Dalmadoodle

Canis lupus

Last updated: April 18, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
©

Dalmatians were originally bred to run alongside carriages, and their dalmadoodle descendents have the same long legs and high energy.


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Dalmadoodle Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Dalmadoodle Locations

Dalmadoodle Locations

Dalmadoodle Facts

Fun Fact
Dalmatians were originally bred to run alongside carriages, and their dalmadoodle descendents have the same long legs and high energy.
Diet
Omnivore

Dalmadoodle Physical Characteristics


Dalmadoodle as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
High
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
Moderate
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1,000
Dog group
Working
Male weight
40-75 lbs
Female weight
40-65 lbs

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Dalmadoodles are working dogs that love having something to do. Whether you train your dalmadoodle to be like its carriage-following Dalmatian ancestors or its rabbit-hunting poodle ancestors, be sure to give your dalmadoodle plenty of small jobs to make it feel useful and loved.

What do you get when you cross a Dalmatian with a poodle? The answer is a dalmadoodle, one of the most charming and attractive doodle dogs on the market. These puppies are smart, energetic, attentive, and exciting to be around. If you love Dalmatian spots but need a low-shedding alternative, a dalmadoodle is definitely the right choice.

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Like other designer dogs, dalmadoodles have only been around since the early 2000s. You can get a dalmadoodle by contacting a breeder or checking out a rescue. Wherever you find it, your dalmadoodle pup is about to be your new best friend.

3 Pros and Cons Ownership

ProsCons
Distinctive appearance: With fluffy hair and dalmatian spots, it’s hard not to admire the majestic dalmadoodle. These pups are some of the best-looking Doodles on the market.Moderate shedding: All Doodle dogs are at least somewhat hypoallergenic. However, these dogs often have dalmatian-style coats, which means that they shed more than other crossbreeds.
Active and energetic: They love to run, jump, and play. In fact, they’re almost impossible to tire out. If you’re looking for a sports buddy, these dogs are a great choice.Socially sensitive: Both Dalmatians and poodles are introverted pups that enjoy limited social interaction. Take care of your dalmadoodle, and make sure it doesn’t get overwhelmed when it’s meeting strangers or other dogs.
High intelligence: They are descended from two of the smartest and most trainable dog breeds. Be aware that your dogs may have a stubborn streak; you can solve this with early training and positive reinforcement.Hates the heat: Dalmadoodles don’t handle the heat well at all. Take your pup swimming, groom it regularly, and make sure the air conditioner stays on in the summertime.

Size and Weight

Dalmadoodles are one of the largest poodle hybrid breeds. These dogs have long legs, solid torsos, and thick coats of wavy hair. The average dog of this variety weighs between 40 and 70 pounds and stands about 18 inches tall. Females usually weigh less than their male counterparts; however, because this breed has so much inherent variance, size can’t be used to determine gender. Expect your dog to look different based on the type of poodle that was used for breeding and the random role of genetics.

Height (Male):15 to 19 inches
Height (Female):14 to 18 inches
Weight (Male):40 to 75 pounds
Weight (Female):40 to 65 pounds

Common Health Issues

Unlike other designer dog breeds, these dogs are actually rather prone to the same health issues that plague both their Dalmatian and poodle parents. Ask your vet to check for signs of joint dysplasia, epilepsy, and deafness. In addition, your dog may be susceptible to Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, and other breed-specific problems that tend to be found in Dalmatians. Finally, keep an eye out for skin allergies and ear problems, as dalmadoodles are incredibly sensitive.

The conditions your vet should check your dalmadoodle for include:

  • Joint dysplasia
  • Epilepsy
  • Deafness
  • Kidney stones
  • Addison’s disease
  • Cushing’s disease
  • Skin allergies
  • Eye problems
  • Ear infections

Temperament

Dalmadoodles are known for having playful, energetic, and attentive personalities. These pups love to run, jump, fetch, and spend time with the members of their family. Both Dalmatians and poodles are working dogs, so expect you dalmadoodle to always be looking for something to do. If you give it plenty of activities, it should stay happy and entertained. However, if your dalmadoodle gets bored, you can expect to see either anxious or destructive behavior.

Health and Entertainment for your Dalmadoodle

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Because dalmadoodles are a relatively new breed, they often have unpredictable personality traits. Some are calm and quiet, while others want to be the life of the party. However, regardless of their differences, nearly all dalmadoodles are loyal, intelligent and affectionate towards their owners.

Care

Dalmadoodles are high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise and attention. If you have an active lifestyle, your pet will love to come along for the ride. However, these dogs are not a good choice for quiet lives or apartment living.

Best Dog Food

Dalmadoodles burn a lot of energy, so they typically need to eat more food than other dogs of a similar size. Choose a high-quality food with plenty of protein and healthy fats. You can also cook homemade dog food with lean meats and green vegetables.

To ensure your Dalmadoodle gets proper nutrition, choose a wholesome dog food. The A-Z Animals Dalmadoodle food recommendation is Purina Pro Plan With Probiotics Shredded Blend High Protein, Digestive Health Adult Dry Dog Food.

This food for large dogs has tons of protein for lean muscle with glucosamine for strong joints. It’s formulated to be gentle on the stomach, so it could be less likely to aggravate any Cushing’s symptoms your Dalmadoodle may have. The omegas support a robust immune system that stands up to the occasional ear infection.

Check Chewy or Amazon for this product.

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food
  • Hard kibble combined with tender, shredded pieces for taste and texture dogs love.
  • High protein formula, with real chicken as the first ingredient.
  • Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics for digestive and immune health.
  • Used to be known as SAVOR Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula.
  • Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat.


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Maintenance and Grooming

Like all doodle dogs, these dogs need to be brushed daily to keep their coats in good shape. Take your dog to the groomer at least once a month to get its fur trimmed; this is especially important in the summer when your dog is likely to overheat. Dalmadoodles also have very sensitive skin, so you may need to use a special shampoo as recommended by your vet.

Training

Dalmadoodles are very intelligent, but they also have strong personalities. Expect your pup to learn commands quickly, especially if you start training at an early age. As it gets older, it may try to express itself through disobedience; you can combat this with patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement.

Exercise

Dalmadoodles are high-energy dogs that need a significant amount of exercise. Expect to take your dog on two hour-long walks every day. You should also try to provide a yard for your dalmadoodle to run around in; these dogs don’t do well in apartment situations.

Puppies

Dalmadoodles puppies are bright, alert, and attentive. As soon as you get your pup from the breeder, take it to the vet to make sure it doesn’t have any underlying health conditions. Then, start training as soon as possible to help feed your dog’s natural curiosity.

Children

Dalmadoodles are loyal, devoted, and hardworking dogs who greatly value their family attachments. If there are children in your family, your dog will probably greatly enjoy spending limited amounts of time with them. However, it’s important to recognize that both Dalmatians and poodles are introverted dogs that do not do well under extended social pressure. For this reason, it’s a bad idea to leave a dalmadoodle alone with unsupervised children. As a pet parent, you can keep things positive by watching your dog’s temperament and removing it from a situation when it starts to get tired.

Another trait you may notice is that dalmadoodles are very protective of their family members. If you have kids and your dog is attached to them, it may display guarding tendencies when approached by strangers. This behavior can be great for family safety, but it also makes it difficult to introduce your dog to new people.

Similar Dogs

The main traits that make dalmadoodles popular are their high levels of energy, attentive personalities, and loyalty to their owners. If you’re looking for a similar dog, you should consider adopting a purebred dalmatian or another doodle breed.

  • Dalmatian: If you like the personality traits of a dalmadoodle and don’t mind shedding, you might enjoy adopting a purebred Dalmatian. These dogs are incredibly affectionate and have high energy levels, making them great working or companion dogs. However, because purebred Dalmatians are rare, you may have to pay a higher price.
  • Bordoodle: Crossed between a poodle and a border collie, bordoodles are sweet and energetic pups with beautiful coats of luscious fur.
  • Irish Doodle: The Irish Doodle is a playful hybrid between a poodle and an Irish setter. It loves to run around in the backyard. These dogs are slightly calmer than Dalmatians and can be a good fit for families.

Most people like to give their dalmadoodles names that are suited for dalmatians. Popular names for include:

  • Duke
  • Darling
  • Penny
  • Pepper
  • Sparky
  • Speedy
  • Copper
  • Angel
  • Percy
  • Trixie
  • Dodger
  • Jackson

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Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

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How much energy should they have?

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I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
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How much chewing will allow?

Dalmadoodle FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a dalmadoodle?

A dalmadoodle is a cross between a dalmatian and a poodle. These dogs typically have curly coats, and they may or may not have the trademark spots of a dalmatian.

How much do dalmadoodles cost to own?

The price of a dalmadoodles is typically anywhere from $800 to $2,000 when purchased directly from the breeder. You can also occasionally find rescue dalmadoodles at the animal shelter for a lower price, especially if you’re willing to use a waiting list.

Are dalmadoodles good with kids?

Dalmadoodles are patient and playful dogs that interact well with older children. However, because both parent breeds are known to be introverted and socially anxious, it’s not a good idea to leave a dalmadoodle alone with younger kids or other dogs. Monitor all interactions carefully, and break things up if you notice that your pet is tense or tired.

How long do dalmadoodles live?

Dalmadoodles tend to live between 10 and 14 years. With proper diet and exercise, they might live even longer. If you adopt a mini dalmadoodle or a rescue, be aware that their lifespan might be shorter than expected.

Are dalmadoodles hypoallergenic?

Because poodles are hypoallergenic, most Doodle dogs are expected to be hypoallergenic as well. However, the actual amount of shedding you can expect from your dalmadoodle depends on whether their coat is more like that of their dalmatian or poodle parent. Some dalmadoodles are incredibly hypoallergenic, but those that have dalmatian-style coats tend to shed too much for owners with allergies.

Do dalmadoodles shed?

Dalmadoodles shed lightly compared to dalmatians. The amount that your dalmadoodle sheds will depend entirely on the type of coat it has inherited; if your dalmadoodle is more like a poodle, it won’t shed at all.

How many pounds is a dalmadoodle?

Dalmadoodles are some of the largest poodle breeds and tend to weigh between 40 to 70 pounds. The size of your dalmadoodle will vary based on the size of the poodle that was used as a parent.

What is a mini dalmadoodle?

Although they’re not an official breed, mini dalmadoodles are occasionally created when a mini dalmation is mixed with a mini poodle. These dalmadoodles are significantly smaller and can weigh as little as 20 to 40 pounds.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. wagwalking.com, Available here: https://wagwalking.com/breed/dalmadoodle
  2. doggiedesigner.com, Available here: https://doggiedesigner.com/dalmadoodle/
  3. pawsafe.com, Available here: https://pawsafe.com/blogs/news/dalmadoodle-dalmatian-poodle-mix
  4. dogsnet.com, Available here: https://dogsnet.com/dalmadoodle/
  5. petguide.com, Available here: https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/dalmadoodle/
  6. thehappypuppysite.com, Available here: https://thehappypuppysite.com/dalmadoodle/
  7. populardoodle.com, Available here: https://populardoodle.com/dalmadoodle-breed-info-dalmatian-poodle-mix/

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