Labrabull Grooming

The Labrabull, as the hybrid mix of a Labrador Retriever and an American Pit Bull Terrier, has a short, smooth coat that doesn't require much care--which makes overall Labrabull grooming pretty simple.

The coats do shed regularly, but brushing will help minimize the amount of dead hairs that fall from the coat. Brush your Labrabull once or twice per week with a bristle brush or grooming glove; wet the coat first with water mist from a spray bottle, then brush the coat section by section in the direction of hair growth. Labrabulls' coats don't tangle much--but if you do run across a tangle, first try working it out with your fingers, then if needed continue working through it with the end teeth of a greyhound comb.

Baths are only necessary every three months or so, unless of course the dog gets especially dirty or stinky and an "emergency bath" is in order. When bathing your Labrabull, be sure to use canine shampoo, and make sure to rinse the shampoo completely from the coat. Not doing both these things will irritate the dog's skin.

And Labrabulls don't need haircuts at all. It's important, too, to never shave these hybrids' coats! A shaved Labrabull will be more susceptible to heatstroke and sunburn, and will get cold very easily. Neither will the dog shed less; the shed hairs would only be shorter.

See below for more info on maintaining your Labrabull's teeth, ears, and paws.

Your Labrabull will also need regular care in the following areas:

• Teeth: Just like a human's, Labrabull teeth need regular brushing to reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar, and to minimize that Labrabull bad breath! Brush the dog's teeth 2-3 times per week with a regular toothbrush--but make sure to use canine toothpaste (available at pet stores or online), as the kind made for humans can make dogs sick if they swallow it.
• Ears: If your Labrabull's ears aren't cleaned periodically, they'll collect dirt, grass, and other debris, and even get infected--which could lead to hearing loss. Clean the dog's ears monthly using canine ear cleaning solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and always use cotton balls (never Q-Tips!) to wipe out any excess solution.
• Nails: Labrabull nails will click on hard surfaces if they get too long--which means it's time for a trim. Use standard clippers to cut the nails as close to the toes as possible; be careful not to cut into the nail's quick (the blood vessel running through it), as doing so will make the nail bleed and be painful.
• Paw Pads: Your Labrabull's paw pads can get dry, cracked, and tender, especially if the dog walks a lot on hot asphalt or snow and ice. Apply canine paw pad moisturizer (available at pet stores or online) o the dog's pads weekly to keep them soft, moist, and healthy.