Chocolate Lab and Chow Mix Breed Information Exciting Pics 2025

I have owned Chocolate lab and chow mix for most of my life, I’ve always been drawn to breeds that combine both strength and loyalty. One of the most fascinating crosses I’ve come across is the Chabrador, also often called a Lab Chow or even a Chowbrador by some. This mixed breed is the result of a cross between the dignified Chow Chow and the ever-popular Labrador Retriever. What makes the Chabrador so special is how it blends the loyal, friendly, and sometimes independent nature of its parents. These pups usually inherit the best qualities from both breeds, making them not only ideal family pets but also excellent companions and natural guard dogs.

From my experience visiting several breed specific rescues and shelters, I’ve noticed how many of these dogs are waiting for a second chance—so if you’re considering adding a Chabrador to your home, I always recommend you adopt, not shop. Their muscular build, well-built body, and stocky, sturdy appearance reflect the strong genes of both the Labrador Retriever and Chow Chow. You’ll notice their expressive chestnut-shaped eyes, a broad neck, broad muzzle, and even a strong, thick tail—details that truly set them apart. Plus, with a water-resistant straight coat, webbed feet for swimming, and manageable grooming and exercise needs, they offer a balance of charm and practicality. Dog lovers, especially those who enjoy discovering unique, sometimes rare, mixed breed dogs, will surely find the Chabrador an adorable and intriguing addition to their family.

Breed Overview

Breed Overview	Details
Breed Name	Chabrador, also known as Chow-Lab, Chowder, Chowbrador, Labrachow, Chab
Parent Breeds	Chow Chow, Labrador Retriever
Type	Designer dog, Crossbreed
Coat Type	Dense, double, water-resistant, wooly, short to medium length
Colors	Chocolate, Black, Golden, Cream, Light Brown, Fawn, Dark Brown, reddish brown
Shedding & Grooming	Shedder, requires brushing at least twice a week
Size	Large, 18-24 inches tall (adults), 8-18 pounds full-grown
Temperament	Sweet, affectionate, friendly, alert, energetic, sometimes wary of strangers, takes guard dog duties seriously, with occasional barking
Good With	Kids, pets, adapts well to smaller home situations
Exercise Needs	Moderate exercise, regular walking
Loyalty & Bonds	Forms strong, loyal bonds, shows guardianship instincts
Hypoallergenic	Yes
Lifespan	9 to 12 years
Country of Origin	USA
Registration	Recognized by DRA

Appearance

One thing I’ve always found fascinating about the Chabrador is how unpredictable its appearance can be. Having seen quite a few of these dogs myself, it’s clear that no two are the same. Some may show off the fluffy, coarse fur inherited from their Chow Chow parent, while others might have that sleek, streamlined body that resembles a Labrador. Their size is also interesting—they are usually medium-sized or even large, standing around 18 to 24 inches tall. When fully grown, they can weigh anywhere between 45 to 80 pounds (sometimes closer to 50 to 80 pounds depending on their diet and exercise).

It’s also quite common to notice how the female dogs tend to be marginally smaller than the male counterparts, something I’ve personally observed at dog shows. What makes owning a Chabrador a bit of a fun challenge is the range of visual traits they can inherit. Some puppies might end up with a thick coat and even the unique blue-black tongue of a Chow, while others will lean more towards the Labrador’s longer face and even temperament. In adulthood, you can typically distinguish the physical traits of both parent breeds clearly.

Though the Chabrador often has that distinct short snout and fluffy fur from the Chow, you might see hints of the Labrador’s facial structure too. Another thing worth mentioning is their lifespan—on average, they live around 9 to 12 years, which is a bit shorter than other medium sized breeds, but their unique look and personality more than make up for it.

Temperament and Behavior

From my experience with the chocolate lab and chow mix, their personality is always a fascinating blend. One day, you’ll notice their guard dog instincts kick in, especially if a stranger comes too close. That’s the Chow Chow side showing its territorial instinct and natural aloof nature. On other days, they surprise you with a playful, friendly, and affectionate vibe—traits borrowed straight from the Labrador Retriever. It’s like rolling dice; you can never fully predict which side will shine brighter. But if there’s one thing consistent, it’s their loyalty to family. They form strong bonds and are often deeply protective of their people, making them excellent watchdogs. But this mix also requires early socialisation and proper training to balance that protective side with friendliness.

Personally, I’ve found these dogs to be quite energetic, always ready for a game or a challenge. They thrive on human companionship and need mental stimulation—interactive toys or outdoor play works wonders. However, they do have a calm streak, making them ideal family dogs when they’re well-socialized. Owners should note their tendency to be wary about strangers and occasionally independent behavior, which stems from the Chow Chow genes. Their unique temperament means no two Chabradors behave exactly alike. It all depends on whether they lean more towards their Labrador or Chow side. Regardless, a bit of patience and consistency can shape them into well-behaved, loving companions.

Common Health Concerns in Chocolate Lab and Chow Mix

Owning a Chabrador—a mix of Chow Chow and Labrador Retriever—has been a rewarding experience in my years of dog care. These dogs are generally quite healthy, benefiting from their cross breed genetics. Still, like any breed, they can show signs of certain health issues. Both Chow Chow and Labrador parents are known to struggle with conditions such as Hip Dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and Cataracts. I’ve noticed that due to their deep-set eyes, they can be more prone to eye diseases like glaucoma and corneal dystrophy. My own Chabrador once showed early signs of Patellar Luxation, but with regular wellness visits and careful monitoring, it was managed well. Regular check-ups with your dog’s vet are crucial to catching any genetic or inherited health problems early, especially since these conditions may be passed down from the puppy’s parents.

Interestingly, I’ve found that cross breed dogs like the Chabrador often tend to be healthier than purebred dogs. This is because purebred dogs are usually bred to meet specific breeding standards, which can sometimes weaken their genetic makeup. For instance, selective breeding for certain physical attributes—like a short-snouted face—can result in unwanted weaknesses and life-threatening conditions. Thankfully, my hybrid pooch has mostly bypassed these issues, but I always stay alert for any general dog diseases. While the Chabrador has no specific or known health problems unique to the breed, it’s wise to be aware of potential risks from both parent lines, including rare conditions like Cerebellar Abiotrophy.