Dalmador | Dog Breed Facts and Information

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Dog Breeds
Dalmador

48-74 lbs

19-23"

United States

Labrador Retriever

Dalmatian

Labradal Retriever, Delmador

The Dalmador dog is a hybrid breed resulting from the crossing of a purebredDalmatianand a purebredLabrador Retriever. The variations of appearance, coloring and personality traits can be extensive, even in the same litter. Some dogs will inherit more genes from one parent than the other so that results can be unexpected. What owners have found is that generally, the Dalmador is a family friendly dog who loves kids and other pets. They also love people and are very welcoming which means they are probably not the greatest guard dog. They will bark when people arrive on the property and will probably lick them to death! The Dalmador is an attractive medium to large dog, which is easy to train, can be trusted to behave when left alone, and who is a keen companion and affectionate, loving dog.

Purpose

Companion dogs, hunting dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs

Date of Origin

1980s

Ancestry

Dalmatian and Labrador Retriever

Dalmador Health

Average Size

Height: 20-24 inchesWeight: 54-80 lbs

Height: 19-23 inchesWeight: 48-74 lbs

Major Concerns

Hip Dysplasia
Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Minor Concerns

Patellar Luxation
Kidney Stones

Occasional Diagnoses

Deafness

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
Urinalysis
ECG
Full Physical Examination
Hearing Tests
Blood Tests and Analysis

Dalmador Breed History

The Dalmador is said to have originated from the 1980s when it became popular to mix pure-bred dogs into hybrids. While this dog is still building its history for the Dalmador name, its lineage goes a long way back thanks to its parent breeds. The Labrador Retriever came from the island of Newfoundland which is off the coast of Canada and served to help local fishermen in the 1700s. The Labradors heritage is unknown but may have come from the St. John's dog being interbred with the Newfoundland dog and other smaller dogs. The Labradors usefulness and mild nature were noted, and soon they were imported to England around 1830 for English Sports hunters. The breed nearly became extinct in 1880, but the Earl of Malmesbury and other breeders are credited with saving the breed. In 1917 the American Kennel Club recognised the Labrador Retriever as a distinct breed. After World War ll the Labrador Retriever become the most popular dog registered with the AKC. Today the trusty Labrador works in drug and explosive detection, search and rescue, therapy, and as retrievers for hunters. The Dalmatians origins are unknown. The spotted dogs travelled with nomadic bands of Romanies (Gypsies). The name came from his stay in Dalmatia which is a province in Croatia. These dogs have been used as guard dogs in Dalmatia, shepherds, ratters, retrievers, circus dogs, and coaching dogs. England developed the Dalmatian into the coaching role – they were used to clear a path before the horse and ran alongside the coach. He guarded the horses and coach when they were at rest. The Dalmatian took on a new role when he arrived in the United States of America, where they became a firehouse dog, running with the horses to the fire, and then watching over the equipment or even rescuing people. After the fire, they would return to the station and their duty as a watchdog. These dogs are now companion dogs but many firehouses across the country still have Dalmatians a mascot. So, with such outstanding lineage behind them, the Dalmador cannot help but be a very special dog.

Dalmador Breed Appearance

The Dalmador will display some of the Dalmatians famous spots. Some coats will have more spotting than others, usually in patches on a solid dark coat. The Labrador inheritance means that all coats will not be the classic white and black of the Dalmatian. The Dalmador has a strong, muscular, perfectly proportioned body, deep chest and strong straight front legs with rounded compact paws. The tail is long and pointed. Their head is slightly rounded at the top, and their ears are folded over and held out from the side of their head. Their long muzzle sports a black nose with wide nostrils and their teeth meet in a scissors bite. Their dark wide set eyes are large and dark rimmed, and give the Dalmador an expressive intelligent expression.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Brown

White

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Dalmador Breed Maintenance

The Dalmador can be quite a shedder so it takes a bit more effort to groom them and remove the hair before it coats the house. Often the coat will blow out with the onset of spring, and handfuls of hair can be pulled out. A firm bristle brush used three times per week will help maintain its coat. Bathing the Dalmador will help remove the shedding hair and prevent doggy odor.

Just ensure you use a shampoo designed for dogs to prevent any allergic reactions. Your Dalmador will enjoy all the attention, and if you start when they are very young, it will become a valuable bonding time. Remember to check inside their ears as infections can become a problem, wiping out the ear will help clear any debris. Their toe nails may need clipping unless they are active enough to wear them down themselves. Get your dog groomer to show you how to do it correctly if you have never done it before, to prevent cutting too low and hurting your dog. And finally, if you brush your dog’s teeth regularly you can prevent dog’s breath and any teeth and gum issues.

Insuring your dog as soon as “pawssible” is essential for preventing high vet care costs. Start comparing insurance plans from leading insurers like Healthy Paws and Embrace and save over $270 a year.

Brushes for Dalmador

Comb

Deshedder

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Dalmador Temperament

The mix between the Dalmatian and the Labrador Retriever can produce a dog of varying personality, but often the sensitive nature of the first parent is balanced by the outgoing friendly nature of the Labrador. The high intelligence of the Dalmador makes training easy. For the slightly sensitive dog, reward their efforts with high praise and the occasional treat. These dogs are active animals who will happily accompany you on a run, tirelessly lope alongside your bike, and will join in any games the family wants to play. They can tend to bark or howl, but proper training will help prevent this from becoming a problem. They love children but their sheer size and energy may knock a small child about, so it is advisable to supervise play. The Dalmador will make good companions for other house pets, often having a protective instinct towards them. These dogs make ideal house pets and are content to curl up with their family, but can outgrow your lap although they will still try to fit on. They are loving, caring and good-natured dogs that make an ideal family pet.

Dalmador Activity Requirements

The Dalmador is an active dog, and will enjoy joining you for a walk, tramp in the bush, lope beside your bike or just race up and down a beach while you watch. Ideally these dogs need to be walked daily, or even better – twice daily to satisfy their exercise requirements. A bored dog with no outings or exercise can become a naughty dog, getting into things they shouldn’t and barking at any movement along your street. In summer, trips to the beach or river are perfect for your Dalmador. They can cool off and exercise at the same time. Once they are tired, they will just want to curl up and snooze at your side. They make affectionate devoted pets who are worth the extra care.

Activity Level