Lab Bloodhound Cross: Complete Breed Profile, Traits & Care Guide
Everything you need to know about the Lab Bloodhound cross: size, temperament, coat types, health risks, grooming needs, costs, and whether this rare
What Is a Lab Bloodhound Cross?
The Lab Bloodhound cross — sometimes called a Labloodhound — is a designer mixed breed produced by crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Bloodhound. This is not a recognized breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any major registry. Instead, it falls into the category of intentional first-generation or multigenerational mixed breeds that combine two very different scent-hound and retriever lineages.
The result is a large, deep-chested dog with extraordinary olfactory ability, a strong prey drive, and a personality that can range from the Labrador's biddable enthusiasm to the Bloodhound's single-minded tracking focus. Because these parent breeds diverge significantly in temperament, energy patterns, and physical structure, Lab Bloodhound crosses are among the more variable designer mixes you'll encounter. Two puppies from the same litter can look and behave quite differently.
This guide breaks down what prospective owners should realistically expect — including the traits you can plan for and the ones that remain a genetic roll of the dice.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Labrador Retriever Meets Bloodhound
Understanding a Lab Bloodhound cross requires understanding each parent breed individually. Here's how they compare across the traits that matter most to daily life with your dog.
| Trait | Labrador Retriever | Bloodhound |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Sporting | Hound |
| Weight Range | 55–80 lb (25–36 kg) | 80–110 lb (36–50 kg) |
| Height at Shoulder | 21.5–24.5 in (55–62 cm) | 23–27 in (58–69 cm) |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 8–10 years |
| Coat Type | Short, dense double coat | Short, loose, wrinkled |
| Shedding | Heavy seasonal | Moderate, year-round |
| Energy Level | High — needs 60–90 min/day | Moderate — bursts of stamina |
| Trainability | Very high — eager to please | Low-moderate — independent thinker |
| Vocalization | Moderate barker | Howls, bay loudly |
| Nose/Scent Drive | Strong | Exceptional — ~300 million scent receptors |
The Labrador brings trainability, sociability, and a retrieving instinct. The Bloodhound contributes size, loose skin, a powerful bay, and arguably the most refined sense of smell in the entire canine world. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, Bloodhounds possess approximately 300 million olfactory receptors — more than any other breed — and this trait frequently shows up even in mixed offspring.
Size, Weight, and Physical Appearance
One of the most common questions about the Lab Bloodhound cross is how big these dogs get. Because the Bloodhound is substantially larger than the Labrador, expect considerable variation, especially in F1 (first-generation) litters.
| Measurement | Low End (Lab-dominant) | High End (Bloodhound-dominant) |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Weight | 60 lb (27 kg) | 100+ lb (45+ kg) |
| Height at Shoulder | 22 in (56 cm) | 27 in (69 cm) |
| Body Length (nose to tail base) | 30 in (76 cm) | 38 in (97 cm) |
| Time to Full Size | 12–15 months | 18–24 months |
Most Lab Bloodhound crosses land somewhere in the 70–90 lb (32–41 kg) range as adults. Males trend toward the upper end. Because Bloodhounds are a slow-maturing giant breed, don't be surprised if your cross continues filling out through 18 to 24 months. Feeding a large-breed puppy formula (look for AAFCO statements specifying growth for large breeds, with calcium content between 1.0–1.8% on a dry matter basis) helps manage the rapid growth that can stress developing joints.
Most Lab Bloodhound crosses you'll encounter are F1 — a direct first-generation cross between a purebred Lab and a purebred Bloodhound. This is different from designer breeds like Goldendoodles, where you commonly find F1B (backcrossed to one parent), F2 (two F1s bred together), and multigenerational lines.
The Lab Bloodhound cross has not developed established multigenerational breeding programs, meaning almost every puppy is an F1. This matters because F1 crosses tend to have the widest range of physical and temperamental expression — each puppy inherits a random mix of dominant and recessive traits from both parents without the stabilizing effect of multiple generations of selective breeding.
Coat Types, Shedding, and Grooming Needs
Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic or low-shedding, so a Lab Bloodhound cross will not be hypoallergenic. Anyone with dog allergies should plan for significant dander exposure with this mix.
Coat Possibilities
- Lab-dominant coat: Short, dense, water-resistant double coat with a harsh outer layer. Feels slightly oily to the touch. Common in black, yellow, or chocolate.
- Bloodhound-dominant coat: Short but softer, with loose, wrinkled skin especially around the face and neck. Typically black and tan, liver and tan, or red.
- Blended coat: Medium-length, moderately dense, with some facial wrinkling but not full Bloodhound-type folds. This is the most common outcome in F1 crosses.
Grooming Schedule
| Task | Frequency | Recommended Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3 times per week | Rubber curry brush (e.g., Kong ZoomGroom), undercoat rake during shedding season |
| Bathing | Every 6–8 weeks or as needed | Oatmeal-based dog shampoo; avoid human products |
| Ear Cleaning | Weekly (critical for floppy-eared dogs) | Veterinary ear wash; cotton balls — never Q-tips deep in canal |
| Nail Trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Guillotine or scissor-style clippers; grinder for large breeds |
| Wrinkle Care (if inherited) | Daily wipe if deep folds present | Unscented dog wipes; dry thoroughly to prevent yeast infection |
| Dental Care | Daily brushing ideal, minimum 3x/week | Dog-specific enzymatic toothpaste; VOHC-approved chews |
Ear care deserves special attention. Both Labs and Bloodhounds have pendant (drop) ears that restrict airflow and trap moisture, making otitis externa (outer ear infection) a frequent issue. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that drop-eared breeds have significantly higher rates of ear infections than prick-eared breeds. Weekly cleaning with a veterinarian-recommended ear wash is non-negotiable for this mix.
Temperament: Best-Case Scenarios and Challenges
The Lab Bloodhound cross inherits traits from two breeds with fundamentally different working styles. Labradors were bred to retrieve game on command and work closely with handlers. Bloodhounds were bred to follow a scent trail independently, often ignoring handler direction once locked onto a track. Your cross will fall somewhere on this spectrum.
Best-Case Temperament
When the mix balances well, you get a dog that is:
- Affectionate and bonded with family, including children
- Moderately trainable using food motivation and positive reinforcement
- Calm indoors with adequate daily exercise
- Alert to strangers without aggression — more likely to sniff a visitor than bark at one
- Social with other dogs when properly socialized during the 3–14 week critical period
Challenging Temperament Scenarios
When Bloodhound traits dominate, owners may encounter:
- Extreme scent fixation: The dog "goes deaf" when tracking a smell — recall becomes unreliable off-leash
- Stubborn independence: Known commands are ignored not out of defiance but because the dog is following its nose
- Loud vocalization: Bloodhound-style baying can reach 90+ decibels and travel long distances — problematic in apartments or close-neighborhood settings
- Destructive boredom: Without adequate mental stimulation (scent work, puzzle feeders, structured sniff walks), these dogs will find their own entertainment — often destructively
- Counter-surfing and food obsession: Both parent breeds are food-motivated; combined, this can mean a dog that will raid any unsecured food source
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
A common marketing claim for designer mixes is "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossbreeding eliminates inherited diseases. This is misleading. While heterosis (hybrid vigor) can reduce the risk of recessive genetic conditions that are concentrated within a single breed's gene pool, it does not eliminate conditions that both parent breeds share. The Lab Bloodhound cross is susceptible to any health issue found in either parent breed.
| Condition | Inherited From | Prevalence | Screening Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | Both breeds | Labradors: ~12%; Bloodhounds: ~21% (OFA data) | OFA or PennHIP radiographic evaluation at 24 months |
| Elbow Dysplasia | Both breeds | Labradors: ~11%; Bloodhounds: ~15% | OFA elbow radiographs |
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) | Both breeds (deep-chested) | Bloodhounds: high risk; Labs: moderate risk | No screening; preventive gastropexy discussed with vet |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Both breeds | Variable; Labs carry prcd-PRA gene | DNA test (Optigen or equivalent); CERF eye exam |
| Ectropion/Entropion (eyelid conditions) | Bloodhound | Common in Bloodhound lines | Veterinary ophthalmologic exam |
| Hypothyroidism | Labrador | ~4% of Labs tested (OFA) | Full thyroid panel (T4, free T4, TSH, autoantibodies) |
| Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) | Both breeds | Very high in drop-eared breeds | Regular veterinary ear cytology |
Bloat: A Critical Risk
Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), commonly called bloat, is a life-threatening emergency that disproportionately affects deep-chested, large-breed dogs. Both Labs and Bloodhounds are at elevated risk. A Lab Bloodhound cross inherits the body conformation that makes GDV possible.
According to research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the overall mortality rate for GDV is approximately 15–30%, even with surgical intervention. Know the signs: distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness, and pale gums. This is a surgical emergency — survival depends on reaching a veterinarian within hours.
Many owners of large, deep-chested dogs discuss prophylactic gastropexy (surgically attaching the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent torsion) with their veterinarian, often performed at the time of spay/neuter. Consult your veterinarian about whether this preventive procedure is appropriate for your individual dog.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation Requirements
This is not a low-energy lap dog. Lab Bloodhound crosses need structured daily activity, but the type of exercise matters as much as the duration.
- Physical exercise: 60–90 minutes per day, split into two sessions. Long leash walks, hiking, swimming (Labradors are natural swimmers), and supervised off-leash time in securely fenced areas.
- Mental stimulation: 20–30 minutes per day minimum. Scent work games, food puzzle toys (e.g., Kong Classic stuffed with frozen peanut butter, Outward Hound Nina Ottosson puzzles), hide-and-seek with treats, and structured sniffari walks where the dog leads and sniffs freely on a long line.
- Avoid: Repetitive high-impact exercise (like long-distance running on pavement) until growth plates close at approximately 18–24 months, especially given the hip and elbow dysplasia risk.
A 30-foot biothane long line (brands like Hound Safety or Mendota) is one of the most useful tools for this mix. It allows safe exploration and sniffing while maintaining control — critical for a dog that may not reliably recall when following a scent.
Cost: Purchase Price and Annual Care Budget
The Lab Bloodhound cross is relatively uncommon compared to designer breeds like Labradoodles or Goldendoodles. This affects both availability and pricing.
| Expense Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Purchase (from breeder) | $800 | $2,000 | Varies by region, breeder reputation, health testing |
| Adoption/Rescue Fee | $150 | $500 | Mixed-breed rescues; Lab or Hound breed-specific rescues |
| First-Year Veterinary Care | $1,200 | $2,500 | Vaccines, spay/neuter, heartworm prevention, hip/elbow screening |
| Annual Food (large-breed formula) | $600 | $1,100 | 60–90 lb dog eating 3.5–5 cups/day; premium kibble or balanced raw |
| Annual Preventive Medications | $300 | $600 | Heartworm, flea/tick (e.g., Simparica Trio, Bravecto) |
| Pet Insurance (annual premium) | $600 | $1,200 | Varies by deductible, coverage level, and dog's age at enrollment |
| Grooming Supplies & Services | $150 | $400 | Mostly DIY; occasional professional bath if needed |
| Training Classes | $200 | $600 | Group classes; private sessions for recall and scent-work foundation |
Realistically, budget $2,500–$4,500 for the first year (including puppy purchase) and $1,800–$3,500 annually thereafter. Emergency veterinary care for bloat or orthopedic surgery can add $3,000–$8,000 in a single incident — another reason pet insurance or a dedicated emergency fund is strongly recommended for large-breed owners.
Where to Find a Lab Bloodhound Cross
From breeders: Because this is not a mainstream designer breed, you won't find established multigenerational breeding programs. Most litters are intentional F1 crosses by small-scale breeders. Look for breeders who perform OFA hip, elbow, and eye clearances on both parent dogs and can provide documentation. Avoid breeders who cannot show health testing results or who have multiple litters available simultaneously.
From rescues: Lab mixes and Hound mixes are among the most common dogs in US shelters. Contact Lab-specific rescues (Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc.) or Hound rescues (American Bloodhound Club rescue network) and ask about known mixes. Many shelter dogs labeled as "Lab mix" or "Hound mix" may have the other breed in their background — a DNA test (Embark or Wisdom Panel, approximately $80–$200) can confirm parentage after adoption.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Lab Bloodhound Cross
- Active households with access to outdoor space — ideally a fenced yard of at least 1/4 acre
- Owners with prior large-breed dog experience
- Families interested in canine scent sports, tracking, or hunt tests
- Rural or suburban settings where baying won't disturb neighbors
- Patient trainers comfortable with a dog that may never achieve off-leash reliability
- Families with older children (8+) who can respect a large dog's space
- First-time dog owners expecting a "Labrador-like" easy trainability
- Apartment dwellers or homes with close neighbors sensitive to noise
- Households with very young children — a 90 lb dog with Bloodhound clumsiness can accidentally knock over toddlers
- Owners who want reliable off-leash hiking companions (scent drive makes this risky)
- Anyone seeking a hypoallergenic or low-shedding dog
- People who are away from home more than 6–8 hours daily without dog care arrangements
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up a Lab Bloodhound cross?
A Lab Bloodhound cross is a mixed breed produced by breeding a purebred Labrador Retriever with a purebred Bloodhound. It is an intentional designer cross, not a recognized breed, and most examples are F1 (first-generation) pairings.
How big will a Lab Bloodhound cross get?
Adult weight typically ranges from 60 to 100+ lb (27–45+ kg), with most dogs landing between 70–90 lb (32–41 kg). Height at the shoulder ranges from 22 to 27 inches (56–69 cm). Males tend to be larger. Full physical maturity takes 18–24 months due to the Bloodhound's slow-maturing genetics.
What will the temperament be like?
Temperament varies significantly between individual dogs. Best-case: a friendly, moderately trainable companion with strong scent interest but manageable focus. Challenging-case: a dog with extreme scent fixation that ignores commands when tracking, loud baying vocalization, and stubborn independence. Early socialization (3–14 weeks) and consistent positive reinforcement training shape outcomes, but genetics play a major role.
Is the Lab Bloodhound cross hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Neither the Labrador Retriever nor the Bloodhound carries hypoallergenic coat genetics. Lab Bloodhound crosses shed moderately to heavily year-round, with increased shedding during seasonal coat changes. They produce normal levels of dander and are not suitable for households with dog allergies.
What health issues might this mix inherit?
Key conditions include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat), progressive retinal atrophy, eyelid abnormalities (ectropion/entropion), hypothyroidism, and chronic ear infections. Ask breeders for OFA health clearances on both parent dogs. Consult your veterinarian about a screening schedule appropriate for your individual dog.
How much does a Lab Bloodhound cross cost?
From a breeder, expect to pay $800–$2,000 for a puppy. Adoption through a rescue typically costs $150–$500. First-year total costs (including veterinary care, food, supplies, and training) run $2,500–$4,500. Ongoing annual costs are approximately $1,800–$3,500.
Can a Lab Bloodhound cross live with cats or small animals?
It depends on the individual dog's prey drive and early socialization. Both Labs and Bloodhounds can coexist with cats when raised together, but the Bloodhound's prey drive is variable. Introduce carefully, supervise all interactions initially, and never leave small animals unsupervised with a dog that shows fixation or chase behavior.
How long do Lab Bloodhound crosses live?
Estimated lifespan is 9–12 years. The Labrador parent breed averages 11–13 years, while the Bloodhound averages 8–10 years. Mixed-breed dogs sometimes benefit from a modest longevity advantage over purebreds, but large body size remains the primary limiting factor. Maintaining a lean body condition score (BCS 4–5 on a 9-point scale) throughout life is one of the most impactful things owners can do to extend lifespan.
Beth Carrasco
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
