The Golden Retriever Dalmatian mix, or the “Goldmatian” for short, is a loving, devoted, protective member of your family. It harbours the best of both parent breeds for a medium-sized cuddle buddy with a guard-dog streak. It’s best to keep your Goldmatian active and give them plenty of opportunities to run around.
Image credit: kobethegoldmatian
Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix – At A Glance
| Weight: | 55–70 pounds |
| Height: | 19–23 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Coat colours: | Golden with black spots, or white with black spots. |
| Temperament: | Loving, caring, loyal, active, energetic, playful. |
| Suitable for: | Active families with or without children, active single individuals. Not suitable for the elderly or those with mobility issues due to exercise requirements. |
What Does a Golden Retriever Dalmatian Look Like?
The Golden Retriever Dalmatian will likely borrow a decent amount of their looks from both parent breeds. They may or may not inherit the long coat of the Golden, along with their propensity to shed. They will likely inherit the colour pattern of the Dalmatian, with the traditional spotting. They’ll have a darker nose, droopy ears and brown eyes.
Photo: @black_fluffy_ears
The History of the Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix
The Goldmatian is a relatively new mixed-breed dog, therefore, little is known about the exact history of the breed. Though we do know that the Goldmatian has been around for about 30 years, and was created as part of the crossbreeding craze that began in the United States in the 1960s. The goal being to create a smaller-sized pup to the Dalmatian, with less shedding capacity.
The History of the Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is the product of a purchase by Major Dudley Marjoribanks, allegedly from a cobbler on the street in Brighton, England, in 1865. Major Marjoribanks was searching for a dog as a companion and a guardian of his luxury mansion. This Golden Retriever was named Nous, and in 1868 was bred to Belle, a Tweed Water Spaniel that Marjoribanks had kept as a gift him his cousin. Thus, the first Golden Retriever litter was born.
How Popular Are Golden Retrievers?
The beautiful and beloved Golden Retriever maintains fantastic popularity in the United States and 2021 was named the third most popular dog in the country.
Who Are Golden Retrievers a Good Dog For?
Golden Retrievers are incredible dogs for just about every type of owner. They fit very well into almost any family unit and are also quite suitable for the elderly and single individuals. In short, the Golden is a golden choice for almost anyone looking for a dog.
How Did The Golden Retriever Come About?
Golden Retrievers were first discovered and bred by Major Sir Dudley Marjoribanks of London, born in Scotland. Marjoribanks purchased a retriever from a street cobbler and bred the dog with a Tweed Water Spaniel to produce the first Golden Retriever litter in 1868.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Golden Retriever?
Some say that the Golden Retriever has been crossbred throughout most of its life, including many of the pups of the first-ever litter that were crossbred with various other dogs to obtain the Golden Retriever that we all know and love today. However, there is little available precise history concerning this initial crossbreeding.
However, Golden Retrievers are crossbred routinely today because of their beautiful golden coats and wonderful even temperament!
The History of the Dalmatian
The history of the Dalmatian stretches back to the Dalmatia region of Croatia, and are thought to be the result of crossbreeding between various types of Pointers, and a spotted Great Dane – hence the rather large height of the Dalmatian, and the thin, spindly legs.
Historically, the Dalmatian has been a guard dog of British aristocrats and has been used as a working dog on aristocratic estates, along with use in the battlefields of World War One and has only in the last century become a family pet worldwide.
How Popular Are Dalmatians?
Dalmatians are a relatively popular pet in the United States, though perhaps less so than in Europe – for reasons that are likely to do with the importation of dogs, rather than the desirability of the Dalmatians. Currently, Dalmatians rank 49th in the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds in 2021.
Who Are Dalmatians a Good Dog For?
Dalmatians make terrific family pets, though they have a history of being guard dogs and are very protective. They make great pets for single individuals as well, though given their energetic nature, perhaps are not best-suited for the elderly or those with mobility issues.
How Did Dalmatians Come About?
The Dalmatian is first mentioned in the writings of the Bishop of Dakovo in 1375, when the dog is mentioned as a hunting dog from the Dalmatia region of Croatia, sporting long legs and a spotted coat. The dog was called “Canus Dalmaticus” by the Bishop, though the earliest drawings of the Dalmatians didn’t appear until the 17th century. It’s unknown how the Dalmatian was bred, though they’re thought to be the product of a spotted Great Dane and certain types of Pointers.
When Did First Cross-Breed Dalmatians?
Crossbreeding of the Dalmatian has been something of a mystery, and quite competitive at the same time. While little is known about when Dalmatians were first cross-bred, the American Kennel Club did acknowledge a project among Dalmatian breeders in the United States known as the Dalmatian/Pointer Backcross Project, which began in 1973. This makes us believe that this period of crossbreeding from 1973 until the 1990s/early 2000s was among the first modern crossbreeding of the Dalmatian in the United States.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
A dog’s temperament is what allows it to settle into an environment – while their temperaments can change over time, much of the dog’s temperament is baked in by their genetics, though some of it is a product of their environment and upbringing. Making sure that you find the dog with the right temperament for your family is critical! Doing your research on this front is vital to ensure a good initial phase of dog ownership, for both yourself and the dog.
A temperamental mismatch between the dog and its new owners could result in the dog being returned to the kennel/breeder, a traumatic and unnecessary experience for all involved.
What is the Temperament of the Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix?
Luckily for most owners of a Golden Retriever of any stripe, you’re not going to have any temperamental issues. Goldens are known for being very friendly, loving and even-tempered. Dalmatians will bring a bit of feistiness and more playful energy to the mix.
Is the Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix Friendly?
Traditionally, yes. Both the Golden Retriever and Dalmatian mixes are quite friendly dogs, though the Dalmatian may initially be standoffish because of their guardian nature.
Is the Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix Easy to Train?
Yes, both dogs are quite easy to train – the Dalmatian brings a regulating obedience gene to the usual playfulness of the Golden Retriever.
How Much Can The Golden Retriever Dalmatian Weigh?
The average weight of a Golden Retriever Dalmatian mix will be around 55 – 70 pounds.
How Tall Can Golden Retriever Dalmatian Get?
The average height of a Golden Retriever Dalmatian mix will be around 19 – 23 inches.
Similar Sized Breeds
Though this is a curious mix in terms of size matchups, as Dalmatians tend to be taller, there are a few similar-sized breeds. These include the Australian Shepherd, American Foxhound, German Wirehaired Pointer, and the Airedale Terrier.
Does the Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix Shed?
Generally, you should expect a fair amount of shedding from the Goldmatian, as both parent breeds are known to be shedders. Ideally, you should brush your Goldmatian once per week to cut down on the shedding!
How Much Exercise Does A Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix Require?
This is one of the areas that can sometimes turn off older owners, or owners without the necessary time or energy to devote to the Goldmatian. This is a dog that requires plenty of exercise. An hour a day is the general benchmark for mixed breeds such as this.
How Long Can a Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Golden Retriever Dalmatian mix is typically 10 – 12 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix Have?
- Epilepsy (seizures)
- Renal dysplasia (kidney deformity, undersized or improper function)
- Hip dysplasia
- Entropion (eyelid rolling inwards)
- Deafness
How Can You Find a Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix Puppy For Sale?
Locating a Golden Retriever Dalmatian mix puppy will usually require plenty of research and finding a compatible breeder. However, we recommend that you begin by checking out the possibility of adopting a Goldmatian first! You can search locally at your local vet clinic or animal shelter first.
If that strikes out, then you can always check out https://www.petfinder.com/, which allows you to adopt specific breeds based on location!
How Much Does a Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix Puppy Cost?
If your attempt at adoption has struck out, then maybe it’s time to consider purchasing a Goldmatian. This can be done via breeder searches, but you should read and follow the AKC guidelines on finding a reputable breeder before embarking on that journey.
In general, you can expect to pay around $3,000 (with pedigree), though, without pedigree, you’re looking at between $300 and $500.
Is the Golden Retriever Dalmatian Mix the Right Breed For You?
The Golden Retriever Dalmatian mix is a lovely breed of dog for almost anyone. If you’re an active family, or a single individual, that’s looking for a companion pet, who’s loving and loyal whilst being protective and energetic at the same time, then the Goldmatian might just be the perfect pet for you!