Dalmadoodle! If you’ve ever seen a Poodle and a Dalmatian dog, you already know how different they are from each other. So what happens when you mix the two? The outcome is a Dalmatian Poodle Mix, a designer dog breed that has a similar temperament to that of the German Shepherd Poodle Mix: intelligent, playful, and affectionate.
But is the Poodle Dalmatian Mix the right dog for you and your family? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the Dalmatian and Poodle Mix, including their temperaments, health issues, grooming and exercise requirements, dietary needs, and ideal living conditions.
If you’re still interested in the Dalmatian Doodle after reading this, we’ve provided a list of rescue/adoption centers and breeders you can reach out to. For now, let’s first start with a breed overview of the Dalmatian Poodle.
Table of Contents
Dalmatian Poodle Mix: Breed overview
| Other Names | Dalmapoo, Dalmapoodle, Dalmatian Doodles, Dalmadoodles |
| Purity | Hybrid |
| Purpose | Companion dog |
| AKC Recognition | No |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 40-70 pounds |
| Height | 15-24 inches |
| Coat Colors | Black, White, Apricot, Cream Silver, Sable, and Brown |
| Child Friendliness | High |
| Canine Friendliness | Moderate |
| Training Difficulty | Easy |
| Grooming Upkeep | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs | Moderate |
| Health | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 11-14 years |
| Puppy Costs | $800 upwards |
Is there a Dalmatian Poodle Mix?
Yes, there is a Dalmatian Poodle Mix. This Poodle mix is known as the Dalmatian Poodle Mix.
It is a cross between the Poodle and the Dalmatian which some have given the nicknames Dalmadoodle or Dalmapoodle.
Dalmadoodles are considered a designer breed that enhances the best qualities of each parent. Dalmatian Doodles are intelligent and loyal dogs that are one of the larger Poodle mixes available today.
RECOMMENDED: Saint Berdoodle (St Bernard Poodle Mix Complete Guide)
Dalmadoodle: Parent breeds
Both the Poodle and the Dalmatian are popular breeds being featured in a handful of animated and feature films.
Poodles are known for their intelligence and their pretty and distinctive haircuts.
Dalmatians, on the other hand, are known for their striking spotted coats and playfulness.
To learn about the Dalmadoodle, it is useful to know about their parent’s history, appearance, and temperament.
Dalmatian origin
Dalmatians are named after the Dalmatia region of Croatia. Their exact origin is unknown but they were mainly used as a carriage dog that escorts horse-drawn vehicles. Its spotted coat became its signature look and its popularity in modern times stem from its depiction in the animated film, 101 Dalmatians.
You may also like: Corgi Dalmatian Mix (Complete Guide)
Poodle history
The name ‘Poodle’ comes from the German onomatopoeic term, pudelin, which sounds like the splashing of water. They were used primarily during the Middle Ages to retrieve ducks in the lakes and rivers because of their dense waterproof coat and webbed paws.
In later years, they were sought after by the French nobility and their popularity soon spread across Europe and the United States.
Dalmatian Poodle Mix history
With the growing popularity of ‘doodles’ or Poodle mixes, it did not take long for some breeders to finally cross a Dalmatian and a Poodle. Its origins are not well known, but it was first believed to have been bred in the late 1990s.
Dalmatian Poodle physical appearance
The appearance of the Dalmatian Doodles varies from one dog to another. The spotted black markings on the coats of Dalmatians may appear larger in some Dalmapoodles or they may not appear at all in some.
The body structure of the Dalmapoodle is athletic with long legs and a long tail. The eyes of Dalmadoodles are oval-shaped and their ears are floppy that are long and wide.
Poodle Dalmatian Mix size, height, and weight
Poodles come in three different sizes – standard, miniature, and toy.
The size of a full-grown Dalmatian Poodle Mix will depend largely on which size the Dalmatian was crossed with. But, it is a more common practice to cross a Dalmatian with a bigger-sized Poodle.
A standard Dalmadoodle full grown will reach their full height between 12 and 16 months and will continue to fill out their weight until 2 years of age.
Below is an estimate of the size of a Dalmadoodle as he grows into maturity.
| Age | Weight (Males) | Weight (Females) | Height (Males) | Height (Females) |
| 3 months | 18 – 24 pounds | 15 – 22 pounds | 12 – 15 inches | 11 – 14 inches |
| 6 months | 24 – 35 pounds | 22 – 32 pounds | 15 – 20 inches | 14 – 18 inches |
| 9 months | 35 – 55 pounds | 32 – 50 pounds | 18 – 22 inches | 18 – 22 inches |
| 12 months | 55 – 70 pounds | 35 – 60 pounds | 18 – 24 inches | 22 – 23 inches |
Mini Dalmadoodle
Mini Dalmatian Poodle Mix is a cross between a Dalmatian and a Miniature Poodle that stands at around 15 inches tall.
Dalmatian Mini Poodle Mix can be slightly taller than their Poodle parent and smaller than a Dalmatian. Dalmatian Miniature Poodle Mix will reach her full height between 12 and 16 months and continue to fill out in the chest until 2 years.
The size of a male miniature Dalmadoodle does not differ much from a female.
Dalmatian toy Poodle Mix
A Toy Dalmadoodle is a cross between a Dalmatian and a Toy Poodle that stands at a height of 10 inches. Because of their size difference, toy Dalmadoodles are not very common.
Check out: Pitbull Poodle Mix (Complete Guide)
Dalmatian and Poodle Mix coat colors and types
Dalmatian Doodles typically have wavy coats, but it is also possible to have straight and curly coats within the same litter. Coat length can also vary from short to medium length.
The coat color of the Dalmapoodle is usually white with markings of irregular black splotches or ticking. Black markings are especially common around their ears and faces. In some cases, the dark spots in their body are minimal or do not appear at all.
Dalmadoodles can also come in various different shades since Poodles come in a variety of colors, such as:
- Apricot
- Cream
- Black
- Silver
- Sable
- Brown
The dark spottings of the Dalmadoodle can also vary between black and liver against a backdrop of a white base coat.
Don’t miss: Red Poodle (Complete Guide)
Dalmatian Doodle temperament and personality
Dalmatian Doodles are playful, active, and smart. Since both her parents are working dogs, Dalmadoodles are best kept physically and mentally stimulated to prevent her from getting bored and anxious.
Dalmapoodle dogs love human companionship and may develop destructive behaviors if they are left for too long.
Do Dalmation Doodle make great family pets?
Dalmation and Poodle Mix are great as family pets for active households. Being highly energetic makes them a good fit with children, but because of their size, adult supervision is advised. They can also get along well with other pets provided they are socialized early to control their prey instinct among smaller animals.
Dalmation Poodle training
Since both their parents are quite intelligent, you can expect nothing less from a Poodle Dalmation. They have a strong desire to please their owners, so it is fairly easy to train them. They may exhibit some stubbornness but it can be corrected through early training and positive reinforcements.
Dalmation Poodle Mix living conditions
Poodle and Dalmation Mix is a fairly large and active dog that needs a lot of space to move around.
If you have a backyard, that would be ideal for your canine companions. Many owners with a backyard will allow their furry friends to roam freely outside. That’s perfect but make sure the backyard is fully fenced so your pups don’t escape.
Some towns and county zoning laws prohibit physical fences so many pet owners install a wireless dog fence instead to keep their furry family members safe while still being able to play in the backyard.
If you live on a mountain, hill, or in the midst of a large grassland and you don’t want the physical fences to obstruct your beautiful mountain view or scenic grassy spaces, then the wireless dog fence is the solution.
But before you install a wireless dog fence, make sure you have an electronic dog door in place. Many dog parents, whether they work from home or at the office, would install an electronic dog door so that their canine companions can head out to the backyard during the day and enjoy the sun and fresh air.
What’s great about the automatic doggy door is that the canine owner can program it and set curfew hours. This way, your dogs can head outside during the day while staying indoors at night.
There are tons of dog owners who said they should’ve gotten the electronic dog door sooner. They stated that the electronic pet door saved them so much time. They no longer need to get up from whatever they’re doing every time their pooch needs to head outside or come back into the house.
If you live in an apartment, it is also workable. You can always bring your Dalmation Poodle Mix to a nearby park where they could move around freely every day.
Dalmadoodles can adapt well to cold or warm climates but pay close attention during the summer when it can get too hot outside since heatstroke can be a problem.
Dalmatian Mixed with Poodle grooming and cleaning
Poodle and Dalmatian Mix dogs have different grooming needs depending on the length of their coat. Shorter coats, naturally, require less maintenance. Weekly brushing with a slicker brush to remove loose hairs will do. Dalmatian Mixed with Poodle that has longer coats will need more brushing to prevent matting.
When her coat gets dirty, it’s best to bathe her using an organic and mildly-scented dog shampoo that will keep her skin and coat clean, healthy, and moisturized.
For her dental health, do not use human toothpaste. Instead go for an enzymatic dog toothpaste for clean teeth and fresher breath. The enzymatic formula in the doggy toothpaste will help to effectively remove plaque, control tartar formation, and keep your dog’s gum healthy. You’ll want to use a doggy toothpaste that has a non-foaming formula so it’s safe for your dogs to swallow.
And, what about those nails? If you can’t cut them or the nail clipper is a hassle, try using a dog nail grinder that is super quiet and features precise diamond drum bit grinder.
| Grooming Needs | Grooming Frequency |
| Coat Brushing | 2 to 3 times a week. |
| Bathing | Weekly or as needed. |
| Teeth Brushing | 3 to 4 times a week. |
| Nail Trimming | As needed. |
| Ear Cleaning | Check regularly. |
Do Dalmadoodles shed?
Some Dalmation Doodles shed moderately and some do not.
So, is Dalmadoodle hypoallergenic?
It all depends on which parent is more dominant in passing the genes for coat shedding. If your Dalmatian Poodle Mix breed has curly hair, then most likely she is hypoallergenic. Curly hairs do not shed easily and have the added benefit of catching dander which is the cause of most allergies.
Dalmoodle food and diet
Dalmatian mixed with a Poodle needs at least 1.5 cups to 2 cups of a well-balanced meal split into two meals daily. The amount of food given should be based on her age, size, and activity level. With your veterinarian’s recommendation, you can supplement her meals with fresh fruits and vegetables to add variety to her diet.
RECOMMENDED: Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?
Dalmatian Poodle Mix common health issues
Dalmatian Mix Poodle dogs are generally healthy, but that does not mean that they will not inherit some of the common health problems that are associated with their parents.
Primarily, this is the reason why we highly recommend getting the puppies from ethical breeders. It’s because you can count on them to have done DNA testing before crossbreeding a Poodle and Dalmatian dogs.
In case you are not aware of DNA testing, it is a genetic test that allows breeders to understand if the dogs to be bred together carry the disease-causing genes that can be inherited by their puppies. Nowadays, dog owners can also access at-home doggy DNA tests, which is quick and easy.
For your information, we’ve listed the 5 common health issues that affect Dalmatian Poodle Mix dogs:
1. Deafness
An average of 80% of Dalmatians are deaf, thus, it is highly likely that a Dalmatian Mix Poodle can inherit this hearing disorder.
2. Addison’s Disease
This happens when a dog’s adrenal glands fail to produce the right levels of corticosteroid hormones. A Poodle is one of the breeds that are commonly afflicted.
3. Cushing’s Disease
The adrenal glands produce abnormally high levels of cortisol leading to kidney damage and diabetes.
4. Hip Dysplasia
Common among large dog breeds like a Dalmatian, hip dysplasia is due to the misalignment of the ball and the socket that causes them to rub rather than glide smoothly.
5. Iris Sphincter Dysplasia
A congenital eye disease that causes the iris not to develop properly. This disease is commonly seen among Dalmatians.
You may be interested in: How To Soften Dog Eye Boogers?
Dalmadoodle lifespan
The average lifespan of a Poodle Mixed with Dalmatian is between 11 and 14 years.
Dalmadoodle breeder
It may be quite difficult to find Dalmatian Poodle Mix breeders. We suggest, however, that you get in touch with either Poodle or Dalmatian breeders who can connect you with designer dog breeders.
Regardless of your location, what you have to remember is to transact only with an ethical Dalmadoodle breeder near me.
An ethical dog breeder will not think twice about allowing you to visit the kennel. You can either do that physically or virtually. Observe if the kennel is clean and if there’s adequate space for the dogs to move around.
Also, an ethical breeder will give the customers a copy of the DNA testing and health certificates of the parents and the puppies.
Dalmadoodle puppies
Are all systems going for your Dalmadoodle puppy? If not, let us help you prepare for your Dalmatian Poodle puppy.
All puppies, including Dalmatian Poodle puppies, are naturally curious about their new surroundings. They will explore endlessly which they do through smelling and chewing. And, that’s a good sign because it means that the Dalmatian Poodle Mix puppies are healthy physically and emotionally.
Check out: How To Cure Parvo Without A Vet For Your Dogs
But, of course, you should prepare for disaster situations, like what if your pup chews on electrical cables or toxic plants?
That said, puppy-proofing your home should be done before bringing home your Dalmadoodle puppy. Cover the cables and keep your precious, fragile, and sentimental things out of your puppy’s reach as well as your medicines.
In short, inspect your home thoroughly and remove anything that can make your puppy ill or cause accidents in the house.
Check out this video below of a pup chewing on a battery-operated toy. The puppy punctured the battery in the toy and caused a fire. The fire detectors did go off, but the owners weren’t at home. Luckily, the fire died down on its own and the two pups at home were safe.
Dalmadoodle price
The price of a Dalmadoodle varies. Some breeders may charge higher depending on the coat color but on average, expect to pay about $800. Not to forget the other puppy expenses like a dog crate, a chew proof dog bed, collar, and retractable dog leash or rope dog leash.
Then, of course, vet expenses such as vaccinations, flea control, and deworming. Do you plan on breeding your Dalmadoodle in the future? If not, depending on your location, you may be required to have your Fido spayed or neutered.
RELATED: How Soon Can I Walk My Dog After Neutering?
Dalmadoodle rescue
You can find more affordable yet healthy dogs like a Dalmadoodle in rescue centers near you. As a matter of fact, you are giving a dog his or her a second chance to live happily.
All dogs in rescue centers have been checked by vets and are fit to be integrated into families. Here are two rescue centers where you can find Dalmadoodle dogs:
NorCal Poodle Rescue (norcalpoodlerescueadoption.com) has an average $350 adoption fee. If you are interested, you can fill out and submit an online adoption interest form.
Doodle Trust (doodletrust.com) is located in the UK and is dedicated to finding homes for Poodles and Poodle mixed dog breeds.
Places to find Dalmadoodle puppies for sale
Dalmatian Poodle Mix puppies for sale are quite hard to find. But don’t give up just yet because we have listed two breeders with whom you can contact or get a referral for Dalmatian Poodle puppies for sale.
Dalmadoodle puppies for sale UK
Are you from the UK and are still searching for Dalmadoodle puppies near me? Check out WrensPark (wrenspoodles.co.uk) and ask if they have or may know an ethical breeder who has available Dalmadoodle puppy for sale.
Dalmadoodle Puppies for sale near me
It does not matter where you are because, at Greenfield Puppies (greenfieldpuppies.com), they ship the puppies internationally to interested buyers. In case you spot Mini Dalmadoodle puppies for sale, contact them right away and make all the necessary arrangements.
Finding a healthy Dalmatian Poodle Mix for sale
If you are looking for an adult Dalmadoodle for sale, our recommendation is to talk to either a Poodle or a Dalmatian breeder. From there, you might get referrals to Mini Dalmadoodle for sale near you.
Dalmadoodles for sale Ohio
Check out Premiere Pups (premierpups.com) because they have purebred as well as mixed Poodles for sale. Plus, they provide a nanny airport delivery service.
Dalmadoodle for sale Florida
Are you from Florida and wondering where to find Dalmadoodle for sale near me? Visit the website of OpalOnyx (opal-onyx.com) because from time to time, they have retired dogs for sale. Complete the adult dog adoption application form and submit it online.
Dalmadoodle: Pros and Cons
Are you the rightful owner of a Dalmadoodle? Check out the table below and decide for yourself if this mixed dog breed is your perfect match.
| Pros | Cons |
| Long lifespan. | Needs a lot of exercise. |
| Intelligent. | Not enough exercise leads to destructive behaviors. |
| Playful. | Needs mental stimulation. |
| Loving and affectionate. | Needs frequent grooming. |
| Friendly to house guests. | Depending on the dominant gene, shedding may be an issue. |
| Good watchdog. | Can be stubborn. |
Is the Dalmatian Poodle Mix right for me?
The good news is that the Dalmadoodle is a great family dog that gets along well with everyone including other housepets. But, you have to be physically active because a Dalmadoodle needs an active lifestyle to be happy. If not, she can get bored and will look for other activities to keep her active like chewing things around the house.
Related Questions
It depends. Dalmadoodle is hypoallergenic if he inherits more of the dominant Poodle genes. Poodles are generally known to be hypoallergenic so if the Poodle genes are more dominant, then the Dalmadoodle will have a curly coat and is more likely to be hypoallergenic. Having a curly coat means that it can trap most of the dead hair and dander and this prevents both dead hair and dander from falling out all throughout your home.
DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poodle
With over five years of specialized experience as an animal writer, my expertise lies in dog nutrition, health, behavior, grooming, and training. I am dedicated to delivering helpful and informative content that caters to the well-being of our furry friends. My primary goal is to empower pet owners with knowledge and ensure our canine companions thrive in health and happiness. In my free time, I love volunteering at local dog rescue centers.
