Labrador and Hunting Dog Cross: Appearance, Character, and Abilities
Labrador and Hunting Dog Cross: Appearance, Character, and Abilities
Written by Silvia Capelli
September 5, 2023
Hunting dogs have always been reliable and indispensable companions for hunting enthusiasts.
In recent years, crossbreeding has led to the creation of hybrid dogs with unique characteristics and adaptability to various situations.
Among the most popular options are crosses between Labrador and various hunting breeds such as Setters, Hounds, Pointers, Bretons, and Spinones.
Because, even though few know it, the Labrador is a hunting dog with well-defined characteristics, particularly suitable for water retrieval.
In this article, we will explore the appearance, character, hunting abilities, and potential diseases of these crosses.
We will also discuss the ideal diet for Labrador and hunting dog crosses and the importance of training.
Labrador Setter Cross: A Blend of Affection and Hunting Passion
The Labrador Setter crossbreed combines two breeds known for their friendly temperament and innate passion for ground hunting and water retrieval.
Ideal Hunting Activity
Setters are known for their "pointing" and "retrieving" abilities. In hunting, the Setter quietly approaches the game and stands still (points) as soon as it finds it, with its tail held high and its nose pointed at the target.
This allows the hunter to approach and prepare for the shot. After the hunter has fired, the Setter retrieves the game (retrieves) and brings it back to the hunter.
The Labrador is known for its excellent "retrieving" abilities. During hunting, the Labrador can retrieve downed game, such as waterfowl or small animals, and bring it back to the hunter without damaging it.
This ability is particularly valuable in waterfowl hunting, where the Labrador can retrieve game from the water even in challenging conditions.
Thanks to its waterproof coat and affinity for water, the Labrador is often employed in waterfowl hunting. It can swim and retrieve game even in cold and difficult waters.
Moreover, Labradors can be trained to search for and locate game in various types of terrain. Their intelligence and keen sense of smell make them skilled at tracking and finding wounded animals.
They are often used in wild pigeon hunting, thanks to their ability to find and retrieve these small prey.
For this reason, Labrador and Setter crosses are ideal for pointing and retrieving activities, both on land and in water.
Appearance
Labrador Setter crosses often exhibit a variety of coat colors, including black, chocolate, and yellow.
Their coat can be either long or short, but they typically inherit the density and shine typical of Labradors.
The average size of this cross makes these dogs agile and fast, ideal for active hunting.
The Labrador Setter mix can differ depending on the parental Setter breed:
Irish Setter Labrador Retriever mix (Irish Setter): the coat may be light, black, chocolate, or red like that of the Irish Setter, or an intermediate shade.
English Setter Labrador Mix: the coat may tend to be lighter, black, chocolate, and/or with the classic Setter spots in different colors.
Gordon Setter Labrador Mix (or Scottish Setter Labrador Mix): the coat will be light, black, chocolate, or black with light markings, or an intermediate shade.
Character
The character of the Labrador Setter is a balanced mix of Setter energy and Labrador affection.
These hybrids are extremely sociable and friendly, both with people and other dogs. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, but it's important to provide them with constant mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom.
During hunting, the Labrador Setter demonstrates excellent tracking and retrieving skills.
It is an excellent companion dog for outdoor activities and family life.
Diseases
Regarding diseases, the Labrador Setter cross can inherit genetic predispositions from the parental breeds.
Hip and elbow dysplasia: These conditions result from abnormalities in the development of the hip and elbow joints, leading to pain and difficulty in movement.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic disease affecting the retina, causing progressive vision loss, often leading to blindness.
Obesity: Labradors are known for their voracious appetite and tendency to gain weight. Obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including heart and joint diseases.
Heart diseases: Some congenital or acquired heart conditions can affect Labradors, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.
Corneal dystrophy: A condition affecting the cornea of the eye, causing progressive clouding and visual disturbances.
Otosclerosis: A condition affecting the inner ear and can cause progressive hearing loss in Setters.
Hypothyroidism: This disease affects the thyroid gland and can lead to various symptoms, including weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Cushing's syndrome: A condition caused by excess cortisol in the body, which can lead to symptoms such as increased thirst and urination, weight gain, and changes in the coat.
To learn more about Setter diseases, read our articles:
English Setter Diseases: Essential Information to Discover
Irish Setter Diseases and Tips to Keep Them Healthy.
Labrador Hound Cross: The Perfect Companion with a Great Nose
Labrador Hound crosses are ideal for hunting that requires a keen sense of smell as well as excellent retrieval skills.
If a sharp nose is what you seek, among Labrador and hunting dog crosses, this one is for you.
Ideal Hunting Activity
Hounds are specialists in "scenting" and "tracking." These dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell and are often employed in tracking wounded animals. They follow the scent left by the injured game and lead the hunter to its location.
Hounds signal the presence of game through barking or specific behaviors.
Labradors, on the other hand, are generally retriever dogs, ideal for recovering downed game, especially in water.
The Labrador Hound finds its best use in tracking on muddy or swampy terrains, with retrieval of small prey that requires gentle handling, such as ducks or waterfowl.
Appearance
The cross between a Hound and a Labrador results in a dog with unique characteristics, combining the sturdy appearance of the Labrador with the elongated muzzle and exceptional sense of smell of the Hound.
These dogs can have a short, dense coat in colors like black, chocolate, or yellow. Body structure may vary, but it often presents a combination of traits from the parent breeds.
The Labrador Hound can have different traits depending on the type of Hound it is crossed with. The most common varieties in Italy are:
Italian Rough-haired Hound
Italian Short-haired Hound
German Hound
However, there are many other varieties, around 20 in total, some of which are recognized by ENCI but not by FCI.
Character
The character of the Labrador Hound cross is often a mix of curiosity, energy, and dedication to scent tracking.
These dogs are incredibly skilled in hunting due to their exceptional sense of smell and tracking abilities.
They are known to be stubborn at times, but with proper training and the right amount of patience, they can become extraordinary hunting companions.
In a family setting, the Labrador Hound demonstrates an affectionate and loyal character.
Of course, their incredible tracking talent means that they have a tendency to wander off and chase prey.
Their amazing sense of smell usually allows them to find their way back home, but it does require some attention from the owner.
Diseases
The diseases to which Labrador Hound crosses are most susceptible include:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: These conditions result from abnormalities in the development of the hip and elbow joints, leading to pain and difficulty in movement.
Retinal dystrophy: A series of hereditary diseases that can lead to vision problems, including night blindness in Hounds.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic disease affecting the retina, causing progressive vision loss, often leading to blindness.
Hyperlipidemia: A condition characterized by high levels of fats in the blood, which can lead to heart and pancreatic problems.
Obesity: Labradors are known for their voracious appetite and tendency to gain weight. Obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including heart and joint diseases.
Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause seizures in dogs, including Hounds.
Ear problems: Hounds have long, pendulous ears that can be prone to ear infections and other disorders.
Heart diseases: Some congenital or acquired heart conditions can affect Labradors, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.
Corneal dystrophy: A condition that affects the cornea of the eye, causing progressive clouding and visual disturbances.
Labrador Bracco Cross: A Versatile Companion for Various Types of Hunting
The cross between a Labrador and a Bracco hunting dog brings together two breeds renowned for their hunting skills and affectionate character.
Ideal Hunting Activity
The Bracco is known for its "search" and "pointing" abilities and is considered a pointing dog.
In hunting, the Bracco follows the game's tracks using its exceptional sense of smell, locating the scent and tracking it.
This behavior involves finding game, such as birds or other animals, and then standing still and pointing at the animal with its nose.
This allows the hunter to approach and take a shot.
Bracchi are renowned for their ability to hold the pointing position with concentration and steadiness, making them excellent hunting companions for those seeking birds and other game.
Once the Bracco finds the game, it signals its position to the hunter, often by standing still or barking to indicate the presence of the animal.
The Labrador, on the other hand, is a typical retrieving dog, with a great talent for retrieving small game, especially in water.
The Labrador Bracco cross will be a valuable ally for tracking and retrieving on both dry and marshy terrain, with a particular predisposition for retrieving aquatic game and great skill in boar hunting.
Appearance
These dogs can have a short, dense coat, often in colors like black, chocolate, or yellow.
The size and body structure may vary, but they generally retain the robustness typical of the Bracco.
Given the variety of Bracco breeds and their popularity, this dog's appearance can differ depending on the type of Bracco it is crossed with. The most common ones in Italy include:
Labrador Bracco Germano: The dog may have a hard or short coat like the Bracco, in colors such as cream, black, chocolate, brown, or light brown with white spots.
Labrador Bracco Weimaraner: This hybrid can inherit the shiny coat of the Weimaraner, the longer coat of the Labrador, or a combination of both.
Labrador Italian Bracco: In this case, the coat can be cream or light or dark brown, monochrome or with white spots, or black.
Labrador French Bracco: The coat can have shades between cream and brown with spots and mottling on a white background.
Labrador Hungarian Bracco (Vizsla): In this case, the coat can have a beautiful reddish and shiny hue.
Character
The Labrador Bracco's character is a combination of determination, intelligence, and sweetness.
These dogs are known for their versatility in hunting, capable of adapting to various situations and types of game.
They are skilled in tracking and retrieval, showing great passion for the job.
Even at home, the Labrador Bracco is an affectionate and joyful companion, suitable for active families.
The Bracco is also an excellent truffle dog, so if you're not a hunter, you can still make use of its great talents for a much more interesting hunt.
Diseases
The most common diseases in both parent breeds include:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: These conditions result from abnormalities in the development of the hip and elbow joints, leading to pain and difficulty in movement.
Heart diseases: Some congenital or acquired heart conditions can affect Labradors, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.
Corneal dystrophy: A condition that affects the cornea of the eye, causing progressive clouding and visual disturbances.
Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause seizures in dogs, including Bracchi.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A genetic disease affecting the retina, causing progressive vision loss, often leading to blindness.
Retinal dystrophy: A series of hereditary diseases that can lead to vision problems, including night blindness in Bracchi.
Obesity: Labradors are known for their voracious appetite and tendency to gain weight. Obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including heart and joint diseases.
Tumors: Like many other breeds, Bracchi can be susceptible to various types of tumors, including skin and internal tumors.
Hypothyroidism: This disease affects the thyroid gland and can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Heart diseases: Some congenital or acquired heart conditions can affect Labradors, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.
Labrador Breton Cross: The Hunting Energy and Labrador's Vivacity
The crossbreed between the Labrador and the Breton hunting dog creates a dynamic and lively dog, perfect for hunting activities and family companionship.
Ideal Hunting Activities
The Breton is known for its versatility in hunting and can be employed in various stages of the hunting process. It's a breed specialized in "pointing" and "stopping" game. This means that the Breton detects the game, comes to a halt, and points at the animal with its nose, allowing the hunter to approach and prepare for the shot. This ability is particularly valuable in bird hunting, as the pointing dog indicates the animal's position, enabling effective shooting. The Breton is known for its ability to maintain a steady and focused position, making it an excellent hunting companion for those who practice bird hunting.
They are often used for hunting that requires versatility, including tracking, signaling, and retrieval. Bretons can search for game, signal its location to the hunter, and retrieve the catch.
In particular, Bretons are skilled in bird hunting, thanks to their ability to detect and point at ground game.
Combining these traits with the Labrador's retrieving skills, the Breton Labrador Mix is an ideal dog for those seeking a hunting companion with the qualities for any type of hunt.
Appearance
These dogs often have a short and dense coat, with a wide range of colors to choose from: cream, black, chocolate, or white with orange, brown, or black spots. Sizes may vary, but they typically have a slender and agile body. A distinctive feature is that the Breton is born with a very short tail or even without one, a characteristic that can also be inherited by the Breton Labrador crossbreed.
Character
The Labrador Breton's character is a blend of boundless energy and great dedication to work. These dogs are known for their ability to point at game, a trait that demands great attention and perseverance. They are extremely lively and require constant exercise and stimulation. In a family setting, the Labrador Breton is affectionate and devoted, always ready to participate in various activities.
Diseases
Like any dog, Breton Labrador crosses can inherit genetic predispositions to certain diseases:
Hip and elbow dysplasia: These conditions result from abnormalities in the development of the hip and elbow joints, leading to pain and movement difficulties.
Corneal dystrophy: A condition that affects the cornea of the eye, causing progressive clouding and visual disturbances.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (APR): A genetic disease that affects the retina, causing progressive vision loss, often leading to blindness.
Tumors: Like many other breeds, Bretons can be susceptible to developing various types of tumors, both cutaneous and internal.
Obesity: Labradors are known for their voracious appetite and tendency to gain weight. Obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including heart and joint diseases.
Heart diseases: Some congenital or acquired heart conditions can affect Labradors, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.
Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause epileptic seizures in dogs, including Bretons.
Heart diseases: Some congenital or acquired heart conditions can affect Bretons, including pulmonary stenosis and cardiomyopathy.
Labrador Spinone Cross: An Outstanding Companion for the Breed
One of the most interesting Labrador crosses with a hunting dog is the Labrador Spinone Italiano cross. This cross combines the distinctive characteristics of both breeds, creating a versatile and adaptable companion for hunting enthusiasts.
Ideal Hunting Activity
The cross between the Labrador and the Italian Spinone combines the Labrador's retrieving ability with the Spinone's pointing and stopping skills.
This means that the dog can not only retrieve the shot game but also locate and signal the animal's position, allowing the hunter to find the prey even if it's not very visible.
When a Spinone spots game, it stops motionless, often lifting a front paw or "pointing" at the animal with its nose.
This behavior allows the hunter to approach and prepare for the shot.
The Spinone's pointing ability is particularly appreciated in bird hunting, as it signals the animal's position and enables accurate shooting.
The Labrador, on the other hand, is specialized in aquatic retrieval but also works well on land.
Both breeds are extremely talented and tenacious, and this hybrid is capable of enduring long hunts in challenging terrains, thanks in part to the Spinone's protective coat that the puppy may inherit.
Due to its multiple talents, the Labrador Spinone cross is ideal for hunting in difficult and aquatic terrains.
Appearance
The appearance of the Labrador Spinone cross can vary depending on the characteristics inherited from the parent breeds.
However, these dogs often have a solid and robust build, with a coat that can be long or rough, depending on the Spinone's heritage.
Colors can vary and include shades of black, brown, and cream, typical of the Labrador, or the speckled orange and white background of the Spinone, with black or brown markings. The most appreciated Spinone color is white and orange.
Character
The character of the Labrador Spinone cross reflects the affection and versatility of the parent breeds. These dogs are known to be friendly, sociable, and ready to collaborate with their owner.
They are intelligent and eager to learn, making them suitable for both hunting and family life.
Their gentle and affectionate nature makes them excellent companions for adults and children.
However, the strong hunting instinct of the Spinone cross may lead to a tendency to escape.
Additionally, these dogs require a lot of outdoor exercise and have a high level of energy that needs to be expended.
Diseases
Here is a list of some common diseases that can affect the Labrador Spinone cross:
Epilepsy: A neurological condition that can cause epileptic seizures in dogs, including Spinoni.
Gastrointestinal disorders: Spinoni can be susceptible to gastrointestinal problems such as gastric torsion and irritable bowel syndrome.
Tumors: Like many other breeds, Spinoni can be susceptible to developing various types of tumors, both cutaneous and internal.
Hypothyroidism: A disease that affects the thyroid gland and can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
Hip and elbow dysplasia: These conditions result from abnormalities in the development of the hip and elbow joints, leading to pain and movement difficulties.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A genetic disease that affects the retina, causing progressive vision loss, often leading to blindness.
Obesity: Labradors are known for their voracious appetite and tendency to gain weight. Obesity can lead to a range of health problems, including heart and joint diseases.
Heart diseases: Some congenital or acquired heart conditions can affect Labradors, including dilated cardiomyopathy and subaortic stenosis.
Corneal dystrophy: A condition that affects the cornea of the eye, causing progressive clouding and visual disturbances.
Ideal Nutrition for Labrador Crossbreeds with Hunting Dogs
Nutrition is a crucial aspect in the care of any dog, especially those engaged in hunting activities.
A balanced and nutritious diet is essential to provide them with the energy and nutrients necessary to support physical activity.
Opting for high-quality food formulated for active and working dogs is a wise choice.
Look for foods that contain high-quality proteins to support muscle mass, healthy fats for energy, and antioxidants to promote overall health.
And remember, if the energy requirement of a resting dog, when calculated in grams for fresh food, corresponds to about 2.5% of its weight, in the case of a dog engaged in hunting activities, this can rise to 5% or more depending on the type of commitment required.
Make sure to provide your Labrador crossbreed with hunting dog the correct amount of calories and nutrients to support them in their working phase.
To learn more, you can read our articles:
Feeding the Irish Setter - How to nourish it healthily
Feeding the English Setter
How much does a Labrador weigh? Growth chart and feeding
How to train hunting Labradors
Training is crucial to maximize the hunting abilities of Labrador crosses with hunting breeds.
Basic obedience, such as recall and sit, is the starting point. Subsequently, you can focus on specific hunting commands, such as "stay" or "retrieve".
Training should be based on positivity, using positive reinforcements like rewards and praise to encourage desired behavior.
Patience is essential, as each dog has its own learning pace.
But these dogs inherit their parents' natural talent, which is a genetic predisposition, and will learn very quickly how to behave during the hunt.
Training Labrador hunting dogs will not be difficult; they have a natural talent that will make any owner happy.
And if you want to know how to train a hunting dog and how to entertain them with stimulating activities read our articles:
How to train a Setter - simple and effective tips for all
How to train a Setter with games, outdoor activities, and sports
They are dedicated to the Setter, but are suitable for all hunting dogs, and even for others!
In conclusion…
Crosses between Labradors and hunting breeds offer a fascinating mix of traits and skills.
From the affectionate temperament of the Labrador to the hunting instinct of the hunting breeds, these dogs are ideal for outdoor and hunting enthusiasts.
However, it's important to remember that the health and wellbeing of these dogs require constant attention, including an adequate diet, regular medical checks, and patient and positive training.
Also remember that these dogs need a lot of movement, and although they adapt well to living in a house, they are not suitable for those who have little time for outdoor activities or who live in very confined spaces.
Before taking a Labrador cross hunting dog, it is advisable to do thorough research and consult experts to ensure an informed choice and responsible care.
Other articles that may interest you
Grooming the English Setter: most suitable cuts for the breed
Labrador German Shepherd Cross: A Mix of Energy and Intelligence
Labrador Husky Cross: a combination of strength, audacity, and endurance
Best Truffle Dogs: what they are and how to train them
Author's Note
I invite all readers to share their experience on this topic in the comments section.
Any information you wish to share about health, character, products, and advice on education or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them best.
If this post has been useful to you and you want to learn more about the care, wellbeing, and education of the dog, we will be happy to help you. Find here lots of useful information to understand your heart's friend better.
Disclaimer
These dogs are crossbreeds without recognized breed standards, and therefore the physical and character traits can vary significantly between one specimen and another. The images in this article represent only one of the infinite possibilities that can originate from this crossbreed, and are therefore not indicative of the future appearance of the puppy.
