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 purebred Dalmatian and a purebred Labrador 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 Purpose
Companion dogs, hunting dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs
history Date of Origin
1980s
ancestry Ancestry
Dalmatian and Labrador Retriever

Dalmador Health

Average Size
Male Dalmador size stats
Height: 20-24 inches Weight: 54-80 lbs
Female Dalmador size stats
Height: 19-23 inches Weight: 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 Dalmador eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Dalmador nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
black Dalmador coat
Black
brown Dalmador coat
Brown
white Dalmador coat
White
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Dalmador straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

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
Comb
Deshedder
Deshedder
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Dalmador requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

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
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
12 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
120 minutes
activity minutes

Dalmador Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00
food bag monthly cost

Dalmador Owner Experiences

Daisy
7 Years
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Tug-of-war
Sweet and loving but will not give up her toys to play fetch etc
1 week ago
CHUNKY
7 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Killing ani
Barking at p
She is the most adorable dog in the world also she is spoiled and a rescue also she loves trying to kill any and everything that moves but she is very unsuccessful 🤣
3 weeks, 4 days ago
doogie
3 Months
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Jogging
Running
he is friendly, energetic and very intelligent
6 years, 8 months ago
Coco
2 Months
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walk
training
Bath time
Loving and listens well
6 years, 3 months ago
LUCY
2 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
very friendly and affectionate...
6 years, 1 month ago
Sadie
2 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Look out the window
Playing tug of war
Play
very hyper and loving
5 years, 8 months ago
Coco
9 Years
4 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
Swim
Run
Coco is very affectionate towards humans, loves to swim and is very energetic although she is old and has problems with her joints, she's a puppy at heart.
5 years, 6 months ago
Buddy
8 Months
5 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Playing fetch
Buddy is a very sweet & VERY amusing dog. He loves playing with our other dogs & playing fetch
5 years, 5 months ago
Bolt The Dog
1 Year
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Guarding Home
training
Walks
Cuddles
Ever since a young puppy my bolt has been very energetic and eager to meet people and places, it still stands to this day a year after. Bolt cannot be kept in a cage for too long before he starts barking to be let out, he loves to have freedom in the back yard and loves a spot on our couch. DALMADORS RULE
4 years, 11 months ago
Anubis
3 Months
9+ People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
He is just very playful and always up for fun
So far we love him and it’s only been a few days.
4 years, 2 months ago
Bella
7 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Walking
Fetch
Learning
Running
swimming
Highly intelligent, quick learner. Super friendly and loving, greets with a smile! Very sensitive and well behaved. But constantly dropping fur!!
3 years, 9 months ago
George
3 Years
2 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Beautiful dog easy to train friendly with people and children very active never tired. Protective amd loving, wants to be with you all the time.
3 years, 9 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd