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Chabrador (Chow Chow & Lab Mix): Breed Info, Pics, Facts, Traits

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Chabrador (Chow Chow & Lab Mix)

Height: 20 – 23 inches
Weight: 50 – 75 pounds
Lifespan: 12 – 13 years
Colors: Black, tan, cream, gold, brown, red, blue
Suitable for: House and apartment living, families, multi-pet households
Temperament: Intelligent, affectionate, loyal, alert, easily trainable

The Chabrador is a cute crossbreed between the Labrador Retriever and the Chow Chow. Not quite as active as the Lab yet not as laidback as the Chow, these crossbred dogs are fun-loving and affectionate. They are large dogs and can weigh up to 75 pounds. But even with their big size, they’ll happily live in an apartment setting if they have an opportunity to spend a good hour outside during the day.

This crossbreed may have a tendency to chase after smaller animals if they take after their hunting and retrieving-minded Labrador parent. But proper socialization will condition the Chabrador to get along with other dogs and cats. Chabradors are typically excellent watchdogs and won’t hesitate to let family members know when a stranger is coming to the door.

These dogs are highly intelligent and should be easy to train even when they’re still mischievous puppies. There is quite a bit to learn about this interesting crossbred dog! Keep reading to find out all you need to know about adopting a Chabrador puppy for your family to love.

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Chabrador Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Buying a Chabrador puppy comes with a great deal of responsibility. Therefore, it’s important to learn all you can about the breed. Here are a few quick stats to give you an idea of what you can expect as a Chabrador owner.

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3 Little-Known Facts About the Chabrador

1. They have several different nicknames.

Chabradors are known by a variety of different nicknames that help describe their personality and looks. Nicknames include Chowbrador, Labrachow, Chow-Lab, and Chab.


2. They enjoy their baths.

While most dogs don’t enjoy bathing, the Chabrador typically loves taking a bath. It makes their hair nice and soft and keeps their skin from getting dry and itchy. They tend to like bubble baths, but a wash at the hose in the yard is usually acceptable for them.


3. They’ll guard your home.

You may not think of a Labrador Retriever as a good guard dog. But thanks to the Chow’s Chow’s guarding nature, this crossbreed is more than happy to let their owners know when someone or something is outside that shouldn’t be.

Parent Breeds of the Chabrador
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Chabrador 🧠

The Chabrador is a bright dog that loves to learn new things. Although they aren’t particularly active, they are always looking for a challenge to stimulate their minds. They look forward to daily walks and challenging games and puzzles on a daily basis. Without exercise and stimulation, they’ll quickly get bored and may start destructing items in your home when nobody is around to supervise them.

These cute dogs love to snuggle on the couch whenever they can get the chance. They’re patient with kids, and they’ll play with other dogs at the park or within a fenced backyard. These cuties are also curious and friendly, but they tend to be suspicious of strangers until they get to know them. Training and socialization are essential for a well-balanced and well-behaved Chabrador.

Are Chabradors Good for Families? 🏡

Chabradors are excellent family pets! They show patience with the younger kids who might pull an ear or hug a little too tightly. They love following active teenagers around while they play basketball or ride their bikes. They are always looking for a good cuddle with their adult human parents. The fun-loving nature of these dogs makes them the perfect hiking and camping companion. They are excitable, so supervision should be a priority when your Chabrador is hanging out with babies and toddlers.

Do Chabradors Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Luckily, the Chabrador can get along with other dogs and even cats. They should be socialized from a young age to ensure that they understand how to socialize in a healthy manner, especially when meeting new animals. They do tend to give in to their prey drive when they get excited, so they should be trained on how to behave around smaller animals like cats. They should never be let outside unleashed or without a fenced barrier when there’s a chance that wild animals or loose pets are around.

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Things to Know When Owning a Chabrador

Here are a few more specific things that you should know about owning a Chabrador.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Chabradors don’t eat as much as Labrador Retrievers, but they tend to eat more than the average Chow Chow. You can expect yours to eat anywhere from 2 to 3 cups of food each day, depending on their activity level. If they are outside frequently, they’ll be hungry at mealtime. Otherwise, they don’t typically have a big appetite.

These dogs should eat a high-quality dry dog food that’s made specifically for large breed dogs to ensure that their protein and vitamin needs are met. Wet food is fine as a snack, but dry food will help keep the Chabrador’s teeth clean over time. Look for a dog food that includes real meat, as well as real fruits and vegetables, such as pumpkin, sweet potato, and spinach, to ensure that all your pooch’s nutritional needs are taken care of.

Exercise 🐕

Chabradors tend to take after their Chow Chow parents when it comes to activity level. They enjoy daily walks, but otherwise, they don’t need much vigorous playtime or hours-long training sessions to stay satisfied in their lives. Puzzle toys and short games of hide-and-seek should keep this crossbreed happy while spending time indoors. But at the end of the day, you may notice that your Chabrador has spent most of their time just lounging around in the yard or on the couch.

Training 🦮

These dogs are intelligent and stubborn, so training can be challenging at times. Still, they have the capacity to learn any obedience command and trick that you want to teach them. It’s best to start training them early so they understand basic commands, such as sit and stay, by the time they’re a year old.

Once they get basic obedience training down, they can embark on guard or agility training to keep their minds sharp. These types of training aren’t essential, but they will be fun for your dog and will make your job easier when it comes to controlling their behavior at home.

Grooming ✂️

This crossbred dog should be brushed a couple of times a week to minimize the risk of tangles and matting. They tend to shed as the summer season plays out, so expect extra brushing and house cleaning at this time. Regular bathing is appreciated because this breed loves baths and their hair tends to pick up dirt easily as they walk and play outside. Their nails may need trimming once a month if they spend more time inside than outdoors. Their ears should be checked and cleaned as necessary to prevent wax buildup as they age.

Health Conditions ❤️

These dogs are quite healthy and should maintain their health through old age if they’re fed and cared for properly. But there are a few health conditions that they could develop due to genetics.

Minor Conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Cataracts
  • Corneal dystrophy
  • Wobbler’s syndrome
Serious Conditions
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Cerebellar abiotrophy
  • Patellar luxation

Male vs. Female

Female Chabradors are usually easier to potty train than males if they’ve been spayed. Males tend to like a little more attention than females. But for the most part, both sexes are equal when it comes to temperament and character. Both guys and gals are fun-loving, attentive, and sociable with their family members and will remain loyal for a lifetime.

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Final Thoughts

We think that these dogs are the perfect option for singles, couples, and families looking for a lovable and loyal pet to call their own. With proper training and socialization in place, you can count on your Chabrador puppy to grow into a sociable dog that’s good with kids, other animals, and strangers alike. What traits most excite you about this marvelous crossbreed? We’d love to read your opinions in our comments section.

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Featured Image Credit: Nick Chase 68, Shutterstock

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