The Dalmador is the offspring of the purebred Dalmatian and the pedigree Labrador Retriever. This hybrid designer dog is medium sized, intelligent and has an outgoing disposition. The Dalmador dog’s working history means they have a strong prey drive, plenty of enthusiasm and are keen to run. Dalmatian Lab mix dogs need plenty of socialization and respond well to positive training methods.
Contents
- Working histories
- Appearances and characteristics
- Dalmatian Lab mix temperament
- Dalmatian and Lab health
The Dalmador is highly energetic, he will do best in a home with a yard and an owner who is able to take him on consistent walks or jogs. The Dalmador should do great in homes with children, but purebred Dalmatian dogs can be prone to guarding instincts, so it is important to supervise your Dalmador around small kids and pets.
Origin of the Dalmatian Labrador Mix
Both his purebred parents have fascinating histories, however, and their distinctive roots can help to give us some insight as to what their Dalmador puppy is all about.
The Lab was originally bred for hunting, his primary job these days is to be a doting family companion. His popularity can likely be attributed to his gentle, intelligent nature, giving him that family-friendly reputation he’s famous for. But don’t be surprised if you see a Labrador working with officers as a narcotics detection dog. Or even leading the way on a search-and-rescue mission.
Labs even make great service animals to their human counterparts, working as guide dogs for the blind or emotional support dogs.
It is widely believed the Dalmatian originated in Croatia. Here he was once used in war to guard the borders of Dalmatia, a region in Croatia. (Hence the name ‘Dalmatian’). The Dalmatian became a symbol of status during the Regency Period in Great Britain. Beautifully spotted Dalmatians were coveted by royalty and those who held a very high status in the community.
During this period, the Dalmatian would walk alongside coaches of those of high status, and thus he eventually became known as The Spotted Coach Dog.
The Dalmador’s Defining Characteristics
Just like with temperament, the Dalmador can also inherit a wide range of physical traits from both his purebred parents. This means features such as coat color, weight and height will be left up to chance, depending on which parent the Dalmador takes after most.
The full-grown Labrador will grow to be 22-25 inches and weigh about 55-80 pounds. The Dalmatian is also a medium-sized dog who has a proportionate, athletic build. His famously spotted coat comes in two standard color types, including white and black or white and liver.
The full-grown Dalmatian will be 19-24 inches tall and weigh around 45-70 pounds.
Dalmador Grooming
Your Dalmador will have a short coat that sheds seasonally. They are not a good fit for those with dog fur allergies, and will leave a spread of fur around the home on a regular basis. A weekly grooming routine will keep on top of most of the shed fur, and you can use that time to also check their floppy ears for any waxy build up that might lead to ear infections.
The Dalmador Temperament
Your Dalmador dog will be intelligent and eager to please. They get along well with members of the family of every age, but can be a little wary of strangers. This trait can be reduced by early socialization, but they are likely to remain less keen on strangers than your average Labrador Retriever.
Energy levels will be high into adulthood and they will need loads of interactive dog toys, chews and games to keep them occupied. Dalmador puppies crave attention and can suffer form separation anxiety if left for long periods of time.
Dalmador Training and Exercise Requirements
The Dalmatian and the Labrador are intelligent, so your Dalmador puppy will be a treat to train.
The Labrador, for example, is famous for his ability to learn and pick up commands. Training him proves simple, as he loves to learn and enjoys a challenge.
However, as we previously mentioned, the Lab is very high energy, especially in his youth. Still, with patience and consistency, the Labrador makes an excellent student.
The Dalmatian is also a pretty active dog who needs plenty of exercise to maintain his health and happiness.
He has very little patience for boredom and, like the Lab, has been known to become destructive when not exercised enough or when left alone for too long without proper toys or activities.
He is intelligent and responds well to training, which is what makes him such a successful show dog. In fact, the Dalmatian is known to excel in obedience training.
Dalmadors are very energetic and can be prone to destructive behavior if bored. I recommend early socialization and proper training with your Dalmador puppy.
This will help you to channel your Dalmador’s energy in a positive way. A variety of toys and plenty of exercise should help keep him from getting overly excited or destructive to property.
Health Issues and Lifespan of the Dalmador
A healthy Labrador’s lifespan is 10-12 years. The purebred Labrador can be prone to suffer loose knee joints, elbow and hip dysplasia and ruptured ligaments in their hind legs. Eye disease, heart disease, epilepsy, cancer, and chronic allergies are also possibilities. Labs are also more prone than average to suffer the gastrointestinal syndrome, Bloat.
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The purebred Dalmatian has a lifespan of 11-13 years. They can be prone to hip dysplasia, deafness, obesity, urinary stones, epilepsy and hyperactivity.
Your Dalmador’s lifespan could be anywhere from 10-13 years. His health issues will vary depending on what issues his purebred parents have passed on to him.
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
