Chabrador

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
fast facts

About Chabrador

Height
18-24 inches
Weight
50-80 lb
Lifespan
9-12 years
Group
not applicable
Best Suited For
devote time to proper training and physical activity, homes with large fenced yards.
Temperament
alert, affectionate, intelligent, loyal, social
Comparable Breed
Labrador Retriever, Chow Chow
Chabrador Basics


The Chabrador is a meld of the highly independent Chow Chow and the gentle Labrador Retriever. While they are generally great companion animals when properly socialized, such diverse breed characteristics can produce a dog who is loving and sweet-tempered or one that is cautious and territorial. Opening your home to an adult dog may help identify which breed’s personality dominates and ensure the right fit for your family.


Chabradors are generally great companion animals when properly socialized.


Origin


Chabradors are a hybrid of one of the oldest breeds – the Chow Chow from China that dates back over 2,000 years – and the Labrador retriever from Canada. He is a well-built, stocky dog that typically takes on the Labrador’s love of water with a thick, waterproof coat, longer muzzle and webbed feet. With the Chow Chow’s independent personality, the introduction of Lab to the mix may have been to help soften the breed’s personality.


Pedigree

Hybrid dogs are not eligible to join the American Kennel Club’s purebred listing however the Chabrador’s parents are both long-time members. The Labrador retriever dates back to 1917 when he joined AKC’s “sporting” group and is listed as being friendly, active and outgoing. The Chow Chow joined AKC’s “non-sporting” group in 1903 and is described as serious-minded, dignified, bright and aloof.


Hybrid dogs are not eligible to join the American Kennel Club’s purebred listing however the Chabrador’s parents are both long-time members.


Food / Diet


The Chabrador is a larger dog who can easily consume up to 3.5 cups of dry food daily. Because Labradors tend to overeat, careful monitoring of treats and scheduled feedings versus free-feeding may be the best option to ensure he doesn’t become obese. This is particularly important given that both the Labrador and the Chow Chow have a propensity for hip and elbow dysplasia. Always take the time to research the right mix of vitamins and minerals for your dog – blends designed for joint and bone health would be a good choice.


The Chabrador is considered a loyal and loving family member.


Training


Because of the potential for the Chabrador to take on the Chow Chow’s independent and often difficult nature, parents of this breed must take early socialization and obedience training very seriously. To be clear, Chow Chows are not known for their eager-to-please personality but for their strong will and stubborn streak. This character can present in an untrained Chabrador so training from puppyhood will be key to bringing out the best in this breed. While he’ll need firm leadership, confrontational training methods such as yelling, swatting and shock collars can backfire and lead to aggression. Consistent, rewards-based training that could include a clicker, treats, lots of pats and walks for good behavior is the best route


Weight


The Chabrador is a medium sized breed and his weight (and height) will be influenced by which parent’s DNA proved most influential: Labrador retriever or Chow Chow. You can expect him to range in height from 18 – 24 inches and in weight from 50 to 80 pounds.


Temperament/Behavior

As a hybrid of two highly diverse breeds, a Chabrador can exhibit either the calm, gentle nature of the Labrador retriever or the more aloof, guarded and territorial nature of the Chow Chow. While he is typically considered a loyal and loving family member, those dogs that lean more towards the Chow Chow personality can be very wary of strangers and intolerant of other animals. Early socialization will help identify these traits and keep them in check.


Common Health Problems


In many instances, the health issues that plague pure-bred dogs can often bypass a hybrid entirely. While the Chabrador has no known health issues prospective owners should always look to the dog’s lineage to get a better sense of what might present in future. Labrador retrievers can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia as can Chow Chows who can also be prone to eye diseases including cataracts, glaucoma and corneal dystrophy due to their deep set eyes.


Life Expectancy


The Chabrador has a life expectancy of 9 to 12 years which is slightly shorter than the average for medium sized breeds.


Exercise Requirements


This big boy is not a home-body and needs to burn off energy on a regular and daily basis. Long walks or jogs will help calm his need for activity and help ensure he doesn’t become bored – and destructive. A backyard game of fetch will bring out the retriever side of his nature and off-leash parks where he can run to his heart’s content and play with other dogs will keep him both physically and mentally fit. Some Chabradors are also avid swimmers, which may be another activity option during the warm summer months.


Chabradors can exhibit either the calm, gentle nature of the Labrador retriever or the more aloof, guarded and territorial nature of the Chow Chow.


Recognized Clubs


Also known as a Chowbrador, Lab-Chow or Labra-Chow, the Chabrador is a member of the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).


Coat


Similar to the Labrador Retriever and the Chow Chow, the Chabrador is a seasonal shedder. His ultra-thick, waterproof coat will require regular and frequent brushing to help prevent matting and keep the volume of fur in check. Bathing can be done on an as-needed basis (typically no more than once per month) and grooming as you enter the spring season and shedding is heaviest.


Puppies


While Chabrador pups are initially well-behaved and cooperative, owners should never assume these characteristics will continue into adulthood. Failure to train your Chabrador when he’s very young can result in serious behavioral issues in adolescence and adulthood including refusal to accept authority and strong negative reactions to other people and animals. Socialization training as a puppy is important and helps teach him how to accept handling/touching, new people and animals/pets as well as new environments.


Photo credit: joyfuldesigns/Bigstock; PiedmontPhoto/Bigstock; Yastremska/Bigstock

Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and two felines who prefer to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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