Doberdor Breed Guide

  • Breed Group
    Breed Group

    Mixed breed

  • Breed Height
    Height

    60-71 cm

  • Breed Weight
    Weight

    27-45 kg

  • Breed Lifespan
    Lifespan

    10-14 years

About the Doberdor

Man's best friend comes in different breeds and sizes. So understanding the key differences and strong suits of different dog breeds plays an integral part in taking care of your pup better.

Some dogs are rewardingly more demanding than others and require more grooming attention, whereas others just need a brush. This guide aims to help you understand those crucial points before adopting a Doberdor as your pet.

What is the history & origin of the Doberdor?

The Doberdor breed first appeared in Canada in a little village called Newfoundland. This breed dates back to the 17th century, and it was later recognised by the American Kennel Club later on in 1917.

This breed has since become a valuable part of society by being part of search and rescue teams and acting as a guide dog. Doberdors are among the best mixed-breed dogs with characteristics that fit both domesticated guard dogs and playful companions.

A fun fact about the Doberdor breed is that it is also called a water dog, a nickname they adopted back in the 1800s.

Who are Doberdor dogs best for?

Doberdor dogs get classified as medium-large dog breeds. Therefore, this Doberman-Lab mix requires some space to grow and play, preferably outdoors. That is more important because the Doberman and Lab mix loves retrieving and doing outdoor activities.

Therefore, Doberdors are best for families with a yard and might not suit an apartment lifestyle. Experts in training dogs can easily prepare Doberdors for guide dog tasks. In addition, they serve as excellent guard dogs for families by beefing up security the old-fashioned canine way!

Undoubtedly, Doberdors get their guiding instincts from Labrador Retrievers since they have been used to help guide blind people for a long time.

How much grooming does a Doberdor need?

Shedding of the Doberman-Labrador mix depends on which parent had a dominant effect on its coat. For example, you can expect more of a dense coat from the Lab parent that can get shed on couches and car seats. On the other hand, if your Doberdor did not inherit its Labrador parent genes, this dog's coat would be sleeker and short-haired.

Mainly, your Lab-Doberman mix puppy grooming routine should get guided by the specific coat it inherited. However, in most cases, the upkeep of this breed is not that intensive and can be done on an ad-hoc basis.

Do Doberdor bark much?

As a guard dog, Doberdors, also known as the Labraman, tend to exhibit different barking patterns depending on their environment. This Doberman-Lab mix tends to be quieter when relaxed in most cases. Under those circumstances, they bark when they do not see a detected threat.

They might be quiet for potential threats they see and let out a last-minute warning bark. Some owners have reported loud constant barking, but this could be triggered by frustration more than anything.

Do Doberdor bite?

The Doberman-Lab mix ranks as a fiercely protective dog among other dogs, but they are not much for biting their owners. Even when playing, the Doberdor prefers fetching and retrieving instead of chewing.

However, the Doberman-Lab mix will bite threats when trained to do so using the force of their bodies as a weapon. Doberman-Lab mix puppies can get trained early on to adopt whatever traits or tricks they would like to master because they are brilliant dogs. That includes obedience training on when to bite.

What is the temperament & personality of a Doberdor?

Undoubtedly, a Doberdor is an energetic dog that is super-playful despite being a guard dog. They like your attention and require you to shower them with loads of it. However, the Labraman is not much of a fiercely aggressive breed.

Instead, they are very good with children and create a safe environment for them. Dobes will protect kids at all costs because of their loyalty to their owners. You will enjoy having this dog around, especially if it is still a puppy.

What is the weight & size of a Doberdor?

The Labraman is a medium to large mixed breed dog that varies in weight. A fully grown Doberman-Lab mix dog can weigh about 18kg and can also reach a weight of 45 kg. Doberman-Lab puppies are not that heavy, but they quickly get to this weight.

This dog's height is similar to both Doberman Pinschers and Labradors. However, compared with other dogs, they classify as medium to large because this mixed breed dog can reach a height of 71 cm.

How much training does a Doberdor need?

Unfortunately, the Lab-Doberman mix might not be perfect for inexperienced pet parents because they require excessive time and patience. In addition, most Lab-Doberman mixes are naturally stubborn and require constant repetition before they fully grasp a concept.

Therefore, this Labrador-Doberman mix takes a while to train and requires effective techniques to give it that extra boost. However, once they have grasped something, they manifest great intelligence by practising it, so your training will not be in vain.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Doberdor?

In general, this breed gets regarded as a healthy dog. However, just like all dogs, there are some infirmities they have a higher risk of getting. For example, Doberdors are at higher risk of developing hip and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can manifest themselves all at once, or only hip dysplasia could manifest its symptoms.

The best way to combat these health complexities is to schedule wellness checks and give your pups all the exercise they need. In addition, you can explore different outdoor activities with this Doberman Labrador crossbreed, like hiking, playing fetch, etc. These activities can keep Dobes as fit as a fiddle.

What is the lifespan of a Doberdor?

Life expectancies of dogs differ. Some age out quickly and draw their last breath, whereas others live a little longer with their owners. Doberdors tend to fall on the latter criteria because they generally take longer to retire.

For most dogs that fall under this breed, the expected lifespan ranges between 10 to 14 years, a relatively long and fulfilling life expectancy. Try to take care of your dog by enforcing a good exercise routine to improve its health and wellness.

How much should you feed a Doberdor?

Feeding Doberdors is also a tricky trade because they have high energy levels and need to consume more food to sustain their daily activities. At the same time, owners should be on the lookout for overeating, leading to weight gain and slower performance.

Owners should find the sweet spot and use it as a guide for feeding their Labraman breed dogs. Additionally, try to have a tighter grip on dispensing snacks and treats because they can also contribute to overeating.

What is the price of a Doberdor in Australia?

Doberdor prices in Australia vary according to each breeder. Some offer this canine at around $950 with value-added benefits such as a microchip and vaccination history. Each breeder might have a different price but consider going to rescue animal shelters to find a new Doberdor to love.

Regardless of how you get your pup, the aim is to give them the best love possible, and this should be no less with guarding dogs like Doberdors.

Pros

  • Very intelligent
  • Minimal shedding
  • Great watchdog abilities

Cons

  • Prone to obesity
  • Needs large space
  • Not for first-time owners