Bloodhound Mixed With Lab: The Complete Labloodhound Guide
Everything about the bloodhound mixed with lab: size, temperament, coat types, health risks, cost.
What Is a Bloodhound Mixed With Lab?
The bloodhound mixed with lab — sometimes called the Labloodhound — is a cross between two of the most iconic working breeds in the canine world: the Bloodhound and the Labrador Retriever. This isn't a designer breed with a formal registry or breed standard. It's a first-generation or multigenerational cross that combines the Bloodhound's legendary olfactory ability and laid-back demeanor with the Lab's athleticism, trainability, and retrieving drive.
Most Labloodhounds you'll encounter are accidental or intentional F1 crosses — meaning one purebred Bloodhound parent and one purebred Labrador parent. You won't find established F1B or multigenerational breeding programs for this mix the way you would for Labradoodles or Goldendoodles. That makes each individual dog somewhat of a genetic lottery, which is both the appeal and the challenge of bringing one home.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Bloodhound vs. Labrador Retriever
Understanding a mixed-breed dog starts with understanding what each parent brings to the table. These two breeds share some traits (loyalty, size, food motivation) but diverge sharply in others (energy expression, trainability style, vocalization).
| Trait | Bloodhound | Labrador Retriever |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Hound | Sporting |
| Weight Range | 80–110 lb (36–50 kg) | 55–80 lb (25–36 kg) |
| Height at Shoulder | 23–27 in (58–69 cm) | 21.5–24.5 in (55–62 cm) |
| Coat | Short, dense, hard | Short, dense, water-resistant double coat |
| Shedding | Moderate, seasonal | Heavy, year-round with seasonal peaks |
| Energy Level | Moderate — bursts of endurance | High — sustained activity drive |
| Trainability | Independent, scent-distracted | Highly biddable, eager to please |
| Vocalization | Deep baying, very loud | Barking, moderate frequency |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years | 11–13 years |
| Original Purpose | Scent tracking, mantrailing | Retrieving waterfowl for hunters |
The Bloodhound brings raw size, loose skin, deep jowls, and one of the most powerful noses in the animal kingdom — roughly 300 million scent receptors compared to a human's 5 million. The Labrador contributes a softer mouth (bred to carry game without damage), a love of water, and a social adaptability that makes them one of the most popular family dogs in the United States for over three decades running.
How Big Will a Bloodhound Mixed With Lab Get?
Size is one of the more predictable traits in this cross because both parents are large breeds. However, the Bloodhound is substantially heavier than the Lab, so individual puppies can land anywhere across a wide range depending on which parent's growth genes dominate.
| Measurement | Low End (Lab-Leaning) | Average | High End (Bloodhound-Leaning) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight | 60 lb (27 kg) | 80–90 lb (36–41 kg) | 100–110 lb (45–50 kg) |
| Height at Shoulder | 22 in (56 cm) | 24–25 in (61–64 cm) | 26–27 in (66–69 cm) |
| Time to Full Size | 14–16 months | 16–18 months | 18–24 months |
Males typically land on the higher end of these ranges, while females tend toward the lower. Large-breed puppies grow slowly — expect your Labloodhound to continue filling out through 18 to 24 months, particularly in chest width and muscle mass. Feed a large-breed puppy formula (one that meets FDA-recommended calcium-to-phosphorus ratios) to support proper skeletal development and reduce hip dysplasia risk.
Temperament: What to Expect From a Labloodhound
Temperament in mixed breeds is where individual variation becomes most pronounced. A Labloodhound can inherit any combination of traits from either parent, and littermates can differ dramatically.
Best-Case Temperament Profile
In the best scenario, you get a dog that combines the Labrador's friendly, people-oriented nature with the Bloodhound's calm, patient demeanor. This dog greets visitors warmly, tolerates children's handling, settles quietly in the house after adequate exercise, and responds to basic obedience cues with reasonable reliability. They're affectionate without being clingy and playful without being hyperactive.
Challenging Temperament Scenarios
The harder end of the spectrum involves a dog that inherits the Bloodhound's stubborn independence and the Lab's high energy — creating a large, powerful animal that pulls relentlessly on leash following scent trails, ignores recall commands when nose-down, bays loudly at passing animals, and has the physical strength to drag an adult off their feet. Some Labloodhounds inherit the Bloodhound's wariness of strangers without the Lab's social buffer, which can manifest as aloofness or mild reactivity.
- Nose drive: Some will track obsessively (Bloodhound-dominant); others will check in with you frequently (Lab-dominant)
- Vocalization: Ranges from occasional barking to full Bloodhound baying that carries for blocks
- Water attraction: Lab-influenced dogs will seek every puddle and pond; Bloodhound-leaning dogs may be indifferent
- Food motivation: Both breeds are food-driven — expect this trait to be strong regardless of which parent dominates
- Separation tolerance: Labs generally handle alone-time better; Bloodhounds can develop anxiety if left too long
Coat, Shedding, and Grooming Needs
Neither parent breed offers low-shedding or hypoallergenic genetics. Both the Bloodhound and the Labrador have short, dense coats that shed consistently throughout the year, with heavier seasonal blows in spring and fall. The Labloodhound is not hypoallergenic and will not suit households with dog dander allergies.
Coat Type Possibilities
- Most common: Short, dense, slightly coarse outer coat with a softer undercoat — essentially a blend of both parents' coats. Colors include black, liver, red, yellow, or combinations with white markings.
- Bloodhound-leaning: Slightly looser skin around the face and neck, more pronounced flews (lip folds), possible wrinkle formation requiring daily cleaning to prevent yeast infections.
- Lab-leaning: Tighter face, sleeker coat with the Lab's characteristic "otter tail" — thick at the base and tapering.
Grooming Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times per week | Use a rubber curry brush or medium-bristle brush; increase to daily during seasonal shedding |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks | Bloodhound-leaning dogs may need more frequent baths due to drool and skin-fold odor |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly | Both breeds have floppy ears prone to infection — use a vet-recommended ear cleaner |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Heavy dogs put more pressure on nails; overgrown nails alter gait and stress joints |
| Skin fold care | Daily if wrinkled | Wipe folds with a damp cloth and dry thoroughly to prevent intertrigo (skin fold dermatitis) |
| Dental care | Daily brushing ideal | Both breeds prone to periodontal disease; use VOHC-approved dental chews as supplement |
If your Labloodhound inherits loose facial skin and prominent flews, invest in drool rags — Bloodhound-type drooling is not something you train away, it's a structural feature. Keep towels near the food and water bowls and wipe the face after meals and drinks.
Health Considerations: Inherited Conditions and the Hybrid Vigor Reality
Let's address a common misconception directly: hybrid vigor (heterosis) does not eliminate health risks in mixed-breed dogs. While crossbreeding can reduce the probability of inheriting recessive conditions that are concentrated within a single breed's gene pool, a Labloodhound can still inherit any condition that affects either parent breed. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes that mixed breeds carry risk for the same orthopedic, cardiac, and ophthalmologic conditions as their purebred parents — the odds may shift, but they don't disappear.
Conditions Inherited From the Bloodhound Side
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV / Bloat): Bloodhounds are among the highest-risk breeds for this life-threatening stomach torsion. Deep-chested Labloodhounds inherit this risk. Prophylactic gastropexy (stomach tacking surgery, typically $300–$800 when performed alongside spay/neuter) is worth discussing with your vet.
- Ectropion / Entropion: Eyelid conditions where lids roll outward (ectropion) or inward (entropion), causing chronic irritation or corneal damage. Surgical correction runs $500–$1,500 per eye.
- Hip Dysplasia: Present in both parent breeds but particularly prevalent in Bloodhounds. OFA data shows roughly 20–25% of Bloodhounds evaluated have dysplastic hips.
- Hypothyroidism: Autoimmune thyroiditis is documented in Bloodhound lines; requires lifelong thyroid hormone supplementation ($15–$30/month for medication).
Conditions Inherited From the Labrador Side
- Elbow Dysplasia: More prevalent in Labs than in many breeds. OFA data indicates approximately 10–12% of Labradors evaluated show elbow abnormalities.
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC): A genetic condition causing weakness and collapse during intense exercise. A DNA test ($65–$85 through the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory) can confirm carrier status.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Gradual vision loss; both breeds carry risk. Annual veterinary ophthalmologic exams are recommended.
- Obesity Predisposition: Labs carry a documented genetic variant (POMC gene mutation) linked to increased food motivation and obesity risk. Combined with the Bloodhound's size, weight management is critical.
- Unproductive retching, swollen abdomen, restlessness, or pacing after eating (possible bloat — this is a minutes-matter emergency)
- Sudden hind-end weakness or collapse during exercise
- Eye redness, squinting, or visible third eyelid protrusion
- Excessive drooling combined with lethargy or refusal to eat
Annual veterinary wellness exams should include hip and elbow evaluation (radiographs, $200–$400), ophthalmologic screening ($50–$100), and thyroid panel ($80–$150) starting at age two. Always consult your veterinarian about an appropriate screening schedule for your individual dog.
Exercise, Training, and Daily Life
A Labloodhound needs 60 to 90 minutes of structured exercise daily, but the type of exercise matters as much as the duration. These dogs thrive on activities that engage both body and nose.
Recommended Activities
- Scent work / nose games: Hide treats or toys in the yard and let your dog search. This burns mental energy faster than a two-mile walk and satisfies the Bloodhound tracking instinct.
- Long-line hikes: Use a 15–30 foot biothane long line in safe, open areas. Off-leash reliability is extremely difficult to achieve with a nose-driven dog — a Labloodhound on a scent trail will not hear your recall.
- Swimming: If the Lab genetics dominate, your dog will likely love water. Introduce swimming gradually and always supervise — a heavy-bodied dog with Bloodhound build may not be a natural swimmer and can fatigue quickly.
- Fetch and retrieving games: Lab-influenced dogs will retrieve endlessly. Use a ball launcher to save your shoulder.
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement methods exclusively — high-value food rewards (freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken), clicker marking, and short 5–10 minute sessions. The Bloodhound's independent streak means patience is essential. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or physical corrections — these damage trust and can trigger fear-based reactivity in a dog this size.
Start leash training early with a front-clip harness (such as the Ruffwear Front Range or Kurgo Tru-Fit). A 90-pound Labloodhound pulling on a flat collar can cause tracheal damage to themselves and shoulder injury to you. Teach "leave it" and "look at me" as foundational cues before introducing high-distraction environments.
Cost: What You'll Spend on a Labloodhound
Acquisition Costs
| Source | Price Range | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Intentional breeder (F1 cross) | $500–$1,500 | Health-tested parents, early socialization, health guarantee. These breeders are uncommon — most Labloodhounds are not intentionally bred. |
| Accidental litter / backyard breeder | $200–$600 | No health testing, unknown genetic history. Higher risk of inherited conditions. |
| Breed-specific rescue / shelter | $50–$400 | Often adult dogs of unknown mix. Check Bloodhound rescue networks and Lab rescue organizations — mixed dogs frequently end up in these programs. |
First-Year Cost Estimate
Beyond acquisition, budget for the following first-year expenses for a large-breed dog:
- Food (large-breed formula, 4–6 cups/day): $600–$1,000/year
- Veterinary care (initial exams, vaccines, spay/neuter, preventives): $800–$1,500
- Supplies (crate, harness, leash, bowls, bedding): $300–$600
- Training classes (puppy socialization + basic obedience): $200–$500
- Pet insurance (optional but recommended): $50–$90/month ($600–$1,080/year)
- Total estimated first-year cost: $2,500–$4,700+
Annual ongoing costs after year one typically range from $1,800 to $3,200 depending on your region, insurance choices, and whether chronic conditions develop.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Labloodhound
This Mix Suits You If:
- You have a securely fenced yard (minimum 6-foot fence — Bloodhounds are accomplished climbers and diggers when following a scent)
- You're an experienced dog owner comfortable handling a 70–100+ lb dog with strong pulling instinct
- You enjoy outdoor activities — hiking, camping, long walks — and want a canine partner
- You have patience for training a dog that may prioritize its nose over your commands
- You don't mind drool, shedding, and a dog that takes up significant couch space
- Your household includes older children (8+) who understand how to interact with a large dog respectfully
Consider a Different Breed If:
- You live in an apartment or have close neighbors who would be disturbed by deep baying
- You want a reliably off-leash hiking companion — this mix's scent drive makes off-leash freedom risky
- You have severe dog allergies (no mix of these two breeds is low-shedding)
- You're a first-time dog owner without access to professional training support
- You work long hours and the dog would be alone 8+ hours daily
- You want a compact travel companion — a 90-pound Labloodhound doesn't fit under an airline seat
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Labloodhound?
The Labloodhound is a cross between a purebred Bloodhound and a purebred Labrador Retriever. Most available dogs are F1 (first-generation) crosses, meaning one parent of each breed. Multigenerational breeding programs for this mix are extremely rare.
Is a Bloodhound mixed with Lab hypoallergenic?
No. Neither the Bloodhound nor the Labrador carries low-shedding or hypoallergenic genetics. A Labloodhound will shed moderately to heavily year-round and is not suitable for allergy sufferers. If you need a low-shedding large dog, consider a Standard Poodle cross instead.
How big will my Bloodhound-Lab mix get?
Most adult Labloodhounds weigh between 60 and 110 lb (27–50 kg) and stand 22 to 27 inches (56–69 cm) at the shoulder. Males tend toward the larger end. Growth continues through 18–24 months for many individuals.
Are Labloodhounds good with children?
Generally yes — both parent breeds are known for patience with children. However, a 90-pound dog can accidentally knock over a toddler, so supervise all interactions. Teach children not to pull ears or tail, and never leave any dog unsupervised with young children.
How long do Bloodhound-Lab mixes live?
Expect a lifespan of 10 to 13 years, consistent with both parent breeds. Larger individuals may trend toward the shorter end. Maintaining a lean body condition score (BCS 4–5 out of 9) is one of the most impactful things you can do to extend your dog's life — the AVMA cites obesity as a leading factor in reduced canine lifespan.
Can I train a Labloodhound off-leash?
Reliable off-leash recall is extremely difficult with this mix due to the Bloodhound's scent-tracking instinct. When a Labloodhound locks onto a scent trail, their hearing effectively shuts down — this is a hardwired neurological trait, not a training failure. Use long lines in open areas and secure fencing at home.
Do Labloodhounds drool a lot?
It depends on which parent's facial structure they inherit. Dogs with Bloodhound-type loose flews and jowls will drool significantly, especially after drinking or eating. Dogs with tighter Lab-type faces will drool minimally. You won't know for certain until the puppy matures past 6–8 months.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
