Who doesn’t love furry chic Poodles and innocent-looking spotted Dalmatians? But the question is can you breed a Dalmatian with a Poodle? Yes, Miniature Poodles and Standard Poodles are commonly bred with Dalmatians. But it is possible to breed Toy Poodles with Dalmatians as well.
The Dalmadoodle is the resulting offspring of crossing a Dalmatian with a Poodle. This Dalmatian Poodle Mix also goes by another name, Dalmapoo. Any dog owner will find this Dalmadoodle a great companion because it is intelligent, playful, and protective.
So, if you want to bring home a cute little Dalmadoodle, then this article is for you. We will discuss the common temperaments, health issues, and grooming tips of this canine. But before that, let’s have a detailed overview of their size and appearance!
How Big Do Dalmadoodles Get?
On average, Dalmadoodles grow as tall as 21 to 23 inches, weighing between 40 and 60 lbs. The size of the Dalmadoodle usually varies according to the size of the Poodle they are bred with.
For instance, a cross between a Dalmatian and a Toy Poodle will be much smaller than a cross with a Standard Poodle. However, you rarely see a Miniature Dalmadoodle because breeding Dalmadoodles with Toy Poodles isn’t that common.
Physical Appearance
Due to their diverse parents, the Dalmapoo vary greatly in physical appearance depending upon the dominant parent gene. Some pups may develop black spots similar to or more significant than the Dalmatians, and some may have none.
If we talk about the fur coat of this canine, then it also varies as some pups may have long curly coats, and others have short coats.
Apart from the differences in physical traits, one thing Dalmadoodles have in common with both of their parents is their athletic build. They have a great athletic build, ideal for becoming watchdogs when professionally trained.
How Long Do Dalmadoodles Live?
Dalmadoodles have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, but only if you take proper care of them.
Besides their playful and energetic nature, these canines still get prone to some common health issues. So, let’s dig deeper to know about these diseases and their treatments.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs in a Dalmadoodle as a deformity during their growth. If your pup suffers from hip dysplasia, then both its hip balls will not grow in equal size. Here are the symptoms of hip dysplasia in Dalmadoodles.
- Decrease in thigh muscle mass
- Limping
- Won’t be able to climb, rise or jump
At the start of hip dysplasia treatment, the vet will recommend reducing your puppy’s weight to avoid stress on the hips. Other than that, the vet will recommend physical therapy and some anti-inflammatory supplements.
Deafness
Dalmadoodles are prone to congenital deafness, which they inherited from their parents, Dalmatians. Hearing loss is associated with melanocytes because they are crucial for the inner ear’s proper functioning.
Some pups have normal hearing at first, but they become deaf from one or both ears after a few weeks. If your puppy can hear from one ear, he will live a normal and safe life. But if he is deaf from both ears, then you’ll have to take proper care of him as he will get into accidents.
There isn’t any known cure for congenital deafness, but you can get your dog tested to see if he is deaf or not.
Iris Sphincter Dysplasia
Iris sphincter dysplasia is one of the eye diseases that occur due to congenital abnormality in the development of the iris. Moreover, due to this, Dalmadoodles usually cannot adjust the pupil size when it’s bright.
Here are some symptoms that will help you know if your furry baby has iris sphincter dysplasia or not:
- Inflammation of cornea
- Thickness defect in the cornea
- Squinting in bright light
Iris sphincter dysplasia is counted as a typical progressive retinal atrophy disease in Dalmadoodles. Moreover, there’s no effective treatment for this disease other than surgery. Otherwise, you can also go for the steroid drops, but this may take time to provide results.
How To Take Care Of Your Dalmadoodle?
Dalmadoodles require daily exercise, a high-quality diet, and good hygiene to stay healthy and fit.
So, here are some things you should pay attention to for keeping your pup fit as a fiddle.
Nutritious Diet
Keeping the Dalmadoodle’s energy in view, they need a diet full of proteins but skip wheat or corn. So, you must feed your pup 2 to 3 cups of food full of fruits and vegetables and multivitamins.
But, it’s hard to cover it all up at one meal, so we recommend getting a monthly plan from Pet Plate. Their food plan contains everything your Dalmadoodle needs to stay healthy. Don’t overfeed your pup, as this breed is prone to hip dysplasia.
Daily Exercise
Due to their excessive energy, Dalmadoodles require to be mentally and physically challenged. So, 60 minutes of vigorous exercise every day is recommended to help them exert their energy.
However, these dogs are not good at dealing with the heat, so be careful in summers and take them out for swimming as well. Other than that, you can give your pup puzzle toys to stimulate their mental capabilities.
Maintaining Proper Hygiene
If you want to save your Dalmadoodle from bacterial infections, then make sure to brush his teeth regularly. You can use dental water additives if your pup doesn’t stay still while brushing. It will help fight tartar and prevent bad breath. Plus, trim his nails whenever you feel like they are worn out.
Are Dalmadoodles Smart? Temperaments Of Dalmadoodles
Dalmadoodles are regarded to be smart because they are bred from one of the most intelligent dog breeds, the Poodle. As such, teaching these Dalmadoodles multiple commands and new tricks should not be an issue.
Now you must be wondering, are Dalmadoodles easy to train? Well, let’s dive in to find out more and the other temperaments that one of the most charming breeds in the market has to offer.
Easy To Train
It would be easy to train a Dalmadoodle if he has more of the Dalmatian’s traits. But, you must be patient and attentive because they take some time to be trained. Make sure to reward and praise them for good behavior and refrain from harsh punishments.
Active And Playful
These furry babies are impossible to tire out, as they can run, jump, and play with you all day long. Other than being energetic, these puppies are attentive and exciting to be around. Also, due to their cheerful and playful nature, Dalmadoodles are good with kids.
Sensitive And Protective
Dalmadoodles are pretty sensitive yet protective at the same time. But, it doesn’t mean that they are aggressive. Besides that, when these canines sense danger, they will alert you with a woof. Other than that, sometimes they behave like stubborn babies and try to become independent.
Introverted
You already know that Dalmatians and Poodles are both socially introverted and sensitive. Therefore, Dalmadoodles have also inherited this personality trait. These fluff balls usually enjoy limited social interaction.
Plus, they also get overwhelmed when meeting other dogs or strangers. But with early socialization and training, Dalmadoodles can be good dogs for your family.
Do Dalmadoodles Shed? Grooming Tips For Dalmadoodles
Dalmadoodles shed lightly, but it totally depends on the dominant parent genes. So, if you are wondering, are Dalmadoodles hypoallergenic? Then, no, they are not, but you can lessen their shedding by following the tips mentioned below.
Brushing The Coat
Dalmadoodle’s grooming depends on the traits they have inherited. For instance, if your pup has a coat similar to a Dalmatian, then you just need to brush its coat once a week. But if he has longer fur, then you will have to brush your puppy’s coat 4 to 5 times a week.
Longer coats tend to get matted easily, so to keep your pup’s coat smooth and silky, we recommend using the FURminator Undercoat Tool. It will also help in getting rid of fleas and detecting any infections beforehand by trimming the fur.
Bathing Your Pup
As we mentioned before, Dalmadoodles can’t handle the heat well. So, obviously, they love to bathe, and you should wash them up regularly with plain water in hot summers.
But, use shampoo only when necessary to avoid stripping off the natural oils. To be safe, we recommend using Pro Pet Works All Natural 5 In 1 Oatmeal Shampoo, made up of natural ingredients. It won’t harm your puppy’s skin or make his coat rough and prickly.
Related Questions
How Much Does A Dalmadoodle Cost? Prices of Dalmadoodles can vary based on their coat colors and types. If you’re looking to buy from a reputable breeder, a Dalmadoodle would cost you around $800 to $2,000. Otherwise, you can also find one at low prices from a rescue center.
Are Dalmadoodles Good Swimmers? Just like his parents, Dalmadoodles love to play in the water. Also, their athletic build and intelligence make them great swimmers. You should take them out daily for a swim during hot summers to save them from the scorching heat and burn some fat off.
Is There A Dalmatian Goldendoodle Mix? No, there is no such breed of Dalmatian Goldendoodle mix. As this article has explored the Dalmadoodle, a combination of Dalmatians and Poodles, you can consider getting one as they are ideal companion dogs.
