The Dalmatian Lab Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Dalmatian and the Labrador Retriever. Both of these dogs have very sweet personalities and are “people” dogs. Dalmadors are an extremely intelligent dog breed and will need consistent training from puppyhood to prevent them from developing destructive habits and will be a higher than average energy dog. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Dalmatian Lab Mix. Note that this hybrid can consist of the black lab, yellow lab, or chocolate lab.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Dalmatian Lab Mix puppy, if they have any Dalmatian Lab Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. Please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Labrador Retriever History:
The Labrador Retriever has consistently ranked as the most popular purebred dog in the United States and the United Kingdom for more than 10 years, according to the American Kennel Club. They make great family pets as well as a companion, show dog, hunting dog, canine athlete, guide dog, service dog, sniffer dog, search and rescue dog, and therapy dog. They are very active dogs that need daily exercise and mental stimulation. When they start to become bored and destructive is when they miss their exercise.
People who research this stuff have a couple of different theories about how the breed came to be called the Labrador. The first is that it was borrowed from the Spanish word for laborer — labrador — which is certainly a fitting description. The second is that it is related to the dogs that accompanied Portuguese fishermen who trawled the Grand Banks off the coast of Labrador and its neighbor Newfoundland. The British who visited Newfoundland appreciated the dogs’ abilities - swimmer, easygoing, hard worker, and brought them back to England. They then made their way back to North America in the early 1900’s. American sportsmen who admired their positive traits brought them back over.
Dalmatian History:
The first illustrations of the dog have been found in Croatia in the 1600’s. Like nearly every dog breed, they were used as dogs of war, to help hunt, and to protect the villages and houses. To this day, the breed retains a high guarding instinct; although friendly and loyal to those the dog knows and trusts. They have a strong hunting instinct and have been used as an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin and bird dogs among other things. You can’t talk about Dalmatians without talking about their role working for the firefighters for their role as firefighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots. It is thought they became so compatible with firehouses since they and horses are very compatible. the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. They are also pretty good watchdogs and were used to help protect the firehouse from would be thieves stealing strong, steady horses.Dalmatian
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 13 years
LAB
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 55 - 79 lb.
Lifespan: 10-14 years
Dalmatian Black Lab Mix - Dalmador Temperament
Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. Since both parent breeds are family oriented dogs, the dalmador will likely make a great companion dog for a family of any size. They should be highly intelligent and easy to train. They will stay very loyal to their owners. They are affectionate and love getting attention and being with people. For this reason they are not the best at being on their own or for being left outside. They are the type of dog you want to come home to after a long day at work. If you will train them properly, then these are the best pets to have around. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Chocolate lab mixed with the Dalmatian might be prone to joint dysplasia, eye problems, allergies.
What are the grooming requirements?
The combination of these different types of breeds should really make a very heavy shedder. It will need to be brushed multiple times weekly. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.
What are the exercise requirements?
This is a higher energy dog that will need that from an owner. Both parent breeds are hunting dogs that are bred to run and move all day. This dog will do best with a very active person. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the training requirements?
This is an intelligent dog that will be easier to train, however, it might be extremely stubborn. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.