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

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

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

The Dalmadoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer shed a similar amount (low).

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

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

Is Dalmadoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer bigger?

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

Which barks more, Dalmadoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

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

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

Dalmadoodle vs German Wirehaired Pointer: Friendlier?

Dalmadoodle vs German Wirehaired Pointer: full comparison

Trait	Dalmadoodle	German Wirehaired Pointer
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	Medium
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Low	Low
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 Wirehaired 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 canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns 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 very little. The German Wirehaired Pointer wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and sheds very little. The Dalmadoodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Dalmadoodle takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. The German Wirehaired Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Dalmadoodle will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas German Wirehaired Pointer will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Dalmadoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Dalmadoodle has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Dalmadoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Dalmadoodle and German Wirehaired 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 a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Choose the German Wirehaired Pointer if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Dalmadoodle on temperament, size and care.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Dalmadoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer better for families with children?: Both the Dalmadoodle and the German Wirehaired Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Dalmadoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer?: The Dalmadoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Dalmadoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Dalmadoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer bigger?: Dalmadoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Dalmadoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Dalmadoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, Dalmadoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Dalmadoodle vs German Wirehaired Pointer