If you’re spent a good amount of time on PoodleHQ already looking at the different breeds of Doodles, you’ve probably had your mind blown simply at the sheer variation!
Are you ready to be mesmerized even more?
Ok, so let’s tell you about the Dalmadoodle!
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You may be familiar with this crossbreed already. However, if you’re not, let’s shed some light on this wonderful canine.
The Dalmadoodle is a combination of the Dalmatian and Poodle. It’s also known under other names such as the Dalmapoo, Dalmatian Poodle, and Dalmationpoo.
By now, your mind must be going crazy thinking, will the coat be curly or spotty? Similarly, is the Dalmadoodle big or small? Both breeds have so many contrasting characteristics; this by far makes the crossbreed an exceptional one.
But, before you figure out the full characteristics of the Dalmadoodle, let’s review its parent’s history and appearance first.
What Will You Learn? 👇
Dalmadoodle parents
Poodle
The Poodle is over a 400 year old breed and first came from Germany. Its primary purpose was to be a dog that hunted birds and ducks. Back then, it had a specific haircut to help its swimming and hunt better. Poodles would typically swim in cold water to attack ducks, and the pompoms would help their agility.
Later on, the Poodle became popular in France and then was adopted as their national dog. Following this, they started becoming a symbol of luxury with many fancy haircuts.
Similarly, a Poodle can come in three types the Standard, Miniature, and Toy. A Poodle is renowned for its curly, smooth coat and its highly intelligent nature.
Dalmatian
When it comes to the origin of the Dalmatian, it can be a bit difficult to track down; it’s quite uncertain. However, according to the American Kennel Club, it’s believed that this breed came from Asia, North Africa, Europe, and the British Isles.
However, the first documentation that seized to exist of this breed was in the 1800s, and it showed that it existed in Central Europe, in a place typically called Dalmatia. The purpose of this breed was to work next to horse-drawn carriages and guard them. Their typical name was a carriage dog.
This breed is medium sized and is renowned for its white coat with black spots.
Now, given these factors, let’s discuss the marvelous Dalmatian Poodle mix!
What does a dalmatian poodle mix look like?
If you’re looking to buy a Dalmatian Poodle mix, please be aware that they don’t have a specific appearance. In fact, due to the variation, their parents have, they can have a range of different appearances!
First of all, their size can vary depending on the type of Poodle they’re bored with. While they can be bred with any size of Poodle, the most common ones are the Standard and Miniature. On average, they can grow up to 21-23inches/54.3-58cm in height and weigh between 40-75Ibs/18-34 kg.
Generally, a Dalmatian Poodle mix has an athletic body with a large tail and hanging ears. Similarly, they have a rounded head, dark brown eyes, fluffy eyes, and black nose. It tends to take more after the Poodle in terms of coat having a fluffy, curly coat and then has spotting like the Dalmation. Typically their coat comes in black and white.
📢 I've also covered a few other breeds that are similar to the Dalmapoo like the Great Dandoodle & the Whipoodle.
Are they hypoallergenic?
Like many factors, a dog’s shedding ability is often one of the biggest indicators of why people buy certain dogs. Regarding the Dalmadoodle, there’s a very small chance it could be hypoallergenic.
Sorry allergy sufferers!
You may be a bit confused as its Poodle parent is a hypoallergenic breed and sheds very little. But, the Dalmatian is opposite and is known to shed a lot. Their coat is short and dense that sheds all times of the year.
Therefore it’s quite hard to predict if they will shed a lot or not. But one thing is for sure; they’re definitely not hypoallergenic.
Grooming requirements
Due to the unpredictability of what this doodle may inherit from its parents, the grooming requirements may change tremendously.
If it has a coat similar to the Dalmation, you will need to brush it every week to keep the shedding to a minimum and stop it lingering on your furniture or clothes. In contrast, a coat similar to the Poodle will need to be brushed a few times a week to keep their curls in top condition. You will want to make sure their curls don’t become tangled or matted.
Similarly, you may want to take it to a professional groomer to get their hair clipped professionally. This is also a good idea as they tend to overheat very easily, and having their hair clipped well will allow their body temperature to stay regulated. Plus, you should check its ears as they’re long and dangly for infection.
Moisture and dirt can easily get trapped in them, and they can become infected quickly. Look out for any redness, itchiness, or bad odors also. The best way to clean its ears is by using a cotton swab and a veterinary-approved solution. Similarly, nails should be trimmed regularly to reduce them from cracking.
Temperament
If you’re looking for a dog to keep as a companion and friend for your children, then you’re in luck with the Dalmadoodle. This breed is large, gentle, and has a fun-loving nature. They love to play and will never get bored by the variety of games children create.
While they aren’t aggressive, they may bark now and again when in the presence of new people. They also inherit both of their parent’s intelligent natures, and this makes them quite easy to train.
Sometimes they can display a stubborn streak, but this can be removed if they’re trained from an early age, and you’re consistent with their training. Moreover, they have eager to please nature and tend to stick to you.
They like to be with you so much they commonly get the name known as the velcro dog. This means they can cling to you, but if you leave them for long periods alone on their own, they can easily develop separation anxiety.
Ultimately though, they’re an extremely loyal crossbreed to own.
Health problems
On average, a Dalmation Poodle mix can live up to 12-14 years old. However, its lifespan can be influenced by its diet, how you raise it, and health problems. Common health problems a Dalamadoodle could experience are:
- Hip dysplasia: The hip and ball socket joint does not align, causing mobility problems and pain in their hips.
- Addison’s disease: A lack of the hormone cortisol produced in their body causing dehydration, weakness, diarrhea, and more.
- Cushing’s disease: When too much cortisol is produced, causing lethargy, stimulated appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, fragile skin, hair loss, frequent skin infections, and more.
- Gastric dilation volvulus (bloat): Due to the large size of the Dalmadoodle, they can easily suffer from bloat. This is when fluid, food, and gas can get trapped in the stomach, causing them to pant and difficulty moving. In extreme scenarios, their stomach can flip over.
These are just a few health problems a Dalmadoodle may face. It’s not definite that they may experience them; however, they are found across this breed. To avoid this, you should take them to a vet twice a year for a standard health check-up.
Dalmadoodle puppy cost
On average, you can expect to pay around $800 for a Dalmadoodle puppy in the USA. However, breeders often try to increase the price based on their coat color and parent’s lineage. Similarly, this is just a baseline price; depending on where you are in the world, it could cost less or even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much food should a Dalmadoodle eat?
The food which a Dalamdoodle eats can vary based on its height, weight, and age. Ideally, you should check with a vet how much food they should eat and the type. An average guideline is 3 cups a day.
How much exercise do Dalmadoodles need a day?
On average, a Dalamadoodle should have around 90 minutes of physical and mental exercise a day.
How easy is it to train a Dalmadoodle?
As long as you begin from an early age and have consistency, a Dalmadoodle can be pretty easy to train compared to some other doodle breeds.
Conclusion
Dalmadoodles are a loyal and loving crossbreed, making them great for children. They’re highly energetic and never get bored that easily. They also have an intelligent nature and can pick up commands pretty quickly. On the contrary, this breed can display a stubborn little streak, so be careful and consistent in training.
Regarding their appearance, their characteristics can vary; they could have a smooth curly coat or one that’s short and dense. Depending on the qualities it inherits from its parents will influence how much it might shed.
Nevertheless, you should always take it to a groomer to maintain its coat and vets for a general health check up. They can be at risk of having certain health conditions like Addisons disease, Hip Dysplasia, Cushing’s disease, and Gastric Volvulus Dilation. But this isn’t always guaranteed to happen.
Finally, an average puppy can cost around $800, and this price can vary based on where you’re located in the world and the Dalmadoodle’s coat color. Do you think this price is affordable or expensive? Let us know in the comments down below.
Marko is the founder and author at PoodleHQ, where he blends profound expertise with formal training in Animal Behavior and Canine Genetics. With multiple generations of poodles under his care, he’s a breed connoisseur, honored with the Canine Care Excellence Award and lauded by the International Pet Enthusiasts Association.
