Doberman Lab Mix

The Doberdor is a mix of the Doberman Pinscher and Labrador Retriever breeds. It is a large dog breed that is active and energetic that is why they are good for outdoor activities and exercise companions. They love moving around so they require a large space to play in. The Doberdor is a mix breed that is rare to find.

When it comes to having your own mix breed dogs, it is important to make a background check on the breeder of the puppy. There are ethical issues revolving around puppy mills and backyard breeders and how both the parents and the pups are affected by the harsh living conditions in these kinds of environment.

Appearance

Labrador Retrievers are sporting dogs and are amazing as hunters, service or therapy dogs, or as a family friend. Labradors come in three solid colors of cream, brown and black. They also have webbed feet because of their natural love for water. A full grown male Labrador can grow up to 24 inches tall while a full grown female stands at 23.5 inches and they weigh between 50 to 80 pounds.

A full grown male Doberman can stand up to 27.5 inches tall while a full grown female can stand up to 25.5 inches. Adult Dobermans can weigh in between 66 to 88 pounds. Dobermans come in a mix of black and rust, blue and rust, red and rust, and fawn and rust. Among these color combinations, the most popular for Dobermans is the black and rust mix.

The Doberman Pinscher and Labrador Retriever are both large dog breeds. It is no longer surprising to find puppies of the Doberman-Labrador mix to grow large as well with a solid build. Both breeds have folded ears, long tails, and long legs. While the Doberman has a short coat, the Labrador Retriever’s longer, soft, and water resistant fur is prone to shedding. The Doberdor puppies can have solid colors or a combination of two with white patches in them.

Temperament

The exact temperament of mixed breed puppies can be difficult to determine. Both Dobermans and Labradors are highly intelligent dogs. The Doberman is an energetic breed and they are also quick to follow instructions. Dobermans will develop a strong attachment to their owners and are also called velcro dogs because of this.

Although it is a great breed because of the loyalty of Dobermans and the sweet temperament of Labradors, you cannot be sure that both these traits will pass on to the puppies. It will require your attention and patience to bring up the puppies. Labrador Retrievers are often bred as dogs for hunting while Doberman Pinschers are often bred as watch dogs. Both Labradors and Dobermans make great family companions. Doberdors can be expected to be loyal and energetic, loving and sociable as well as alert which can be a trait that can be further trained.

Training and Exercise

On the one hand, Labradors are believed to be one of the easiest dog breeds to train because they are always eager to please their masters. On the other hand, Dobermans are highly intelligent and can quickly determine what their masters want. Thus the Doberdor is a smart and easy to train dog. It is quick to follow instructions and is an enthusiastic learner. Keep your training sessions short and fun all throughout the day to keep your Doberdor interested. When training any kind of pup it is important to be patient and kind. Give positive encouragement and praises when he/she is able to perform a command and avoid getting angry at them.

Since both Dobermans and Labradors are active dogs, your Doberdor will require more exercise are more playing ground to release its energy. If the Doberdor inherits the Labrador’s trait, it can develop a love for water and swimming.

Grooming and Health

A Doberdor that takes after the Doberman parent in physical appearance will have a short and fine coat that will require less frequent bathing. A moist cloth and a thorough rub down is all that is needed to keep your Doberdor groomed. However, if the Doberdor takes after the Labrador parent, it will have a coat that is more prone to shedding and will require more frequent baths. Aside from this, other aspects such as dental, ear, and nails should be regularly checked upon.

The Doberman has a shorter lifespan of 10 years compared to the Labrador that can range from 10 to 14 years. The Doberdor cross will therefore have a relatively longer lifespan compared to a purebred Doberman. And although mixed breeds often inherit stronger genes of their parents there are some points that are important to take when it comes to Labrador and Doberman health.

The short lifespan of Dobermans are attributed to genetic heart diseases. The Labrador meanwhile is prone to eye issues. Other health problems that might occur include hip and elbow dysplasia. Check the medical records of the parents to see if you have health issues you might need to anticipate with your puppies.

Environment

As mentioned before, because both are highly active and energetic breeds, a Doberdor will require a lot of space to play in. A house with a backyard is the perfect environment for them. A big house is also a good home for Doberdors. However, small and cramped apartments are not the right place for breeds like the Doberman and Labrador since they will need spaces to run and play.

If you really cannot afford a large home, at least provide a large space that will serve as a sort of playpen for your dog. Take him/her more often for walks and runs especially if you exercise outdoors. If you love playing sports, bring your dog with you for socialization with other people and other pets as this will help them grow into beautiful energetic companions.