Labahoula

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55-65 lbs
21-24"
United States
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Labrador Retriever
Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog
A hardy, strong-willed and powerful hybrid, the Labahoula is breed that is a mix of the Labrador Retriever and Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog. These breeds are known for their distinctive leopard like spotted pattern, and bright eyes that may often be heterochromic (varying color). These hybrids will often retain the gentle loving nature of the Labrador and the fearless, protective will of the Catahoula Leopard Dog. The Labahoula is not a breed for the faint of heart, they are highly active, strong dogs that will require training throughout their life. These breeds are best suited to rural lifestyle or suburban homes with large backyards. 
Purpose
Companionship, guarding, watchdog
Date of Origin
Unknown
Ancestry
Labrador Retriever and Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dog

Labahoula Health

Average Size
Male Labahoula size stats
Height: 22-26 inches Weight: 70-95 lbs
Female Labahoula size stats
Height: 21-24 inches Weight: 55-65 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Canine Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
  • Cataracts
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Deafness
Occasional Tests
  • X-ray imaging
  • Regular Full Physical Examination By Veterinarian
  • Hearing Tests
  • Ophthalmic Examination

Labahoula Breed History

The history of the Labahoula remains a bit of a mystery as these designer hybrids are of recent origin. This hybrid is currently only registered with the Dog Registry of America, so it is possible that the breed was created in the United States. The Labrador Retriever is known as America's most famous breed. The Lab can be traced back to the St.John's Water Dog of Newfoundland, Canada, where the breed was used as a fish-net retrieving dog for fishermen. Named after the Labrador Sea, this canine has a tough history, nearing extinction in the 1880's due to tax impositions on ownership. English breeders saved the line and the Labrador Retriever was re-established in North America in the early 1900's. The Catahoula Leopard Dog, on the other hand, is a large-sized herding dog which shares common ancestry with the Nordic Wolfhound. These dogs were recognized for their versatile tracking, hunting and herding skills during the 1970's in the State of Louisiana.  Based on the Labahoula's parentage history, it can be speculated that this hybrid may serve as a companion, watchdog, guarding and hunting dog.

Labahoula Breed Appearance

Large, powerful and eye-catching are traits that describe this hybrid! You're certainly going to have many people glancing at your striking canine. The Labahoula is a breed that can stand up to 24 inches in height and can tip the scales at 95 lbs. These dogs tend to have a broad wedge-shaped head, long muzzles, and ears that flop down to the level of the jaw-line. There are two very distinctive features of this hybrid. The first is its eyes, which can come in hazel, blue, or amber, or both eyes showing different colors, a term referred to as heterochromia. The second most notable feature about this hybrid is its patchy, leopard coat that is often patterned in dark blue, black or dark brown. These hybrids are likely to retain their water-repellent coat from their Labrador parent and for the most part, coats tend to be short and close to the skin.
Eye Color Possibilities
blue Labahoula eyes
Blue
hazel Labahoula eyes
Hazel
brown Labahoula eyes
Brown
amber Labahoula eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
black Labahoula nose
Black
brown Labahoula nose
Brown
isabella Labahoula nose
Isabella
Coat Color Possibilities
sable Labahoula coat
Sable
fawn Labahoula coat
Fawn
red Labahoula coat
Red
black Labahoula coat
Black
brindle Labahoula coat
Brindle
red Labahoula coat
Red
Coat Length
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
Labahoula straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Labahoula Breed Maintenance

The Labahoula is considered a low maintenance dog. They are not hypoallergenic and are not known to be heavy droolers. This busy, attractive dog is a seasonal shedder and will need to be brushed with a deshedding tool during the summer months. The breed does not require weekly grooming and may not require regular bathing. Bathing should be done when needed. Other important maintenance requirements include brushing your hybrid's teeth a few times a week in order to prevent dental disease. Trimming their nails every few weeeks is another important requirement if they are not worn down through exercise; tearing and cracking of the nail may result otherwise. Lastly, ears must be checked and cleaned every 6 to 12 weeks for signs of debris, wax build up or infection.
Brushes for Labahoula
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
Labahoula requires monthly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Labahoula Temperament

The Labahoula is a well-tempered, gentle breed that will do great with children and other pets if socialized well during puppyhood. The Labahoula can have a very dominating, alpha-like personality with behavior that may need to be monitored and even toned down through training, so it's important to be cautious when your dog meets a new face. For the most part, these hybrids are instinctively loyal companions to their families but they can get wild and naughty if left alone too long. Due to their dominating nature, its highly recommended that owners supervise their dog whenever he is around other dogs, pets or children.

Labahoula Activity Requirements

A highly active breed, the Labahoula is not for couch potatoes. They require strong, confident owners who will take on the role of alpha. These hybrids require at least 90 minutes or more of daily physical activity. Activities your hybrid may enjoy include long runs, agility course training, field work, herding, playing at dog parks, hikes and swimming. Due to their size and their activity needs, these breeds are best suited to a rural or suburban lifestyle where they will have plenty of space in which to roam and expend energy.
Activity Level
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
15 miles
Minutes of Activity Per Day
90 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Labahoula

Similarly Sized Breeds to Labahoula

Labahoula Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3.5 cups
Daily Cost
$1.80 - $2.00
Monthly Cost
$50.00 - $60.00

Labahoula Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Labahoula size stats at six months
Height: 11 inches Weight: 32 lbs
Female Labahoula size stats at six months
Height: 11 inches Weight: 22 lbs
12 Months
Male Labahoula size stats at 12 months
Height: 22 inches Weight: 60 lbs
Female Labahoula size stats at 12 months
Height: 21 inches Weight: 50 lbs
18 Months
Male Labahoula size stats at 18 months
Height: 24 inches Weight: 80 lbs
Female Labahoula size stats at 18 months
Height: 22 inches Weight: 65 lbs

Labahoula Owner Experiences

Lucie
8 Months
6 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Lucie sire was a Golden Labrador and her dam was a Catahoula. She has a 'polar bear' coat and amber eyes. She's aggressively affectionate and loves everyone. She is the most athletic dog I've ever seen. She runs literal circles around our other two dogs while they run around the back yard. She displays herding tendencies as well as Alpha behavior with the other two, even though they are two other females. Potty training has been slow, but that's due more to us than her. She's a counter surfer and I believe she could eat until she popped. It's a problem that we've had to adjust to. I'm looking at her now as she's curled around my feet. She is beautiful, strong, smart and charismatic. I'm here because I want to get another Labahoula down the road. Lucie is the best dog I've ever had in my family, and I'm hooked on the breed.
1 week, 3 days ago
Aloy
10 Weeks
5 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Treat balls
Tug
We adopted at 10 weeks. I have three kids and she was very loving and friendly. Only issue we had was getting her dandruff under control. Very territorial with other dogs on her property. We have tried socializing but we just think she is a only pet type and we are okay with this!
2 months, 1 week ago
Man
4 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I got him as a 5 week old from a shelter. I had not owned a puppy in years and felt quite unprepared for the puppy biting and chewing. He is extremely intelligent but somewhat resistant to (my) training. I have been on the fence about whether to keep him or find a more suitable home for him. We are scheduled to begin obedience shortly and I am optimistic this will help.
3 months ago
Asher
14 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
My Labahoula loves to swim. He needs lots of affection and exercise. He gets over excited when people come to visit. Always wants to be near me or my son, his Alpha.
3 months, 3 weeks ago
Fynnigan
5 Months
3 People
Condo
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walks
Hiking
Very trainable, she loves everyone she meets, can be stubborn, snaps out of of it easily
4 months, 2 weeks ago
Domer
4 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
Play
Got Domer at approx 6 weeks. The owner fibbed on how old he was. Full.of worms and parasites and then a skin rash. Now very healthy, plays..but having a hard time with potty training. He was not loving at all in beginning, but now starting to want to sit and play with us. Love him. Hes beautiful. Hope training goes a little quicker.
6 months, 1 week ago
Ell
6 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Exploring
Hiking
Lovable and sweet natured, very high strung/energetic. Spends most time roaming outdoors. Not a house dog. Needs a lot of space. Chases wild birds and animals also runs laps in the yard. This breed requires a large yard to run in and a lot of exercise and stimulation all the time. Jumpy and a climber.
6 months, 2 weeks ago
Milo
6 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing with toys
Running
Pulls and tugs
Potty training took some time but he finally learned. He likes to jump a lot and loves our other dog Buddy who is 9 years old.
6 months, 3 weeks ago
Molly
4 Months
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Love her she trains fast and loves to be next to me all times...
7 months, 3 weeks ago
Bianca
5 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She has been a joy since the day we adopted her from the local shelter. We were told she was a chocolate lab mix but they didn't know what the other mix was. We live in New England and she was what we refer to as a Dixie dog, a dog from the south. We have since been told by several people that she is a mix of Lab and Catahoula hound. She has the beautiful amber eyes and the question mark tail of the Catahoula hound. Her coloring is dark brown like a lab but her sisters at the shelter were brindle. She is so sweet, just loves people and other dogs. She has been very trainable. She rings the bells to go outside, sits, and stays. But, she is pretty stubborn and has a mind of her own. Walking her is a challenge. She pulls like crazy. Starting formal dog training tomorrow.
9 months, 3 weeks ago
Loki
10 Weeks
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
I got Loki 2 weeks ago, and have a 3 1\2 year old Rhodesian ridgeback mix that he loves to play with. He learned sit quickly, for his age I have minimal accidents with potty training, but he is stubborn. The first week I had him he would run away when I wanted to bring him outside. He hates his leash. But he loves to snuggle or at least be in sight, and to be by his sister
10 months, 2 weeks ago
Sirimo
3 Months
1 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Sirimo was 8 weeks old when I got her. She was used to other dogs and chickens. She is now 3months. She sits on command. She has never barked or chased my wild birds on my feeders or the squirrels or deer. She loves hanging out with me doing yard work. She is great with my grandkids but still working on her not jumping on them when they first get here since she is so happy to see them. Looking forward to long hikes when she is older
10 months, 3 weeks ago
Apollo
1 Year
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
going on walks
Such an amazing little boy. He loves to learn and loves to play. He goes on walks daily and that tends to relax him for the evenings. We socialized him early so he is great with people and he loves kids. He is a voracious eater and has been that way since he was a pup. Had problems feeding him Purina as it gave him stomach issues, switched him to Taste of the Wild and has been great ever since. Love every minute of having this boy in our lives!!
11 months ago
Ms. Piggy
8 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Ms. Piggy is FULL of energy. She loves playing with the kids but does have a problem of jumping on them. We have to be careful when there are smaller kids around.
11 months ago
Kokomo
12 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Kokomo was a rescue puppy, I had originally gotten one of her sisters and she became ill and didn't make it and the person that had adopted Kokomo couldnt handle her so we adopted her, she has been a joy, easy to train.
11 months ago
nova
4 Months
3 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
walking and playing fetch outside
shes is a little prankster, she loves playing with her toys and hiding them for you to look for when she wants you to play fetch with her. She learned how to sit pretty quickly, the rest is in the works! Stubborn when she wants to be. Overall she is extremely loving and affectionate to her dad and I and everyone else she comes in contact with!
11 months, 4 weeks ago
Kennedy
9 Months
2 People
Apartment
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
going on walks
Going to the dog park
Tug-of-war
Playing Ball
We got her at 3 months from the pound. She was easy to train and knows both verbal commands and hand signs. We did have to switch her food because Iams was giving her stomach issues. Even though she knows her commands and what to do she still has a mind of her own and will attempt to ignore you because she does not want to follow directions. Love having her. Vet things she will be 80-90 pounds
1 year ago
Nola
3 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
So trainable, super lovable, needs tons of exercise, can be very stuborn
1 year ago
Herbie
1 Year
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
It’s been an amazing journey watching Herbie turn one. Great companion and adores everyone ❤️
1 year, 1 month ago
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