Dalmador Breed Details
Below are the characteristics owners can expect their dalmadors to have:
Dalmador Dog Breed
Labradal Retriever
The dalmador is a hybrid dog breed and is the offspring of a purebred dalmatian and a purebred labrador retriever. As a hybrid dog, dalmadors will have behavior and physical traits of both parent breeds, which can lead to multiple variations between dalmador dogs (even if from the same litter).
Not all hybrid dogs are a perfect mix of the two parent breeds. Some hybrids will inherit more traits from one breed than the other, so there is no way to predict which traits a dalmador will inherit from its labrador parent and which characteristics it will inherit from its dalmatian parent. This can make it difficult to accurately describe the breed's behavior and appearance.
Dalmador Breed Description
The dalmador is a crossbreed bred from a labrador retriever and a dalmatian. The dalmador is a newer breed of hybrid dog and because of this there is very little information regarding the breed's behavior and description.
Dalmadors are an extremely intelligent dog breed and will need consistent training from puppyhood to prevent them from developing destructive habits for entertainment. You can expect the dalmador to be an extremely energetic dog breed, requiring moderate daily exercise to keep their hyperactivity under control.
The dalmatian the the labrador breed's similarities will be the dalmador's strongest traits. You can expect the dalmadors to be a strong companion dog breed that feels his/her place is with their family. Their intelligence makes them easy to train and able to excel as hunting dogs, companion dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, etc.
The differences between the parent breeds are areas where the dalmador's behavior can vary from dog to dog. Dalmatians were used as watchdogs for horse-pulled coaches for generations and as such they have a strong guarding instinct and are especially fond of horses. Labrador retrievers, on the other hand, were bred as a retriever dog and are often described as the worlds worst watch dog due to their over trusting and friendly attitude towards all people including strangers and trespassers.
Dalmador Breed History
The dalmador is a recent hybrid dog breed which was likely bred sometime between the 1980's and 2000's when the popularity of designer dog breeds increased.
Dalmador Appearance
Most dalmadors will inherit the dalmatians spotted appearance. Some coats will have more subtle spotting than others, and not all coats will be the classic white and black pattern that dalmatians are famous for.
Since both parent breeds are close in size, you can expect the dalmador to be the same size as or slightly smaller than the labrador retriever.
Dalmador Colors
The images below represent the coat colors and patterns associated with Dalmadors.
Black and White
Chocolate and White
Dalmador Temperament
Since both parent breeds are family oriented dogs, the dalmador will likely make a great companion dog for a family of any size. Their high intelligence will make them easy to train, and they will be ready to go with their master whether it's a small trip to the mailbox or a long run.
It is likely that the dalmador will have moderate a tendency to bark/howl, but proper training can help prevent this from becoming a problem.
Dalmador Maintenance
Dalmadors are likely to be a moderate to high maintenance dog. Their high energy and heavy shedding will need frequent attention to prevent hyperactivity and unkempt coats.
Grooming Requirements
Dalmadors are heavy shedders and will likely shed year round. Because of this you will need to brush your dalmador frequently (2-3 times per week) to get out the loose hair. They will need to be bathed as needed to prevent odors and matted hair.
Exercise Requirements
Dalmadors are a medium to high energy dog. They will need to be walked daily (ideally twice daily) to meet their exercise needs. Since they are a companion dog, they will not enjoy being left in a yard to satisfy their own exercise requirements.
Living Requirements
Dalmadors prefer being with their families as indoor dogs rather than being alone outside. They make good apartment dogs as long as they get their daily exercise, otherwise they may develop destructive habits to entertain themselves.
Dalmador Health
Generally, hybrid dog breeds are extremely health dogs as they don't have health issues from a lack of gene variation. However, both parent breeds are known for having health issues, so it is likely that your dalmador may inherit some of the health issues associated with both parent breeds.
Dalmador Health Concerns
Below are potential health concerns associated with Dalmadors.
Hip dysplasia
About this Article
Updated:August 30, 2016