Doberman Lab Mix – A Guide to the Labrador Doberman Cross

A Doberman Lab mix is a cross between the social, friendly Labrador Retriever and the loyal, alert Doberman Pinscher.

Generally, a Doberdor will be intelligent, loyal, and energetic. They will need plenty of socialization and training as puppies.

But, these are two very different breeds when it comes to their temperament. So, it’s important that you understand them both before you pick a Doberman Lab mix as your new dog.

Let’s take a look at what you can expect from this increasingly popular cross breed.

What’s In This Guide

• Doberman Lab Mix At A Glance
• In-depth Breed Review
• Labrador Doberman Mix Training And Care
• Pros And Cons Of Getting A Doberman Pinscher Lab Mix

Doberman and Lab Mix FAQs

Here are some questions we often get asked about the Labrador Doberman mix.

• Are Doberdors good family dogs?
• How big does a Doberman Lab mix get?
• Are Labrador Doberman mixes friendly?

Do you love the look of a Doberman and the personality of the Labrador? Then you might be considering a Doberman Lab mix puppy.

Doberman Lab Mix: Breed At A Glance

• Popularity: On the rise!
• Purpose: Family companion
• Weight: 50 to 80 pounds
• Temperament: Loyal, alert, intelligent

Ready to find out more about this interesting combination?

Doberman and Lab Mix Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose
• Fun facts about the Doberman Lab mix
• Labrador Doberman mix appearance
• Doberman Pinscher Lab mix temperament
• Training and exercising your Doberdor
• Doberman Lab mix health and care
• Do Doberman Lab mixes make good family pets?
• Rescuing a Labrador Doberman mix
• Finding a Lab Doberman puppy
• Raising a Doberman Lab mix puppy
• Doberdor products and accessories

Today, the concept of designer dogs is well known and accepted. But where some designer dogs are so popular they are nearly household names (Cockapoo, Labradoodle, Puggle), others are still catching up.

The Doberdor is one such hybrid dog.

History and Original Purpose

Very little is known about the origins of the Doberman Lab mix, a hybrid dog breed that is often called simply the “Doberdor.”

But we can learn a lot about the Doberman Lab mix potential to be a wonderful family companion canine from studying this dog’s universally beloved purebred parents, the Doberman Pinscher and the Labrador Retriever!

Doberman Pinscher History

Interestingly, like the Dobredor, the Doberman purebred dog breed also has somewhat mysterious origins.

What is clear, is that this dog breed first appeared around 1890, courtesy of one Herr Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman.

So the story goes, Herr Doberman needed a guard dog to protect him during his work. Although, his true employment remains equally mysterious: “tax collector” and “night watchman” are two favorite guesses.

While Herr Doberman did not live long enough to see it, his German comrades named the new breed “Doberman’s dog” in his honor.

Breeding efforts over time shifted from producing a fierce and unpredictable military and police dog to selecting traits for loyalty, protection and trustworthiness.

This shift resulted in the Doberman breed taking its place as one of the favorite large dog family breeds. As of 2019, they ranked as number 19 in AKC’s complete breed list.

Labrador Retriever History

The Labrador Retriever has been the number one most popular purebred large breed pet dog in the nation for a while now.

These furry, friendly, loyal and loving large breed dogs are very popular pets and workers.

The Lab originally hails from Newfoundland, Canada, which explains this purebred dog’s thick, warm, water-resistant coats and general love of water.

James Smith and Walter Scott, both aristocrats with an enthusiasm for hunting, are credited with the early breeding efforts that resulted in the purebred dog we now call the “Labrador Retriever.”

Originally bred to do exactly what their name suggests – retrieve – these dogs were bred continually to reinforce these traits and also produce a dog that would be intensely bonded with and loyal to humans.

Early Labradors were always black, but today the yellow lab and the chocolate lab have joined the black lab in the purebred lineup.

Fun Facts About Doberman Lab Mix

Interestingly, every single Doberman Pinscher Labrador puppy is unique. Even those from the same litter can be completely different from one another.

This is because a mixed puppy’s appearance, temperament, health, and care needs will depend entirely on the genes they inherit from their parents.

So, one puppy might be exactly like their Labrador Retriever parent, whilst their brother has more of a Doberman influence.

This is why it’s so important for potential owners to know exactly what they could be getting from either parent breed.

Luckily, we will cover all of the options in this guide.

Doberman Lab Mix Appearance

Doberman Lab mixes vary a lot. Your puppy could have the long water-friendly tail of the Lab. Or she could have the shorter triangular shaped tail of the Doberman.

The very short tail on adult Dobermans is always a result of docking during puppyhood.

When it comes to ears, you can expect longer, floppier ears to predominate in any Doberman Lab mix litter. Since both the Doberman and the Labrador purebred breeds have this ear type naturally.

The Doberman’s trademark erect ears are always a result of cropping, a controversial procedure carried out during puppyhood. You can read more about this here.

Doberdor Size

In terms of size, you can be reasonably certain your puppy will grow up to weigh anywhere from 50 to 80 pounds and stand anywhere from 21 to 27 inches high at the shoulder.

Males being larger than females in most cases.

Doberman Lab Mix Coat Type

One area where there continues to be a great deal of variance in Doberman and Lab mix puppies is in appearance, especially when it comes to the Doberador coat.

A purebred Doberman has a short, neat, sleek coat that sheds very little and needs only regular brushing for maintenance.

A purebred Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, could safely be called a shedding machine.

Their coats are mid-length to long, double layered and thick, with an oily feel due to the water-resistant coating on each hair. Their coats require regular grooming and brushing just to keep them under control, let alone neat.

Be Ready for Any Mix

This means a Doberman Labrador puppy could pop out with any combination of the parents’ coat attributes.

A Doberdor puppy could have a short but shaggy coat, a long but thin coat, non-oily or somewhat oily hair, a non-shedding or a shedding coat.

Color Variations

Coat color can also vary a great deal from one Doberdor puppy to the next. Doberman coat colors range from the traditional show colors of black/tan to blue, fawn, white and even red colors.

Labradors have three coat colors: black, chocolate and yellow. So here, you will just have to wait and see what coloration the genetic melting pot produces in your Doberdor puppy!

Whether you choose a black Lab Doberman mix or a chocolate Lab Doberman mix, you still won’t know what color your puppy will be until it arrives.

For instance, a black Lab Doberman mix could come out with tan markings, or even be fawn if it takes after a fawn Doberman parent.

Doberman Lab Mix Temperament

The Doberman purebred dog and the Labrador Retriever purebred dog are strikingly alike in some ways. And incredibly different in others.

Both purebred dogs are known to be loving, loyal and strongly bonding. They are also affectionate to their owners, athletic and energetic. Not to mention intelligent and trainable.

You can therefore expect your Doberman Lab mix to display these qualities when she grows. But, they also have an important significant difference.

The Doberman is highly protective and has a guarding nature. Labs are the exact opposite. Being happy to welcome anyone, from friends to burglars, into the home with open arms.

When you cross the two, there is no way to know whether your pup will be a social bunny or a bit of an introvert.

The importance of early and ongoing training and socialization to developing these traits cannot be understated

You don’t know whether your Doberman Lab mix will have this guarding instinct, so thorough socialization is vital either way.

Socialization

From the day your pup arrives home make sure you have lots of visitors, adults and children. Take them to a number of places, with crowds and strangers.

This is very important, even with a mixed breed. Because there is just no way of guessing which trait will be expressed.

If the consistency and discipline of training and socialization is not there, all of the risks inherent in both purebred parent breeds can manifest in a Doberman cross Labrador puppy as well.

Lack of ongoing training and socialization will produce aggression, inability to distinguish friend from foe, destructiveness, willful disobedience, separation anxiety and other unwelcome behavioral issues.

If you are bringing home a dog with guarding ancestry, it’s really important to take into account. Even if one parent doesn’t.

It’s also vital to meet the Doberman parent, to make sure that they are not averse to strangers.

A Doberman won’t jump all over you and shower you with love on their first meeting, but they should seem totally at ease in your company.

Training and Exercising your Doberdor

Due to their guarding nature, Doberman’s and their mixes must only be trained using positive reinforcement techniques.

The reward based nature of these will bring out the best in them.

Punishing a potentially aggressive dog is dangerous, as it can mask signs of upset that the dog would otherwise use to show you they are unhappy.

You can find out all about the demise of the use of dominance in this article on Alpha Dog Theory.

But, no matter which parent breed your puppy takes after, they will need plenty of exercise every day. Doberman Lab puppies grow into energetic, alert dogs.

Training will provide some exercise, but they will also need something more formal. This could be walks, hikes, retrieval games, swimming, and more!

Labrador Doberman Mix Health and Care

There is no dog breed on the planet that is completely healthy. This is simply not possible.

Most purebred dog breeds tend to develop certain “known” (genetic/heritable) health issues, often as a result of breeding for certain traits at the expense of others.

Both Dobermans and Labrador Retrievers have their own unique set of known health issues.

What this means is that there truly isn’t a way to predict which health issues your Labrador Doberman mix puppy may inherit.

For this reason, it is critical to be aware of breed-specific inherited health conditions for each parent, both so you can watch for signs of these health issues manifesting and so you can do genetic testing to ensure you pick the healthiest Doberman Lab mix puppy.

Doberman Pinscher Health

Genetic testing can identify some of these issues in the parent. The breeder should have run heart (cardiac), vision, hip and general DNA tests on the Doberman parent before mating.

The main health issues potentially occurring in Doberman dogs are:

• Heart disease (cardiomyopathy).
• Cervical vertebral instability (CVI or Wobbler Syndrome).
• Canine hip dysplasia.
• Bone cancer (osteosarcoma).
• Mange (demodicosis).
• Canine hemophilia (Von Willebrand’s disease or vWD).
• Twisted stomach (gastric torsion).
• Nervous system-related daytime sleepiness (narcolepsy).
• Hypothyroidism.
• Vision loss (progressive retinal atrophy or PRA).

Labrador Retriever Health

Here again, genetic testing of the parents can be your friend when selecting a Doberman and Labrador puppy.

Your breeder should have had hip, elbow, eye and general genetic tests for the Lab parent.

Common problems in Labs include:

• Canine hip dysplasia (CHD).
• Canine elbow/hip dysplasia (osteochondritis dissecans).
• Obesity.
• Kneecap dislocation (patellar luxation).
• Eyelash irregular growth (distichiasis).
• Inverted/folded eyelid (entropion).
• Vision loss (central progressive retinal atrophy or CPRA).
• Heart valve malformation (tricuspid valve dysplasia).
• Diabetes.
• Muscular dystrophy.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Skin lesions (acute moist dermatitis or hot spots).
• Cataracts.
• Exercise-induced collapse (EIC).

Health Testing

If you are feeling a bit (or a lot) disheartened after reading through these lengthy lists of breed-specific genetic-based health issues, this is absolutely normal.

However you can reduce many of the risks through choosing a puppy from health tested parents.

The Doberman parent should have good hip scores, be PRA clear and have a recent clear eye test. There should also be no family history of heart disease.

The Labrador parent should have good hip and elbow scores, be PRA clear and have a recent clear eye test too.

Doberdor Lifespan

Sadly, purebred Doberman dogs tend to be short-lived even for a large dog breed.

Many Dobermans don’t even live to see 10 years, which is why the Doberman Pinscher Club of America issues a Longevity Certificate to any Doberman who meets breed standards who lives to at least 10 years old.

Labradors, on the other hand, can live up to 14 years, although 12.5 years old is more the norm.

For this reason, your Doberdor puppy may live anywhere from 10 to 14 years, and only genetic testing during puppyhood plus a thorough review of the parents’ health can help predict which end of the spectrum any given Doberman Pinscher Lab mix puppy will fall.

Grooming and Shedding

Because of the great difference in coat types between a purebred Doberman and a purebred Labrador Retriever, there is no reliable way to predict in advance what type of grooming maintenance your Doberman Lab cross puppy may require.

As mentioned earlier, your Doberdor puppy’s coat could span the gamut from a short, sleek and nearly shed-free pup to a shaggy, serious shedder.

You will likely need to wait until your black, yellow or chocolate Lab Doberman mix puppy sheds the puppy coat and the adult coat begins to grow in before you can tell what level of grooming and coat maintenance you are looking at.

If your puppy inherits more coat traits from the Doberman side, expect twice monthly brushings and very little shedding pretty much year-round.

If, however, your puppy takes after the Labrador side (regardless of coat color), you would be wise to invest in a lint roller, several hand-grooming tools and at least quarterly professional grooming sessions, as well as semi-weekly brushings and the same daily during the big sheds twice per year!

Do Doberdors Make Good Family Pets?

Now that you have taken the time to learn about the popular hybrid dog breed affectionately known as the “Doberdor,” you can continue your search for a puppy with greater knowledge and confidence.

Remember, with any dog getting a puppy from health tested parents is key. As is meeting both the parents, especially when one is a guarding breed.

Doberman Lab mixes are big dogs. They might therefore have trouble in homes with very small children, due to accidentally bumping them. Especially with those lively Lab genes!

They need lots of attention, training and socialization is vital. As well as companionship for much of the day.

If you think that you can provide all of this, then a Doberman Lab mix might just be your new best friend.

Rescuing a Doberman Lab Mix

While most breeder-raised Doberman x Labrador puppies are returned to the original breeder if the new home situation does not work out, there are times when a Doberdor may be relinquished to a shelter instead.

Here, it is a good idea to contact local shelters and ask to be notified if a Doberman Lab mix dog is relinquished so you can have first right of adoption.

However, be aware that just because a dog looks like a Doberman Lab mix doesn’t necessarily mean it is a pure hybrid. The only way to verify this is to do your own genetic testing.

Sometimes a rescue organization will also fund genetic testing to verify purebred or hybrid breed status. This is usually done to facilitate placing a rescued pup from desirable parentage in a good home more quickly.

Start your search for this mix in rescue centers dedicated to the parent breeds. We’ve left some links at the end of this guide to help.

Finding a Doberman Lab Mix Puppy

Choosing a Doberman Labrador breeder is not an exact science. It is one part research and one part relationship. For general purposes, look for the following qualities in any breeder you are considering:

• Releases all health and genetic testing information on the parent dogs willingly.
• Allows you to meet and spend time with both parent dogs.
• Gives you an initial healthy puppy guarantee (typically for six to 12 months).
• Provides proof of parent pedigrees.
• Provides verification of all required parent and puppy vaccinations.
• Will not release any puppy until at least 8 weeks of age to ensure proper socialization.
• Fully cooperates in answering all your questions, providing you with client references and offering proof of breeder credentials.
• Offers to take the puppy back if things do not work out.

Raising a Doberman Labrador Puppy

Black, yellow and brown or chocolate Lab Doberman mix puppies are all guaranteed to have one thing in common: extreme cuteness.

Before you let yourself get blinded by puppy cuteness, it is critical for your puppy’s sake as well as your own to pause for a moment and carefully consider your selection criteria.

Today, veterinarians can conduct a variety of diagnostic and genetic screenings and tests to predict whether a dog’s puppies may later develop heritable health conditions. Some of these health conditions are quite severe and costly to treat. In some cases, heritable health conditions are life-limiting or fatal.

To save yourself and any puppy you bring into your life from the pain and expense of dealing with a serious heritable health issue, right now stop and promise yourself you will do your genetic homework before making a commitment to a Doberdor puppy!

Be sure to enlist the help of your veterinarian to ensure the puppy you want has the healthiest and brightest possible future life with you!

Where applicable, you can use the CHIC breed database to verify information a breeder offers, learn more about a Doberman Lab mix puppy’s parents and learn more about new, emerging breed-specific health issues.

Doberman Lab Mix Products and Accessories

Now you’ve chosen your puppy, here are some guides that will prepare you with the best products before bringing your new family member home.

• Indestructible Dog Beds
• Best Dog Ramp For SUV And Large Vehicle Owners
• Top 10 Puppy Essentials – What To Buy Before He Comes Home

How are you feeling about the Doberman Pinscher and Labrador mix now?

Pros And Cons of Getting A Doberdor

Here’s a brief summary of everything we’ve looked at so far.

Cons

• Can have strong guarding instincts
• Unpredictable temperament and appearance
• Long list of potential health problems
• Not a very common mix, so could be hard to find

Pros

• Has a great temperament if socialized well
• Every puppy is unique
• Easy to train

This mix isn’t going to suit every family. If it’s not right for you, here are some other breeds you can consider.

Similar Breeds

Here are some similar breeds that might be more suitable for your home.

• German Shepherd
• Pitbull Lab Mix
• Doberman Poodle Mix
• Lab Pointer Mix

And finally, some rescue centers!

Doberman and Labrador Breed Rescues

As the Labrador Doberman mix is still quite uncommon, you may want to start your search at centers dedicated to the parent breeds.

Many will accept mixed breed puppies if one of the parents is their target breed. Here are some links to get you started.

Doberman Pinscher Rescues

• Lincs Dobermann Rescue (UK)
• Dobermann Rescue (UK)
• Dobies and Little Paws Rescue (USA)
• DPCA Doberman Rescue (USA)
• United Doberman Rescue (USA)

Labrador Retriever Rescues

• Labrador Retriever Rescue Southern England (UK)
• Labradors In Need (UK)
• Labrador UK Action Group (UK)
• American Lab Rescue (USA)
• New England Lab Rescue (USA)
• Save A Lab Rescue (USA)

If you know of any other great rescues, make sure to leave their names in the comments below.

Related Articles

• Doberman Ear Cropping

References And Resources

• Gough, A. (et al) ‘Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats’, Wiley Blackwell (2018)
• O’Neill (et al) ‘Longevity and Mortality of Owned Dogs In England’, The Veterinary Journal (2013)
• Adams, V.J. (et al) ‘Results of a Survey of UK Purebred Dogs’, Journal of Small Animal Practice (2010)
• Duffy, D. (et al) ‘Breed Differences in Canine Aggression’, Applied Animal Behavior Science (2008)
• Gruenig, P. (et al) ‘The History and Development of the Doberman Breed’, Blitzkrieger Kennel
• Howell, T. ‘Puppy Parties and Beyond: the Role of Early Age Socialization Practices on Adult Dog Behavior’, Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (2015)
• American Kennel Club