The Labahoula is a hybrid breed combining the Labrador Retriever with the Catahoula Leopard Dog. These canines have surprisingly high exercise demands and thrive when provided with an active lifestyle.
This medium-sized canine has a smooth water repellant coat with the patches and blotches like the Catahoula parent. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away to know all about this amazing dog.
Labahoula History
As Labahoula is a hybrid dog, so it was not present in ancient times. Its history is not well known, but its parent’s history is quite interesting. One of its parents, the Labrador Retriever, often abbreviated to Labrador, started in Canada during the 1800s. It is a popular dog breed that is used as a gun dog and water retriever dog. T
he dog is very popular, especially in the western hemisphere. It is also trained as a guide dog for people with blindness or autism and is also given the role of a therapy dog.
In 1917 the American Kennel Club officially registered this great breed with outstanding qualities. In sharp contrast, the Catahoula Leopard Dog, also known as the Catahoula Cur, and the Catahoula Hound have an obscure history. However, it is a hard-working dog with a strong demeanor.
It is believed to be originated in Louisiana state and named after the Catahoula Lake of Louisiana. Widely used to hunt bears and hogs, it descended from the great hunter breeds like mastiffs, greyhounds, and bloodhounds. In 1979 it became the national dog of Louisiana.
Labahoula Characteristics
Both the parents of Labahoula have a great resemblance; thus, it looks like both of them. Typically, it is a medium-sized canine with a double-layered smooth water repellant coat. The coat contains patches and blotches like the Catahoula parent. They have a stocky frame with athletic bodies, domed skulls, and strong expressions.
The muzzles are long and pointed, the ears flopped forward, while the thin legs are long and strong. They can have the webbed toes of the Labrador Retriever, which helps in swimming.
How Big to Labahoula Get
The medium-sized Labahoula stands around 22-26 inches at the withers. The ideal weight of this breed should be around 70-95 lbs. The bitch is 21-24 inches high and around 55-65 lbs. in weight.
How Long Does Labahoula Live
Under suitable living conditions, your Labahoula tends to live for about 12-15 years. Proper nutrition, exercise, and care will support your pup’s overall health and ensure a long and happy life.
How Much Does a Labahoula Cost
Labahoula is a hybrid, so it is not as expensive as its purebred parents. It can be anywhere in the range of $400 to $1,000. Basic training, Dog toys, miscellaneous items, etc., will come to about $195 a year. Dog Food and treats will cost another $75 a year. Then basic health care will be another $435 a year.
Labahoula Temperament/Personality
Strong outside and gentler inside, the Labahoula can be the perfect guard dog as a companion. Its temperament is loving, affectionate, and tends to be highly protective of its owner. He is eager to please the dog and can be the best for companionship. This highly intelligent dog can be quite stubborn at times; thus, you need to be firm yet polite in handling it.
Once they become familiar with anyone, they remain friends for life. They can be yappy in some situations, and you must nip the loud barking in the bud, else you’ll be dealing with high-pitched barks nonstop. You can do this with the right training at the early age of your puppy. He is easy to train, but consistency is key.
Caring for Labahoula
Due to its high energy levels and athletically built, the Labahoula is not preferred to live in apartments. He needs a spacious area to live fully. An Outdoor Dog Kennel can be the best as his house, where he must have his Dog Bowl provided with the food and clean fresh water. In addition, a daily outside visit for long walks and exercise is essential.
Labahoula Nutrition
It is best to opt for a diet that suits your pet’s age (puppy, adult, senior) as well as their activity levels. Your Labahoula has high dietary needs taking its muscular built and energetic nature. Feed him at least 3.5 cups of high-quality dog kibble per day.
How to Groom a Labahoula
Labahoula will be a fairly low-maintenance dog. Weekly brushing will help keep your pup’s fur from becoming matted and will also cut down on shedding. Unlike smaller breeds, this does not require frequent teeth brushing; their diet visits to the veterinarians can maintain dental hygiene.
Labahoula Activity Levels
Labahoula is a fairly active canine who will grow destructive if they don’t have at least one or two hours of solid, strenuous exercise daily. Going out or access to run freely in the outdoors is important for freshness and better health. This dog may also tend to chew, so we recommend you to provide Chew Toys for Dogs that will take the place of your couches, etc.
Caring for Labahoula
The powerful and energetic Labahoula can be a challenge for first-time dog owners. He needs proper training, socialization, diet, and exercise to remain healthy and longer by his side. It is essential to make a routine of grooming, health checkups, and feeding.
Bathe your doggy only when needed, and make sure to use a dog shampoo that retains the natural oils which are essential to protect his coat and make it shiny. Be sure to check his ears often and keep them clean to prevent infection.
Labahoula Health
The Labahoula is a healthy breed that does not have many congenital conditions if bred responsibly. However, they may inherit health issues from either parent like any other hybrid dog. The ailments common with this designer breed are Canine Hip Dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Allergies, Cataracts, and Ear Infections.
Breeds Similar to Labahoula
Best Dog Food for Labahoulas
The best dog food for Labahoula is Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food. The formula for this food resembles other Blue Buffalo’s productions. The recipe includes whole grains, fruits, garden veggies, and real meat. That’s why this food is great for whole-body nourishment.
- Ensures stronger teeth and bone through vitamins, phosphorus, and calcium.
- Healthier coat and skin through omega 6 and 3.
- Provides better immunity through chelated minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Best Puppy Food for Labahoulas
The best puppy food for Labahoula is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food. This puppy food ensures your pup gets a healthy lifestyle through a highly nourishing formula. It is made of barley and savoury chicken meal. The unique recipe is free from any preservatives, artificial colours, flavours, and all types of hazardous ingredients.
- Equipped with DHA for better brain, skeletal, and eye development.
- Contains vitamin C, E, and antioxidants for supporting stronger immunity.
- All-natural ingredient formula makes it highly digestible.
Best Dog Crate for Labahoulas
The best dog crate for Labahoula is MidWest LifeStages Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This dog crate has a double door system that provides easy access and makes it highly convenient for both owner and dog. It also includes a composite pan made of plastic that’s removable and easy to clean. Moreover, this crate also contains a divider panel that allows your dog to grow inside.
- The safe slide-bolt latches add more to the security of this crate.
- Equipped with an ABS plastic handle that makes it easy to relocate and transport.
- The fold-and-carry configuration makes it highly convenient.
Best Dog Bed for Labahoulas
The best dog bed for Labahoula is Best Friends by Sheri The Original Calming Shag Fur Donut Cuddler Cat & Dog Bed. This dog bed has a doughnut-like shape with a self-heating quality that makes the bed more comfortable. It provides a comfortable and safe atmosphere for your dog to feel at home. It contains faux-fur covers that provide great warmth during chilly weather.
- Contains water-resistant bottom made of nylon to save your dogs from accidents.
- The additional fillings provide relief from muscles and joints.
- Ensures higher convenience with dryer-safe and machine-washable covers.
Best Dog Harness for Labahoulas
The best dog harness for Labahoula is PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness. This harness has a no-pull structure that provides a safe and comfortable walk. It saves your dog from choking and coughing.
- Has a no-twisting design with a martingale loop.
- Better fitting with four adjustment points.
- Belly straps and quick-snap buckles provide easy operation.
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