Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Dalmadoodle (Dalmatian Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Dalmadoodle - Dalmatian Poodle Mix

Mixing the traits and characteristics of a Dalmatian and a Poodle will undoubtedly create an intelligent, loving, and unique breed! This hybrid is known primarily as the Dalmadoodle but also goes by Dalmatianpoo, Dalmapoo, and Dalmatiandoodle.

If you are considering bringing a Dalmadoodle home, it’s important to know what to expect and what they need to live a healthy and happy life. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know so that you can be the best parent.

Breed Overview

Height:

20–24 inches

Weight:

40–70 pounds

Lifespan:

11–14 years

Colors:

White and black

Suitable for:

Active families, owners willing to put in training

Temperament:

Energetic, intelligent, playful, loyal, loving

The Dalmadoodle is a mix of a Dalmatian and a Poodle, which are two spectacular breeds in their own right. The Dalmadoodle often inherits the distinctive black spots from their Dalmatian parent and a soft, fluffy coat from their Poodle parent, giving them a unique and very attractive appearance. These dogs carry themselves with confidence and pride. They offer amazing companionship, comical joy, an eagerness to please, and a willingness to learn.

Dalmadoodle Characteristics

Energy
+
High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
+
Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
+
Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
+
Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
+
Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Dalmadoodle Puppies

We can’t imagine anything more adorable than a fluffy, Dalmatian-spotted puppy! While the combination can vary, you will most likely have a puppy with spots. Dalmatians and Poodles are popular breeds and are generally easy to find from a reputable breeder. However, the mix is more specialized, so you will need to do some research on where to find one. You can speak to a breeder of either parent to point you in the right direction. If you are lucky and patient enough, you may find one of these gorgeous pups at a shelter or rescue center.

Like all puppies, Dalmadoodle puppies are full of energy and curiosity. They will need to be fed appropriate puppy food and kept safe from other larger pets. Although you can’t teach them advanced commands and tricks yet, you can begin training and socializing your Dalmadoodle puppy as soon as they settle in.

Parent Breeds of the Dalmadoodle
Image Credit: Left- Fran Estevez, Shutterstock | Right – KajaHiis, Shutterstock

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Temperament & Intelligence of the Dalmadoodle 🧠

If you’re familiar with the Dalmatian and Poodle, you have a good idea of the potential temperament of a Dalmadoodle. You will certainly have one of the most intelligent breeds, which can make for easy training, especially when starting young.

However, they may inherit the stubbornness of their Dalmatian parents, which may require extra patience and experience. The Dalmadoodle is an affectionate and loving breed. The confidence and alertness of their Poodle parents are likely to dominate, and you will certainly have a high-energy, playful, and extremely loyal pup.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Dalmadoodles are sociable dogs that make excellent companions for families. They get along with children and are happy to spend time with any family member. They are affectionate and loving but are not needy and demanding. Their loyalty makes them great guard dogs, but their initial weariness towards strangers makes early socialization essential.

When bringing home a new dog to a home with small children, it is vital to educate your kids on how to handle dogs and teach them what they should and shouldn’t do, like not disturbing them while eating or pulling at their tail. Supervising your kids and dog children during playtime is also important since a Dalmadoodle can unintentionally knock over a small child.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Dogs that grow up with other pets get along best, but Dalmadoodles are generally a sociable breed that will get along with other dogs, even if they haven’t grown up together. They will love having a friend to romp around and explore with, but your Dalmadoodle must be socialized from an early age to make introductions easier. Either way, introductions should be done gradually and never forced.

Poodles typically have a high prey drive due to their hunting history, so if this gene is prominent in your Dalmadoodle, you may need to be cautious around smaller dogs and cats.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Things to Know When Owning a Dalmadoodle

Dalmadoodles are remarkable dogs that make loving companions, but before you adopt one, you can learn more about their diet, exercise, and grooming requirements, and health concerns below.

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

Your Dalmadoodle will thrive on a high-quality, well-balanced diet. You can speak to your vet about the best available brands, the correct portions for the size, breed, and life stage of your dog, and whether or not any supplementation will be necessary.

The portion size is especially important for your Dalmadoodle since they are energetic and will require the necessary amount of food to fuel them. Their weight also needs to be managed to prevent obesity which can affect their joints and lead to further health issues. Always ensure your Dalmadoodle has access to fresh, clean water daily, especially if it’s a hot day and your dog has been especially active.

Exercise 🐕

The Dalmadoodle is an active dog, regardless of which traits dominate from each parent. They need 30–60 minutes a day of exercise, including a walk, a run, or a trip to the dog park, and if there are more of the Poodle genes present, your Dalmadoodle may love to swim, which can be great exercise.

Dalmadoodles will also require mental stimulation, so you must include toys and games that allow them to use their intelligence. They also love interactive games and exercise with their owner, such as playing fetch and hiding games that enable them to use their noses.

Training 🎾

Dalmadoodles are incredibly smart and are generally easy to train, but there may be a streak of stubbornness and independence in some. Therefore, training will need to be consistent and firm, and as an owner of a Dalmadoodle, you will need to establish your role as the pack leader.

Training should start as early as possible, and a good routine should be established to maintain consistency. Positive reinforcement is the recommended method, so ensure you always have treats on hand and praise your dog every time they display a learned behavior.

Grooming ✂️

A Dalmadoodle can have a similar coat to their Poodle parent, which is curly and fluffy. However, it may be a little shorter because of the Dalmatian genes, which will determine how often they need to be groomed. Either way, your Dalmadoodle’s coat will require regular brushing to remove loose hairs and debris. It is also a good time to check your active dog for cuts, bumps, or sores.

Your Dalmadoodle’s teeth should be brushed often, but you can also provide chew toys and dental chews to maintain good dental health. Check your Dalmadoodle’s nails regularly for trimming; the general rule of thumb is that if you hear them tapping on the floor, they are too long. You also need to check their ears regularly for signs of infection and ensure they’re dry after swimming or bathing.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Dalmadoodle has an average lifespan of 11–14 years, but of course, that is also dependent on their health and how well they are cared for.  While Dalmadoodles are typically healthy canines, like all dogs, they are prone to certain health issues that all owners should be aware of:

Minor Conditions
  • Allergies
  • Eye issues
  • Ear infections
Serious Conditions
  • Addison’s Disease
  • Cushing’s Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Bloat
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Urinary stones

It’s important to speak to your dog’s breeder about their health history and vaccination status. Ensure your Dalmadoodle gets a veterinary checkup at least once a year so that your vet can pick up any potential issues early. Keep up with your dog’s vaccination schedule and provide vet-recommended preventative medicines for fleas, worms, and ticks.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Male vs Female

Physically, the most significant difference between male and female Dalmadoodles is their size, and males are slightly larger than females. Regarding temperament, males are considered more independent and stubborn, and females are generally more affectionate. However, these are just generalizations, and a Dalmadoodle’s personality will depend on many factors. It is best to speak to the breeder as they know their litter best.

Whether or not your Dalmadoodle is intact will also make a difference in their behavior and health. Unneutered males will display unwanted behaviors such as mounting, hunting, and spraying and can sometimes become territorial. Unspayed females will have heat cycles twice a year. Having your dogs neutered and spayed will also help prevent unwanted litters and health issues such as uterine and testicular cancer.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Dalmadoodle

1. Dalmadoodles Can Make Great Swimming Companions.

Inheriting the Poodle’s affinity for water, Dalmadoodles often enjoy swimming. Their athletic build and high energy make them well-suited swimming companions, providing both excellent exercise and a fun bonding experience.


2. Dalmadoodles are Mostly Spotted.

The distinctive spotted coat of the Dalmatian parent often manifests in Dalmadoodles, resulting in their unique and eye-catching appearance. As these pups will inherit traits from both parent breeds, the exact coat pattern can vary, making each of them even more distinctive.


3. Dalmadoodles Love Having a Job to Do.

Dalmadoodles thrive when given tasks that engage their sharp minds and athletic bodies. Their high intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly responsive to training, allowing them to excel in many activities, such as agility courses, obedience training, and even as emotional support dogs.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

In Conclusion

The Dalmadoodle is an incredible hybrid whose appearance certainly stands out! They are highly intelligent, naturally athletic, playful, affectionate, and loyal. They are relatively easy to train, but they might have a streak of stubbornness from their Dalmatian genes which may require a little extra patience. However, they are eager to please and will learn new tricks and commands fairly quickly.

The Dalmadoodle is an energetic pup that is ideal for active families that enjoy running, hiking, and swimming. With the correct training, socialization, and care, they can become loving family members for many years.

See Also:

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Dogs Eat Parsley? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

You might be familiar with parsley as a common ingredient in cooking, but the herb also offers many health benefits and is considered...

My Dog Ate Glass: Our Vet Explains the Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps

Dogs eating glass is a risky situation. Shards of glass can damage the gastrointestinal tract or even perforate it, which can be a...

Show Dog Names: From Fancy to Bizzare

Whenever there is a conformation dog show on television, I am sure there is a sizeable segment of the viewing population that laughs...

What Language Does a Dog Think In? What Science Says

Dogs are brilliant creatures, impressing us humans every day with their abilities. They can learn so many verbal commands and cues—from basic gestures...

More related

How Much Does It Cost to Own a Rottweiler? 2025 Price Guide

Large breeds give owners more to love but also higher costs to expect, as you’ll discover when you realize all that goes into...

Trained Dogs Are Incredibly Accurate at Detecting Parkinson’s Disease

In good news for the Parkinson’s community, a new study found that trained dogs were unexpectedly accurate in detecting Parkinson’s disease, potentially years...

21 Canadian Dog & Cat Statistics to Know in 2025

Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website. It’s no secret that Canadians love...

160+ Dog Names Starting With H for Your Happy Pup

Naming a new pet can be a difficult experience, especially if it’s your first pet. You want something unique and original, but you...

Keep reading

Can You Return Dog Food to Walmart? What You Need to Know

Have you ever adopted a new puppy and tried several different puppy foods to find something he loves, but he’s just not into anything you’re offering him? Or has your older dog suddenly developed an aversion to the food he’s...

woman buying dog food

7 Best Dog Foods for Heart Murmurs in 2025 – Top Picks & Reviews

Chances are, if you are reading this review, your dog has recently been diagnosed with a heart murmur, and you need to put him on a proper heart-healthy diet. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Along with the suggestions...

Using-a-stetoscope-on-a-golden-retriever_Tatyana-Vic_Shutterstock

Can Dogs Eat Rice Cakes? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Rice cakes are a very popular snack that is often used as a lower-calorie alternative to bread, crackers, and chips. Since we frequently find ourselves wondering what foods in our pantry are safe for our dogs to eat, it’s important...

Can Dogs Eat_Rice Cakes

What Is Dog Food Made Of? Vet-Reviewed Ingredient Guide

Buying dog food is so commonplace. We do it all the time without a second thought. If your dog is running low on food, you hop online or go to the store and grab the same bag you’ve been buying....

german shepherd dog lying near food bowl

Can Dogs Have Sushi? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Your pet is one lucky dog if you’re wondering whether you can give your pet sushi. The sushi market has skyrocketed in recent years, with sales jumping over 23% from 2021 to 2022. People view it as a healthy alternative...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Have-Sushi

Nom Nom vs Spot & Tango: Which Fresh Dog Food is Better? 2025 Update

If you’re tired of researching dog food brands, don’t worry, you’re not alone. In the last 20 years, several new dog food manufacturers have entered the market to compete in the premium product category. Although the number of producers can...

Dogster_Dog Food Nom Nom VS Spot & Tango

Do Dogs Need Carbohydrates? Vet Approved Facts & Advice

Carbohydrates are sugars, fibers, and starch. Strictly speaking, dogs technically do not need carbohydrates in their diet, but because carbs produce energy, they are beneficial when included in a dog’s balanced diet. This means you should ensure your dog eats...

Cute Samoyed dog eating from bowl at home

Can Dogs Eat Eggs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Eggs are popular items in most American refrigerators. People use them in a wide variety of recipes, so it is only natural to wonder if dogs can eat them too. The short answer is yes. Your dog can eat eggs...

Can Dogs Eat_eggs