One of the most uncommon hybrids around is the Doberman Dalmatian mix. Its uniqueness has captured the hearts of many pet owners and has since become one of the most sought-after crossbreeds.
Despite the Dalmatian Doberman mix’s large physique and powerful presence, this enormous ball of fur will surprise you with the love and affection it can give your whole family.
If you are planning to get a Doberman Dalmatian mix, you have come to the right place! Let’s talk about everything you need to know about this breed. From its appearance, personality, and FAQs, it’s all here!
What Is a Doberman Dalmatian Mix?
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The Doberman Dalmatian mix is a cross between the Doberman Pinscher and the Dalmatian. This medium- to large-sized dog is one of the sweetest hybrids around. Thanks to its alertness and affectionate personality, the Dalmatian Doberman mix is an excellent companion dog and guard dog.
Doberman Dalmatian mixes are famous for their intelligence, thanks to their parents’ genes! Both parents are smart and recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
This breed is highly trainable, alert, and has high energy levels. That’s why an experienced handler is the best fit for this canine royalty.
It is an excellent guardian and playmate for older kids. However, early socialization is important for the Doberman Dalmatian mix to be a well-mannered dog.
Doberman Dalmatian Mix Origin and History
Although the Doberman Dalmatian mix has been in the canine industry for over a decade, its history is quite difficult to trace. Its origin goes back to its purebred parents, the Doberman Pinscher and the Dalmatian.
Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann originally bred the Doberman Pinscher. He was a German tax collector and a dog pound administrator. He wanted to breed a dog who could protect him from thieves.
Being a dog pound administrator, he had access to several breeds whom he could cross to come up with a breed packed with agility, strength, and intelligence.
Experts believed that the Old Shorthaired Shepherd, Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier, and German Pinscher were all used in order to develop the Doberman Pinschers we have today.
Meanwhile, the Dalmatian originated from Croatia in the 1600s. They originally bred it to hunt vermin and rodents. Aside from this, Dalmatians were partners with firefighters.
This breed was once used to pull carriages and make a path during fire responses. They also worked as guard dogs to protect firehouse horses from thieves.
Given the history of its parent breeds, you can expect the Doberman Dalmatian mix to have the best traits of the Doberman and the Dalmatian. This hybrid will make an intelligent guard dog and a loyal companion.
Doberman Dalmatian Mix Appearance
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A Doberman Dalmatian mix is usually short-haired, similar to both parent breeds. But this trait may vary depending on the parent’s variant. For instance, this mix may have longer hair if it has the long-haired Dalmatian for a parent.
Its coat may also contain spots, a trait popular with Dalmatians. However, these spots are not always black. The American Kennel Club also considers Dalmatians with liver brown spots as well.
Thanks to the rich color varieties of the Doberman Pinscher, this hybrid’s coat colors may also vary among white, black, liver brown, red, blue, rust, and fawn.
Aside from these qualities, the Doberman and Dalmatian mix has a long muzzle, wedge-shaped head, and a muscular body. Its graceful trots and wonderful physique show its noble ancestry.
To see just how adorable they are, here is a video of a mother Dalmatian who has just given birth to Doberman Dalmatian mix puppies:
Doberman Dalmatian cross<a href="https://youtu.be/YDl6xsKXyBU" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FYDl6xsKXyBU%2F0.jpg" alt="Doberman Dalmatian cross" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Doberman Dalmatian Mix Size and Weight
A Dalmatian and Doberman mix usually grows from 22 to 28 inches at the shoulder. Its average weight is 400 to 100 pounds. This mix becomes fully grown at around 12 to 16 months old.
Its overall growth will depend on its diet, daily activities, and health conditions. While some Doberman Dalmatian mixes may become full-grown upon reaching their first-year mark, others may take a little longer to become fully grown.
The size and weight of a Doberman Dalmatian mix may also differ if it has the Warlock Doberman for a parent. The Warlock Doberman or sometimes called King Doberman is larger and stronger than the purebred Doberman.
Doberman Dalmatian Mix Temperament and Personality
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Coming from two affectionate and sweet parent breeds, the Doberman Dalmatian mix can give you lots of love, comfort, and affection.
The Doberman Dalmatian mix is highly intelligent, alert, and vigilant. That’s why it is an excellent watchdog. Although this breed is full of love, it may be aloof towards other dogs and small children.
It is best to socialize this breed early in order to avoid any aggressive behaviors in the future. Supervised playtime is essential if you have small children at home.
The personality of this hybrid may also be more headstrong or calmer depending on the variant of its Doberman parent. Having the American Doberman or the European Doberman for a parent can make a difference.
Aggression should not be an issue as long as your pooch is raised with love and kindness. Obedience training is also important. The intelligence of this breed will definitely make training a breeze.
The Doberman Dalmatian mix is also very loyal and brave. These qualities are present in both parent breeds. This pooch will never hesitate to protect its humans, even if the situation is between life and death.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Dalmatian: Which Is Better?
Doberman Dalmatian Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
A Doberman Dalmatian mix can live from 8 to 13 years. It is almost similar to the lifespan of its Dalmatian parent. However, its lifespan will always depend on its current health status and how well it was taken care of.
The Doberman Dalmatian mix may also be prone to certain health conditions. These conditions are also seen in its parent breeds. That’s why they may inherit these.
The list below is the different health conditions that a Doberman Dalmatian mix may have:
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia causes dislocation of hip joints, which causes pain and dysfunction to your Doberman Dalmatian mix. This may eventually lead to arthritis and difficulty in walking.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition where your Doberman Dalmatian mix’s heart has a hard time pumping blood in order to circulate it to the entire body. Progressive dilated cardiomyopathy may lead to heart failure and death.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: Von Willebrand’s disease is a condition where the blood is not properly clotting. This may lead to unwanted and dangerous bleeding tendencies in a Doberman Dalmatian mix.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition where there is no sufficient thyroid hormone produced by the dog’s body. This can make a Doberman Dalmatian mix gain too much weight. This may also cause skin and coat problems, lethargy, and sudden behavioral changes.
Aside from regular visits to the vet, getting a puppy from a legitimate breeder will also help in having a healthy pooch. Puppies from puppy mills are usually unhealthy because they do not undergo health checks.
How to Take Care of Your Dalmatian Doberman Pinscher Mix
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Understanding the personality of a Doberman Dalmatian mix and having the money to buy one is not enough to make sure that you can provide all of its needs.
I listed below tips on how to take care of your Doberman Dalmatian mix healthy. From the right diet and food, cleaning and grooming, and training, it’s all here!
Food and Diet
A Doberman Dalmatian mix must be fed with 1 to 8 cups of quality dog food daily. This must be divided into 2 to 4 meals. One must also keep in mind that every meal must be tailored to the dog’s individual needs.
A Dalmatian Doberman mix is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which can be worsened by obesity. It is best to consult a veterinarian to help you with the right amount and kind of food for your pooch.
It will also help if chondroitin and glucosamine are added to your Dalmatian Doberman mix’s diet. This will help in preventing joint problems in the future.
You may also give treats to your Doberman Dalmatian mix as a snack and as a reward during training. Watermelon, broccoli, carrots, and bananas are some healthy treats you may give.
Cleaning and Grooming
Depending on your Doberman Dalmatian lifestyle, this pooch may be bathed once a week. Knowing that it is an active breed, it may need to be regularly groomed in order to remove the dirt accumulated during long walks.
This breed may also be a moderate to heavy shedder. Even though this breed may have a single coat, it may shed all year round. Brushing its fur every day can help in reducing the shedding and in keeping its coat shiny.
Moreover, your Doberman Dalmatian mix needs to have its teeth brushed twice daily. A visit to your veterinary dentist once a year is ideal.
Your dog’s ears must be cleaned once a month. If your Doberman Dalmatian mix loves to swim and get wet, cleaning its ears every other week can help prevent ear infections and keep the ears clean.
Training and Exercise
The Doberman Dalmatian mix is an intelligent breed, so training should not be a problem. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train this pooch. Never do harsh and physical punishments to your dog.
Since this breed is a large ball of fur, the Doberman Dalmatian mix needs a minimum of two hours of exercise per day. You can take them for walks or let them play and run around with other dogs at the dog park.
This will not only make your Doberman Dalmatian mix healthy. It will also keep its energy down while at home. Keeping your dog’s frustration at bay will help in preventing destructive behaviors.
How Much Does a Doberman Dalmatian Mix Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses
A Doberman Dalmatian mix puppy costs about $600 to $1,300 from a reputable breeder. They are relatively cheaper than their purebred Dalmatian parent which can cost between $1,600 and $6,000.
However, this is just an initial expense. You must also have a budget set aside for the things and food that your new furry friend will need.
Below are some other things and procedures you need to consider should you decide to get a Doberman Dalmatian mix:
Aside from these expenses, you must also have a budget for emergencies in case your Dalmatian Doberman mix gets sick. When taking in a new dog, you must also be financially prepared.
Places to Find Doberman Dalmatian Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
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Taking in a dog and choosing a breeder might seem exciting, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Always be careful when choosing a breeder because you don’t want to fall victim to puppy mills.
Puppy mills or puppy farms mass-produce puppies without consideration of the dog’s health. This industry is not only doing harm to poor dogs but they are also selling unhealthy puppies.
Below is a list of websites where you can find the right Doberman Dalmatian mix for you:
Greenfield Puppies – This website has its own photographer who visits breeders who would like to advertise their Doberman Dalmatian mix puppies on their website. In case they see red flags, Greenfield Puppies immediately disqualify untrusty breeders from their site.
Keystone Puppies – This is a website where breeders get to advertise their puppies for sale, such as the Doberman Dalmatian Mix. Only verified breeders can advertise on their site. You may check their website from time to time for any available Doberman Dalmatian mix puppy.
Lancaster Puppies – This website only allows licensed breeders to advertise their available puppies. They denounce puppy mills, and they readily ban breeders from their site once they are proven guilty of puppy farming. You may check this website from time to time for any available Doberman Dalmatian mixes.
If you are still having a hard time getting approved for a puppy, or if you still have doubts about how to choose the right breeder, you may check out our ultimate puppy buying guide for more info!
You may also check our list of Doberman breeders and Dalmatian breeders for possible options.
While buying a puppy from a legitimate breeder is a good idea, adopting one from a shelter is even better. Not only will this save you some money, but it will also save a dog’s life.
Below is a list of shelters where you can adopt a Dalmatian Doberman mix puppy:
United Doberman Rescue and Canine Castaways of Minnesota – This shelter from Minnesota commits to rescuing all Dobermans, including the Doberman Dalmatian mix and other homeless canines. They abide by the Doberman Pinscher Club of America’s Code of Ethics, so it is best to review this before applying for a puppy with them.
Doberman Rescue Unlimited – This rescue group is committed to rescuing all Dobermans and their mixes like the Doberman Dalmatian mix. They have been helping these dogs since 1988. This shelter also requires a $250 to $500 adoption fee if you want to take in one of their rescues. This fee will cover all the expenses incurred for microchipping costs and dog vet visits.
Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus – This rescue group saves not only Dobermans but also Doberman mixes like the Doberman Dalmatian mix. All of their rescues are spayed and neutered, fully vaccinated, and microchipped. They also have a set of requirements that must be met before you can apply for adoption to them. Visit their site to learn more.
You may also go over our list of the ten best Doberman rescues for adoption for other options and read our ultimate guide to dog adoption to get approved in no time.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Doberman Dalmatian Mix
Before getting a dog, assessing the pros and cons is a must. Getting a Doberman Dalmatian mix is no exemption. To help you better decide, I listed below the advantages and disadvantages of this hybrid.
First on the list are the advantages of having a Doberman Dalmatian mix as a new member of your family:
Playful and energetic: If you are an active single or have a family with an active lifestyle, this breed will suit you well. The Doberman Dalmatian mix is a highly energetic breed that would love to go on long walks and hikes with you.
Intelligent dog: The Doberman Dalmatian mix is not considered canine royalty for no reason. It is highly trainable, and reward-based training will work best for this pooch.
Affectionate and loyal: This breed will not hesitate to put its life on the line in case its person gets in danger. But despite its courageous and confident reputation, the Doberman and Dalmatian mix is a very affectionate dog that can show love and tenderness to its family.
The list can go on when discussing the advantages of having a Doberman Dalmatian mix.
Now, let’s talk about the disadvantages of owning a Doberman Dalmatian mix:
Can be overprotective: One of the good qualities of having this mix is its instinct to guard its person. However, this can turn into a disadvantage if your Doberman Dalmatian mix is not socialized and trained properly. It may become aggressive towards unfamiliar people and pets in the household.
Can have health issues: A Doberman Dalmatian mix can be prone to different health issues such as deafness and luxating patella. It is best to have your pooch regularly checked by a veterinarian and make sure that it has completed its necessary vaccines to prevent these health problems.
Can be dominant: This breed is known for its confidence and dominance. Aggression can be an issue if there are other dogs in the house, especially if you have a male Doberman Dalmatian mix. Males can get into unnecessary fights just to prove their dominance.
Moreover, if you are deciding whether to take in a male or female pooch, you may check out our article about male vs. female Doberman to help you decide which one is best for you.
There can be other advantages and disadvantages to having a Doberman Dalmatian mix, aside from those listed here. It is always best to understand a dog’s needs before getting one.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Dalmatian Doberman Mixes Aggressive?
A Dalmatian Doberman mix can be aggressive if it’s not given the right obedience training and socialization exercises. This breed is naturally protective and can be aggressive towards strangers.
Early socialization and introducing new members of the family will help in letting this breed understand they are not a threat. This step is very important, especially if you are expecting a baby.
Aggression can also be a problem if this pooch was not taught that its handler is the leader of the pack. An experienced trainer who can teach this pooch kindness, discipline, and obedience is the best fit for the job.
Do Doberman Dalmatian Mixes Shed a Lot?
A Doberman Dalmatian mix may occasionally shed to moderately. This crossbreed can have a short to medium coat, depending on the variants of its parents.
However, the coat of a Doberman Dalmatian mix still needs to be brushed regularly. This is not only to manage shedding but also to keep its coat shiny and healthy.
Are Doberman Dalmatian Mixes Hypoallergenic?
The answer is no. Both parent breeds of this mix shed moderately all year round, and this trait can be passed to the puppy. If you are highly allergic to fur, think twice before getting this breed.
If you have a Doberman Dalmatian mix at home, regularly cleaning its crate and bed can help in lessening dander to prevent allergic reactions. Regularly brushing its coat can also do wonders.
Final Thoughts: Is a Dalmatian Doberman Mix the Right Dog for You?
If you have experience in taking care of confident and energetic dogs like the Doberman Dalmatian mix, then this breed can be a good fit for you. This breed requires sufficient exercise and obedience training.
If you are always away from home and have little time to spend with your Doberman Dalmatian mix, it is best not to get this breed. This breed can suffer from separation anxiety when left for too long.
Someone who can show dominance with kindness is the right fit for this mix. This mix is also not recommended if you have small kids at home or if you do not have a fence.
Are you getting this hybrid dog soon? Share with us your thoughts about the Doberman Dalmatian mix in the comment section!
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