Ask any Labrador parent and they’ll tell you about the shedding. Depending on their exact genetic input, the Labraheeler might also share this trait, which will require frequent brushing to stop discarded fur from taking over your home.
Bathing isn’t necessary very often, but can be done if they get especially dirty. Both parent breeds are gifted swimmers, so you can always combine a wash with a bit of exercise.
Parents of a Labraheeler need to carry out other essential tasks to ensure long-term well-being — this includes brushing teeth several times a week, clipping nails regularly and checking ears for signs of infection.
And of course, there’s the little matter of exercise. A full grown Lab heeler mix needs around an hour’s activity a day and ten miles walking a week. When not being walked, toys and puzzles will keep them occupied — be warned, if unstimulated, a Labraheeler can start being destructive.
Labraheeler Health Risks
Like all breeds, both Labrador Retrievers and Australian Cattle Dogs are more susceptible to certain genetic conditions — it makes sense that they’ve occasionally been spotted in a Labraheeler, as well.
Health issues to be particularly aware of include:
Joint problems
There are a few issues of these sorts of which parents of a Labraheeler need to be aware. Hip or Elbow Dysplasia is one. This occurs when the joints in the hip or elbow fail to develop normally, which leads to the bone moving against the socket with friction.
Not only is this painful for a dog, but it can restrict their movement and you should be able to spot when they’re not moving with total ease. Thankfully, there are several courses of action a vet will recommend, from weight loss and supplements to physiotherapy and surgery.
Patellar Luxation is another one to watch out for, especially in smaller dogs. Like hip or elbow dysplasia, this involves bones not acting as they should — only this time, it’s the patella, or kneecap. Dogs affected by the condition will find this bone dislocates frequently, leading to a characteristic hopping motion and more limited mobility.
Again, this affliction can usually be remedied with medication or surgery, although especially severe instances might require amputation.
Finally, the Labraheeler is also predisposed to arthritis. This is associated with senior dogs, but it can affect pets of any age. The symptoms are quite non-specific and easily mistakable, including lethargy, lameness and pain.
Unfortunately, arthritis can’t be cured, but the chronic disease can be managed to ensure a dog’s quality of life is high. This can involve changing diets, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physiotherapy or alternative therapies.
Eye Problems
There are two eye diseases that are of particular concern when it comes to the Labraheeler: progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is the first. This inherited condition affects the retina, the part of the eye that receives light and converts it into signals to the brain. When the retina begins to degrade, this leads to vision loss, perhaps seen through uncharacteristically uncoordinated behavior or cloudy looking eyes.
Sadly, there’s no cure for Progressive Retinal Atrophy, so the only thing parents can do is to make their pets’ lives easier — consider arranging their living environment to reduce the risk of accidents and keeping them on a leash during walks.
As well as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, cataracts are not unheard of in a Labraheeler. This causes cloudy eye lenses, which can impair vision partially or even completely. Again, this often leads to general clumsiness and loss of confidence when it comes to moving around.
Cataracts are comparatively common in the canine world and they can often be treated with a low-risk surgical procedure. Many pets recover fully within two or three months.
Spotting illnesses early can often be key to ensuring successful treatment — a wellness plan includes testing and examinations to catch issues before they become a bigger problem.
What To Feed a Labraheeler
As an energetic dog, the Labraheeler requires a diet rich in protein, vegetables and vitamins to keep them fit and healthy. Avoid filler ingredients that serve only to bulk out food. Labraheeler puppies and senior dogs should be given recipes catered to their specific nutritional requirements.
In many cases, the Australian Cattle Dog’s fast metabolism works to offset a Labrador Retriever's greed and propensity for obesity. However, be sure to watch your Labraheeler for signs of weight gain and don’t be afraid to ask your vet’s guidance when it comes to mealtimes.
Trying to find the perfect dog food can be difficult — thankfully, our partner Dog Food Advisor has compiled a list of the best meals deserving of a place in your pet’s bowl.
