The Dalmation Pitbull mix is a beautiful breed that might surprise you. They are energetic, and very loyal to their family. They are commonly known as the Pitmatian.
History and Where the Dalmatian Pitbull Mix comes from
The Dalmation Pitbull mix is a designer breed. A designer breed is a cross of two pure-bred dogs. Designer dogs are very new, but the underlying practice is as ancient as dogs themselves. In fact, many of today’s breeds were created by breeding two other breeds.
Designer breeds, including the Pitmatian, don’t have a long history. In fact, it’s unclear exactly where the combination came from. However, we can learn a lot about the Dalmatian Pitbull by looking at their parents.
Dalmation History
Dalmatians have a surprisingly mysterious history. It’s thought that they get their name because they originated in Dalmatia. However, there’s no evidence that this is true.
Dogs with the signature Dalmation spots have been found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. They were even depicted in Ancient Egyptian wall paintings, and Italian Frescoes. It’s thought that the breed roamed with Romany gypsies.
While the early history of the breed is unclear, we do know that they became very popular as carriage dogs in 17th century England.
These dogs would run alongside the horses to protect the horses and people from the hazards of traveling at the time. This included highwaymen and other animals.
They were able to easily keep up with the horses. Their guarding and protective instincts made them a great security force, while also alerting their human counterparts to trouble.
Today, the Dalmatin is well known for its role as a fire-fighting companion. They landed their job because fire trucks were once powered by horses, instead of fire power. The Dalmations would run ahead of the fire brigade to clear the road and protect the firefighters.
Pitbull History
The history of the pitbull is much less glamorous than that of the Dalmatian. Bull baiting was once a popular practice in England. English Bulldogs would be pitted against bulls. They would eventually take the bull down by wearing it out or injuring it.
The practice was outlawed in the 1800s. This led individuals to modify the sport. They began putting dogs against rats. They would dig a pit, and place the rats and dogs inside. They also began fighting dogs against each other, again, in pits.
The Bulldog was not ideal for these blood sports. They needed a dog that was smaller and more agile. They bred the Bulldog with Terriers. The result was the Pitbull, which got their name from the pits they fought in.
Much of the Pitbulls reputation for being aggressive come from this. During this time, dogs were bred for aggression towards other animals. Dogs who were aggressive towards humans were undesirable, and often killed.
They reached America in the 1800s. While dog fighting did occur, and still does illegally, many Americans fell in love with the breed. They became farm helpers, guard dogs, and even nanny dogs.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Facts
Dalmatian Pitbulls are known as Pitmatians. They are highly energetic, and very loyal to their family. When properly trained and socialized, they are excellent family pets.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Appearance
The appearance of a Pitmatian is unpredictable, thanks to the differing looks of its parents. They will certainly have characteristics of both parents, but one will be dominant over the other.
This means that a Dalmatian Pitbull mix may look a lot like a Dalmation, or resemble a Pitbull most closely.
You can expect them to be well built and muscular. They may have the sleek lines of a Dalmatian, or the stockier build of a Pitbull.
Typically, they will have triangle-shaped floppy ears. They usually inherit the short muzzle of a Pitbull. They will have a broad forehead, like both their parents. Their head may have a square shape as well.
Both parents have a short, dense coat. You can expect a Pitmatian to inherit this as well.
Dalmatians are always white with lots of black spots. Pitbulls can be a range of colors, including white, black, fawn, and blue. They can also have patches of color, or brindle coloring.
Pitmatians will usually have a white coat. They may have the black spots of a Dalmatian. The spots can also be liver colored. Some Pitmatians are mostly white, with a few spots or patches of black or liver color.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Price and Expenses
Dalmatian Pitbull mixes cost between $500 to $1,000. This is about the price of many purebred dogs.
Factors that influence costs include the dogs age, appearance, and health status. Where you are located can also influence the cost. The bloodline can also have an effect on the price of a Damatian.
Pitbulls can’t be registered with the AKC. They don’t recognize them as a breed. However, Dalmatians can be registered. Even though Pitbulls can’t be AKC registered, there are some bloodlines which are considered prestigious or desirable.
If you find a Pitmatian from a prestigious bloodline on one or both sides, you can expect to pay $1,000 or more.
Costs of Owning a Pitmatian
In addition to purchasing a Dalmatian Pitbull mix, you’ll need to be sure you can afford to care for them.
Food costs $100-$500 a year. Since a Pitmatian is a larger breed, expect to pay close to $500 for food throughout the year.
If you choose to spay or neuter your pooch, you can expect to pay $200-$300 for this procedure. Microchipping costs $50-$80. Initial veterinary care costs about $100-$300.
The total first year expense of dog ownership ranges from $400-$2,200. After the first year, you’ll pay about $300-$2,000 each year to care for your pooch.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Rarity
The Dalmatian Pitbull is a relatively rare breed for a few reasons. First, Dalmatians aren’t a very common breed, because of their high energy levels. This means they aren’t for everyone, so they aren’t as popular as some breeds.
Pitbulls are common, despite recent concerns about aggression. This is a largely undeserved reputation, which Pitbull lovers understand. Since Dalmatians are fairly rare, their offspring will be too.
The other reason Pitmatians are rare is because they are a new breed. Most people aren’t aware the breed exists. If they become more popular, they will become less rare as well.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Life Expectancy
The lifespan of a Dalmatian Pitbull mix is 11 to 16 years, which is long lived for canine companions.
Dalmatians have an average lifespan of 12-14 years. Pitbulls can live for 8-15 years. The longer lifespan of these two breeds give the Pitmatian a lot of longevity.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Size and weight
You can expect your Dalmatian Pitbull mix to weigh between 45 to 70 pounds. They can grow to 18-24 inches tall.
Your Pitmatian’s size will depend on which genes they inherited from their parents. Pitbulls weigh between 30-60 pounds, and reach 18-21 inches tall.
Dalmatians are larger. They can weigh 30-70 pounds. They are 22-24 inches tall.
A Pitmatian that takes after its Pitbull parent will be smaller than one that inherits more Dalmatian traits.
You can expect the males to be larger than the females as well. This is common in both breeds, so it will also apply to the Pitmatian.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Health
The genetic variety of mixed breeds is thought to make them healthier. However, current research is still unclear on whether this is true.
What we do know is that some diseases must be inherited from both parents, while others can be passed on by one parent.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a common problem for dogs, particularly larger breeds. Dalmatians and Pitbulls are prone to the condition, which means Pitmatians are as well.
Hip dysplasia causes the ligaments around the joints to become too loose. This causes pain and potentially loss of mobility.
Proper exercise and a healthy weight can minimize the chances of your pooch developing hip dysplasia.
Deafness
Both Dalmatians and Pitbulls have a risk of deafness. It typically occurs in white dogs. Dogs don’t have to be all white. If they have a full or partial white coat, they are at risk for deafness.
Kidny Stones
Dalmatians, and Pitmatians, are at a higher risk of kidney stones than other breeds. This occurs due to a gene that causes high uric acid, which can cause kidney stones to form.
Eye Problems
Pitbulls are at a higher risk of PRA. This is a genetic disease, which means it’s passed from parent to child. It causes the eyes to go blind, usually at 2 to 3 years of age.
ISD is an eye disorder that is common in Dalmatians. ISD occurs when the iris sphincter muscles don’t function properly. The pupils don’t contract as they should in bright light.
Allergies
Both Dalmatians and Pitbulls are prone to allergies, particularly skin allergies. This can be caused by a food your pooch is allergic to. It can also be caused by environmental allergens like dust or grass. Lastly, it can be caused by contact with the skin. Household cleaners and fleas can cause this type of allergy.
All of these types of allergies can cause skin issues. Your pooch may have a rash. They may also lick or scratch frequently. If left untreated, it can cause hair loss or skin infection.
Bloat
Bloat can occur in any breed, but it’s more common in large breeds. Bloat happens when the gas in the stomach can’t be released. As food digests, more gas forms. This causes increased pressure, which can cause the stomach to twist.
Bloat requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include severe stomach pain, bloating, and inability to pass gas, pee, or poop.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Behavior/Characteristics/Temperament
Dalmatian Pitbull mixes are known for their playfulness, high energy levels, and affection. They are very intelligent and protective over their family.
They will want to be with the family all the time. They don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. They thrive on human companionship, and develop very strong bonds with their loved ones.
Is the Pitmatian Aggressive?
The Pitbull has a reputation for aggressiveness, which is mostly inaccurate. They can be territorial and wary of strangers. They are protective, and will defend their family. They can also be aggressive towards other dogs and animals.
However, proper training and socialization, along with a good bloodline, will remedy these potential problems. Well trained and well-socialized Pitbulls are incredibly gentle and patient.
Dalmatians aren’t considered aggressive. However, like the Pitbull, they are protective over their family. After all, they began as guarddogs for coaches.
They can also become aggressive or destructive if they don’t get enough physical or mental exercise. When they are properly trained and cared for, they are gentle dogs who are great family pets.
The American Temperament Test is a test that measures a dog’s temperament, including aggression and friendliness. Individual dogs are tested, and the data is used to make observations about the breed.
87% of Pitbulls pass the test. Surprisingly, Dalmatians are a bit lower, with 83% passing the test. This test suggests that Pitmatians are not an aggressive breed.
How to care for a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix
Caring for a Pitmatian requires a lot of work, but it’s very rewarding. Before you decide to add one to your family, you’ll need to know how to take care of them.
How much exercise do Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes need?
Dalmatian Pitbulls require a lot of physical activity each day. Dalmatians are very high energy dogs, and Pitbulls are pretty active as well. Your Pitmatian should get at least 2 hours of physical activity each day.
These dogs don’t do well in small enclosed spaces. They are happiest with a large fenced in yard, or daily trips to the dog park.
They need to run and walk each day. Playing fetch with them is another way to provide exercise.
They also need plenty of mental activity. Dalmatians are highly intelligent, and Pitbulls have average or above average intelligence as well. This means they need mental exercise just as they do physical exercise.
You can do this by setting up obstacle courses, playing hide and seek, and teaching them new tricks or commands.
Puzzle toys and tv programs with other dogs or small animals can help them meet their mental exercise needs as well. However, you should keep in mind that this isn’t a replacement for working with them daily to keep their mind in shape.
Do Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes shed a lot?
This depends on which parent they take after. Both Dalmatians and Pitbulls have a short coat, so Pitmatians do as well.
Pitbulls aren’t heavy shedders, although they do shed slightly throughout the year. Dalmatians, however, are heavy shedders.
If your canine companion takes after its Dalmatian parent, you can expect them to shed a lot.
Do you need to groom Dalmatian Pitbull mixes often?
This will also vary based on the type of coat your dog inherits. If their coat is similar to a Dalmatian’s, you’ll need to brush them at least twice a week. If they have a Pitbull type coat, then a weekly brushing is all that is needed.
Both Dalmatins and Pitbulls have sensitive skin, so you’ll need to use dog shampoo designed for sensitive skin. You should give your pooch a bath about once a month, unless they get dirty often.
Bathing them too much can irritate their skin. However, bathing them too little also causes problems. They shouldn’t be bathed more than once a week.
Do you need to train Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes a lot?
Dalmatian Pitbulls do need plenty of training for a few reasons. The first is their size and energy level. It’s hard to physically force a Pitmatian to do what you want, so you’ll need to train them to accept commands. Of course, forcing a dog of any size is never a good way to go.
Both breeds are highly protective as well. You’ll need to train them to let them know how to handle strangers, including other dogs. If you don’t show your dog what is ok, and what’s not, they are left to draw their own conclusions. This can be disastrous for you.
Both breeds are intelligent, and have a strong need to please. They are naturally obedient, as long as they are trained properly.
Training them also helps provide mental stimulation, and lets them know their place in the household.
In addition to training, socialization is essential. Both parent breeds are protective of their family. They can also be aggressive towards strangers, or other dogs.
Proper socialization allows you to avoid these problems. You’ll need to socialize them with other dogs, as well as people. Obedience training classes, doggie play dates, and trips to the dog park are a few ways to socialize your Pitmatian.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Diet
Your Dalmatian Pitbull mix will need a quality diet with plenty of calories. They are energetic and muscular dogs, so a high protein diet is a good choice.
You should feed puppies 3 to 4 times a day. When they reach 6 to 12 months old, you can feed them twice a day.
Puppies should eat a food designed for puppies. At 12 months, you can change them to an adult dog food. Choose a food that is high protein or designed for large or energetic dogs.
Look for a dog food with meat as the number one ingredient. Chicken is the most common, but you can also choose one with beef, turkey, or fish. Meat meal, or by products can be listed after meat.
Dog food should contain carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals as well.
It’s best to avoid foods with corn listed near the top fo the ingredients list. Corn is used because it’s a filler ingredient. Dogs can’t properly digest it, so it provides little actual benefit to them.
Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes good family pets?
Yes, Dalmatian Pitbulls make amazing family pets for the right family. Keep in mind that they need a high level of physical activity. However, they are kind, loving, and excellent guard dogs for children and families.
They are highly tolerant and patient as well, which is essential for a good family pet.
How do you buy a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix?
You have two options when it comes to buying a Dalmatian Pitbull mix. You can purchase one from a breeder, or adopt.
Since Pitmatians are fairly rare, you may have a hard time finding one at a shelter. However, their high energy levels can land them in shelters, because their owners can’t meet their needs.
In addition to checking your local shelter, you can check organizations devoted to the parent breeds.
You can check Save the Dalmatian organization’s website. You can also check Pitbull rescues in your area.
Purchasing a Pitmatian
Your odds of finding a Pitmatian are much better if you choose to buy from a breeder. However, you should be cautious about who you buy from.
There are many reputable breeders, but there are some unethical breeders as well. Unethical breeders are only focused on profit, with little concern about the health, temperament, and well being of the dogs, or the breed as a whole.
You should ask a prospective breeder how they ensure their dogs are healthy. Do they do genetic testing? Do the puppies have health certificates from the vet?
It’s also a great idea to visit the dog’s homes. Their living conditions will tell you a lot about the breeder. If the dogs are well cared for, the breeder likely takes caring for the dogs seriously.
You can find Dalmatian breeders through the AkC website. Their registry features vetted breeders. You can check the American Pitbull Registry for Pitbull breeders.
You can also simply do a Google search for Pitbull Dalmatian puppies. However, you will need to speak to the breeder to determine if they are ethical using the guidelines above.