You probably already know that the Doberman and the Labrador are among the most popular dog breeds in the world. What about the Doberdor?
Yes, this breed actually exists and it is a cross between the Doberman and the Labrador retriever.
Also known as the Labrador Doberman Mix or the Doberman Lab Mix, this mixed breed dog inherits all the best traits from both the Doberman and the Labrador.
This guide contains helpful information about the Doberman Lab Mix. Learn more about these playful and loving dogs with interesting facts and pictures.
By the end, you should be able to determine whether this breed is right for you.
Table of Contents
Few Facts About The Labrador Doberman Mix
| Other names: | Doberdor, Labraman |
| Weight: | 50 to 80 pounds |
| Height: | 21 to 27 inches |
| Good Guard Dog: | Yes |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 14 years |
| Apartment living: | No |
| Tolerate being alone: | No, thrive in a home where there are active family members |
| Coat: | Vary from a short, smooth and almost shed-free dog to a long-haired double coat, heavy shedder |
| Coat color: | Black, chocolate, yellow, Black and Rust, Blue and Rust, Fawn and Rust, White, or Red |
| Level of shedding: | Low to heavy shedding tendencies, depends on the parent he takes after |
| Temperament: | Very intelligent, loving, protective, caring, loyal, loving, playful, active, energetic |
| Exercise needs: | Moderate, should be outside for at least 45 minutes every day |
| Cat friendly: | Yes, early socialization is required |
| Dog friendly: | Moderate |
| Kids friendly: | Yes, especially if socialized early |
| Price: | $400 – $1000 |
What is a Doberman Lab Mix?
As we’ve mentioned above, a Doberman and Lab Mix is a designer dog that results when a purebred Doberman Pinscher is bred with a purebred Labrador retriever.
While this cross combines traits from two of the most popular dogs in the world, the mixed breed is not as popular and can be difficult to find.
But where did the Doberman Lab Mix come from? Let’s find out:
The Origin of the Doberman Lab Mix
All mixed breed dogs are often a hard nut to crack, as there is little or no history to them. Intentional breeding of designer dogs like the Doberdor has become common in the last 20 years or so.
In order to know where the Doberman Lab Mix came from, we need to study the origins of both parent breeds.
So, let’s now talk about the Doberman cross Labrador’s parentage.
The History of the Doberman
A German tax collector named Louis Dobermann is said to have developed the Doberman pinscher sometime in the late 1800’s. It is said that he wanted a ferocious guard dog that would accompany him wherever he went.
It is not known for sure, but Dobermann is said to have crossed different dog breeds to create the Doberman Pinscher.
The many breeds believed to have been involved in developing the Doberman breed include the German Pinscher, German Shepherd Dog, Rottweiler, Great Dane, English Greyhound, and the Manchester terrier.
Although originally developed and still recognized globally as a guard dog, the Doberman breed has also been used for military and police activities, search and rescue, and therapy.
The History of the Labrador
Despite his name, the Labrador actually originated from Newfoundland and not Labrador.
The Newfoundland region was inhabited by many water dogs that were crossed with Newfoundlands to create a breed known as the “St. John’s water dog,” an archetype for the modern-day Lab.
When these dogs were introduced to England sometime in the 19th century, there were refined for upland and waterfowl hunting game.
The Labrador became a very popular hunting dog in the United States after the Second World War.
The Lab has been the most popular dog breed in America for 26 consecutive years! And it’s easy to see why – you cannot help but fall in love with these loyal, friendly and easygoing dogs!
So, if you love the Doberman and love the Lab’s traits, then you can’t go wrong with the Doberman X Labrador. Let’s find out more:
How Big Does a Doberman Lab Mix Get?
Given that both the parents are large dogs, your Doberdor dog should be large, as well. As with all mixed breed dogs, however, it is tough to predict the exact size of a single dog since puppies can inherit different characteristics from their parents.
But generally speaking, the dog will be large in size. Make sure to check a lot of pictures on the internet to get a good idea of how your Doberdor pup may look like.
The weight and height range will generally be similar to that of their parents i.e. 50 to 80 pounds and 21 to 27 inches.
General Appearance
But what does a Doberman Mix with Lab look like? Does he have a unique appearance?
Well, the appearance of Doberman cross Labrador dogs varies a lot.
Your dog could inherit the short triangular-shaped tail of his Dobie parent or the longer tail of the Labrador. The short tail of a full-grown Doberman is normally a result of the docking procedure that’s carried out early in puppyhood.
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Most Doberman Lab mixes will have long, floppy ears because both parent breeds have this type of ear. The Dobie’s signature erect ears are normally a result of the cropping procedure that is controversially carried out early in puppyhood.
ALSO READ: The Boxer Lab Mix – Meet the Playful Boxador
Doberman x Lab Coat Colors
Generally, Doberman Lab Mixes may be plain-colored like a Labrador or bi-colored like their Doberman parents.
If the Doberdor puppies resemble the Lab, then you may end up with a yellow Lab Doberman mix, black Lab Doberman mix or a chocolate Doberman mix dog.
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If the Doberdor puppies resemble the Doberman parent, then you may end up with a Black and Rust, Blue and Rust, Fawn and Rust, White, or Red Doberman Lab Mix.
A Doberdor has a short coat just like both the parent breeds. Moreover, since the Labrador has a double coat, some Doberman Lab mixes will have a double coat, as well.
Doberman Lab Mix Temperament
Unfortunately, it is difficult to predict the exact temperament and personality traits of a mixed breed dog like this. The best way to determine how your new Doberman Lab Mix puppy will act and behave like is to study both parent breeds.
The Doberman is a very energetic dog and he is also quick to learn. Dobermans tend to build strong relationships with their owners. That’s why they are also known as Velcro dogs.
On the other hand, Labradors are loving and loyal dogs who are known to make great family pets. Both Doberman Pinschers and Labrador Retrievers are very intelligent dogs.
So, what are you getting yourself into?
Your Doberman x Labrador will exhibit the following traits:
Loving
We all want to feel loved and these dogs have plenty of love to offer. In fact, the Doberman Lab Mix is one of the most loving breeds you can have.
Both parent breeds are known to be loving and loyal. This means that your mixed breed dog will be twice as affectionate. This dog is always there to give love and will fit in well since he is playful in nature.
Intelligent
Generally speaking, a mixed breed tends to be more intelligent than a purebred dog. They are somewhat smarter and more energetic.
With the Doberman Lab Mix, you can teach them new skills that would take more time for an ordinary dog to learn.
Protective
You probably already know how protective the Doberman Pinscher is. They are very strong and fearless, which makes them ferocious when they feel their owner and family are in danger. The Doberman Lab Mix will inherit this trait, as well.
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Great Family Dog
As we’ve already mentioned, the Doberman Lab mix is an ideal family dog. He can quickly adapt to any environment without causing trouble, providing they feel comfortable.
He will quickly form strong bonds with his owner and give him the love and protection he needs. In return, the dog will expect even more love and attention. This is what makes the Doberdor so adorable.
Children and Other Pets
The well-bred and trained Doberman Lab Mix is an excellent family dog. He is reliable and gets along well with kids in his family, provided that he has been trained and socialized appropriately.
Young children should be respectful and friendly to the Doberdor, and he will be the same in return.
As with every dog, you should teach your children how to interact with dogs, and always monitor any interactions between small kids and dogs to prevent any tail pulling or teasing or biting from either party.
The Doberman Lab Mix is also friendly with cats and other pets in the home, especially if they have been introduced to each other at an early stage. However, he can be quite aggressive towards other canines outside his home if he sees them as a threat to his family.
Doberman Lab Mix Puppy Care
1. Training
Labradors are known to be one of the most trainable dogs around because they are intelligent and eager to please their owners. Dobermans, on the other hand, are very smart and can easily discover what their owners want.
Therefore, housetraining, obedience training and other aspects of dog training will be a breeze.
The Doberdor is also intelligent and quick to learn. Just make sure to keep each training session short and engaging to keep your dog interested. As with any dog, give a lot of treats and praises whenever your Doberdor is able to follow a command to encourage him.
When training this dog, it is also important to be kind and patient. Don’t punish or get angry at your dog as his intelligent mind will interpret that as a sign of betrayal.
Proper training and socialization is of the utmost importance when raising a mixed breed like the Doberman Lab Mix. Keep in mind that destructive behavior, behavioral problems and utter disobedience are common issues that arise if the breeders and eventual owners do not train the dog properly.
2. Socialization
We cannot stress enough how important proper socialization is when dealing with a mixed breed dog. This is because it is difficult to predict which personality traits will be exhibited.
If the consistency of socialization and training is not observed, all the risks found in both parent breeds will most likely manifest in a Lab Doberman Mix as well.
Lack of proper training and socialization will lead to aggression, failure to differentiate between friend and foe, utter disobedience, destructive behavior, separation anxiety, boredom and other unwanted behavioral problems.
If you are getting a dog with strong guarding instincts like the Lab cross Doberman, it is extremely important to bear that in mind. That’s even if one of the purebred parent breeds doesn’t have a strong guarding ancestry. It is vital to expose your mixed breed dog to many people, children, animals and places as soon as possible.
Moreover, make sure to meet your puppy Doberman parent dog to ensure they are comfortable around strangers. A Doberman doesn’t shower strangers with all his love, but he should at least be calm in your company.
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3. Exercise Requirements
Since both Labrador retrievers and Doberman Pinschers are large, active and energetic dogs, their offspring will need plenty of exercise to burn off any excess energy. If your Doberman Lab Mix takes after the Lab, he will enjoy swimming, as well.
Your Doberdor will also require plenty of space to run and play around. A home with a spacious yard is an ideal environment for these dogs. A large home can also be a good place for Doberman Lab Mixes.
Nonetheless, small and congested apartments are not a good place for large and energetic dogs like the Labrador and Doberman mix since he will need a lot of space to play and exercise.
Take your Doberdor out for walks, jogs and runs on a daily basis. Moreover, provide your dog with interactive dog toys to keep his intelligent mind busy and well stimulated.
If you enjoy playing games, bring your Doberman Lab Mix with you to give him an opportunity to socialize with other pets and people. That way, your dog will be able to develop into a well-rounded companion.
Both Dobermans and Labradors thrive in a home where there are active family members to help meet their exercise needs.
4. Grooming Requirements
Since the Doberman and the Labrador have different coat types, it is difficult to predict what level of maintenance and grooming your Doberman Lab Mix will require.
As we’ve mentioned above, a Doberman cross Labrador puppy’s coat will vary from a short, smooth and almost shed-free dog to a long-haired, heavy shedder.
You’ll most likely have to wait until your Doberdor sheds his puppy coat and the full-grown dog coat starts to develop before you can determine what level of coat maintenance and grooming will be required.
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If your dog inherits the coat characteristics of his Doberman parent, expect little shedding but prepare to brush his coat at least twice a month.
However, if your puppy inherits the coat traits of his Lab parent, prepare to brush his coat every day, especially during the shedding season.
Brush your Doberdor’s teeth two to three times per week to avoid tartar buildup and to remove any bacteria. Daily brushing is recommended if you seriously want to prevent bad breath and gum disease.
A good Labrador cross Doberman puppy will love the water and a good bath. Therefore, it is advisable to bathe your puppy consistently every month with a suitable shampoo. Be sure to use deodorizing wipes to keep his coat and skin clean when you’re not bathing him.
Trim your dog’s nails at least once a month if they don’t wear down naturally to avoid painful splits and other issues. If you hear them making clicking sounds on the floor, it’s time to cut them short.
You should also check his ears every week for signs of infections, including bad odor and redness. Also, clean the outer ear to prevent infections. Thorough weekly checkups will help you to detect potential health issues early.
Start accustoming your Doberman Lab Mix to being examined and brushed when he is still a puppy. Try and making grooming a good experience by offering treats and praise, and you’ll lay the foundation for easy grooming sessions.
5. Feeding Information
Just like us humans, dogs require proper diet and nutrition to remain healthy. Therefore, establish a proper feeding routine and serve only high quality dog food to your Doberman Lab Mix.
Choose nutrient-rich food that contains protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in order to meet the nutrition needs of your pup.
Buy a dog food that has been specially formulated for large breeds of dogs. Also, go for grain-free dog food to prevent gastrointestinal problems and food-induced allergies.
Doberdor puppies will require three to four servings per day. Adult dogs will need just one feeding per day. You may also divide his food into two meals per day with smaller servings.
Your dog will also need fresh water on a daily basis. You’ll want to keep an eye on your pup to ensure he is drinking enough.
What is the Life Expectancy of a Doberman Lab Mix?
Sadly, the Doberman is a very short-lived dog. Many of these dogs don’t live longer than ten years. In fact, if a recognized Doberman lives up to 10 years, he is eligible for a special certificate awarded by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America.
On the other hand, Labrador retrievers have an average lifespan of around 12 years, but some of these dogs have lived up to 14 years.
Given this information, your Doberman Lab Mix may live anywhere between 10 to 14 years. Providing your dog with a healthy lifestyle can help extend his life while neglect can cut it short.
Doberman Lab Mix Health Issues
Doberman Lab Mix puppies are incredibly cute, but before you go ahead and buy one, keep in mind that many breeds of dogs are vulnerable to certain diseases and this mixed breed is no exception.
Before you add this dog to your family, make sure to familiarize yourself with the common health problems affecting the parent breeds.
Since progressive retinal atrophy and hip dysplasia can affect both Dobermans and Labradors, it is important to ensure each parent dog has a proper eye test and good hip scores.
For the Labrador parent, it is also important to ensure he is cleared of elbow dysplasia. On the other hand, the Doberman parent should also be cleared of hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy and Von Willebrand disease.
Genetic testing and health screening with the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit along with regular vet checkups can help you keep up with your dog’s health.
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Doberman Lab Mix Price
You can get a healthy and quality Doberman Lab Mix puppy for around $400 to $1000. Of course, the price will vary based on puppy’s lineage and the breeder in question.
Make sure to do thorough research before making your purchase. Buy your Doberdor puppy only from responsible breeders that carried out a number of genetic health tests to determine whether the puppies are at risk for any genetic conditions.
Finding Healthy Doberman Pinscher Lab Mix Puppies
Here, you have two options:
Doberman Lab Mix breeders
Choosing a healthy Doberman Lab Mix for sale is not rocket science. All you need to do is to do your research and ensure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder.
Your breeder should produce all the genetic and health testing records on the parent dogs. They should also allow you to meet and spend some time with each parent dog.
Make sure to ask a lot of questions to establish whether the puppy is right for you. A good breeder will fully cooperate and answer all your questions, offering their credentials and providing you with customer references.
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Doberman Lab Mix Rescue
While many Doberdor puppies turn out to be good family dogs and fit in well in their new homes, there are cases where a dog may be surrendered to an animal shelter or rescue center instead.
It is wise to contact a number of shelters and request to be informed if a Doberdor puppy or adult dog is put up for adoption.
However, keep in mind that just because a pup looks or acts like a Labrador Doberman Mix doesn’t necessarily mean that it is one. The only way to determine this is to carry out your own testing using an effective at-home genetic test kit like the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit.
ALSO READ: All About The Doberman Australian Shepherd Mix
Conclusion
Now that you know everything there’s to know about the Doberman Lab Mix commonly known as the Doberdor, it’s time to search for a healthy and quality puppy with more confidence.
If you train your Doberman Lab Mix puppy properly, you will end up with a calm, loving and loyal dog who will also come to your aid when the situation demands it.
If you are sure that a Doberdor is the dog you want to share your life with, this mixed breed dog has the potential to be a wonderful companion.
