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He's too young to tell but if you showed me that photo cold, I definitely would have said Pit Lab mix.
The ONLY thing that is unusual if he IS a Pit/Lab mix is you usually see them in BLACK not Chocolate. So even though I'm not educated in the breeding traits I'd wonder the likelihood of a back yard breeder winding up with that color coat maybe.
I have no idea where this Chow thing is coming from.
You should assume he is - based on my experience as a dog walker that they are the HIGHEST energy puppies I've ever met.
I have no idea why. Something about that cross with the energy of the lab and power of the pit.
But I'm saying that so you don't lose patience with him IF he gets "that way".
He will need and appreciate several, long, age appropriate walks per day, fair rules boundaries and limitations and a nice calm pack leader who can convey all this. NO TUG OF WAR! Of course this applies to ALL puppies of any breed. So it's just he may deserve a bit more "patience" LOL.
The few I've known did get more Lab looking as they got older, too. But I'm sure it's random. To ME, your puppy's legs/paws look all Lab. So it'll be fun to watch him grow.
Sellers of purebred labs should have the dog's pedigree, certified by a reputable purebred dog registry, such as the AKC (American Kennel Club), UKC (United Kennel Club), CKC (Canadian Kennel Club), etc, or don't expect the dog to be a purebred. While pedigrees are only as good as the integrity of the owners of the dogs whose names appear, chances are that a seller who doesn't even bother to provide a pedigree on a puppy he/she sells is not very particular about the pup's heredity.
I hope that the seller at least gave you the pup's veterinary record.
If you are actually buying a purebred puppy, do not make the purchase if there are no registration papers provided, and you've at least seen the pup's pedigree (they should give it to you). Getting a purebred pup from a rescue or shelter is a different matter, it is unlikely that they would have the pup's pedigree or registration application.
It's hard to tell from the photos whether your new puppy is a poorly bred Lab or a Lab/Pit mix; his head is not what I would characterize as a typey Lab head. It might change as he grows.
Whether or not the pup is a purebred Lab, a Lab-mix, or a definite Lab/Pit mix, he is a puppy needing care and love.
If you are going to keep him, get him to a vet for a check-up ASAP (this should be done whether the pup you get is the offspring of a Westminster Best in Show winner or a street-bred pup fostered by a shelter or pound, or any dog or pup from a situation in between those extremes).
If you don't think you would want to keep a puppy who might be a Pit Bull-type mix, then return him to his breeder as soon as possible; while he's still young and cute enough to appeal to more potential owners.
^^^
It really doesn't matter what the breed is if they are loved and treated well they will respond in kind!
I don't really see any pit in him. He's adorable, raise him right and he'll be a great dog, once he stops chewing everything in sight.
Yes I'm going through that now but slowly getting the new pups to chew the right things. At first they felt they wanted to work for their keep so they helped prune the trees out back! Hah Hah! Bad thing is they could take any chew toy and shred it in short order! They took a very good and durable Kong toy and destroyed it in less than 2 hours. But they're just pups and that's what pups do!
I dunno if it's dominant, but a spotted tongue is a dead giveaway for a chow mix.
Honestly, I'd be more concerned if it was part Chow than if it was part pit bull. Chows are kind of unstable - most of the horror stories I've been told by people have involved Chow mixes.
But it looks full lab to me, and I don't see any hint of pit bull. It's so hard to tell with a young dog though - I know of one situation in which a vet was convinced a very stocky and darkly colored beagle pup was a rottweiler pup.
We just lost the last of three Lab, Chow, Blue Heeler mixed litter mates. The last looked mixed but had all of the other characteristics of Chow. He was the sweetest of the three when it came to anything including people! The Chow horror stories I've heard were really all from people who did not raise them well. That's not to say you can't get one in a large number that is just incorrigible and a problem.
I'm Just curious. I wanna know your thoughts. I got a pup today, the seller at first stated it was a mix Lab and so I asked her what it was mixed with but she then replied that she was told it was 100% Lab. As soon as we got home I realized that his face looks more pit-like. She did not give me any kind of paper. So any ideas?
OP,
Got two recently just like this little fellow only one is pure black and the other Golden. They are 5 months now and over 40 pounds! They can eat anything you put in front of them and then some!! At 5 months they are looking mostly Lab if not almost all Lab. They're both a bundle of fun and joy and you're heading into the same territory.
BTW the Wife called the black one Butch since he was really rough and tumble. I immediately named the golden one and will let the readers guess his name. I'll give Ya a hint, I call them my Little Desperadoes!
I think the OP's pups ears are too short for 100% Lab. I will try to post a pic of my Lab pup from many years ago. You can see the difference. Clint was a clown and the most destructive pup I have ever had. I stick with Dobermans now
Got two recently just like this little fellow only one is pure black and the other Golden. They are 5 months now and over 40 pounds! They can eat anything you put in front of them and then some!! At 5 months they are looking mostly Lab if not almost all Lab. They're both a bundle of fun and joy and you're heading into the same territory.
BTW the Wife called the black one Butch since he was really rough and tumble. I immediately named the golden one and will let the readers guess his name. I'll give Ya a hint, I call them my Little Desperadoes!
Robert Redford! Well, his role with Butch. Love that movie. Sundance is a great name for a Golden!
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