Lab-Pointer

The Lab-Pointer is a mixed breed developed by crossing the Labrador Retriever and Pointer. This medium-sized dog has bright almond-shaped eyes, floppy ears, and a broad head.

Lab Pointer Pictures

History

Though not much is known about its origination, this new breed has obtained recognition by the American Canine Hybrid Club as well as a few other clubs that recognize designer breeds. It also possesses the bird-hunting trait, similar to its parent, Pointer, who was referred to as a “bird dog” because of its immense skill of hunting game birds.

Temperament

These energetic, sweet-tempered dogs have a pleasant and courteous disposition. Being fond of playing, they can get highly possessive as far as their toys are concerned. Though gentle and loving, they have an independent nature, not requiring too much attention, unlike other breeds. Moreover, separation from their owners for some time will not have a great impact on them.

Having a loyal nature, they are extremely devoted to their masters, trying all means to please them. The Lab-Pointer behaves calmly with other canine breeds, also being friendly with children provided they are not rough with it. Another interesting trait this breed has inherited from the Pointer is its brilliant sense of smell that makes it alert on sniffing something unusual or encountering any unfamiliar face.

Care

• Exercise

• Grooming

• Health Problems

It is essential to make them exercise regularly to maintain a good physical and mental health. To channelize its high energy levels in a positive way, owners should take their pets out on a walk two times in a day or make them run daily. Lab-Pointer puppies are more active compared to the older dogs as the latter tend to calm down with age, preferring to be indoors.

Requiring less grooming, their short or medium-length coat should be brushed once or twice a week to keep off dead hairs. Bathe the dog when dirty to prevent them from getting too smelly. Cleaning their ears will minimize chances of infection.

This hardy breed has no known health problems as such. However, it might be prone to certain common ailments suffered by its parents like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataract, cherry eyes and allergies (of Pointer) as well as dysplasia, luxating patella, hereditary myopathy and deafness (of Labrador). It may even suffer from some of the common dog diseases.

Training

The English pointer-lab mix is convenient to train though it sometimes becomes a mammoth task to obtain their attention. Therefore, they need a firm and tactful trainer who will handle them in a patient, thoughtful and gentle way, tempting them to follow his commands through rewards and incentives.

Socialization and obedience training are also to be imparted to help them come out of their timid nature and mingle well with strangers, children as well as other pets. If kept as only pets and not for hunting then owners should make a conscious effort to keep their chasing instinct under control.

Feeding

Give your dog between 1.5 and 2.5 cups of dry dog food on a daily basis. Moreover, they should also be provided a nutritious diet to meet their protein and mineral requirement.