Dalmadoodle

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: December 8th, 2016

About Dalmadoodle

Weight

40-70 lb

Lifespan

11-14 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles and families with children and other pets, living in a house with a yard

Temperament

Intelligent, friendly, loving, loyal, protective

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, Dalmatian

Height

15-23 inches

Dalmadoodle Basics

The unique Dalmadoodle also goes by a few other names: Dalmapoo, Dalmatiandoodle, and Dalmatianpoo.

Mixing the looks and personality traits of the Dalmatian and the Poodle, these intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs make wonderful companions. Before you bring home one of these cute pooches, though, you should learn about their needs so you’ll know what to expect.

Mixing the looks and personality traits of the Dalmatian and the Poodle, these intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs make wonderful companions.

Origin

The Dalmadoodle is a designer dog breed whose origins aren’t entirely clear.

Pedigree

The Dalmadoodle is a cross between a purebred Poodle and Dalmatian.

Food / Diet

It’s always best to choose a high quality canine-appropriate food that will help your pet remain strong and healthy. If you have any questions about the ideal diet for your pet, whether that’s a commercial food, a homemade diet, or a raw diet, simply talk to your veterinarian.

Once you have found a dry dog food that contains natural ingredients, you can start by feeding your Dalmadoodle anywhere from 1½ to 3 cups of food every day, but split this amount into at least two meals. Your dog may need more or less food, depending upon his size, age, and activity level. Also, make sure your pet isn’t gaining too much weight, so establish a healthy balance between dry food, canned food, and treats.

You can expect that your Dalmadoodle will enjoy being around people and will love everyone.

Training

If your Dalmadoodle has more of the Dalmatian personality, training him will be moderately easy and progress will be gradual, so patience is necessary. These dogs are smart, but they can also be independent and stubborn. Therefore, you will need to approach the training with consistency and firmness (without ever being harsh), and you need to keep it positive by reinforcing good behaviors with treats, rewards, and praise.

On the other hand, if your Dalmadoodle has inherited more of the Poodle’s personality, your pet will be easier to train. These intelligent dogs enjoy learning new things, and they can even be fun to train, so it’s a great way to bond with your pooch.

Weight

A medium to large-sized breed, the Dalmadoodle weighs between 40 and 70 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

You can expect that your Dalmadoodle will enjoy being around people and will love everyone. Although Dalmadoodles can be protective and might be inclined to bark at strangers, they will become comfortable around new people once they get to know them.

These charming and friendly dogs could be easygoing and calm, but they can also be playful, brave, and goofy. They do require quite a bit of attention, so make sure you have the time to dedicate to your pet. In return, your Dalmadoodle will be loyal and loving.

Common Health Problems

As is the case with all hybrid canine breeds, the Dalmadoodle might be susceptible to developing the health conditions that affect its parent breeds. However, hybrid dogs can be surprisingly hardy and healthy, and there’s no way to predict an individual pet’s long-term health.

The Dalmadoodle might be prone to urinary stones, hip dysplasia, skin allergies, iris sphincter dysplasia, Cushing’s disease, Addison’s disease, sebaceous adenitis, gastric dilatation-volvulus, and deafness.

Life Expectancy

The Dalmadoodle has an average lifespan of 11 to 14 years.

Exercise Requirements

If your Dalmadoodle has inherited more of the Poodle’s traits, he will need to get a moderate amount of physical activity daily in order to remain easygoing and calm. Just be sure to provide your pet with a daily walk, trips to the dog park, and time off-leash in the backyard if you have one that is safe and enclosed. You should also keep this smart dog’s mind stimulated with the help of a variety of toys, especially while spending time indoors. And because these dogs love learning, you can teach your pet new tricks and go beyond basic obedience training as well.

On the other hand, if your Dalmadoodle is more like the Dalmatian, he will be highly active, so you will need to be active as well. A backyard with room to run around freely is preferred, and you will need to take your pet out for a long, brisk walk a couple of times each day. You can also take your dog jogging or hiking, as well as to the dog park, and you can play games and provide him with toys to burn off energy. Ultimately, the goal will be to keep your high-energy pooch stimulated both physically and mentally, as that will prevent destructive and negative behaviors.

Dalmadoodles can be easygoing and calm, but they can also be playful, brave, and goofy.

Recognized Clubs

The Dalmadoodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).

Coat

A Dalmadoodle’s coat could be dense and curly like the Poodle, or short, fine, and dense like the Dalmatian. Either way, you will need to brush the dog’s coat daily in order to keep it healthy, clean, and free of tangles.

If your dog’s coat is more like the Poodle’s, it won’t shed a lot, but trips to the grooming salon on a regular basis will be necessary for stripping and trimming. This isn’t necessary if the coat is like that of the Dalmatian, but, in that case, the coat will shed a lot.

Puppies

As with all puppies, you will need to be gentle when handling a tiny Dalmadoodle. If children will be playing with your puppy, be there to supervise to make sure no one gets hurt.

Dalmadoodles should be trained and socialized from a young age so they’ll grow up to be confident adults who will get along well with everyone they meet. If you want your dog to be happy around children and other pets, socialization will be the key.

Photo credit: Marcelo Brito/Flickr

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Pet parents love hearing their cats purr while in a relaxed and blissful state, and it’s believed that a kitty’s purr could be healing, too. But, no matter how long you’ve shared your home with felines, you might still wonder how your furry friend is able to make such a unique sound. New research now sheds some more light on how cats purr, so people can learn even more about their feline companions.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler Promotion

Are you the next champion kitten cuddler? Because ACANA™ is looking for one! Their latest campaign is aimed at supporting  cat shelters, which can be overwhelmed with newborn kittens during increased birth rates amongst cats. In a bid to help, ACANA™ will help both shelters and kittens in the critical stages – from arrival to adoption. ACANA™, the pet food specialists, are preparing for the upcoming “kitten season”, attempting to increase public awareness of just how much work shelters could have during this time. In their latest effort, not only will they be donating cat food to the shelters, but they will also be offering $10,000 to one lucky cat lover to do nothing more but cuddle with kittens at a  Best Friends Animal Society center. They do this in hopes of encouraging others to volunteer as “kitten cuddlers”. Hopefully, their efforts will lead to increased adoptions of kittens, and completely eliminate the killing of unadopted cats and dogs in America, a goal to which Best Friends Animal Society is wholly dedicated to. And now, the help is needed the most. The so-called “ kitten season” spans from May to November, and it is the time of the year when female cats have most of their kittens. During this period, many animal shelters report a great influx of kittens that need care and adoption. It goes without saying that caring for a large number of gentle and fragile kitties is a labor-consuming and very challenging job. A shelter’s resources and staff can be very strained in this period, so all the help they can get is more than welcome. The ACANA™ pet food team is well aware of this and is donating 5,000 cases of wet kitten food in Apri. This is equivalent to about $250,000 at retail prices and comes to roughly 120,000 meals for kittens. Not only this, but the team also encourages everyone to volunteer at their local shelters and help with the many tasks surrounding kitten care. And a very important task is, of course, cuddling! Kitties are fragile and require constant care and all the love and warmth they can get. It is because of this need that ACANA™ will reward one person with $10,000 to cuddle kittens! The lucky winner will spend half a day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center, or a chosen network partner shelter this June. For their cuddling efforts, they will receive $10,000. "We believe in the total well-being of cats," said Billy Frey, Vice President, Marketing for Champion Petfoods. "ACANA™ pet food helps cats thrive through every stage of life, and a cat's earliest days set the tone for everything that follows. This program demonstrates our commitment to taking care of both the emotional and nutritional needs of kittens."The rules of the contest are straightforward. The prospective kitten cuddlers must be U.S. residents, and aged 18 or over. Needless to say, they must love kittens and have four hours available over one weekend in June 2024. Easy, yes? Additionally, contestants must pass a background check and cannot be in a partnership with a competing pet food brand. For a chance to be selected, you can enter the contest between March 27th through April 10th, 2024. Cuddlers, good luck!

Research Suggests Longer Nosed Dogs Live Longer

Yes, the flat-faced pooches we know and love have not only myriad health issues but also shorter lives.

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