A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers is known as “Doberdor.” These two breeds have opposite personalities. People perceive Labradors as gentle giants. Lab Doberman mix dogs are friendly, loyal, and love to be around people and other pets. Dobermans, however, are considered as a great guard dog because they are extremely protective and loyal.
The mix is interesting, which makes Doberadors an intriguing hybrid. Like most cross breeds, there is no way you can predict the personality, trait, or even the appearance of the Doberdor you will get.
Table of Contents
Lab Doberman Mix Key Characteristics
- Adaptability: 60%
- Affection Level: 100%
- Apartment Friendly: 60%
- Barking Tendencies: 60%
- Cat Friendly: 40%
- Child Friendly: 60%
- Dog Friendly: 60%
- Exercise Need: 80%
- Grooming Needs: 60%
- Health Issues: 60%
- Intelligence: 80%
- Playfulness: 100%
Doberdor Highlights
- The cross between a Labrador Retriever and Doberman Pinscher is called, Doberdor.
- Both parent breeds have a rich history. The Doberman Pinscher was first developed in Germany by a Tax Collector named, Louis Dobermann during the 1800s, while the Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland Canada.
- Both parents were a result of a different mating of different breeds, which later on also bred to produce the mix.
- The appearance varies. Each puppy from the same litter may grow up taking after either the father or mother. The color, markings, and length of the coat also vary.
- As the offspring of two intelligent, easy to train, energetic, and loyal, pure breed, Doberdors can make a wonderful family pet and watchdog. They are highly trainable especially when you train them during the puppy stage. They also respond to positive reinforcements and love treats,
- To meet the nutritional requirements, you must feed them with nutrient-dense dog food based on their age, stage of life, and condition.
- This crossbreed is predisposed to genetic health issues because of the genetic problems of both parents.
- They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Obesity, skin allergies, eye infections, heart diseases, and Wobbler syndrome.
- They need adequate exercise to stay in top condition. Walking twice a day is sufficient if you do not have time for a run or outdoor play.
- Socialization is vital to avoid aggression and unwanted behavioral issues. If you fail to train your dog correctly, it may result in destructiveness, aggression, and willful disobedience.
- If you have a small apartment, getting a Lab Doberman mix may not be a good idea. This crossbreed needs a spacious place to live, run around, and play.
- This hybrid can live up to 10 to 14 years old.
- They are not high maintenance. Brushing once or twice a month is already sufficient to keep the coat shiny. If the dog takes after the Labrador parent and has a double coating, you can expect some shedding twice a year.
- Bath your dog only when necessary. And while you are at it, you can also clean the ears, brush the teeth, clip the tails, and check for any signs of infections either in the ears or the skin.
- You can get one for $300 to $1000 depending on the lineage and breeder.
- Make sure you get your puppy from a reputable breeder who can provide you with all the necessary information that you need to ensure that the puppy you are getting is in good health.
Lab Doberman Mix Appearance
Due to its lineage, Lab Doberman mixes are large dogs. However, there is no way to know the exact traits and physical characteristics of this breed even with puppies that belong in the same litter. Some of the puppies may resemble the Labrador parent while some may take the physical attributes of the Doberman parent.
There is also a possibility that the colors, markings, and overall appearance be a mix of both parents. Colors could be solid or bi-colored. Some of the most common coat colors include the following:
- Chocolate
- Yellow
- Black
- White
- Rust and Red
- Rust and Blue
- Rust and Black
- Rust and fawn
The coat could be short because both parents have fine short coats. However, Labradors have a double coat, which means that the offspring could also inherit a double coat. Because of this, they may not be suitable for places that have a cold climate.
This hybrid stands around 22 to 27 inches in height and can weigh 60 to 100 pounds. It is a large breed with a long muzzle, and the nose could be brown or black, moderately deep set eyes, long and erect ears, and energetic expression.
Typically, the males are larger than females. The chest is broad, and the muscles are well defined with all the legs parallel to each other and perfectly straight.
To give you an idea of how they may look like, here is a short video.
Labrador Doberman Mix History
There was not much information about the exact period the breed when the breed was first introduced, but one can trace the Doberdor’s history back to the parent breeds. Both parents are among the most popular breeds in the world and have rich histories. The Labrador Retriever originated in Newfoundland Canada. It is a place where people used to mate Newfoundlands with water-fowl hunting dogs, which later on lead to the development of the Labrador Retriever.
The Doberman Pinscher was developed in Germany around the late 1800s. It was Mr. Louis Dobermann who first bred the breed after realizing that he needed a fierce but loving dog companion.
It was a process of trial and error before he was able to develop the perfect Doberman Pinscher that we know today. Rottweillers, German Pinschers, and different kinds of Terriers were mated with Shepherd-type dogs until the ideal Doberman Pinscher was finally bred. Fast forward to today, the mating of the two large breeds with opposing traits resulted in the rise of the labrador doberman mix.
Trainability
The parents are both intelligent and highly trainable. They are both considered great guard dogs and will fight anyone who tries to harm their owners or a member of their household. You can expect them to possess the same personality trait.
If you are only starting the training, use a training collar, leash, treats, and a lot of praises. It is always best to train dogs using positive reinforcements and without any harsh punishments or use of violence. They respond to positive training and are eager to learn and please their owners.
Improper training, inconsistency, and lack of socialization usually result in a disobedient dog especially if you are bringing home a dog such as a labrador doberman mix from a shelter.
Lab Doberman Mix Temperament
Although it is difficult to estimate the personality traits and characteristics of a hybrid, they are generally a loving, energetic, loyal, sociable, intelligent, and friendly dog. These are the reasons why they make great companions and watchdogs. They have a watchful nature and are highly protective.
However, due to the breed having the fierce Doberman as one of the parents, the likelihood of aggressive behavior is possible. Like most large dogs with the tendency of aggression, proper training is necessary for its prevention. If pet parents and breeders can train their doberman lab mix starting at a young age, it could result in a happy, sociable, calm, and gentle dog.
Socialization is key. It is essential that socialization skills are practiced regularly by bringing your dog around other dogs and people. This process must be handled carefully and positively for precautionary measures until the dog is adequately trained. Young children, for instance, tend to be very playful. They should not around Doberdors without adult supervision.
We cannot stress enough the importance of training and socialization is raising a dog such as a Lab Doberman mix. Remember that destructiveness, behavioral issues, and willful disobedience are the usual problems that arise if owners and breeders fail to train their dog properly.
Doberdor Nutrition
Just like any living things, dogs need proper nutrition to meet their nutritional needs regardless of the breed. Establish a feeding routine and feed only the best dog food for your dog. Nutrient-dense dog food should include protein, carbohydrates, calories, and other essential vitamins and minerals to meet the nutrient requirements of your dog.
Choose a dog food that fits the life stage of your dog. This breed are large dogs. There are dog foods available for large breeds that are rich in nutrients and can support their needs. Stay away from food with grains and meat by-products to prevent any allergies and gastrointestinal problems. Here are some guidelines to follow when feeding your dog:
- doberman lab mix puppies require 3 to 4 feedings a day.
- They need milk during the first six weeks.
- For a smoother transition to solid food, introduce a softened puppy food made by mixing it with water.
- Nursing dogs need proper nutrition to be able to recover and breastfeed.
- There are specific dog foods for nursing dogs.
- An adult dog only needs one meal per day.
- You can also feed your adult lab doberman twice a day with smaller servings.
Lab Doberman Mix Health and Care
Most purebred dogs develop health issues that can be inherited by their offsprings. Both Labrador Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers have their own unique set of inheritable health issues. Here are some of them.
For the Labrador Retrievers
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Heart Valve Malformation
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Eye Infections, Cataracts, Eyelash Irregular Growth (Distichiasis)
- Entropion or Inverted Eyelid
- Obesity
- Kneecap Dislocation
- Skin Lesions, Mange, and Skin Allergies
- Exercise-Induced Collapse
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
For the Doberman Pinschers
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Diseases
- Hypothyroidism
- Canine Hemophilia
- Mange, Skin Allergies, and Bacterial Infections
- Bone Cancer
- Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI)
- Twisted Stomach
- Narcolepsy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Blindness
Educating yourself with both breed’s health issues may give you some knowledge of what to look out for, preventative measures, and ways on how to deal with the condition if your dog happens to inherit one. It is best that you consult your vet if you suspect any symptoms or if your dog is acting strangely.
Like most hybrids, Doberdors are prone to the conditions listed above. Some of the most observed health issues seen in Lab Doberman mixes are the following:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Diseases
- Eye infections
- Skin Infections
- Vision loss or Blindness
- Wobbler Syndrome
You should take your puppies to the vet for vaccinations to protect them against common viruses that can be fatal. Vet visits for checkups and scheduled booster shots are also necessary to keep your dog in top condition.
You can reduce the risk of your dog getting these genetic health issues by choosing a puppy from a reputable breeder that ensures the health and wellness of the puppies by doing the following:
- The breeder should conduct all necessary genetic screenings and diagnostic testing of both the parents and the offspring.
- The breeder should also be able to present you a proof or certificate of parent pedigrees and medical history.
- The breeder should allow you to spend some time with the parents of the puppy you are planning to get.
- The breeder should be able to give you a health certificate that guarantees the health of your puppy. The certificate should include the vaccinations and booster shots already administered to the puppy you are about to get.
- The breeder should be responsible enough not to release a puppy before it is weaned to ensure the transition to feeding solid food will go smoothly. Also, the eight weeks spent with other puppies in the litter allows for proper socialization of all the puppies.
- Lastly, the breeder should be willing to answer any of your questions, give you tips, and most importantly, take the puppy back if things are not going the way you expected it to be.
Exercise and Activity Requirements
Like both the parents, the Lab Doberman Mix are active and energetic dogs. They need plenty of exercises to be able to prevent boredom and aggression due to pent-up energy. A run or long walks daily is already sufficient to burn off all the energy. Adequate exercise is also necessary to avoid obesity.
Establish a routine for exercise and playtime. Your dog will love you for it. You can always add toys and treats into the mix for a more enjoyable playtime and learning experience. However, be wary of over-exercising your doberman cross labrador as they are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as previously discussed.
Living Conditions
It is ideal for all large breeds to live in a spacious apartment where they have enough space to walk or run around without destroying any pieces of furniture. If you have a big house with a yard, a doberman and lab mix is perfect for you.
Doberdor Life Expectancy
If you are not aware, Doberman Pinschers tend to have a short lifespan even though it is a large breed. Only a few Dobermans can live up to 10 years of age. For the Labrador Retrievers, They can live up to 14 years of age. Taken together, you can expect your dog to live up for 10 to 14 years old.
Labrador Doberman Mix Grooming
Since the coat of Doberdors ranges from short and fine like a Doberman’s to a little shaggy like the Labrador’s, you will have to wait until the puppy grows and the coat fully developed to know the grooming needs of your dog. Those with short coat need little to no grooming. Brushing once or twice a month is already sufficient to keep it shiny.
Lab Doberman mixes with double coat can be maintained by brushing once or twice a week. Regardless of the length of the coal and color, you can bath your dog once or twice a month or whenever necessary. You can also clip their nails, clean their ears, and brush their teeth when grooming them.
If your Lab Doberman mix takes after the Labrador parent, expect some shedding once or twice a year. It is advisable to invest in professional grooming tools to prepare for the shedding season and to save some cash by grooming your dog yourself.
Doberman Lab Mix Puppies
Regardless of the coat color and length, all these puppies are incredibly adorable. If you are planning to get one, it is best that you wait at least after six weeks to see the coat color, markings, and coat length especially if you have any preference in mind.
A litter of doberman lab mix puppies may grow differently in appearance and may exhibit different temperament and personality traits. You should start obedience training, introduce grooming, establish a routine, and socialize your dog at this stage of life. It is the stage when they are curious and eager to learn.
The puppy stage is also the perfect stage for socialization. Keep them on a leash during your daily walks and let your Doberdors approach and play with other dogs in the park. Just make sure vaccinations are updated before your start socializing your dogs with other dogs.
They are still prone to catching some viruses such as Parvovirus, Canine Distemper, and Kennel cough.
Refrain from violence when your puppy had an accident at home, especially when they are not potty trained yet. Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach your puppy. Use a training collar, treats, and a lot of praises. Be generous with your compliments and affection.
If you can train your puppy well, you will gain a loving, gentle, and loyal dog that is also fierce when situations call for it. You can rest assured that your children, elderly, other pets, and visitors are safe to be around your Doberdor and that no stranger will even dare to hurt them.
Lab Doberman Mix Price
You can get a Doberdor puppy for around $300 to $1000 depending on the breeder and the puppy’s lineage. Make sure to do your homework before committing to raising one. Buy only from a reputable breeder that conducted a variety of genetic screening and diagnostic tests to check if the puppies are predisposed to genetic conditions from the parents.
Breed Organization
Unlike the crossbreed, both Doberman Pinschers and Labrador Retrievers are purebreds and are widely recognized by almost all dog clubs and organizations all over the world. These include the American Kennel Club and United Kennel Club.
As the offspring of two great breeds, Doberdors can be a great family dog and watchdog. After reading all the information above, you can now decide if a Lab Doberman mix is the right breed for you. Compare and weigh all the pros and cons and make sure you have the right knowledge in training an energetic and fierce dog, enough space for a proper living condition, enough money for providing all the nutritional and health needs of your dog, and time for adequate exercise.
