Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix – Dalmadoodle Types and Facts

What is a crossbreed?

A crossbreed is a hybrid or mix between two or more breeds. Sometimes cross breeding is done to create ‘designer dogs’, and ‘hypoallergenic dogs’ that don’t shed, but it is usually done to create a dog with the best characteristics of each parent in terms of appearance, size, coat, and temperament. It is also thought that mixing breeds can reduce the risk of the pups developing health conditions that are passed on through genetic inheritance. There are hundreds of cross breeds out there on top of all the pure breeds, so it can be hard to know what’s right for you!

Australian Shepherd Vs Dalmatian 

The Australian Shepherd was originally bred in the USA as a herding dog and was used to round up sheep in the Rocky Mountains. They were bred as diligent, intelligent, and loyal working dogs. They are medium-sized dogs with a medium-length coat that comes in four colors – blue merle, red merle, black, and red. They are typically 35-70 pounds depending on whether they are male or female. 

The Dalmatian has been around since the 18th century and is thought to have originated in Croatia. They became a status symbol in Britain and were used as guard dogs during the war in Croatia. Dalmatians have also been used as hunting, circus, and guard dogs. They have a typical beautiful black and white or liver and white spotted appearance that they are well known for and have a short coat. They are athletic, loyal, and intelligent but notoriously tricky to train! They are medium-sized and usually weigh 45-70 pounds.

The Australian Shepherd and Dalmatian mix creates a beautiful dog with interesting spotted markings on a medium-length coat, with the best characteristics of each breed!

Top Facts about Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

When you mix two breeds it’s difficult to be certain exactly how the pups will turn out! It can depend on which characteristics are genetically inherited from each parent. But there are some very typical characteristics of the Australian Shepherd and Dalmatian mix that make this cross so great.

Size

Typically, the Australian Shepherd/Dalmatian mix is a medium-sized dog, usually weighing 50-60 pounds. But males can sometimes be slightly bigger than females, and you can never guarantee how the pups will look!

Coat

The coat can vary a lot depending on the appearance of the parents. Typically, the coat is short to medium with a spotted pattern over most of the body. The color can vary and might include some blue, red, liver, black, or all the above! Australian Shepherd/Dalmatian mixes will shed some fur and do require regular grooming to prevent matting and remove dead undercoat. 

Exercise

Both breeds are highly energetic and athletic, so they need plenty of exercise! They love to run and need around 1-2 hours of exercise off a leash every day. Training a Dalmatian is thought to be hard work but both breeds are highly intelligent and quick to learn, so with patience and consistency, Aussie Shepherd/Dalmatian mixes are easy to train.

Personality

You can never guarantee the characteristics of a cross breed, and usually, you get a good mix of each parent’s personalities. Typically, Australian Shepherd/Dalmatian mixes are energetic, playful, loyal, and fun! They make loving family pets and are good with children.

Health 

It’s generally thought that mixing breeds reduces the risk of genetic health conditions, and both Australian Shepherds and Dalmatians are susceptible to a few genetic conditions. Dalmatians can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, deafness, a kidney condition called familial nephropathy, and epilepsy. Australian Shepherds can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, and cataracts. 

A mix of an Australian Shepherd with a Dalmatian might be susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia. You should always investigate the health of both parents to ensure the risk of this, and any other health condition is as low as possible. Hip and elbow scores might have been carried out by a vet, as well as other screening tests, although with cross-breeding these tests are not compulsory.

Other Dalmatian Mixes

Dalmatians can be mixed with a wide range of other breeds such as poodles, Labradors, Border collies, Golden Retrievers, or really any other medium-sized dog. When crossing two breeds you should always consider the size of each parent to avoid any potential problems during birth and to avoid problems with conformation. 

Final Thoughts

The Dalmatian Australian Shepherd mix is a loving and loyal family pet with lots of energy! You get the best bits of each breed’s personality with their high energy as well as a beautiful and unique appearance. They are well suited to family life and are great with kids but do require plenty of exercise, so you ideally need to lead an active lifestyle. Lots of other Dalmatian mixes are out there, so always do your research before choosing a breed to make sure it is right for you. 

FAQs

What is the best Dalmatian mix?

There is no one mix that’s best, and it depends on the characteristics you are looking for in a dog. Mixes with longer coated breeds will create a fluffy coat with beautiful Dalmatian spots. Consider the characteristics you’re looking for before deciding on the best mix for you.

What is a good breed to mix with the Australian Shepherd?

Many breeds mix well with Australian Shepherds including Dalmatians, Labradors, Border Collies, and Poodles. 

What is a Dalmadoodle?

A dalmadoodle is a mix between a Dalmatian and a poodle but can also be a mix between a dalmatian and various other breeds. 

Can you cross-breed Dalmatians?

Yes, you can cross-breed any breed of dog. But you should consider size compatibility, temperament, coat, and desired characteristics.