Bloodhound and Labrador Mix: The Complete Breed Guide

What Is a Bloodhound and Labrador Mix?

The Bloodhound and Labrador mix — sometimes called a Labloodhound — is a designer cross between two of the most scent-driven, people-oriented breeds in the canine world. This mix combines the Bloodhound's legendary tracking ability and loose, wrinkled charm with the Labrador Retriever's athletic build and eager-to-please attitude. As a first-generation or multigenerational cross, the Labloodhound is not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a standalone breed, but it has gained a following among active families and scent-work enthusiasts who want a large, affectionate companion with serious nose power.

Before you bring one home, it's important to understand that mixed-breed dogs inherit traits from both parents in unpredictable combinations. One Labloodhound puppy might look and act almost entirely like a Labrador, while its littermate could be a near-perfect miniature Bloodhound. This guide breaks down what you can reasonably expect — and where the surprises tend to show up.

Parent Breed Breakdown: Bloodhound Meets Labrador Retriever

Understanding each parent breed is the best way to anticipate what a Labloodhound might be like. Here's a side-by-side look at the two foundation breeds.

Trait	Bloodhound	Labrador Retriever
AKC Group	Hound	Sporting
Weight Range	80–110 lb (36–50 kg)	55–80 lb (25–36 kg)
Height Range	23–27 in (58–69 cm)	21.5–24.5 in (55–62 cm)
Lifespan	10–12 years	11–13 years
Coat Type	Short, dense, slightly loose skin	Short, dense, water-resistant double coat
Shedding Level	Moderate, seasonal	High, year-round with seasonal peaks
Energy Level	Moderate — bursts of endurance	High — needs daily vigorous exercise
Trainability	Independent, scent-distracted	Highly trainable, food-motivated
Vocalization	Howls, bays, loud	Moderate barking
Primary Instinct	Scent tracking (up to 100+ miles)	Retrieving, swimming, partnering with handler

The Bloodhound holds the record for the longest scent trail ever followed by a dog — over 130 miles, according to tracking records cited by the Merck Veterinary Manual. The Labrador Retriever, meanwhile, has held the title of most popular AKC-registered breed for decades. When you cross these two, you get a dog with extraordinary olfactory capability and a strong desire to be near people — but also a dog that may follow its nose straight through your recall command.

Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen Labloodhounds

Because the Labloodhound is not a widely established designer breed like the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle, most puppies you'll encounter are F1 crosses from breeders who mate a registered Bloodhound with a registered Labrador. Multigenerational breeding programs for this mix are uncommon, which means predictability remains limited. If a breeder advertises F2 or multigen Labloodhounds, ask for documentation of the lineage and health testing for each parent.

Size, Build, and Physical Appearance

Labloodhounds are large dogs — there's no getting around it. However, the exact size depends heavily on which parent's growth genes dominate and whether the puppy inherits the Bloodhound's heavier bone structure or the Labrador's leaner athletic frame.

Measurement	Minimum (Labrador-leaning)	Maximum (Bloodhound-leaning)
Weight	55 lb (25 kg)	110 lb (50 kg)
Height at Shoulder	21 in (53 cm)	27 in (69 cm)
Body Frame	Athletic, streamlined	Heavy-boned, loose-skinned

Most F1 Labloodhounds land somewhere in the middle: 70–90 lb (32–41 kg) and 23–26 inches (58–66 cm) at the shoulder. Males tend toward the larger end of the range. Puppies typically reach their adult height by 12–14 months but may continue filling out in chest and muscle mass until 18–24 months, especially if they inherit the Bloodhound's slower maturation rate.

What varies between individuals: Head shape (broad Lab skull vs. narrow, elongated Bloodhound head), ear length (Labrador's moderate drop ear vs. Bloodhound's extremely long, low-set ears), skin folds (some inherit noticeable facial wrinkles and a dewlap, others have tight skin), and tail carriage (Labrador's thick otter tail vs. Bloodhound's long, curved tail held high in motion).

Coat, Color, and Shedding: What to Expect

Both parent breeds have short, dense coats, so the Labloodhound almost always inherits a low-maintenance coat length. However, the texture and shedding intensity can differ.

• Labrador-influenced coat: Double coat with a water-resistant outer layer and soft undercoat. Sheds heavily year-round with intense seasonal blows in spring and fall.
• Bloodhound-influenced coat: Single or partial double coat, slightly looser skin underneath. Moderate shedding, less seasonal fluctuation.
• Common colors: Black, chocolate/liver, yellow/cream (from the Labrador side); black-and-tan, liver-and-tan, red (from the Bloodhound side). Many Labloodhounds display a blend — for example, a black coat with tan points reminiscent of the Bloodhound's classic coloring.

Is the Labloodhound hypoallergenic or low-shedding? No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic, and the Labrador is known as one of the heavier shedders among short-coated breeds. Expect moderate-to-high shedding regardless of which parent's coat dominates. If you have dog allergies, this mix is not a suitable choice. Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or deshedding tool (such as the Furminator Short Hair Large) will help manage loose fur, but you'll still find hair on furniture and clothing.

Temperament: Best-Case and Challenging Scenarios

Both the Bloodhound and the Labrador are famously good-natured with people, and this generally carries over to the mix. But "good-natured" doesn't mean "easy to live with" — these are big dogs with big instincts.

Best-case temperament: Your Labloodhound inherits the Labrador's biddable, trainable nature and the Bloodhound's calm, gentle disposition at home. The result is a dog that's affectionate with family, patient with children, friendly to strangers, and moderately easy to train using positive reinforcement and high-value food rewards. This dog loves long sniffing walks, excels at nose work and tracking sports, and settles nicely in the house after adequate exercise.

Challenging temperament scenario: Your Labloodhound inherits the Bloodhound's single-minded scent focus and independence combined with the Labrador's high energy and mouthiness. This dog pulls relentlessly on leash following any interesting smell, ignores recall commands outdoors, bays loudly when bored or left alone, and may counter-surf, dig, or engage in destructive chewing if under-stimulated. This isn't a "bad" dog — it's a dog whose genetic drives aren't being met.

Key temperament traits to prepare for:

• Scent drive: This will be strong regardless of which parent dominates. Your Labloodhound will stop and sniff everything on walks, and off-leash reliability in unfenced areas is unlikely without extensive training.
• Vocalization: Bloodhounds bay — a deep, resonant howl that carries for long distances. If your mix inherits this trait, it may not suit apartment living or close-quarter neighborhoods.
• Food motivation: Labradors are famously food-driven, and this trait is useful for training but also means your Labloodhound may be prone to counter-surfing, scavenging, and obesity if portions aren't managed.
• Social nature: Both breeds are typically excellent with people and other dogs. Early socialization (exposure to diverse environments, people, and animals during the 3–14 week critical period) helps ensure this carries through to adulthood.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality

A common misconception about designer mixes is that "hybrid vigor" eliminates all inherited health problems. The reality is more nuanced. While crossbreeding can reduce the risk of recessive conditions that are common in one parent breed (because the other parent's genes may not carry the same mutation), it does not provide blanket immunity. A Labloodhound can inherit health conditions from either parent breed, and some conditions — like hip dysplasia — are common to both.

According to data compiled by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), both Labrador Retrievers and Bloodhounds show significant rates of hip dysplasia, making this a priority screening item for any Labloodhound breeding pair.

Health Condition	Parent Breed Source	Estimated Prevalence	Screening Recommendation
Hip Dysplasia	Both	10–16% (breed-dependent)	OFA or PennHIP evaluation of both parents
Elbow Dysplasia	Both (more common in Labs)	8–12% in Labradors	OFA elbow radiographs
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)	Both (deep-chested breeds)	Lifetime risk ~5–10% in large, deep-chested dogs	Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet
Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)	Both (long, pendulous ears)	Very common	Weekly ear checks and cleaning
Eye Conditions (Ectropion, Entropion, PRA)	Bloodhound (ectropion/entropion), Labrador (PRA)	Variable	CERF/OFA ophthalmologist exam of both parents
Obesity	Labrador (strong genetic food-drive link)	~60% of Labradors are overweight or obese (study data)	Strict portion control and daily exercise
Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)	Labrador	~5–8% carriers in the breed	DNA test for EIC gene in Labrador parent

Bloat (GDV) deserves special attention. Both Bloodhounds and Labradors are deep-chested breeds, and GDV is a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach twists and fills with gas. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and pale gums. This is a call-your-vet-now emergency — survival depends on treatment within hours. Ask your veterinarian about prophylactic gastropexy, a surgical procedure that tacks the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent twisting, often performed at the time of spay or neuter.

Responsible breeders of Labloodhounds should provide health clearances for both parent dogs: OFA hip and elbow scores, an ophthalmologist examination, and (for the Labrador parent) DNA tests for EIC and centronuclear myopathy (CNM). Always ask to see these documents before committing to a puppy.

Exercise, Training, and Grooming Requirements

Exercise: Plan for 60–90 minutes of daily physical activity. This doesn't mean 90 minutes of running — Labloodhounds thrive on a mix of structured leash walks (30–45 minutes), off-leash play in a securely fenced area, and scent-based enrichment. Nose work games, tracking exercises, and food-puzzle toys satisfy the powerful olfactory drive inherited from both parent breeds. A Labloodhound that doesn't get adequate mental stimulation will create its own entertainment — usually by sniffing out and destroying whatever it can find.

Training: Use positive reinforcement methods exclusively — high-value treats (real chicken, cheese, freeze-dried liver), praise, and play. Force-free training is especially important for scent hound crosses because aversive methods (shock collars, prong collars, alpha rolls) tend to shut these dogs down or create fear-based reactivity without actually suppressing the scent drive. Invest in a front-clip harness (such as the Ruffwear Front Range or 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Harness) for leash walking, as most Labloodhounds will pull toward interesting smells. Begin recall training early using a long-line (15–30 ft) in safe, enclosed areas, and accept that off-leash reliability in open, unfenced spaces may never be fully achievable given the genetic scent-tracking imperative.

Grooming: The Labloodhound's grooming needs are moderate and manageable:

• Brushing: 2–3 times per week with a rubber curry brush or medium-bristle brush to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils.
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or as needed. Use a gentle, dog-specific shampoo (human shampoos disrupt the canine skin pH balance).
• Ears: Check and clean weekly with a veterinarian-recommended ear cleanser. Long, pendulous ears trap moisture and debris, making this mix highly susceptible to yeast and bacterial ear infections.
• Skin folds: If your Labloodhound inherits facial wrinkles or a dewlap from the Bloodhound side, wipe the folds daily with a damp cloth or unscented pet wipe to prevent fold dermatitis (intertrigo).
• Nails: Trim every 2–4 weeks. If you can hear nails clicking on hard floors, they're too long.
• Dental care: Brush teeth 3–4 times per week minimum using a dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste. Both parent breeds are prone to periodontal disease by middle age.

Cost, Availability, and Finding a Labloodhound

The Labloodhound is not a mainstream designer breed, so availability is limited compared to crosses like the Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Here's what to expect financially:

Source	Price Range	Notes
Responsible breeder (F1 cross)	$800–$2,000	Price reflects health testing of both parents, early socialization, and take-back guarantee. Breeders specializing in working/tracking lines may charge more.
Backyard breeder / online listing	$300–$800	Typically no health clearances, no genetic testing, higher risk of inherited conditions. Not recommended.
Breed-specific rescue	$150–$450 (adoption fee)	Check Labrador and Bloodhound rescue organizations. Mixed-breed dogs from these breeds occasionally appear. Adoption includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, and often a behavioral assessment.
General shelter	$50–$300	Labloodhounds may be listed as "hound mix" or "Lab mix." DNA testing (Embark or Wisdom Panel) can confirm breed composition after adoption.

First-year cost estimate: Beyond the purchase or adoption price, budget $2,500–$4,500 for the first year of ownership. This includes spay/neuter ($300–$800 for a large-breed dog), initial veterinary exams and vaccinations ($400–$700), high-quality large-breed food ($600–$1,000 annually for a 70–90 lb dog eating 3.5–5 cups per day), crate and supplies ($200–$400), training classes ($200–$500), and pet insurance premiums ($50–$90/month for comprehensive coverage on a large mixed breed).

How to find a responsible breeder: Look for breeders who perform and publicly share OFA health clearances for both parent dogs, raise puppies in a home environment with early neurological stimulation (ENS) protocols, offer a written health guarantee and take-back clause, and ask you detailed questions about your lifestyle and experience. The ASPCA encourages adoption as a first option, but if you choose to buy, verifying breeder practices is non-negotiable for the health of your future dog.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Labloodhound?

This mix is a strong fit for:

• Active families with a securely fenced yard (minimum 5–6 ft fence — some Labloodhounds can be surprisingly athletic jumpers, and all will follow a scent under or through a gap).
• Owners interested in scent work, tracking trials, or nose work sports — this mix excels in these activities.
• Experienced dog owners who understand how to manage a high-scent-drive dog and are patient with training timelines.
• Homes with children (both parent breeds are typically excellent with kids, but always supervise interactions due to the dog's large size).
• Rural or suburban settings where baying and moderate noise won't disturb close neighbors.

This mix is a poor fit for:

• Apartment dwellers or homes with thin shared walls (baying potential is real).
• First-time dog owners who may be overwhelmed by a 70–100 lb dog that ignores recall and pulls on leash.
• Households where the dog would be left alone for 8+ hours daily — both parent breeds are social and prone to separation distress when chronically under-stimulated.
• Anyone seeking a low-shedding or hypoallergenic dog.
• Homes without a fence — this is not a reliable off-leash breed in open areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up the Labloodhound?

The Labloodhound is a cross between a purebred Bloodhound and a purebred Labrador Retriever. Some multigenerational versions may include backcrosses to one parent breed, but the standard F1 cross is a direct 50/50 split between these two breeds.

How big will a Bloodhound and Labrador mix get?

Most Labloodhounds weigh between 70 and 90 lb (32–41 kg) and stand 23–26 inches (58–66 cm) at the shoulder. However, the full range extends from 55 lb (25 kg) for a Labrador-leaning female to 110 lb (50 kg) for a Bloodhound-leaning male. You won't know the exact adult size until the dog is roughly 18 months old.

What will the temperament be like?

Expect a friendly, people-oriented dog with a powerful nose and moderate-to-high energy. The specific balance between the Labrador's trainability and the Bloodhound's independence varies by individual. Early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are essential regardless of which traits emerge.

Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?

No. Both the Bloodhound and Labrador shed, and the Labrador is among the heavier-shedding short-coated breeds. The Labloodhound will shed moderately to heavily year-round and is not suitable for people with dog allergies.

What health issues might this mix inherit?

Key concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), ear infections, eye conditions (ectropion, entropion, progressive retinal atrophy), obesity, and exercise-induced collapse. Consult your veterinarian about a preventive health plan, and always choose a puppy whose parents have documented OFA health clearances.

How much does a Bloodhound and Labrador mix cost?

From a responsible breeder, expect to pay $800–$2,000 for an F1 Labloodhound puppy. Adoption through a rescue typically costs $150–$450. First-year ownership costs (food, veterinary care, supplies, training, insurance) add an estimated $2,500–$4,500 on top of the initial price.