What results from breeding a Labrador Retriever and a Staffordshire Bull Terrier?
A Labrastaff, of course!
These dogs, also known as Staffadors, Lab Staffies, or Staffy lab crosses, are the perfect mix between the loyal Labrador Retriever and the lovable Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
This fact alone should give you a solid indication of what the Labrastaff is capable of and whether it will stick by your side as a devoted buddy.
If you are still unsure, we will go over more of this breed's characteristics and traits in the following sections to clear up any misgivings you may have.
Without further ado, let’s get to know more about the Staffador dog!
Labrastaff History
Labrastaffs are very recent hybrid dogs. Thus there isn't much solid data available regarding their historical past.
But the dog’s parent breeds are another matter altogether.
The Labrador Retriever
In the 1700s, Labrador retrievers—originally known as St. John's dogs after the capital of Newfoundland—served as companions and assistants to the community's fishermen.
The dog's utility and pleasant temperament caught the attention of outsiders, and English sportsmen brought a few Labs to their country to use as hunting retrievers.
The Labrador Retriever was recognized as a unique breed by the Kennel Club in 1903 after the breed thrived in England.
In 1917, the AKC adopted a similar policy, and in the 1920s and 1930s, British Labs were brought to the United States to help create the breed.
After World War II, the popularity of the breed began to soar.
In 1991, the Labrador Retriever surpassed all other breeds to win the top spot among AKC-registered dogs, a title they've held ever since.
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the forerunner of the Staffy, was created in Staffordshire, England, around the start of the 19th century.
Early Staffies were bred for the harsh bull-baiting sport, in which dogs tried to choke and restrain a bull by grasping its nose and dragging it down.
When England outlawed bull-baiting in 1835, owners preserved their dogs' devoted and brave characteristics.
While some Staffies were kept for dog fighting, many Staffies found new paths as beloved family pets or working dogs.
The reputation of the Staffy changed when people became aware of the close relationship they might develop with their human friends.
Staffy Lab Cros-s Appearance
The Lab Staffy mix is a medium-sized dog.
They might not all look the same as a unique breed, and there is no standard size for them.
If you've read any of our articles on other mixed breeds, we often talk about how the dominant parent gene may affect the size of the pups.
For the coat, the common colors are black, brown, and brindle. They may also have amber, hazel, or brown eyes.
The physique should be athletic and muscular, with the head typically broad, like in Labradors.
The tail is typically thick at the base and tampered at the end, while the ears typically droop down.
In addition, the Labrador Staffy cross will have large chests, strong necks, and powerful jaws.
So far, the Labrastaff dog comes in sizes up to 24 inches and weighs between 40 and 80 pounds.
Labrastaff Temperament
Who wouldn’t love a perfect-sized dog with high tolerance levels?
If you love medium-sized dogs that are soft around kids, then a Lab Staffy mix is for you.
They are kind and devoted to their family, and they will warn you if they notice any danger.
The Labrastaff dog is also amiable that’s not prone to aggression.
Normally, they don't bark at visitors, but they might if they sense unease or danger.
What’s more, they are smart and quick learners that are simple to train, making them a great addition to any household.
It is fine to let a Lab Staff mix alone in your home with other dogs as long as they are all behaved and your Labrastaff is calm.
But keep in mind that your Labrastaff would rather be with people than be left alone for an extended period of time.
We recommend you provide a secure, fenced-in outside space.
This way, kids at home and Fido may play joyfully in the afternoons!
Labrador Staffy Cross Training
If you’re wondering whether it’s easy to train a Labrastaff dog, our answer is—without a doubt—yes!
Both parent breeds have sharp minds and are eager to please their owners.
The good news is that even inexperienced owners ought to be able to quickly train their Staffy lab cross to behave properly as an adult.
However, note that the young of both parent types are rowdy and mouthy.
When enthusiastic, they have the potential to damage, knocking over objects.
Also, the Labrador puppy's teeth are razor-sharp, even when it's just playing or not trying to hurt someone.
Both of these breeds are known for pulling on the leash, so either start early in training or invest in a good harness for powerful pullers.
Consider hiring a dog trainer if you need assistance with a training session. It pays off in the long run!
Labrastaff Exercise
If there is one thing you should remember after reading this article, it is that the Labrastaff dog is not suitable for couch potatoes.
Both parent breeds are high-energy, so if you're thinking about acquiring one, be ready to provide the appropriate exercise.
You can expect a daily off-leash stroll of 1–2 hours.
Expect this mixed breed to like the water as much as Labradors do. Along with extensive walks and indoor activities, they will love swimming in pools or lakes!
You should also provide your Labrastaff with lots of brain exercises in the form of puzzles, games, and other activities.
Without them, your Staffy Lab mix may grow restless, agitated, and hostile.
Remember that a dog with enough exercise is calmer and gentler inside the house.
Lab Staffy Mix Grooming
Although neither of the parent breeds has a long coat, Staffadors descended from Labradors will require a little maintenance.
To keep your Labrastaff dog's coats healthy and free of mats and tangles, give them a brief brush daily.
On the other hand, dogs who have more Staffy pedigree will require less grooming. Their short coats won't require much upkeep.
Although, checking them regularly is still good because the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is known for having skin problems.
Of course, don’t forget to clean their ears to keep them free of wax and debris.
Brushing with the proper grooming equipment daily will also keep your Lab Staffy mix from developing gum or periodontal disease.
Labrastaff Health
Did you know that Staffies live a little longer than Labs?
The Staffy is a bit healthier than the Labrador, so hopefully, that will also pass to the litter.
Labrastaffs are typically healthy dogs, although predisposed to some diseases their parent breeds encounter.
Some of the most prevalent health issues that your Lab Staffordshire Terrier mix may have are:
Bloat
Unfortunately, Labradors and other dogs with deep chests are more susceptible to bloat than other breeds.
WebMD says it occurs when your canine friend's stomach becomes bloated due to the presence of gas, food, or liquids.
Among the serious issues caused by the stomach's strain on other organs are:
- A harder time breathing
- A tear in the wall of the stomach
- A decrease in blood flow to their heart and stomach lining
Vets aren’t sure what causes bloat, but some situations make your dogs more susceptible.
- Eating quickly
- Having one big meal a day
- Eating or drinking too much
- Eating from a raised food bowl
- A lot of running or playing after they eat
Epilepsy
This mixed breed can experience reactive, primary, or secondary seizures.
The brain's response to a metabolic issue such as low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin results in reactive seizures.
On the other hand, trauma, stroke, or brain cancer can all cause secondary seizures.
The condition is primary or idiopathic epilepsy if no other cause can be identified.
Staffordshire Bull Terriers are frequently affected by this genetic health issue.
According to The Kennel Club, there are three primary signs of canine epileptic seizures:
- Irregular attacks that start and finish very suddenly
- Jerking or shaking movements and muscle twitching
- Attacks that appear similar each time and have a repetitive clinical pattern
RELATED: Seizures and Your Dog: Understanding the Different Types of Canine Seizures
Cataracts
A study says that Jack Russell Terriers and Labrador Retrievers are two of the most popular and cataract-prone dog breeds in the UK.
Your four-legged companion may have a cataract if it looks to have a cloudy-looking substance in its eye.
Your dog may exhibit the following symptoms of vision loss:
- Clumsiness
- Hesitant to walk downstairs
- Barking at inanimate objects
- Walking with nose to the ground
- Flinches when you pet near the eye
- Bumping into furniture, door frames, and walls
Unfortunately, this mixed breed may eventually go completely blind if the cataract continues to spread to more of his eyes.
A successful method to remove cataracts and improve vision is usually corrective surgery.
Dr. Kelly Knickelbein (American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists) says,
“The ideal time to perform cataract surgery is before the cataract becomes mature, as more advanced cataracts (mature and hyper-mature) are more likely to cause lens-induced intraocular inflammation, instability, and loss of lens capsule integrity.”
Overweight
Unfortunately, compared to other dog breeds, Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to be more motivated by food and are more likely to be obese.
In some Labs, high-calorie intake and insufficient exercise are likely to blame for the weight increase
However, some researchers have found that Labs have a DNA mutation connected to weight gain.
The mutation can make it impossible for them to satiate their desire and heighten their obsession with eating.
Sadly, it has been discovered that even mild obesity can shorten a dog's lifespan by nearly two years.
PetMD says it can aggravate a wide range of diseases in your furry buddy, including:
- Arthritis
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Respiratory compromise
- Abnormal response to insulin
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common diseases that affect Staffies.
It is a hereditary condition that leads to arthritis by causing the joints to develop improperly.
Large-breed dogs are more susceptible to the condition.
According to AKC, this hereditary tendency can be amplified by factors including rapid growth, workout style, and imbalanced nutrition.
Although canine hip dysplasia occasionally goes unnoticed, frequent symptoms include:
- Having trouble standing
- Abnormal sitting positions
- Limping with no previous injury
- “Bunny hopping” when running
Elbow Dysplasia
The most typical cause of forelimb lameness in young, big, and huge breed dogs is elbow dysplasia.
Our dog’s elbow joint is made up of three bones: the radius, ulna, and humerus.
According to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, lameness and arthritis can come from these three bones' inability to fit together properly due to unusual growth.
Fortunately, your vet may suggest a nonsurgical course of action if Fido's dysplasia is not severe.
The vet might advise the following, depending on your canine friend's situation:
- Physical therapy
- Joint supplements
- Joint fluid modifiers
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Your pawed buddy can become blind from a genetic condition called progressive retinal atrophy.
Although PRA can result in complete blindness, the loss of vision it causes is gradual.
As a result, PRA may first go unnoticed by dog parents.
Breeds seen most commonly at Animal Eye Care with PRA are Labradors, Poodles, and Australian Cattle dogs.
VCA Animal Hospitals says the type of disease and the breed will affect how quickly the condition develops.
In most cases, your dog often loses all vision over the course of one to two years.
Staffy Lab Cross Feeding
The best food for your Labrastaff is raw food.
A natural, whole-food diet will keep your dog healthy and content and avoid common diseases, including joint, dental, and digestive problems.
Plus, their food should be balanced and suitable for their life stage and energy requirements.
This consists of veggies, berries, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein.
One important point to note: your Staffy Lab mix should abstain from overeating in any circumstance that causes excessive weight gain.
Labrastaff Dog Breed: FAQs
What is a Labrastaff?
The Labrador Retriever and American Staffordshire Terrier are crossed to create the hybrid breed known as the Labrastaff.
They are extremely smart, devoted, and loving. Due to its laid-back disposition, the Labrador Staffy cross is also suitable for new owners.
How long does Labrastaff live?
Labrastaffs are known to live for 10 to 14 years on average.
Unlike other breeds, if properly cared for in a healthy environment, it can live up to 18 years.
Your Lab Staffy mix, however, is prone to some conditions passed down from its parents' breeds, such as bloat, cataracts, and hip dysplasia.
Is Staffordshire a bully breed?
The bully breed refers to a broad category of terrier-type dogs, including American Pit Bull Terriers, Bull Terriers, Bullmastiffs, and Staffordshire Terriers.
This relates to their shared history as fighters and guard dogs strong enough to face a bull.
Labrastaff Dog Breed: Takeaways
Labrastaffs are loving and obedient family dogs that like physical activity and mental challenges.
However, remember that they are intelligent enough to cause problems if they become bored, so keeping them active will keep them happy and out of trouble.
If you enjoy jogging around the neighborhood, they can be great running companions.
They love the outdoors, so you should take them on hiking excursions too!
If you're seeking a low-maintenance dog that gets along well with children, a Staffador might be the best option.
All you’ll need to do is feed them the right foods and cultivate healthy behaviors from a young age.
If all mentioned fit your lifestyle, we promise you will enjoy spending time with your Labrastaff!
