Labrahuahua

Both the parent breeds shed moderately, so this crossbreed is likely to be the same. But, the maintenance will depend on which parent they inherit their fur from. They should be brushed regularly, but this can be slightly less often for those with shorter fur. They only need to be bathed when necessary. 

They’ll need their ears checked and cleaned each week to prevent ear infections. You should also brush their teeth daily and trim their nails when required. 

Labrahuahua health risks

The Labrahuahua is a relatively healthy breed. However, they can, of course, be affected by the health conditions that affect the parent breeds. 

Three you should be particularly aware of, are: 

• Patellar luxation 
• Entropion 
• Cardiomyopathy

There’s also a chance of elbow dysplasia, cataracts and legg-calve perthes disease —  although these are only minor concerns. They can also occasionally be diagnosed with mitral valve disease and hip dysplasia. 

Does your insurance cover the cost of conditions such as patellar luxation? You’ll want to ensure you have the best cover for your furry friend, so browse and compare top pet insurance providers to ensure you do.  

Patellar Luxation 

Patellar luxation is when the kneecap has dislocated from the knee joint and is most often in the back legs. Both the Chihuahua and Labrador Retriever are among the most commonly affected breeds. If it’s congenital the puppy will have been born with it and if it’s developmental it has developed later in life. Symptoms to look out for include swelling, limping and the inability to bend their knee. It will be given one of four grades depending on the severity and they may require surgery. 

Entropion 

Entropion is common in breeds including the Labrador Retriever. With this condition, the eyelids are inwards and so the eyelashes rub against the eyeball. This is usually the lower eyelid but it can affect both. It will be incredibly uncomfortable for your pup and you may notice them squinting or pawing at their eyes. If not treated it can lead to blindness. Surgery will be required. 

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle — the most common of which is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Enlarged Heart or DCM.) This is most common in large breeds and usually affects middle-aged, male dogs. It means the heart muscle has become enlarged and weak, losing the ability to contract which affects both sides. 

Symptoms can include weight loss, appearing weak or panting excessively. It’s important to see a vet as soon as possible because sadly, sudden death can occur. Unfortunately there’s no cure, however the progression can be slowed down with treatment.

Feeding a Labrahuahua — what’s the best diet? 

The Labrahuahua can eat high-quality wet or dry food, or a mixture of both, with protein as the first ingredient. These are small to medium sized dogs, so it’s best to look for food suitable for all life stages and keep in mind that they are fairly active dogs too. 

A Labrahuahua puppy can be fed three to four small meals a day. Once they’re adults, this can be reduced to two meals a day. 

Just like the Labrador Retriever, the Labrahuahua loves their food. For this reason, they can become overweight or even obese — so keep an eye on their portion size. If you give them treats — particularly during training — make sure you take this into account when serving up their meals. 

You’ll want your Labrahuahua to enjoy the best possible diet. So, to help, read our guide to the best dog food for Chihuahuas, one the Labrahuahua’s parent breeds. You might also find our recommendations for the best dog food for small breeds useful, too.

There’s more advice and detailed ingredient analysis from our online partners, Dog Food Advisor, including the best wet food and the best dry food.