Labrador Mix with Chow
Everything about the Labrador mix with Chow: size, temperament, coat types, health risks, grooming, cost, and whether this crossbreed suits your family.
What Is a Labrador Mix with Chow (Lab Chow)?
The Labrador mix with Chow — commonly called the Lab Chow or Chowbrador — is a first-generation or multigenerational cross between two AKC-recognized purebreds: the Labrador Retriever and the Chow Chow. These two parent breeds sit at nearly opposite ends of the temperament spectrum, which makes this mix one of the more unpredictable designer crosses available.
Unlike Poodle-based crosses where breeders have spent decades stabilizing traits, the Lab Chow remains a niche pairing. Most litters are F1 (first-generation) crosses produced intentionally by small-scale breeders or, more commonly, the result of accidental breedings that land in rescue organizations. If you're researching this mix, you should expect significant variation in appearance, personality, and size — even among littermates.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Labrador Retriever vs. Chow Chow
Understanding each parent breed is the best way to anticipate what your Lab Chow might be like. Here's a direct comparison of the two foundation breeds:
| Trait | Labrador Retriever | Chow Chow |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Sporting | Non-Sporting |
| Weight Range | 55–80 lb (25–36 kg) | 45–70 lb (20–32 kg) |
| Height | 21.5–24.5 in (55–62 cm) | 17–20 in (43–51 cm) |
| Coat | Short, dense double coat | Rough (long) or smooth (short), very dense double coat |
| Shedding | Moderate year-round, heavy seasonal | Heavy seasonal blowouts |
| Temperament | Outgoing, eager to please, highly trainable | Aloof, independent, cat-like, wary of strangers |
| Energy Level | High — needs 60–90 min daily exercise | Low to moderate — 30–45 min daily |
| Trainability | Excellent — food and praise motivated | Challenging — requires patience, short sessions |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 8–12 years |
| Origin | Newfoundland, Canada (retrieving waterfowl) | Northern China (guarding, hunting, herding) |
The Labrador Retriever has held the top spot in AKC registrations for decades, prized for versatility in fieldwork, service roles, and family companionship. The Chow Chow, one of the oldest recognizable breeds (depicted in Chinese artifacts dating to the Han Dynasty), served as an all-purpose working dog before becoming a distinctive companion breed.
Size, Weight, and Physical Appearance
Because both parent breeds fall in the medium-to-large range, a Labrador mix with Chow will be a substantial dog. However, the exact size depends on which parent's frame the puppy favors and whether the Chow parent was rough-coated (typically slightly smaller) or smooth-coated.
| Measurement | Minimum | Maximum | Most Common Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 45 lb (20 kg) | 80 lb (36 kg) | 55–70 lb (25–32 kg) |
| Height (at shoulder) | 17 in (43 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 19–22 in (48–56 cm) |
Physical traits to watch for: Some Lab Chows inherit the Chow's signature blue-black tongue (a dominant trait linked to pigmentation genes), while others have the Labrador's pink tongue. The Chow's distinctive stilted gait, deep-set eyes, and broad skull may appear in varying degrees. Ear shape ranges from the Lab's floppy drop ears to the Chow's small, erect, rounded ears — or a semi-pricked middle ground.
Coat Types, Colors, and Shedding: Is This Mix Low-Shedding?
Coat possibilities include:
- Lab-like short coat: Dense, water-resistant topcoat over a soft undercoat. Lower maintenance but still a heavy shedder. Easier to brush with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush.
- Chow-like rough coat: Longer, coarser outer guard hairs over an extremely thick woolly undercoat. Requires daily brushing during shedding season. The mane-like ruff around the neck is a hallmark.
- Intermediate coat: Medium-length fur with moderate density — the most common outcome in F1 crosses. Feels plush and requires brushing 3–4 times per week.
Color range: Black, yellow/cream, chocolate (from the Lab side), or red, cinnamon, blue, and cream (from the Chow side). Solid colors are most common, but some individuals show subtle shading variations. The Chow's blue dilution gene (which produces the slate-gray "blue" coat) may or may not express in the offspring.
Grooming tools you'll need: An undercoat rake (such as the FURminator deShedding Tool for medium/large dogs, ~$35–$45), a slicker brush for the topcoat, and a high-velocity dryer for seasonal blowouts. Budget grooming salons charge $50–$85 for a de-shedding treatment on a dog this size; expect to visit every 6–8 weeks during peak shedding if you prefer professional help.
Temperament: What to Expect from a Lab Chow's Personality
This is where the Labrador mix with Chow becomes genuinely unpredictable. You're combining the most gregarious, people-pleasing breed in the sporting group with one of the most aloof, independent breeds in the non-sporting group. Individual puppies from the same litter can land at wildly different points on this spectrum.
Best-Case Temperament
- Friendly with family members, including respectful children
- Moderately trainable — responds to food motivation
- Calm indoors with adequate exercise
- Tolerant of strangers after brief introductions
- Loyal and affectionate without being clingy
- Alert but not reactive — barks at genuine alerts only
Challenging Temperament
- Strongly aloof or suspicious with strangers and guests
- Stubborn — disengages from training sessions
- Resource guarding tendencies (food, toys, people)
- Same-sex dog aggression (common in Chow lineage)
- Low frustration tolerance — may snap when handled against will
- High prey drive with poor recall
Socialization is non-negotiable. The Chow Chow's natural wariness, if not counterbalanced by early positive exposure, can develop into fear-based reactivity or territorial aggression. Begin structured socialization between 8 and 16 weeks of age, exposing the puppy to diverse people, surfaces, sounds, and other dogs using positive reinforcement methods recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Never use force, punishment, or dominance-based techniques — these reliably backfire with Chow-influenced dogs.
Training approach: Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes), use high-value food rewards (freeze-dried liver, boiled chicken), and end on a success. If your Lab Chow leans heavily toward the Chow temperament, consider working with a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) experienced with independent breeds. Group classes at big-box pet stores often move too fast for these dogs; private or small-group sessions work better.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor, Myths, and Real Risks
Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly: crossing two purebreds does not automatically produce a healthier dog. Hybrid vigor (heterosis) provides the greatest benefit when the parent breeds carry different recessive disease genes — reducing the chance of offspring inheriting matching copies. However, when both parent breeds share susceptibility to the same conditions, the cross inherits those risks just the same.
Both Labrador Retrievers and Chow Chows are predisposed to several overlapping conditions. A Lab Chow can inherit any combination of the following:
| Condition | Labrador Risk | Chow Chow Risk | Lab Chow Concern |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip Dysplasia | High — ~12% of Labs per OFA data | Moderate — ~7% of Chows | Elevated — both breeds affected |
| Elbow Dysplasia | High — ~12% of Labs | Low | Moderate — primarily from Lab side |
| Entropion (eyelid rolling) | Low | High — deep-set eyes predispose | Moderate — watch for eye irritation |
| Obesity | Very high — Labs are notoriously food-driven | Moderate | High — monitor body condition score |
| Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) | Moderate — deep-chested breed | Low | Moderate if Lab build is inherited |
| Hypothyroidism | Moderate | Moderate | Elevated — both breeds affected |
| Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Tears | Moderate | Moderate — steeper stifle angle | Moderate to high |
Recommended health screening for breeders: Any responsible breeder producing Lab Chows should provide OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) or PennHIP clearances for hips, elbow radiographs, and a recent CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) eye exam for both parent dogs. If you're adopting from a rescue, request whatever veterinary records are available and budget $300–$600 for baseline screening within the first year: hip/elbow X-rays ($150–$300), a thyroid panel ($80–$150), and a general wellness bloodwork panel ($100–$200).
When to consult your veterinarian: Limping that persists beyond 48 hours, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, visible eye irritation or squinting, sudden weight gain without dietary changes, or any episode of unproductive retching with a distended abdomen (bloat — this is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care).
Generations Explained: F1, F1B, and Multigen Lab Chows
Generation Terminology
- F1 (First Generation): One purebred Lab × one purebred Chow. This is the most common Lab Chow type. Maximum genetic diversity but highest trait unpredictability.
- F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 Lab Chow bred back to one of the parent breeds (usually the Lab for a more tractable temperament). Produces puppies that are 75% one breed and 25% the other.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Lab Chows bred together. Increases genetic variability in the litter — some puppies may strongly resemble one grandparent breed.
- Multigen (F3+): Multiple generations of Lab Chow × Lab Chow breeding. Extremely rare for this particular cross — unlike Labradoodles or Goldendoodles, there is no established multigen Lab Chow breeding program of note.
In practice, the overwhelming majority of Labrador mixes with Chows you'll encounter are F1 crosses. This cross has not developed a stabilized breeding community the way Poodle mixes have. That means you're almost always dealing with a first-generation pairing where trait prediction is a genuine gamble.
Cost, Availability, and Where to Find a Lab Chow
From a breeder: Because this isn't a mainstream designer mix, intentional Lab Chow litters are uncommon. Breeders who do produce them typically charge $500–$1,200 per puppy — significantly less than trendy Doodle crosses. However, be cautious: some breeders market "rare designer mixes" at inflated prices without performing health testing on parent dogs. Insist on seeing OFA certificates and ask to meet both parents.
From rescue or shelter: Lab Chows appear in shelters more often than you might expect, usually from accidental breedings or owner surrenders when the dog's temperament proved more challenging than anticipated. Adoption fees typically range from $150–$400 and usually include spay/neuter, initial vaccinations, and microchipping. Search Petfinder.com using "Labrador" and "Chow Chow" as breed filters, or contact Chow Chow-specific rescues such as Chow Chow Welfare — they frequently take in Chow mixes.
First-year budget estimate for a Lab Chow:
- Purchase/adoption: $150–$1,200
- Spay/neuter (if not included): $300–$600
- Initial vaccinations (DHPP, rabies, bordetella): $150–$250
- Baseline health screening: $300–$600
- High-quality food (AAFCO complete & balanced, large-breed formula): $500–$800/year
- Preventive medications (heartworm, flea/tick): $250–$450/year
- Grooming supplies or professional sessions: $200–$500/year
- Training (group classes or private): $200–$600
- Pet insurance (recommended): $500–$900/year for comprehensive coverage
Total first-year estimate: $2,550–$5,900, depending on acquisition source and your region's veterinary costs.
Who Is the Labrador Mix with Chow Best Suited For?
This mix is not a beginner-friendly dog. The combination of potential stubbornness, wariness with strangers, and moderate-to-high exercise needs makes the Lab Chow a better fit for specific households:
- Experienced dog owners who have handled independent or strong-willed breeds before — ideally someone familiar with Chow Chows, Akitas, or similar spitz-type temperaments.
- Adults-only or older-children households — the Chow's low tolerance for rough handling means this mix is not ideal for families with toddlers or very young children. Kids aged 10+ who understand canine body language can work well.
- Homes with fenced yards — these dogs need safe off-leash space but may have unreliable recall, making a securely fenced area (minimum 5-foot fence for the larger individuals) essential.
- Patient trainers willing to invest in ongoing socialization and positive reinforcement training through the dog's first two years at minimum.
- Single-dog or opposite-sex dog households — Chow lineage often brings same-sex dog aggression. A Lab Chow may do best as the only dog or paired with an opposite-sex companion.
Who should consider a different breed: First-time dog owners, families wanting a reliably easy-going family dog, apartment dwellers without easy outdoor access, or anyone who entertains frequently and needs a dog that greets every guest warmly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up the Lab Chow?
The Lab Chow is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and a purebred Chow Chow. Both are AKC-recognized breeds with distinct histories — the Lab originated in Newfoundland as a fishing and retrieving dog, while the Chow Chow traces back over 2,000 years to northern China as a multi-purpose working breed.
How big will a Labrador mix with Chow get?
Most Lab Chows reach 55–70 lb (25–32 kg) and stand 19–22 inches (48–56 cm) at the shoulder. However, the full range spans from 45 lb (20 kg) on the small end to 80 lb (36 kg) for individuals that strongly favor the Labrador parent's larger frame. Growth typically plateaus between 12 and 18 months of age.
What will the temperament of a Lab Chow be like?
Unpredictable by nature. You may get a dog that's friendly and moderately trainable (Lab-dominant), one that's aloof and stubborn (Chow-dominant), or something in between. Early socialization from 8–16 weeks and consistent positive reinforcement training are essential regardless of which temperament emerges. Plan for the more challenging end of the spectrum.
Is a Lab Chow hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Both Labrador Retrievers and Chow Chows are heavy-shedding double-coated breeds. A Lab Chow will shed moderately year-round with intense seasonal coat blows. There is no low-shedding variant of this cross. Regular brushing (3–5 times weekly) and professional de-shedding treatments help manage but do not eliminate shedding.
What health issues might a Lab Chow inherit?
The most significant shared risks are hip dysplasia, obesity, and hypothyroidism. From the Lab side, watch for elbow dysplasia and bloat (GDV). From the Chow side, entropion (inward-rolling eyelids) and stifle problems are concerns. Responsible breeding with OFA health clearances on both parents reduces — but does not eliminate — these risks. Consult your veterinarian for breed-appropriate screening protocols.
How much does a Labrador mix with Chow cost?
From a breeder, expect to pay $500–$1,200 for a Lab Chow puppy. Adoption from a rescue or shelter typically costs $150–$400. Factor in first-year expenses of $2,550–$5,900 total when including veterinary care, food, grooming, training, and preventive medications.
Can I find a Lab Chow in a rescue?
Yes — this mix appears in shelters and rescues with some regularity, often surrendered when owners underestimate the Chow-influenced temperament. Search Petfinder using both breed filters, and check with breed-specific Chow Chow rescues, which frequently intake Chow mixes. Adopting an adult Lab Chow (2+ years) has the advantage of a known temperament — you can assess the dog's personality before committing.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
