How long does a German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix live?

A typical lifespan is 9–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Dalmatian (11–13 years).

Is a German 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.

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German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

A German Shepherd Dalmatian mix is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Dalmatian. Most grow into large dogs of 50–80 lb and live 9–12 years.

German Shepherd, a purebred dog — German ShepherdPhoto: Erick Drumss Hernández, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.

Weight50–80 lbcan be 45–90 lb

Height20–25 inat the shoulder

Lifespan9–12 years

SizeLarge

How big does a German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix get?

German Shepherd50–90 lb

The mix50–80 lb

Dalmatian45–70 lb

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

Height runs 20–25 inches at the shoulder, against 22–26 in for the German Shepherd and 19–24 in for the Dalmatian.

Coat, energy and training

Shedding

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 German 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 German Shepherd is usually described as confident, courageous, smart. 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.

German Shepherd vs Dalmatian vs the mix

Trait	German Shepherd	German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix	Dalmatian
Weight	50–90 lb	50–80 lb	45–70 lb
Height	22–26 in	20–25 in	19–24 in
Lifespan	7–10 yr	9–12 yr	11–13 yr
Shedding	high	very high	very high
Energy	moderate	high	high
Group	Herding	mixed	Non-Sporting

Questions about the German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

How big does a German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix get?: Most grow to 50–80 pounds and 20–25 inches at the shoulder. Because puppies can take after either parent, the full possible range is 45–90 pounds.
How long does a German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix live?: A typical lifespan is 9–12 years, the midpoint of the German Shepherd (7–10 years) and the Dalmatian (11–13 years).
Does a German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix shed?: Shedding is very high. Neither parent has a low-shedding coat, so expect dog hair around the house and seasonal heavy shedding.
Is a German 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 German Shepherd mixes

Other Dalmatian mixes

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