The Chabrador is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Chow Chow and Labrador Retriever dog breeds. Loyal, friendly, and independent, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
Chabradors are also known as Lab Chows and, sometimes, Chowbradors. You can find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to always adopt! Don’t shop if you’re looking to add a Chabrador to your home!
Chabradors make excellent family pets if you’re searching for a canine who’s equal parts companion and guard dog. These dogs also take some of the lower maintenance traits of their parent breeds, requiring much less in the way of grooming and exercise needs than the Chow Chow and Labrador Retriever respectively.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:18 to 24 inchesWeight:45 to 80 poundsLife Span:9 to 13 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Chabrador is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Chow Chow or Labrador Retriever parents.
- In general, you’ll likely find Chabradors coming in colors that include light tan, black, gold, cream, blue, and a reddish brown. The coats are usually solid, although spotting is sometimes present.
- Chabradors posses dense, double-layered, waterproof coats that are short to medium in length. This breed is a shedder. You’ll need to take up brushing sessions at least twice a week.
- The Chabrador can be a snappy canine when undertaking guard dog duties. They are also often wary when strangers approach them for the first time.
- A well-trained Chabrador can be a great addition to a family and will form strong and loyal bonds with your kids. Their guardianship instincts will also kick in if strangers are around.
- In general, Chabradors need moderate amounts of exercise. As long as you can commit to regular walking sessions, these dogs can usually adapt to living in smaller home situations.
History
The Chabrador’s parental heritage is very esteemed and revered.
On the Chow Chow side, we’re talking about one of the oldest dog breeds that dates back over 2,000 years to China, where they were especially beloved by ancient emperors. These dogs were often employed to guard sacred temples, and their scenting abilities were used in hunts.
Over on the Labrador Retriever side, this breed originated in Canada and was originally known as the St. John’s Dog. Skilled hunting and working dogs, the Labrador Retriever is often cited as the most popular dog in the USA today.
The Chabrador has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. So consider contacting your local rescue groups and shelters if you’re thinking about adding the Chabrador to your home.
Size
The Chabrador is usually described as a medium-sized dog. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary.
Most weigh in at 45 to 80 pounds and range in height from 18 to 24 inches. Female Chabradors are usually marginally smaller than their male counterparts.
Personality
Let’s make no mistake–Chabradors can be feisty when the occasion calls for it. Due to their parental breeds historically being used in hunting and guarding activities, the Chabrador can be a snappy canine when undertaking guard dog duties. They are also often wary when strangers approach them for the first time.
But when it’s time to relax, the breed makes a great family dog who loves to be around people they’ve gotten to know and enjoys human companionship. The breed’s serious side, however, means that accurate and appropriate training from the start is imperative.
The Chabrador is a smart breed that learns very quickly. Adding interactive toys to regular play sessions can really benefit the development of this breed.
In general, Chabradors need moderate amounts of exercise. As long as you can commit to regular walking sessions, these dogs can usually adapt to living in smaller home situations that might not have unfettered outdoor access.
Health
Chabradors are generally considered to be healthy dogs–although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Chow Chow and Labrador Retriever face. As always, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your dog’s vet.
Some of the more common health problems Chabradors suffer from include:
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Cataracts
- Patellar Luxation
- Hip Dysplasia
Care
As with all dogs, it’s important to keep up your Chabrador’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Despite the Labrador Retriever having a reputation as an exceptionally active dog, Chabradors are happy and healthy with moderate amounts of exercise. Aiming for about 60 minutes of activity time each day should see you good–although it should be noted that the Chabrador can be a very enthusiastic walking and playtime partner, so be prepared to keep things upbeat!
Satisfying the breed’s innate intelligence also means that interactive toys and variety in playtime is key.
When it comes to maintenance, pay special attention to your Chabrador’s ears. It’s vital to keep them dry and clean–otherwise you can risk infection. Ask your vet if you need guidance on how best to care for this breed’s ears. Trim nails if they get too long. They should not click loudly against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
Feeding
An ideal Chabrador diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with medium energy.
Chabradors need to stick to a heathy diet, as overeating can cause weight gain and associated health problems.
As with all dogs, the Chabrador’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Chabrador’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
In general, you’ll likely find Chabradors coming in colors that include light tan, black, gold, cream, blue, and a reddish brown. The coats are usually solid, although spotting is sometimes present.
Chabradors posses dense, double-layered, waterproof coats that are short to medium in length. This breed is a shedder. You’ll need to take up brushing sessions at least twice a week to lessen the chances of mats developing and to keep things clean and healthy. When it comes to bath time, once a month should usually suffice.
With such a special thick coat, the Chabrador understandably does not thrive in hotter and more humid climates. But if you live in a place with strong winters, the Chabrador might very well become a perfect outdoor walking companion for your lifestyle!
Children And Other Pets
A well-trained Chabrador can be a great addition to a family and will form strong and loyal bonds with your kids. Their guardianship instincts will also kick in if strangers are around. However, it’s is absolutely vital that this breed undergoes properly-structured and responsible training at the earliest age.
When it comes to other pets, the Labrador Retirever heritage of the Chabrador can often result in the breed deciding to chase after smaller animals. Supervise early interactions if you have an existing family pet, and always exercise caution.
Ultimately, early socialization pays off–so make sure to reward your Chabrador for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when you bring them home to your family.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Chabradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Chow Chow or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Chow Chow Rescue of Central New York, Inc.
- Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption
