Both the Dalmatian and the Labrador Retriever are adorable breeds, with more and more families and individuals wanting to get either of them.
On the other hand, some people prefer a Dalmatian Labrador mix, affectionately known as the Dalmador.
This is a designer dog that combines the appeal of these two popular dog breeds.
So, what does a Dalmador look like? What’s his temperament like? Most of all, is the Dalmatian Lab Mix a good family dog?
These are some of the questions potential Dalmador dog owners face when choosing a new furry friend, so let’s dive in and find out what makes the Dalmador so special.
Table of Contents
Some Quick Facts About the Dalmatian Labrador Mix
| Breed Type: | Crossbreed/Mixed Breed |
| Other Names: | Dalmador |
| Size: | Medium to Large-sized dog |
| Good Watch Dog: | Yes, if they take after the Dalmatian parent otherwise no |
| Average Weight: | 50 to 80 pounds |
| Average Height: | 19 to 25 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10 to 14 years |
| Apartment Living: | No |
| Ideal for: | For individuals and active families with older children, spacious homes |
| Coat: | Short, dense, water-proof double-coat |
| Coat colors: | Black, brown, cream, white with spots in liver or black |
| Suitable for first time owners: | Moderate |
| Trainability: | Relatively easy to train |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
| Shedding: | Moderate to High |
| Grooming Needs: | You need to brush your Dalmador 2 to 3 times per week to get out the loose hair |
| Energy Levels: | High |
| Exercise Needs: | At least 90 minutes of exercise every day is required (Ideally two walks per day) |
| Tolerance to being left alone: | Low, should not be left alone for more than 2 to 4 hours |
| Feeding and Diet: | 2.5 to 3.5 cups of high quality dog food each day, divided into two or three meals |
| Maintenance | High |
| Possible Health Issues: | Hip dysplasia, Obesity, Deafness, Patellar luxation and Kidney stones |
| Temperament: | Gentle, Affectionate, Alert, Playful, Friendly, Loyal, Protective, Energetic, Intelligent, Stubborn, Sweet |
| Cat Friendly: | Yes, But Proper Socialization Is Recommended |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes, But Proper Socialization Is Recommended |
| Kid Friendly: | Yes, but best suited for families with older children (Early socialization is must) |
| Barking Tendencies: | Moderate tendency to bark/howl (can be controlled by proper training) |
| Price: | $800 to $5,000 |
Where Did The Dalmatian Lab Mix Come From?
Unlike his parents, the Dalmador doesn’t have a very long history. In fact, no one can tell for sure when the first Dalmatian Lab Mix was bred.
However, it is widely believed that the Lab And Dalmatian Mix was bred within the past 20 or so years when designer dog breeding was becoming popular in the United States, Australia and other parts of the world.
Meanwhile, both the Dalmatian and the Labrador Retriever have their own interesting stories of origin.
So first of all, let’s take a brief look at the origin of the Dalmatian breed.
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The History of the Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is known for his black and white-spotted coat and muscular body, and he has a fascinating history that goes as far back as the eighteenth century.
It is thought that Dalmatians were bred in Croatia, where they were commonly used during war to patrol and protect the borders of a province known as Dalmatia (and thus their name Dalmatian).
The Dalmatian was a respected status symbol in Britain during the Regency Period. Magnificently spotted Dalmatians were cherished by members of the royalty and other high-ranking individuals.
At the time, Dalmatians would stroll alongside coaches of these high-ranking personalities, thereby earning the moniker “The Spotted Coach Dog.”
Over the years, Dalmatians have also been used as guard dogs, hunting dogs and circus dogs.
The Dalmatian was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 and the breed is currently listed at number 62 out of 194 on the list of most popular dog breeds in America.
So, what about the Labrador Retriever?
The History of the Labrador Retriever Breed
Today, the Lab comes in at number 1 on the AKC’s registry, making him the most popular dog breed in the United States. The Lab, as he is fondly called, is a very intelligent dog whose origins stem from Northwest Newfoundland, Canada.
The Labrador was once called the St John’s Dog and he was commonly used for hunting.
The Lab was originally recognized by the AKC in 1917 when his popularity rapidly grew among breeders and families alike.
His popularity can probably be attributed to his calm, intelligent demeanor, giving him the family friendly reputation he is known for.
While the Labrador was originally developed for hunting, he also thrives as a family companion. These dogs have also been used as guide dogs and on search and rescue missions. He’s as smart as he is cute and also enjoys taking part in family activities.
General Appearance
As you’ll see shortly, the Lab Dalmatian Mix inherits traits from each parent breed.
How Big Does a Dalmatian Lab Mix Get?
Size is probably one of the most important factors to consider before getting a new dog.
A Dalmador puppy is definitely small and cute, but puppies grow big and attain the breed’s relative size. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you can take proper care of your puppy for the rest of his life.
However, predicting what size a Dalmador puppy will reach can be difficult. Crossbreeding is not a definite science. By combining two different breeds, you should expect a dog with characteristics from both parents.
This implies that a Dalmatian Lab Mix can either be about the size of the Dalmatian parent or the size of his Labrador parent. There’s no guarantee about what you are going to end up with.
The full grown Labrador Retriever will be 22.5 to 24.5 inches tall while the Dalmatian is around 19 to 24 inches in height.
Dalmatians weigh around 33 to 71 pounds while Labradors are typically between 55 to 80 pounds. Therefore, the Dalmatians are generally smaller than Labs.
Given these figures, the height of a full grown Dalmatian Lab Mix is around 19 to 25 inches while their approximate weight is anywhere between 50 and 80 pounds.
Dalmador Coat
As with the height and weight, the Dalmatian Lab Mix can inherit his coat from either parent breed.
Therefore, you could get a Lab Dalmatian Mix that looks more like the Lab or a Dalmador that has a spotted coat like the Dalmatian.
When you mix two different breeds together, there’s no way to predict what characteristics are going to appear. In fact, each Dalmador puppy can inherit different characteristics and can be totally different from one another.
If you want to get a pup with a certain coat color or pattern, getting a crossbreed is probably not the best thing for you to do.
Dalmatian Lab mixes can have a combination of different characteristics from each parent, making them to have a huge difference in looks from puppy to puppy.
Dalmatian Lab Mix Behavior and Temperament
When it comes to temperament, both the Dalmatian and the Labrador are gentle, friendly and loyal dogs. That is exactly what you can expect from your Dalmatian Lab Mix dog.
Labs are people pleasers and are keen to make their owners happy. They are confident and obedient dogs and they generally get along well with kids, thanks to their gentle nature. They are not known to be aggressive.
These dogs are also curious and often try to chase after anything and everything, thanks to their hunting genes. They are also active and alert and have a tendency towards barking especially when they see strangers.
On the other hand, Dalmatians are very energetic, lively and sensitive dogs. They are friendly and loyal to their owners and gentle with children, although it is important to supervise their interaction because the breed may be too much for small kids.
These dogs are also very intelligent and make great watchdogs.
When combined with a Labrador’s low aggression, you are most likely going to get a pup who knows how to stay calm but one who will be a good protector if necessary.
However, it is important to train and socialize your Dalmatian Lab Mix to avoid any bad behaviors.
The Ideal Home for a Dalmatian Lab Mix
Dalmatian Lab mixes are great family dogs. They get along well with children and adults alike. They are also highly energetic dog who thrive on exercises.
While the Lab can adapt rather quickly to apartment living, the Dalmatian could develop a rather unfortunate and irritating barking issue unless trained otherwise.
This means that Dalmadors aren’t great apartment dogs. Although many other similar-sized dogs are suitable for apartment living, this crossbreed doesn’t do well for various reasons.
To start with, you have the high energy levels of the Dalmatian Labrador Mix. These dogs love to play and run around all day long. You’ll need a large fenced-in yard to keep these dogs happy and most apartments have no yard at all.
Secondly, both dogs are known to be barkers. Since both dogs are so protective of their family, on top of what they consider to be their territory, any slight movement or little sound can send them on a barking tirade that won’t come to an end until the threat passes!
Although the barking issue can be controlled and eventually stopped, you don’t want to do that in an apartment.
If you have a large yard with an active and loving family, the Dalmatian Lab Mix can be a great choice for you. Remember, these dogs thrive on companionship, so don’t leave them alone for far too long.
Training
Just like their physical characteristics, a dog’s trainability will also depend on their personality traits.
For instance, Labradors are very intelligent dogs and are easy to train. They can master basic commands and even pick up advanced tricks quickly, especially when treats are used.
Although Dalmatians are also intelligent and easy to train, they can be stubborn, particularly when it comes to housetraining. Despite his high intelligence levels, he can be quite a challenge when training him and like other dogs, he requires a positive and consistent approach.
That said, the Labrador Dalmatian Mix also requires consistent guidance from a reliable leader. This means you need to be firm and composed when training your puppy.
Every dog owner should be the pack leader. Any dog that feels he runs the house causes immense frustration to the owner. As social creatures, canines consider you and your family members their “pack” and every member of the pack has a role to play. The pack leader makes decisions and is in control.
Crate training is also recommended, especially when it comes to potty training. Moreover, it is important to start this training immediately you bring your puppy home.
It is also best to introduce your Dalmador puppy to other pets and people from a young age. Proper socialization with other dogs and people will help ensure your puppy grows into a confident and well-mannered dog.
As with all dogs, positive, reward-based training methods are ideal. Firm and consistent instructions along with treats and praises will result in an effective and successful training process.
Exercise Needs
Since the Dalmatian Lab Mix puppy is set to be a larger and more energetic dog, it is important that you provide him with plenty of room to exercise, run and play.
These dogs also need long walks each day to help meet their exercise needs.
Apart from walks, this mix can be your perfect jogging or running partner. You can also enjoy playing a game of fetch with your Dalmador, which also helps to improve their movement, agility and stamina.
However, it is best to break up their exercise into two each day. The exercises shouldn’t be too hardcore or too tiring for them. Walking and jogging should suffice.
Keep an eye on your pup’s body to determine the right amount of physical activity for him. Also, be sure to carry a collapsible doggie bowl with you during those long walks or hikes for your pup to enjoy his supply of fresh water.
Labs and Dalmatians are both intelligent dogs that belong to the working group. This means that the Dalmador will benefit from mental stimulation, as well. Therefore, be sure to provide your pup with lots of interactive dog toys to keep him busy and mentally stimulated.
In addition to giving them interactive dog toys and a place to play, you also want to buy them a spacious dog crate like the Midwest Folding Crate for Large Dogs and a comfortable dog bed like the Furhaven Orthopedic Dog Bed. This is particularly important if you want to give your dog his own separate place to rest and sleep.
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Grooming Needs
The Dalmador could inherit either the short fur of their Dalmatian parent or the dense, short and straight coat of their Labrador Retriever parent. Their grooming requirements will probably depend on the type of coat they will have.
Nonetheless, both the Lab and the Dalmatian shed a lot of fur so your Lab Dalmatian Mix dog may shed moderately or heavily during shedding seasons. Make sure your brush your dog’s coat at least twice a week to prevent tangling and matting.
Only wash your dog when he gets particularly dirty, and use deodorizing wipes for dogs regularly to keep his coat and skin fresh at all times.
Clipping his nails is also recommended, but avoid cutting too deep as this could result in injury. If in doubt, it is best to have a professional groomer do the job for you.
Cleaning the ears is also important to avoid moisture and dirt buildup, which could result in ear infections.
Last but not least, brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent dental issues.
Feeding Information
The Dalmatian Lab Mix is a medium to large-sized dog and requires high quality dog foods that are formulated for dogs of his age, size and activity levels.
Dalmadors need a high protein diet and you can expect your dog to consume around 2.5 to 3.5 cups of premier quality food each day, divided into two to three meals.
Since Dalmatians are prone to urinary stones, provide him with fresh water at all times. And since Labrador Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, choose foods that contain glucosamine.
You should also consider fish oil and probiotic supplements as these help to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy.
Also, avoid free feeding your Dalmador dog! Obesity can be a major health issue in both Labradors and Dalmatians. Labs, in particular, tend to gain weight quickly, so your Dalmador may be at risk of obesity. Supervise your pup when he is eating and ensure you follow a strict feeding plan.
The Life Expectancy of the Dalmatian Lab Mix
We all want to know how long our sweet, adorable dogs will live. The average lifespan of the Labrador Retriever is around 10 to 12 years while Dalmatians have almost the same life expectancy at 10 to 13 years.
Your Dalmador breed’s life expectancy may fall anywhere between those figures.
Of course, taking good care of your dog can help prolong his life. As long as you get a healthy puppy from a reputable breeder and undertake to care for him, then he should live a long and fulfilling life.
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A Dalmatian Lab Mix Health Issues
As with all mixed breed dogs, the Dalmador can inherit health problems from either of his parents.
It is best to research the health problems that affect each purebred parent before adding this crossbreed to your household.
Both Dalmatians and Labradors are large breeds that are susceptible to hip dysplasia.
Labs are also prone to obesity due to a genetic mutation. For that reason, it is best to ensure your Dalmatian Lab Mix is getting regular exercise and consuming the right amount of food.
Dalmatians, on the other hand, are prone to deafness. Fortunately, this is the kind of genetic condition that your Dalmador dog is likely to avoid by virtue of being a crossbreed.
These health issues may be frightening, but the good news is that you can use an at-home health test like the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit to help you detect any health concerns early on so you can be better prepared to take proper care of your pup.
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Finding Dalmador Puppies
Dalmatian Lab Mix puppies for sale are quite rare, so you may have to spend some time finding one. It is advisable to consult specialty breeders to find out if these have these puppies available for sale.
No matter where you get your Dalmador puppy from, it is important to check the health records of both purebred parents.
The price of a Dalmador is higher than that of a purebred Dalmatian since these dogs are quite rare.
Dalmador puppies can cost you about $800 to $5000+, depending on the availability of puppies, the quality of available pups and the location.
If you don’t want to spend much money, you can ask local shelters or rescue organizations if they have any Dalmador puppies or adult dogs listed for adoption. Not only will you be able to save money, but you will also have saved a life.
In case you have decided to adopt a dog, please fill free to check these websites:
Conclusion
If you love both the Dalmatian and the Labrador Retriever, then you’ll definitely love the Dalmador. This crossbreed combines the best traits of the Labrador and the Dalmatian.
The Dalmatian Lab Mix is a great family companion. They can be good watchdogs, and their gentle and sweet personality makes them great companions for your kids. Most importantly, love them, and they will love you back for life.
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