How long does a Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Dalmatian (11–13 years).

Is a Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix easy to train?

Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Home › Australian Shepherd › Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

A Australian Shepherd Dalmatian mix is a cross between a Australian Shepherd and a Dalmatian. Most grow into large dogs of 40–70 lb and live 12–14 years.

Australian Shepherd, a purebred dog — Australian ShepherdPhoto: Christoph Aeschlimann, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Dalmatian, a purebred dog — DalmatianPhoto: Desaix83, d'après le travail de Le dalmatien, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Photos show the purebred parents. There is no single look for a mix: puppies in one litter can resemble either side.

Weight40–70 lbcan be 40–70 lb

Height18–24 inat the shoulder

Lifespan12–14 years

SizeLarge

How big does a Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix get?

Australian Shepherd40–65 lb

The mix40–70 lb

Dalmatian45–70 lb

Pounds. The dark band is where most Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix dogs end up; the light band is the full range between the smallest and largest parent.

Height runs 18–24 inches at the shoulder, against 18–23 in for the Australian Shepherd and 19–24 in for the Dalmatian.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

Moderate to very high

Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.

Energy

High

Plan on long daily walks plus real exercise, such as running, fetch or a sport. A yard alone will not tire this dog out.

Trainability

Moderate to very high

The Australian Shepherd rates very high and the Dalmatian moderate; a puppy may lean either way.

Grooming

Low

A weekly brush and the odd bath keep the coat in shape.

Temperament

The Australian Shepherd is usually described as smart, work-oriented, exuberant. The Dalmatian as dignified, smart, outgoing. A mix can take after either parent or land in between. If you can, meet both parents of a puppy before you choose.

Australian Shepherd vs Dalmatian vs the mix

Trait	Australian Shepherd	Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix	Dalmatian
Weight	40–65 lb	40–70 lb	45–70 lb
Height	18–23 in	18–24 in	19–24 in
Lifespan	12–15 yr	12–14 yr	11–13 yr
Shedding	moderate	moderate to very high	very high
Energy	high	high	high
Group	Herding	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

How big does a Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix get?: Most grow to 40–70 pounds and 18–24 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 40–70 pounds.
How long does a Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 12–14 years, the midpoint of the Australian Shepherd (12–15 years) and the Dalmatian (11–13 years).
Does a Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix shed?: Shedding is moderate to very high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix easy to train?: Trainability is moderate to very high, based on how both parent breeds respond to training. Start early and keep sessions short.

Other Australian Shepherd mixes

Other Dalmatian mixes

Figures are calculated from each parent breed's standard height, weight and life expectancy. How we calculate.