Is the Dalmadoodle or the Frisian Water Dog better for families with children?

Both the Dalmadoodle and the Frisian Water Dog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Dalmadoodle or the Frisian Water Dog?

The Dalmadoodle and Frisian Water Dog shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Dalmadoodle or the Frisian Water Dog?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Dalmadoodle or Frisian Water Dog bigger?

Dalmadoodle and Frisian Water Dog are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Dalmadoodle or Frisian Water Dog?

Dalmadoodle tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Frisian Water Dog is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Dalmadoodle or Frisian Water Dog?

For apartment or apartment living, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Dalmadoodle vs Frisian Water Dog: Easier to Groom?

Dalmadoodle vs Frisian Water Dog: full comparison

Trait	Dalmadoodle	Frisian Water Dog
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	High
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Low
Protectiveness	Medium	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	Yes

Size and living space

The Dalmadoodle is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the Frisian Water Dog is a large dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Dalmadoodle is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The Frisian Water Dog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Dalmadoodle wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds only lightly. The Frisian Water Dog requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and sheds only lightly. Both are considered hypoallergenic, so either works well for allergy-conscious homes. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Dalmadoodle learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Frisian Water Dog learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Dalmadoodle announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Frisian Water Dog shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Dalmadoodle and Frisian Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Dalmadoodle and Frisian Water Dog are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Dalmadoodle if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Choose the Frisian Water Dog if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion, you prefer a quieter dog, or you want a longer-lived breed.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Dalmadoodle or the Frisian Water Dog better for families with children?: Both the Dalmadoodle and the Frisian Water Dog are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Dalmadoodle or the Frisian Water Dog?: The Dalmadoodle and Frisian Water Dog shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Dalmadoodle or the Frisian Water Dog?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dalmadoodle or Frisian Water Dog bigger?: Dalmadoodle and Frisian Water Dog are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Dalmadoodle or Frisian Water Dog?: Dalmadoodle tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Frisian Water Dog is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Dalmadoodle or Frisian Water Dog?: For apartment or apartment living, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Dalmadoodle vs Frisian Water Dog