Dalmadoodle: Your Complete Guide

The dalmadoodle, a mixed breed cross between a Dalmatian and a poodle, is an affectionate, well-spirited canine who has endless energy (and love!) to spare. They love being by their owner’s side and will happily join you on all your adventures, whether that’s a day trip to the beach or a vigorous hike through the woodlands.

Most dalmadoodles stand 10 to 24 inches tall and weigh up to 70 pounds. They have athletic sturdy builds and keen expressions, giving them a strong, confident appearance. While their exact coat type can vary, dalmadoodles typically inherit the Dalmatian’s distinctive spotted coat.

Dalmadloodles can make life-changing companions who will truly fill your home with their playful spirits and endless affection. However, these pups aren’t for everyone. It’s important to ensure you’re able to meet their care needs before adopting them.

In this article, we’ll provide an in-depth overview of the mixed breed, covering their personality traits and care requirements, to give you a better idea of whether they’re right for you.

Quick Look at the Dalmadoodle

Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament and grooming needs.

What Is the History of Dalmadoodles?

Like most mixed breeds, not much is known about the exact origins of the dalmadoodle.

However, the purposeful breeding of the Dalmatian and poodle together likely began in the 1990s. During this time period, mixed breeds were becoming increasingly sought after, and many people began to selectively mix different breeds in an effort to create the next most popular cross dog.

While we can’t pinpoint when (or why) the intentional breeding of dalmadoodles began, we can look at both parent breeds’ history to gain a deeper understanding of their roots.

The poodle has their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for hunting and retrieving downed fowl from water. Today, they’re beloved companion dogs and have earned themselves a top spot on the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) most popular breed list.

The historical origins of the Dalmatian aren’t clear, but we do know that they’re an ancient breed and were eventually selectively bred for carriage work. They protected the carriages (and those within them) from harm’s way, warding off potential threats and staying on alert throughout the journey.

Dalmatians are still valued for their strong guarding drive in modern times, but just like poodles, they’ve also become family companions.

The poodle was first recognized by the AKC in 1887, while the Dalmatian gained AKC status in 1888. Since dalmadoodles are a mixed breed, they are not recognized by purebred clubs like the AKC, but they’re still widely known and sought after all across the world by fellow pup parents.

What Do Dalmadoodles Look Like?

While it can be hard to predict the appearance of a mixed dog — they inherit a combination of traits from both parent breeds — dalmadoodles are generally athletic, sturdy pups with alert expressions.

Dalmadoodles’ coats come in a wide array of colors. Some of the most common coat hues include white, black,  liver, tan, cream, silver, and apricot, and many dalmadoodles also inherit the Dalmatian’s distinctive spotted markings.

What Size Is a Dalmadoodle?

The dalmadoodle typically stands between 10 to 24 inches at the withers and weighs up to 70 pounds. Males are usually slightly larger than females by a few inches.

The exact size of a dalmadoodle depends on their genetics, activity level, and overall health, and which size variant of poodle they’re mixed with. For example, a Dalmatian mixed with a toy poodle, a dog that only grows up to 10 inches, will likely be a lot smaller than a Dalmatian mixed with a standard poodle who stands over 15 inches tall.

In general, though, you can expect a dalmadoodle to fall into the medium-sized breed category.

What Is a Dalmadoodle’s Coat Type and Length?

The dalmadoodle can either inherit the poodle’s coat type or the Dalmatian’s, so we’ll quickly touch on how these two coats differ.

The Dalmatian has a short, dense coat with fine hairs that lay close to the body. The coat has a glossy, sleek look.

The poodle usually has a single coat that’s made up of dense, tightly curled hairs that are slightly harsh in texture. Some poodles also have corded fur, which is a lot smoother and softer. Poodles technically have long coats, but their hair appears a lot shorter in reality because of its shape.

Poodles’ coats are considered ‘hypoallergenic’ because their hair naturally traps shedding fur and prevents it from spreading all around the house. They also don’t produce much dander, especially when compared to other breeds like golden retrievers and German shepherds.

However, be mindful that no coat is ever truly fully ‘hypoallergenic.’ All this term means is that their coat type is less likely to trigger an adverse reaction.

What Is a Dalmadoodle’s Temperament?

Dalmadoodles are loving and inquisitive pups who are well-suited to family life, as long as they have an owner who can meet their needs and shower them with attention throughout the day.

They usually inherit the dignified, outgoing nature of their Dalmatian parent, and the playfulness of the poodle.

Dalmadoodles are incredibly exuberant. They thrive with plenty of exercise and love to bounce around. While they’re adaptable, this personality trait does mean they struggle in cramped apartments, and are best suited to homes with backyards, where they can jump and play to their heart’s content.

Dalmadoodles love their humans and are incredibly devoted, but their love is so great that they often suffer from separation anxiety and struggle to be left alone for long periods. They fare better in households where they will always have company.

Are Dalmadoodles Good With Kids?

Dalmadoodles make fantastic companions for older kids. They’re gentle, affectionate, and protective over the ones they love. They’re also highly attuned to their owners’ emotions and can offer comfort and reassurance during difficult times.

Plus, their exuberant side and high energy level mean they’re great playmates and will happily accompany your kids on all their day trips.

But despite all this, dalmadoodles aren’t the best fit for younger kids. They can be boisterous during play, which can put toddlers at risk of injuries. If you do choose to welcome a dalmadoodle into your home and have younger kids, monitor their play sessions together closely and teach your kids how to safely interact with them.

Are Dalmadoodles Good With Other Animals?

Dalmadoodles usually get along well with other animals, especially if they’ve received proper socialization and training from a young age. They can happily live in households with dogs, and since they have low prey drives, they typically won’t harm smaller animals like cats and hamsters.

Dalmadoodles usually won’t disturb wild animals during walks or other outdoor activities. However, some pups may inherit the poodle’s retrieving tendencies and chase after prey such as ducks, squirrels, and rabbits.

Are Dalmadoodles Aggressive?

Dalmadoodles are extremely patient and tolerant, and they can easily adapt to a range of schedules and lifestyles. This, combined with their affectionate natures, means aggression is extremely rare.

Not only that, but dalmadoodles also often inherit the poodle’s soft bite — a common trait seen in retriever dogs.

For those not familiar, retrievers have been selectively bred over hundreds of years to hold game gently in their mouth in a way that doesn’t damage or harm them. They usually have a stronger bite inhibition than other dogs due to this, especially with proper training.

That said, any dog can exhibit aggressive behavior if their needs aren’t met. That’s why it’s so important to ensure you adequately fulfill their care needs and keep them occupied throughout the day with boredom-busting games, anxiety-soothing toys, and plenty of exercise.

Do Dalmadoodles Bark?

While some breeds are proud barkoholics — like the good ol’ Siberian husky — this isn’t the case for the dalmadoodle. The dalmadoodle will typically only bark when they are excited, playing, or alerting their owners to something unusual.

You can minimize the chances of your pup barking by keeping them mentally stimulated. Puzzle games, training, and competitive sports like agility are all great ways to keep your dog’s mind busy and his barks at bay.

Are Dalmadoodles Affectionate?

Meet a dalmadoodle for the first time, and you’ll have your answer to this question immediately: Dalmadoodles are incredibly affectionate and they’re sure to pamper you with plenty of kisses and cuddles. Many dalmadoodles are also lap dogs at heart and will appreciate a spot on the couch next to you.

Dalmadoodles are polite with strangers. However, as they get to know them and become more confident, they’ll quickly share their affectionate side with them too.

Are Dalmadoodles Intelligent?

Dalmadoodles are extremely intelligent, which isn’t a surprise considering both parent breeds are famous for their brains. They can pick up complex commands quickly, even as puppies, and they thrive with owners who are willing to challenge their brains daily. They’re also alert, especially if they take on more traits from their Dalmatian side.

Are Dalmadoodles Energetic?

Dalmadoodles are extremely energetic and require at least an hour of exercise per day. They will love to join you on walks, though they also benefit from vigorous activities that make full use of their boundless energy, like frisbee, tug-of-war, runs, and agility-oriented games.

On top of daily exercise, you should also make time to play with a dalmadoodle for at least 30 minutes per day. This will keep them mentally stimulated and the one-on-one play sessions serve as a fantastic bonding experience for both you and your pup.

Are Dalmadoodles Easy to Train?

Dalmadoodles are intelligent, alert, and enjoy being challenged — all these qualities set them up for success when training, and they do pick up commands effortlessly. However, some Dalmadoodles can be stubborn and need a firm owner who can maintain a consistent training approach with them.

Regardless of what dated dog training TV shows may lead you to believe, stick to reward-based training measures with dalmadoodles. They don’t take kindly to punishments and several studies have shown that punishment-based methods can cause significant distress in dogs and worsen aggressive behaviors.

If you’re struggling to manage unwanted behaviors as a pup parent, remember that you can always seek help from a certified trainer or behaviorist. Dog Academy can connect you with a trainer in your area who knows how to help with your dog’s specific needs. You can find out more here.

Are Dalmadoodles Good Watchdogs?

Dalmadoodles can make excellent watchdogs, especially if they inherit the Dalmatian’s strong protective instincts. They tend to keep watch over their surroundings, regardless of where they are, and alert their owners to potential dangers with their barks.

Are Dalmadoodles Good Service Dogs?

A dog must be intelligent, trainable, and patient to succeed at service work. They must also be alert to their owner’s emotions and able to provide reassurance when necessary. So, it should be no surprise that dalmadoodles — who match all this criteria — can become excellent service dogs!

The dalmadoodle’s protective nature can also provide a strong sense of security for those with debilitating mental health disabilities like anxiety, making them particularly well-suited to psychiatric service work.

Just be mindful that dalmadoodles have high energy needs. Due to this, they aren’t the best fit for people who struggle with mobility issues or are unable to exercise for at least an hour every day.

How to Care for a Dalmadoodle?

Dalmadoodles thrive with an owner who is willing to put the time and effort into meeting all their care needs. They require plenty of exercise, frequent grooming, and a diet that consists of nutritious, protein-rich kibble. While dalmadoodles do have high energy levels, they’re generally easy to care for.

Do You Need to Groom a Dalmadoodle?

Grooming is crucial for dogs, since it keeps their coats clean, healthy, and glossy. Regular grooming also helps to prevent matting — something that can cause significant irritation and pain if it’s not dealt with quickly.

A dalmadoodle’s grooming requirements depend on the coat type they inherit. Dogs with the poodle coat type need daily brushing because their fur tangle easily, while those with the Dalmatian coat type typically only need a good brush once or twice a week.

Do Dalmadoodles Shed?

Yes, dalmadoodles do shed, and again the shedding frequency can vary depending on which coat type they have.

Dalmadoodles that have the Dalmatian’s coat type shed moderately all year round. In comparison, dalmadoodles that inherit the poodle’s ‘hypoallergenic’ coat type rarely shed and can make fantastic companions for those with allergies.

What Health Problems Do Dalmadoodles Have?

Dalmadoodles are generally healthy dogs overall and aren’t prone to any significant health issues. However, there are a few things to be mindful of with this mix:

• Bladder stones
• Hip dysplasia
• Deafness (especially in pups that take on more traits from their Dalmatian parent)
• Allergies and skin sensitivities
• Addison’s disease (more common in pups that inherit more traits from poodle parent)

These conditions can be managed, and in some cases prevented, with proper health screenings, a nutrient-rich diet, and plenty of exercise.

You should also take your dalmadoodle to regular vet checkups. Aim to take them once every few months, or more frequently if they are suffering from a health complication or are reaching their senior years.

How Long Do Dalmadoodles Live?

Dalmadoodles live for 10 to 14 years on average, though some can live for up to 18 years. While you can never truly predict a dog’s lifespan, you can improve the chances of them leading a long, healthy life by taking on the measures we’ve outlined above (such as regular vet checkups).

You should also monitor their health closely, paying attention to any changes in behavior or appearance.

What Should a Dalmadoodle Eat?

The exact amount of food a dalmadoodle should eat depends on their size, build, activity level, and metabolism. Since this can vary significantly, it’s best to consult a veterinarian for specific guidance.

That said, as a rough guideline you want to provide your dalmadoodle around 1.5 to 3 cups of kibble per day, split across two meals. You should also opt for protein-rich kibble, as this will best fuel their active bodies.

Is a Dalmadoodle the Right Dog for Me?

Dalmadoodles have plenty of charming qualities that you can’t help but fall in love with, from their adorable looks to their protective, loyal natures. While dalmadoodles are generally easy to care for, and their intelligence does mean they learn commands quickly, they aren’t for everyone.

You should consider getting a dalmadoodle if you:

• Enjoy the outdoors and would love a companion to join you on all your hiking adventures
• Have older kid who would appreciate an energetic playmate
• Want a dog that’s easy to train and capable of picking up advanced commands
• Want a dog that’s protective and will make you feel safe when you’re out and about
• Work from home throughout the day and would appreciate a companion snuggled up by your side
• Live in a multi-pet household

You should potentially avoid this mix if you:

• Can’t commit to exercising a dog for at least an hour every day
• Leave home regularly for lengthy periods
• Have young kids or toddlers