The Lab Pointer is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Pointer dog breeds. Energetic, loyal, and intelligent, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
Lab Pointers are also sometimes known as Pointerdors. 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 Lab Pointer to your home!
The Lab Pointer is a relatively low maintenance dog — but they’re also a very athletic breed that requires a large amount of outdoor space and time. This is a dog that thrives when living with a family based in rural areas rather than being cooped up in an apartment all day. They’re smart and train well, making them a solid option for new dog owners. The’re also a loving and sociable breed who will form strong and lasting bonds with the humans in their life.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
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.
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.
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:22 to 28 inchesWeight:35 to 80 poundsLife Span:10 to 15 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Lab Pointer is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Pointer parents.
- The most common colors of coat for a Lab Pointer are creamy white, brown, and black.
- Exercise and outdoor time is vital to the Lab Pointer. Walks should be on the longer side and you’ll definitely need access to an off-leash dog park or a safe place where dogs can run around freely.
- Lab Pointers can have a higher than usual prey drive, so make sure not to leave them unsupervised.
- As the Lab Pointer is a relatively low maintenance breed, you will only need to brush the dog occasionally; although during the hotter months, the breed will shed more, so you’ll need to up the frequency of brushing sessions.
- Lab Pointer dogs and children get on great together. They will form strong bonds and become playmates, but early training and socialization is very important.
History
The Lab Pointer is one of the newest mixed dog breeds around, with most estimates saying it came on the scene some time in the last decade.
Focusing on the dog’s parent breeds, the Labrador Retriever comes from Canada where they were used for hunting tasks before turning into an ideal guide dog. These days, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in the United States.
The Pointer hails from England, where they were bred for tracking and pointing purposes. They’re a fast and highly athletic breed, which helps give the Lab Pointer their energy.
The Lab Pointer 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 Lab Pointer to your home.
Size
The Lab Pointer 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 35 to 80 pounds and range in height from 22 to 28 inches.
Personality
The Lab Pointer is a loving and active dog. The mixed breed likes to be around humans and will want to take part in most of your daily activities. To that end, the dog does not do well left alone for long periods of time. So if you have a large and busy family, the Lab Pointer will fit in well with your schedule.
Exercise and outdoor time is vital to the Lab Pointer. Walks should be on the longer side and you’ll definitely need access to an off-leash dog park or a safe place where dogs can run around freely. Although, be warned. Lab Pointers can have a higher than usual prey drive, so make sure not to leave them unsupervised.
In general, Lab Pointers are loyal but not especially suited to being guard dogs. Instead, they’re a friendly and gentle mixed breed that will want to become a part of your family. If you have kids, all the better. They’ll quickly find a new best friend in the Lab Pointer.
Health
Lab Pointers are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Pointer face. As always, it’s important to schedule regular wellness visits with your dog’s vet.
Some of the more common health problems Lab Pointers suffer from include:
- Obesity
- Skin Problems
- Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Care
As with all dogs, it’s important to keep up your Lab Pointer’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.
The Lab Pointer needs a very high amount of exercise. You’ll should aim for close to an hour and a half’s worth of outdoor time each day. If you’re a hiker, make sure to bring your Lab Pointer along with you. If you come across water on your hike, the breed will love to go swimming. The Lab Pointer’s high prey drive also means that interactive toys are a must to keep the dog satisfied.
Weekly teeth brushing sessions should be implemented with a Lab Pointer. Your vet can help advise you about which brand of toothpaste is appropriate for your dog. You’ll also want to check paw pads and nails, especially after long outdoor sessions. Bathing your Lab Pointer only needs to be done if it comes back in a dirty state after an outdoor adventure.
Make sure to trim your dog’s nails regularly. They should not be clicking loudly against the floor. Make sure to check their ears for debris and pests, especially after spending time outdoors, and clean their ears regularly. Your vet can give you advice on how to do this at home.
Feeding
An ideal Lab Pointer diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy.
Lab Pointers need to stick to a healthy diet, as overeating can cause weight gain and associated health problems, especially if adequate exercise isn’t offered.
As with all dogs, the Lab Pointer’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 Lab Pointer’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
The most common colors of coat for a Lab Pointer are creamy white, brown, and black.
The Lab Pointer’s coat is usually somewhere between short and medium in length. It’s texture is straight and the coat is dense. As the Lab Pointer is a relatively low maintenance breed, you will only need to brush the dog occasionally; although during the hotter months, the breed will shed more, so you’ll need to up the frequency of brushing sessions.
In general, the Lab Pointer is an adaptable dog when it comes to climate. Just make sure to provide a suitable dog coat if the weather gets too frosty and your canine seems cold. Also, during hotter months, make sure shade and fresh water are always available during the outdoor sessions the mixed breed loves so much.
Children And Other Pets
Lab Pointer dogs and children get on great together. They will form strong bonds and become playmates, but early training and socialization is very important. Luckily, the Lab Pointer is a mixed breed that is relatively easy to train. Even with a well-trained dog, you should always supervise play time between kids and dogs so that neither party accidentally harms the other.
When it comes to existing household pets, the breed’s high prey drive might be an issue, especially with smaller animals. Make sure to properly introduce your Lab Pointer to any other pets and set boundaries right from the start. Also, avoid leaving the breed around other pets if you’re not able to supervise the interaction.
Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this mixed breed. Make sure to reward your Lab Pointer for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Lab Pointers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Pointer breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- PointerRescue.Org, Inc.
- Lucky Lab Rescue & Adoption
