, the Labrastaff may not be the dog for you.

Labrastaff Grooming & Shedding

Grooming is very important to ensure that your four-legged friend is not only looking good but healthy too.

Starting a grooming routine with your Labrastaff puppy is the best way to get them used to being handled. It not only makes them used to the routine but can also make them easier to handle during veterinarian visits.

The Labrastaff has a short and dense dog coat which can be either black, golden brown or brindle in colour. They have pendant-shaped ears which should be cleaned and checked regularly for any kind of build-up or odour.

Their coats should be brushed daily and they should be given a bath only when necessary. Brushing and bathing will keep their coat shiny and clean.

Brushing their teeth and clipping their nails should always be a part of their grooming routine as well.

Do Labrastaffs bark a lot?

Being a hybrid breed means that this dog has inherited personality traits from the dog breeds it was mixed with.

The American Staffordshire terrier was once quite aggressive and although this is no longer the case. The Labrastaff can have aggressive tendencies. They are loyal dogs and are known to be highly protective of their human family members, especially of children.

This can lead to them being on high alert around other dogs and strangers. Early socialisation is key in preventing this from happening.

What is the average weight & height of a Labrastaff?

The average weight of the Labrastaff can be between 18 – 34 kg.
Being mixed breed dogs, their height can be between 45 – 61 cm.

A female Labrastaff can be considerably smaller than a male Labrastaff and because they are hybrid dogs their weight and size may vary.

Are Labrastaffs easy to train?

The Labrastaff responds well to positive reinforcement training. The Labrastaff is a smart dog as well as a high-energy dog and will therefore thrive in a learning environment that plays to both of these traits.

Training should start from a young age, possibly as soon as you bring them home. This breed is extremely loyal and will do anything to please its pet parents. This will make the training process easy and loads of fun.

Labrastaff puppies can understand basic commands from as young as 8 weeks old. Which is quite impressive!

How do Labrastaffs behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Having a Labrastaff as a fur friend will lead to loads of fun in your household, especially if you have young kids. This breed is also known as a nanny dog as they are extremely protective of the children in the home.

It is an energetic dog so time spent in the dog park should always be on your list of things to do with them. The Labrastaff is also a playful dog and are perfect playmates for kids.

Their tendency to be aggressive should not overshadow the fact that these pooches are wonderful companion dogs. They are also prone to separation anxiety and should not be left alone for long periods. Give them long walks, daily exercise and loads of love and you will be living with a happy dog.

Does the Labrastaff have any common health issues?

The Labrastaff is generally a healthy breed but like most hybrid dogs can be predisposed to health problems inherited from their parent breed.

If you are purchasing your Labrastaff from a breeder, they must inform you of any genetic condition your dog may be prone to. If you are adopting a Labrastaff, take them to a reputable vet so that they can inform you of any predisposed conditions.

Here are some of the health conditions a Labrastaff could have:

Bloat: This serious condition, also known as gastric torsion, can occur in deep-chested breeds like the Labrastaff and requires immediate veterinary attention.
Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint becomes loosened, affecting mobility. It can often be detected during puppyhood, so early screening is beneficial.
Cataracts: This condition causes abnormal cloudiness on the dog’s pupils, which can lead to vision impairment if not addressed.
Polyneuropathy: This neurological condition affects the peripheral nerves and can result in weakness and coordination issues.

What is the lifespan of a Labrastaff?

The life expectancy of any canine is always going to be dependent on how good their overall physical health is. Their diet as well as if they are predisposed to any health problems are to be factored in.

With this being said the average life expectancy of the Labrastaff is 10-14 years.

How much does a Labrastaff need to be fed?

Portion size for the Labrastaff should be considered for a medium-sized dog. They should be fed a healthy diet as these dogs are known to gain weight quickly.

What they are fed should be different throughout their growth stages with puppies being fed more often than adult and senior dogs.

The Labrastaff should be fed 2-3 cups of food twice a day.

How much can you expect to pay for a Labrastaff in Australia?

To purchase a Labrastaff in Australia costs around $300 -400.

Labrastaff FAQs

Is a Labrastaff ideal for a first-time dog owner?

A Labrastaff is not suitable for first-time canine owners. Although they are easy to train it will take someone that is experienced in training dogs. Their personalities are a mixture of the breeds they were mixed with and therefore need an owner who will be firm with them.

Do Labrastaffs suffer from separation anxiety?

This breed does not do well with being left alone. They are can become extremely attached to their owners and require a lot of attention.

When you do leave, always make sure that you are not making a big deal about it as this can add to the stress. Give them plenty of exercise and love before and after to minimise the stress.

What are the physical needs of a Labrastaff?

Labrastaffs need tons of physical stimulation. They thrive in environments where their physical needs can be met. Long walks, trips to the dog park and even putting them to work on a farm will make them happy.

They should be getting at least 60 minutes of exercise a day.

Is a Labrastaff slobbery?

Unfortunately, Labrastaffs are big droolers. It is natural and just means you will be cleaning up slobber more than you would like.

On the other hand, excessive slobbering can be a sign of bad health. If you notice any change in the amount of drool, you should then consult with a vet as soon as possible.