The Staffador, also named Labrastaff or Staffy Lab is a cross between a Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a Labrador. This breed is full of energy so if you or your family love being outdoors, you'll definitely find a new companion for your outings, especially if these involve hiking, running or trekking. Not only are they active dogs, they are also extremely loyal and good with kids.
To understand this mix better, you must first learn about the two parent breeds. Let's wait no more, here is all you need to know about the Staffador.
The Labrador
Labrador Retrievers were being used as working dogs in Canada as far back as the 16th century! These happy-go-lucky dogs are extremely loyal and intelligent, which is why they are often used today as guide dogs for the blind, assistance dogs for the disabled, or even for search and rescue! Labradors have been in the UK's top ten favourite breeds for many consecutive years and it's no wonder why - they have fantastic personalities and hearts of gold!
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Staffies earned their keep as hunting and guarding dogs during the 1800s. Today, they are one of the most popular dog breeds in the UK! They have sadly suffered from a bad reputation in the past, but in truth, these pooches are extremely loving and affectionate! They love nothing more than being close to their owners. They are also very eager to please, so training should be easy, as long as you commit to the process. Socialisation from a very young age is a must!
Physical characteristics of the Staffy cross Labrador
Given the features of both parent breeds, a Staffy cross will be a medium-sized dog with broad, powerful shoulders. Depending on which characteristics they inherit, their coats will be short and neat like the Staffy's, or it might be thicker like the Labrador's.
Grooming a Labrador cross Staffy
Neither one of the parent breeds have particularly long coats, but Staffadors who follow the Labrador line will need a bit more care and attention. A quick daily brush will keep them looking fresh.
Dogs who are more influenced by the Staffy line will be very low maintenance. Their short coats won't need grooming very often, although it's still a good idea to check them on a regular basis. Staffordshire Bull Terriers are well known for suffering from skin problems. Keeping an eye on their coats will help prevent any infections.
Personality of the Staffy - Labrador cross
Both parent breeds are playful, energetic, and very friendly. Unsurprisingly, a Staffy Labrador mix is a great dog for families with young children (though interactions should always be supervised, as with any big, powerful dogs). Given their sprightly natures, they will need plenty of exercise and stimulation.
The Staffy - Labrador cross is also really easy to train. Both parent breeds are highly intelligent animals, and any Staff/Labrador is likely to pick things up very quickly.
Training a Labrastaff
Consistency and positive reinforcement are key! This cross is eager to please, so is trainable - but you'd do well to start early! If you don't focus this mix breed's energy, you may end up with a destructive pooch in your home! Socialisation at a very young age is also of the utmost importance for this cross.
Exercise requirements of the Staffy cross Labrador
Both of the parent breeds are high energy, so don't consider getting this dog unless you're prepared to give them the exercise they need! You're looking at a 1-2hr hour off-leash walk each day. If you're a couch potato, this is not the dog for you!
Common health problems of the Staffador
Any crossbreed can inherit the same health issues as either parent. For example, Staffies suffer from skin problems. This is because of the short, coarse coats, and any crossbreeds with the same fur are at risk of developing skin problems and secondary infections. Another common issue in Staffies is cataracts. Unlike most dogs, this tends to develop during their first few years.
Common issues in Labradors include obesity, ear infections, and heart disease.
Both breeds are prone to joint problems like luxating patella (a dislocated kneecap) and hip dysplasia, a genetic deformity of the hip joint. This means any Labrador/Staffy mix will be particularly susceptible to these conditions. Symptoms include:
- Decreased activity
- Decreased range of motion
- Difficulty or reluctance rising, jumping, running, or climbing stairs
- Lameness in the hind end
- Looseness in the joint
- Narrow stance
- Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
All of these require medical attention.
How long do Staffy cross Labradors live?
Staffadors usually live between 10 to 16 years. The Staffy cross Labrador is usually a healthy breed, but make sure your dog has a well balanced diet and gets enough physical stimulation in order for him to be fully happy.
Feeding a Staffador
Staffadors are a medium-sized dog so they won't need too much feeding. The exact amounts will vary from dog to dog, but two meals a day should keep them satisfied. Try feeding them once in the morning, and once again around early evening time. Like all dogs, a diet high in protein and complex carbohydrate is the best option. Due to their susceptibility to joint and hip problems, it might be worth supplementing the diet with fish oils, glucosamine and chondroitin; these help keep joints and bones healthy.
Benefits and challenges of owning a Staffador
Benefits:
- Medium-sized
- Great with children
- Easy to train
- Inexpensive to own
Challenges:
- Prone to overeating
- Can be boisterous
- Susceptible to medical issues which can be expensive to treat
It's always important to choose a dog that matches your lifestyle. If you're looking for a relatively low-maintenance dog that's great with kids, then a Staffador might the right choice for you. All you’ll need to do is feed them the right foods, encourage positive behaviours from an early age, and make sure they get plenty of exercise.
Did you enjoy reading about the Staffador? How about these other mixed-breeds:
- The American Bulldog cross Staffy
- The Border Terrier cross Jack Russell
- The Cavapoo
- The Chihuahua cross Pug
- The Chi-poo
- The Cockapoo
- The French Bulldog cross Pug
- The French Bulldog cross Staffy
- The German shepherd – Labrador crossbreed
- The Goberian
- The Goldador
- The Goldendoodle
- Golden retriever x German shepherd
- The Husky cross Collie
- The Husky cross Staffy
- The Horgi
- The Jack a Bee
- The Jackshund
- The Jack Russell cross Chihuahua
- The Jack Russell cross Pug
- The Jack Tzu
- The Labrador Collie crossbreed
- The Labrottie
- The Labsky
- The Lhasapoo dog
- The Patterjack
- The Pom a Pug
- The Pomchi
- The Pomsky
- The Pugapoo
- The Puggle
- The Pug-zu
- The Shichi
- The Shichon
- The Staffador
- The Staffy cross Jack Russell
- The Rottsky
