Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Comparison - Dog breed selector: Barbone or Carriage Dog or Alsatian wolf dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd" Compare Poodle and Dalmatian. Which is better: Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Poodle	Dalmatian	German Shepherd
Origins	Germany France	Croatia	Germany
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank	7	63	2
Reviews	14	1	21
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Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd breeds.	Barbone Caniche Chien Canne Grosse Pudel French Poodle	Carriage Dog Dally Firehouse Dog Plum Pudding Dog Spotted Coach Dog Dal	Alsatian wolf dog Berger Allemand Deutscher Schäferhund Schäferhund Alsatian
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Large	Large
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)	about 55 pounds (25 kg)	Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 57.5 pounds (26 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)	about 55 pounds (25 kg)	Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height Which is taller, Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd? Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd height comparison:	15 inches (38 cm) or more	Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)	Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	15 inches (38 cm) or more	Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)	Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$1500	$500-$600	$800-$2000
Availability Which is easier to get, Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd?	Very frequent: The Poodle is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Dalmatian is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed ranks highest?	Outstanding: Poodle is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.	Smart: The Dalmatian dogs have great intelligence. See more.	Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which is easiest to train?	Poodle dogs are easy to train. See more.	Dalmatian dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most alert?	Poodle dogs are good watchdogs. See more.	Dalmatian dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most protective?	Poodle dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Dalmatian dogs are average defenders. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd? Compare temperaments.	Active Alert Intelligent Trainable Faithful Instinctual	Active Playful Energetic Sensitive Intelligent Friendly Outgoing	Curious Alert Courageous Intelligent Confident Obedient Loyal Watchful
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. See more.	Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd?	High: Poodle dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: Dalmatian dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:	Poodle dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Dalmatian dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Poodle dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Dalmatian is strong enough to escape from home. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Poodle dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Dalmatian dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most vocal?	Average to High: The Poodle is a vocal breed. See more.	Average: The Dalmatian barks occasionally. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most playful?	The Poodle is a playful breed. See more.	The Dalmatian is a highly playful breed. See more.	Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which adapts best to small spaces?	Very house-friendly dog the Poodle breed.	Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dalmatian breed.	It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most flexible?	Poodle dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Dalmatian dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd?	Poodle dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Dalmatian dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Poodle has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Dalmatian has a low chance of biting somebody.	High 🔼 The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which uses mouth most during play?	Poodle dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Dalmatian dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Poodle bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Dalmatian bite force: Ordinary.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed lives longest?	11-15 years The average lifespan of Poodle: 13 years	12-14 years The average lifespan of Dalmatian: 13 years	9-13 years The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which has fewer health issues?	The Poodle is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	Dalmatians are commonly healthy dogs.	German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Poodle should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Rare The Dalmatian should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Rare The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Legg-perthes Disease Patellar Luxation Allergies Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Sebaceous Adenitis Ear Infections Addison's Disease Cushing's Syndrome Runny Eyes Canine Atrial Septal Defect (asd) Neonatal Encephalopathy (news) Optic Nerve Hypoplasia Premature Graying	Hip Dysplasia Allergies Deafness Skin Allergies Iris Sphincter Dysplasia Urolithiasis	Cataracts Hip Dysplasia Allergies Cancer Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Von Willebrand's Disease Bloat Epilepsy Blindness Cherry Eye Elbow Dysplasia Diabetes Heart Disease Retinal Dysplasia Demodectic Mange Degenerative Myelopathy Wobbler's Syndrome Panosteitis Hemophilia B Megaesophagus Cushing's Syndrome Lens Luxation Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Chronic Diarrhea Cruciate Ligament Rupture Digestive Problems Hemophilia A Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Lupus Myasthenia Gravis Nail Bed Disease Osteochondrosis Pannus Paralysis Perianal Fistula Seborrhea Vitiligo

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which breed is most active?	Poodle dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Dalmatian dogs are high-energy dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Poodle dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Dalmatian dogs need a lot of exercises.	German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd?	Poodle dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Dalmatian dogs don't need too much sleep.	German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which is most prone to obesity?	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Poodle's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dalmatian's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which needs most food?	2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	Yes See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. What colors are available?	Black Gray Red Blue Cream White Silver Brown Fawn Beige Apricot	Black White Brown Liver	Black Tan Red Silver
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which requires most maintenance?	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Effortless: The Dalmatian requires minimal grooming. See more.	Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which drools least?	The Poodle is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Dalmatian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The Poodle has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Dalmatian has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Curly	Fine	Fuzzy
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	8-12 weeks Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd? Poodle or Dalmatian or {name3 shedding:	Poodle dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Dalmatian dogs are heavy shedders. See more.	German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which is best with kids?	Poodle dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Dalmatian dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Poodle dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.	Dalmatian dogs are generally with other pets.	German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?	Poodle dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Dalmatian dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd?	Poodle dogs are cat-friendly dogs.	Dalmatian dogs are average friendly towards cats.	German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Poodle or Dalmatian or German Shepherd?	Poodle dogs are dog-friendly dogs.	Dalmatian dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd?	Yes Poodle dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Dalmatian dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Poodle is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Dalmatian is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	Poodles are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Dalmatians are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for service work?	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes good as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which excels in therapy work?	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.	Yes This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Yes After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Yes This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which is best suited for water work?	Yes Poodle breed usually likes being on a boat. See more.	Not really Dalmatian breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which is best for draft work?	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	6-9 puppies	6-10 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Poodle vs Dalmatian vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1887 as a Non-Sporting & Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Poodle section.	Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Poodle, Dalmatian, and German Shepherd. Which has most recognition?	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry Canadian Kennel Club Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale Kennel Club of Great Britain North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Australian National Kennel Council Continental Kennel Club National Kennel Club New Zealand Kennel Club United Kennel Club German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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