Boston Lab Dog Breed

The Boston Lab, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed category. Though the true origin of this hybrid is unknown, it's possible the Boston Lab was developed during the designer dog craze of the late twentieth century in the U.S. These intelligent, alert dogs will make excellent pets for families of any size.

Some specifications: Boston Labs are on the small side of medium-sized, with short-haired, dense, water-repellent coats that come in a wide variety of colors; the coats can be either bi-colored or solid. Here are a few good (and not so good) qualities of this mixed breed:

PROS:

• Intelligent
• Alert and energetic
• Easily trained
• If provided enough exercise, can adapt to apartment life
• Great with children
• Excellent watchdog skills
• Fairly low barking tendency
• Typically socializes well with other pets
• Low to moderate maintenance required
• Good for first-time owners

CONS:

• High exercise requirements
• Might suffer separation anxiety if left alone
• Not good for colder climates
• May not socialize well with other dogs
• Might be a bit stubborn, if Boston Terrier temperament inherited
• Tendency for obesity if allowed to overeat

The Boston Lab combines the affection and liveliness of the Boston Terrier with the loyalty and intelligence of the Labrador Retriever--and the result is a normally good-natured, enthusiastic crossbreed that makes a terrific family pet. These medium-sized dogs don't require a lot of maintenance, and are typically very healthy, especially due to their "hybrid vigor," in which a crossbred animal inherits the healthiest traits of both parent breeds.

With two intelligent parents, the typical Boston Lab is likewise smart as a whip; dogs of this breed are usually pretty intuitive, so they won't need as much training as some other breeds--and the training they do receive, they will easily retain.

One possible trait of members of this breed is territoriality. Boston Terriers (especially male ones) can be pretty confrontational with other dogs, so if a Boston Lab hybrid inherits this quality it may be similarly antagonistic towards other dogs--regardless of size. Overall, though, Boston Labs are pretty well-balanced, and will normally get along with other animals. And with children, they get along even better! Boston Labs are spirited, affectionate, and playful, so they make excellent play companions for kids of any age.

As previously mentioned, dogs of this breed are quite energetic. While not overly strong, they are lively and durable, and will normally need plenty of physical (and mental) stimulation to keep them happy.

Lively, intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and sometimes stubborn, the Boston Lab temperament is one of enthusiasm and love. As the offspring of two breeds with well-balanced demeanors, the typical Boston Terrier-Lab mix personality is equally stable. Though some breed members may take after the Boston Terrier and be a bit willful and fussy, these dogs are usually happy and fun-loving, and will get along very well with humans and animals alike.

As to training: breed members respond quickly to any teaching, and few repetitions will typically be required for them to learn tasks and commands. Positive, reward-based training methods work fine for these dogs--just try not to be too generous with the treats, as Boston Labs love to eat, and can become obese rather easily.

Boston Labs also make good watchdogs. While they won't be great guard dogs due to their smallish size, their loyalty and alertness means they will normally sound a vocal alarm if confronted with a potential threat.

Boston Labs are typically pretty healthy, but a few breed members may inherit some health issues from one or both parent breeds. These include cataracts, structural issues like luxating patella or hip dysplasia, and in the case of the short-nosed Boston Terrier, respiratory problems like reverse sneezing.