Quick Take
- Managing an 80-pound athlete requires mastering their dual capacity for herding and high-stakes guarding.
- The St. John’s Water Dog lineage triggers a guarding instinct that makes welcoming strangers difficult.
- Counter-intuitively, their Labrador heritage does not prevent them from being introverted and poor family pets.
- Completing a veterinary checkup immediately after adoption is vital to detecting hidden autoimmune thyroiditis.
When you combine the spots of a Dalmatian with the friendly temperament of a Labrador retriever, you get the charming working dog known as the Dalmador. These pups are affectionate and attentive towards their owners, but they’re also alert and capable of guarding, herding, and generally helping out as only a dog can. Dalmador owners love knowing that their best friend is always looking out for them.
Concerning the Dalmador ancestry, Dalmatians got their name from a coastal area in Croatia called Dalmatia. Descended from pointers, Dalmatians served as coach dogs in 19th-century Europe. Coach dogs moved alongside horse-drawn carriages occupied by members of British noble families. Today, the stereotype is that of a Dalmatian riding on a firetruck.
As to the other parent of this hybrid breed, Labrador retrievers were bred from Canadian fishing dogs known as St. John’s Water Dogs, which originated in Newfoundland. They were also known as St. John’s Water Dogs, after St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland. Originally, their job was to help pull in the fishing nets, so they are great swimmers. In modern times, they have become a hunting dog as well as America’s favorite pet dog.
3 Pros and Cons of Ownership
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique patterns: Dalmadors all have different coats with variations on the classic dalmatian pattern. Expect to see spots peeking out from brown, tan, black, and chocolate coats of fur. | Separation anxiety: They are very attached to their owners and don’t do well when left alone. From barking to destructive behaviors, you’ll have a better time if you simply don’t leave your dog alone in the house without someone to watch it. |
| Intelligent personality: They are smart and alert dogs that constantly watch their environment. These dogs are easy to train and are great for assigning tasks. | Extra shedding: Dalmatians and labs are both heavy shedders, and the hybrid dalmador is no exception. Shedding will increase twice a year when the seasons change. |
| Active lifestyle: They are high-energy dogs that love to run and play. If you own a large property or have an active lifestyle, these dogs will get along well with you. | Guarding instinct: They are very protective of their families. Although this can be a positive trait, it makes inviting new people over to your house difficult. |
Dalmadors are high-energy dogs that are smart and alert.
Size and Weight
Dalmadors are medium-large dogs with lean builds and beautiful coats of chocolate, tan, black, brown, and white fur decorated with a random pattern of spots. The average dog stands between 19 and 24 inches tall. Their weights range between 58 and 80 pounds and can vary greatly based on the genetic traits that were passed down to each dog. Females are almost always smaller than males of the same litter.
| Height (Male): | 20 to 24 inches |
| Height (Female): | 19 to 23 inches |
| Weight (Male): | 54 to 80 pounds |
| Weight (Female): | 48 to 74 pounds |
Common Health Issues
Dalmadors are prone to many of the same health issues that plague purebred Dalmatians and Labrador retrievers. Among the problems to look out for are joint dysplasia, kidney stones, deafness, and more serious genetic problems like autoimmune thyroiditis. These dogs, in particular, suffer from the impacts of bad breeding. Make sure to take your puppy to the vet for a checkup immediately after you adopt it.
Temperament
Dalmadors are bright, attentive, alert, and energetic. These dogs have very work-focused personalities, which means that they are happiest when they have something to do. Whether it’s running around the backyard or guarding the living room, your dog will take pride in doing its assigned task exceptionally well.
The other side of a dalmador’s personality comes out when these dogs don’t get enough exercise. Expect destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, and generally not listening, especially if the walks have been skipped for several days in a row. However, once you get the exercise levels back up, your pet should turn into a perfect angel.
Dalmadors constantly watch their environment. These dogs are easy to train and are great for assigning to tasks.
©iStock.com/smrm1977
Care
Dalmadors need a lot of exercise to be happy. These dogs aren’t a good choice for apartment living; instead, make sure they have plenty of land to run around on.
Best Dog Food
These are medium dogs that don’t have nearly as high caloric needs as many owners think. Reducing your dog’s portions can be a good way to decrease its energy levels, especially if it is engaging in destructive behaviors. Remember to feed high-quality kibble that focuses on protein and healthy fats. Take the Dalmador’s unique health concerns into account when choosing appropriate food. Talk to your vet about preventing joint, kidney, and autoimmune problems, and treating them if they arise.
Grooming
Dalmadors shed quite a bit and should be brushed frequently to keep their coats in good condition. Plan to groom your dog at least three times a week with a firm-bristled brush. You should also inspect your dog’s ears regularly and trim its nails on a semi-monthly basis.
Training
Dalmadors are alert working dogs that respond incredibly well to basic commands. After you build a connection with your puppy, try introducing it to more complicated activities like chasing lures or running courses. Stick to short training sessions to maintain your dog’s attention and refresh important concepts regularly.
Exercise
Dalmadors are incredibly active dogs that need a high amount of exercise. Expect to take your pet on two walks every day. Your dog should also have access to a yard to run around in, and you may want to keep its attention with various training activities. Try to wear your dog out to panting at least once a day; the light amount of exhaustion will help prevent destructive behaviors like chewing or barking.
Puppies
Dalmador puppies are playful, energetic, and eager to explore the world. These pups are intelligent and need guidance, especially if they’re descended from a smart breed like the chocolate lab. Spend plenty of time training yours to help it accomplish its fullest potential.
Dalmador coats have variations of the classic Dalmatian pattern with spots peeking out from brown, tan, black, and chocolate coats of fur.
©iStock.com/Denise LeMoine
Children
Dalmadors are alert and active dogs that are a good choice for working lifestyles, but they don’t make good family pets. These pups are far too introverted and dependent on their owners to properly socialize, especially at family gatherings. If you have a dalmador, don’t leave them alone with unsupervised children who won’t respect their boundaries.
Similar Dogs
Few dogs quite match the Dalmador’s appearance and personality. Some of the best replacement options include the purebred Dalmatian, the Labrador Retriever, and the designer Dalmadoodle.
- Dalmatian: Purebred dalmatians may be hard to find, but they’re well worth the effort. These dogs are exceptionally loyal.
- Dalmadoodle: Another dalmatian hybrid, the dalmadoodle is an active, loyal dog that’s great for working positions and high-energy lifestyles.
- Labrador Retriever: The balanced but loving personality of the Labrador retriever is popular for a reason. Your lab will treat you with love and kindness, even if it likes to eat a little more than it should.
Dalmador Pictures
View all of our Dalmador pictures in the gallery.
iStock.com/smrm1977
Sources
- Simply For Dogs / Accessed March 19, 2021
- Wagwalking / Accessed March 19, 2021
- Pet Guide / Accessed March 19, 2021
- The Laborador Site / Accessed March 19, 2021
- Doggie Designer / Accessed March 19, 2021
