Information on Labrador Doberman Mix Puppies

Any mixed puppy has its advantages and disadvantages. Though the breeds of both parents are known, the exact mix of the two breeds in the litter is hard to predict. Some puppies take closer after the Labrador parent, while others favor the Doberman parent. Another disadvantage of the mixed puppy is that is impossible to predict the exact size, color and temperament. Mixed dogs are often considered to be a more "natural" dog. Mixed breeds sometimes suffer from fewer genetic health problems and temperament problems than affect purebreds. However, in a crossbreed, the health problems of the two purebreds can be carried over to the mixed offspring, so puppies sired by a Doberman Pinscher and a Labrador can inherit the Labrador's hip dysplasia or the Doberman's cardiomyopathy.

  1. Physical Appearance

    • Labrador puppies come in solid colors with no patterns, but a mixed puppy could inherit its color from the Doberman side.

      The Doberman Pinscher and the Labrador Retriever are of similar size, (both identified as large dogs), but they have different appearances. Puppies of the two breeds mixed together will inherit the size and colors of the parents, but some puppies are likely to favor one or the other parent more. Labradors commonly come in three basic solid colors: cream (or yellow), chocolate and black. These are quite different from the Doberman Pinscher breed, which has a specific pattern of black and tan variation, or chocolate and faun. The puppies may inherit either the solid color of the Labrador, the patterns of a Doberman or a combination of the two with some white patches. Because both parents of the mixed puppies are of the large variety, females standing between 22 inches and 26 inches, males 22 to 28 inches, the puppies are expected to grow up large, with solid frames. Both Doberman Pinschers and Labrador Retrieves have folded ears that are expected to pass on to their mixed offspring and naturally long, thick tails. Labradors are water retrievers and have webbed feet for strong swimming, which can pass on to the mixed offspring.

    Temperament

    • As with the physical appearance, the Doberman Labrador puppies will inherit the temperament traits of their parents, but there is no way of telling if they will take after the Doberman or the Labrador parent, or equally both. Both breeds are highly intelligent and loyal to their masters. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America refers to Dobermans as the "Velcro Dog" for their strong attachment to their masters. Labradors are known and loved for their tenacious desire to please their masters. The puppies will most likely be loyal dogs with high intelligence, and because both parent breeds are known for boundless energy, energetic puppies are also to be expected. Labradors are natural and talented swimmers, so it should not be a surprise if some of the puppies develop a natural love for water.

    Training

    • Labrador Retrievers are considered to be one of the easiest dog breeds to train because of their high desire to please their owners. Dobermans are highly intelligent and are quick to understand what is wanted from them. The mix of the two dogs will most likely take after the parents and have a combination of eager-to-please and highly intelligent puppies.

    Grooming Requirements

    • Doberman Pinschers require little grooming. Their fine, short coat requires nothing more than a thorough rubdown with a moist cloth, once a month, with an occasional bath. Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, require more grooming than the Doberman. Because of the double-layer, thick coat of the Labrador, they are prone to shedding, so they require more vigorous brushing than the Doberman. Their oily skin, designed to withstand cold waters, also requires more bathing than the Doberman's. The puppies of the two dogs could have a combination coat, between the Doberman and Labrador, or may favor one or the other parent more, so grooming of the puppies varies based on whose coat they inherit.