Is the Dalmadoodle or the German Shorthaired Pointer better for families with children?

Both the Dalmadoodle and the German Shorthaired Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Dalmadoodle or the German Shorthaired Pointer?

The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds more than the Dalmadoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Dalmadoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Dalmadoodle or the German Shorthaired Pointer?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Dalmadoodle or German Shorthaired Pointer bigger?

Dalmadoodle and German Shorthaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Dalmadoodle or German Shorthaired Pointer?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Dalmadoodle or German Shorthaired Pointer?

For apartment or apartment living, Dalmadoodle and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Dalmadoodle vs German Shorthaired Pointer: Sheds Less?

Dalmadoodle vs German Shorthaired Pointer: full comparison

Trait	Dalmadoodle	German Shorthaired Pointer
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	Very High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Low
Shedding	Low	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Size and living space

The Dalmadoodle is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. 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 true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Dalmadoodle wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds only lightly. The German Shorthaired Pointer asks for a light brush once or twice a week and loses a fair amount of coat, especially seasonally. The Dalmadoodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. 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 moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The German Shorthaired Pointer is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, Dalmadoodle announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas German Shorthaired Pointer announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Dalmadoodle and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Dalmadoodle and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, German Shorthaired Pointer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Dalmadoodle and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Dalmadoodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Dalmadoodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat or you want less shedding around the home.

Choose the German Shorthaired Pointer if you want an easier dog to train or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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 German Shorthaired Pointer better for families with children?: Both the Dalmadoodle and the German Shorthaired Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Dalmadoodle or the German Shorthaired Pointer?: The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds more than the Dalmadoodle. If shedding is a concern, the Dalmadoodle is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Dalmadoodle or the German Shorthaired Pointer?: The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Dalmadoodle or German Shorthaired Pointer bigger?: Dalmadoodle and German Shorthaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Dalmadoodle or German Shorthaired Pointer?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Dalmadoodle or German Shorthaired Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, Dalmadoodle and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Dalmadoodle vs German Shorthaired Pointer