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Combining a highly energetic Dalmatian with a gentle and loving Pitbull produces a playful, high-spirited offspring which is the Dalmatian Pitbull mix.
Commonly referred to as the Pitmatian, this outgoing mixed breed will surely keep you on your toes!
To help you acquaint yourself with this beautiful designer pet, I prepared a guide to tell you everything you need to know about them: breed origins, temperament, maintenance, general care, possible health risks, and more.
Read on to determine whether the Dalmatian Pitbull mix is the right choice for you and your family!
What Is a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix?
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Pitmatians (also called Pitbull Dalmatian mix or Pit Dalmatian) are the precious offspring of two well-loved dogs: the Dalmatian and Pitbull. They are high-spirited, loving furry companions, and they resemble the Dalmatian parent more with their signature spotted coat.
This crossbreed is considered a “designer dog” after intentional breeding to combine the most appealing qualities of its parent breeds. Hence, the result is a truly unique and gorgeous combination with the best of both worlds.
However, there is a lot of debate in the canine community about the temperament of both parent breeds. Both Dalmatians and Pitbulls are considered rather aggressive dogs.
Hence, their genetic combination is believed to produce a mix that attacks everyone on sight possibly – but there’s no such truth to these claims.
If anything, most Dalmatian Pitbull mixes make for great family pets. The temperament of a Dalmatian typically offsets that of a Pitbull, making the mix a very even-tempered dog.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix History and Origin: Where Does the Pitmatian Come From?
Like most mixed breeds, the Pitmatian doesn’t have an extensive history. Let’s take a closer look at the parent breeds to get a good idea of where they came from and why they were developed in the first place.
Dalmatian History
First off, the famous Dalmatian is more than just its signature look of a black and white spotted coat. Most people don’t know the dog’s rich history tracing back as far as the 18th century.
Believed to be first bred in Croatia, they commonly help patrol the Dalmatia region’s borders, hence their name.
In the regency period (1795-1837), they were also considered a symbol of status, cherished for their beautiful spotted coats.
Over the years, this breed became circus dogs, guard dogs, and even hunting dogs. In 1888, the Dalmatian was given official recognition by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Pitbull History
On the other hand, Pitbulls are not a specific AKC-recognized breed as of writing.
The term refers to several dog breeds, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and the American Bulldog. Accordingly, their mixes are also considered Pitbulls.
These dogs were once used in the cruel trade of bull-baiting until it was declared illegal. Shortly after, they also participated in another barbaric sport in dogfighting.
Though some Pits were originally bred to compete in dogfighting, most were refined to be loving and loyal companions like the ones we know and love today.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Appearance: What Does a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Look Like?
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As a crossbreed, the Dalmatian Pitbull mix may inherit a balanced combination of his parent dogs’ appearance – or one parent dog gene may overpower the other. It all boils down to your puppy’s genetics.
Here’s a quick rundown of a Pitmatian’s physical characteristics in general:
Coat: The coat will be short and smooth, just like both Dalmatians and Pitbulls. Generally, they have a white base, but the spots can be either black or liver-colored. Their Pitbull parent may have markings in various colors such as patched, fawn, black, brown, white, red, or tan,
Size: The Pitmatian is a well-built, muscular dog.
Ears: They have floppy, triangle-shaped ears that are close to the skull.
Build: If they take after their Pitbull parent more, a Pitbull Dalmatian mix will have a stocky build. Otherwise, they will inherit a Dalmatian’s lean and graceful body.
Knowing the appearance of your puppy’s parents can help you picture out how they may turn out when fully grown.
To help you visualize how this mixed breed looks like in real life, check out this adorable video of a hyper Pitmatian:
Hyper Pitmatian<a href="https://youtu.be/YjO8FfeZAlc" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FYjO8FfeZAlc%2F0.jpg" alt="Hyper Pitmatian" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Size and Weight: How Big Do Pitmatians Get?
Expect a Dalmatian and Pit mix to be relatively well-built big dogs! On average, they have a height of around 20.5 inches with a general weight of 55 pounds. Typically, they reach their final adult size by 16 to 18 months of age.
When it comes to their parent breeds, Dalmatians are about 19 to 24 inches tall, weighing between 45 and 70 pounds. Meanwhile, Pitbulls are around 18 to 21 inches tall with a weight of 40 to 70 pounds.
Refer to the table below for a general size comparison between the Pitmatian and its two parent breeds:
Of course, your Pitmatian puppy’s gender may also affect their size when fully grown, with male dogs being generally larger than their female counterparts.
If your pup is not precisely within the average size, there’s no need to panic immediately.
Keep in mind that these are general measurement estimations, and your new pet can need some more time to complete its growth spurt.
As long as your veterinarian assures you have a healthy dog and you are giving them enough nutrients in their meals, it’s going to be just fine.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Temperament: Do Pitmatians Make Good Family Dogs?
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Yes, Dalmatian Pitbull mixes are known to be ideal family companions. The Dalmatian temperament (intelligent, loving, and loyal) will offset Pitbull’s strong-willed personality.
A Pitmatian is a gentle and even-tempered dog, given they are trained and socialized correctly from a young age.
With that in mind, here’s how they typically deal with others at home:
With Children: The Dalmatian Pitbull mix may bond well with toddlers in the family, but they can be aggressive to other kids they are unfamiliar with. It would be best to socialize your puppy early and teach them to be tolerant towards all children.
With Other Dogs and Pets: Animal aggression is common in Pitbulls due to their fighting background, which means your Pitmatian may inherit this trait. Regardless, the Dalmatian Pitbull mix may still get along well with cats and other animals. Avoid leaving them unsupervised to ensure their safety, though.
With Strangers: This mixed breed may often be aloof and wary of strangers, but it can be curbed through proper socialization and training.
Towards their family members, they can be caring and loving dogs. These active dogs adore spending time with their owners and want to participate in all family activities.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Dalmatian: Which Is Better?
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Pitmatians Healthy Dogs?
Generally, mixed breeds may be healthier than purebred dogs, given their increased genetic variety.
However, this is no reason to be complacent as a pet owner. Keep in mind that the Pitbull Dalmatian mix can still be vulnerable to several health issues.
Here are some of the most common health issues in this crossbreed:
Hip Dysplasia: Since hip dysplasia also occurs in both parent breeds, the Pitbull Dalmatian mix may also be at risk. It refers to a hip deformity that occurs during growth. In some cases, it may result in deterioration and an eventual loss of function of the joint itself.
Canine Congenital Sensorineural Deafness (CCSD): Deafness is commonly observed in many Dalmatians, related to the Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor (MITF) gene that houses the pigmentation alleles. Unfortunately, your Dalmatian Pitbull mix may inherit this as well.
Kidney Stones: Dalmatian mixes, such as the Pitmatian, have a higher risk for urinary stones. These are believed to be caused by a gene called SLC2A9, responsible for high uric acid, leading to kidney stones.
Iris Sphincter Dysplasia (ISD): Another congenital disorder in Dalmatian mixes, ISD results from poorly-developed iris sphincter muscles. The pupils of dogs with ISD do not correctly contract in bright light, causing pupillary dilation.
Cerebellar Abiotrophy (Ataxia): This sudden, uncoordinated muscle movement is common in Pitbulls and mixes such as the Pitmatian. It is characterized by a lack of balance, head or body tremor, hyperreactivity, lack of menace reflex, high-stepping or stiff gait, and jerky head bob when in motion.
Cardiac Diseases: Your Pitbull Dalmatian mix may be at risk of having heart diseases, such as mitral and tricuspid valve murmurs. They may exhibit a murmur from a leaking mitral valve as early as four to six years of age.
Unfortunately, there’s no telling which parent breed your Pitmatian may strongly take after. Some of these common health issues in the mixed breed boil down to genetics, after all.
What you can do is familiarize the various health concerns of each parent breed, so you know what to expect if you keep a mix as a pet.
Accordingly, buying from a responsible breeder may also reduce the chances of getting a Dalmatian Pitbull mix puppy with multiple health problems.
It may be pricey given the initial costs, but it can potentially save you a thousand bucks in sudden medical expenses along the road.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Pitbulls and Dalmatians Together
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Nowadays, crossbreeding remains to be a controversial topic in the canine world.
As an aspiring owner of a Pitmatian, it is crucial to know the different advantages and disadvantages of breeding Pitbulls and Dalmatians together.
Advantages
They make for great, loving pets. Given that both parent breeds of the Pitmatian are loving, affectionate pets, you can count on your new mixed puppy to become a great loyal companion.
They have a unique look. If you’re a fan of a Dalmatian’s well-defined black or liver-colored round spots all over its coat, most Dalmatian Pitbull dog mixes are to inherit this signature look. It makes them an innate head-turner everywhere they go!
They possibly have fewer congenital issues. Generally, careful crossbreeding can lower the chances of passing on a genetically inherited condition. In Pitmatians, if only one parent is a carrier of a specific health problem, your new puppy may be at less risk of developing the said condition when full-grown.
They are high-energy dogs. The Dalmatian Pit mix is an excellent choice for energetic pet owners who love to go outdoors often. This mixed breed is a high-energy friend. You may take them on long walks as well as hikes!
Disadvantages
They are banned in some countries. While the US government isn’t strict when it comes to breeding Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes, some overseas countries prohibit the ownership of these dogs. In particular, Pitmatians are banned in these countries all over the world: Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, and Puerto Rico.
They are prone to excessive shedding. Dalmatians tend to shed a lot, which may be a bothersome trait to some people. With that in mind, your Pitmatian may also be prone to excessive shedding. Expect to tend after your new pup’s fur often as he grows.
They are more expensive than purebreds. Designer dogs are considered a fad in the canine world today. Some mixed breeds, including the Dalmatian Pitbull mix, may go up to $1,000 or more. It’s best to prepare your wallet in advance before you consider the idea of adopting this pup in your home.
It is challenging to predict their adult size and temperament. It is generally hard to predict the specific behavior or temperament of the offspring between a Pitbull and Dalmatian. The same applies to their full adult height and weight. I would advise you to familiarize the personality and size of your Pitmatian’s parent breeds instead.
How to Take Care of Your Dalmatian Pitbull Mix?
To make your companionship a breeze, here’s what every prospective owner needs to know about a Pitmatian’s diet, grooming, and exercise requirements:
Feeding and Diet
Given that the Pitmatian is a large and energetic dog, it will need a nutritious and balanced diet to keep up with its dynamic behavior.
Ideally, a high-calorie diet will be good for your Dalmatian Pitbull mix accompanied by daily activities and exercise. Keep in mind that giving too many calories (without any proper way to burn it) might lead to your dog’s obesity.
Puppies will need to eat more often than adult dogs. A young Pitmatian should eat 2 to 3 cups of wet or dry dog food in a day divided into four different meal schedules.
Meanwhile, a full-grown Pitmatian must be fed with 2 to 3 cups of dog food divided into two meal servings.
A trusted and high-quality wet or dry dog food brand will suffice for your new furry friend’s daily meals, but you can also prepare healthy homemade food if you can.
Cleaning and Grooming
Brushing the coat of your Dalmatian and Pitbull mix at least once a week is enough to maintain the excellent condition of its short, silky, and smooth coat.
If he takes after his Dalmatian parent more (known to be a heavy shedder), opt for regular grooming to reduce the frequency of shedding.
It would also be best to feed your dog with a high-quality diet, including fish oil and probiotic supplements, to help improve the health of its coat and lessen its hair loss.
Make sure to buy a specially-formulated shampoo for dogs as well, in the event your Pitmatian pup gets dirty and you need to bathe him. It will help you ensure your new puppy is clean and fresh at all times.
Training and Exercise
Since Pitbulls are known to be active, and Dalmatians used to be famous working dogs, it’s not surprising to know that their crossbreed will be highly energetic.
This is why your Pitmatian pup will generally need a lot of training and exercise to stay fit and healthy.
Like other large dogs, this mixed breed requires at least 2 hours of daily physical activity.
You can decide between various exercises such as walking, running, or fetch, followed by interactive activities to challenge their minds and bodies.
In terms of trainability, both parents are renowned intelligent breeds. Dalmatians, specifically, are very obedient dogs.
Housetraining and obedience training will significantly help your Pitmatian learn fast and behave well.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Puppy Prices & Expenses: How Much Does a Pitmatian Cost?
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While the Pitmatian is not a typical mix, they are not very expensive dogs either unlike the other breeds.
The average price range of the Pitbull Dalmatian mix is between $500 and $1,000 depending on its size, age, and health condition.
They may also be in shelters and rescue facilities, which is an excellent place to browse for money-pinching dog lovers.
Refer to the table below for the possible expenses in their monthly and annual upkeep:
As an aspiring Pitmatian owner, you need to be financially stable to sustain their upkeep. Expect to shell out an average of $113 to $304 per month for their maintenance. These costs may accumulate from $1,350 to $3,650 in a single year.
Giving your dog’s needs will be one of your primary responsibilities if you want to keep a Dalmatian Pitbull mix.
Seeing a vet for an initial health assessment would be a good start, and buying all your pup’s essentials will be as important as well.
Places to Find Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
If you’re planning to take in this mixed breed as your family’s newest addition, you will need to choose either buying a pup from a breeder or adopting one from a local rescue.
It will be tricky to find a specific breeder for Pitmatian (Pitbull and Dalmatian) dogs in the US. Your best bet would be to check sites that offer Dalmatian mixes or Pitbull mixes for sale.
Here are some pet advertising websites featuring reputable breeders to help your Pitmatian search:
Greenfield Puppies – This Pennsylvania-based organization features different Dalmatian mix puppies for sale. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble across a Dalmatian Pitbull mix in particular. You may also add filters (such as preferred gender or size) to narrow down your search.
Lancaster Puppies – They offer various Dalmatian mixes for sale. Hence, there’s a possibility you might land your beautiful Pitmatian puppy here! They are located throughout Pennsylvania and several surrounding states.
Meanwhile, adopting a Pitbull Dalmatian mix rescue may get twice as difficult as finding a reputable breeder. These designer dogs are often bred to be sold at a premium cost.
Hence it’s less likely they’re surrendered by their owners to local rescue facilities. Fortunately, that doesn’t mean it’s completely impossible!
Here are some rescue organizations where you may find a Pitmatian for adoption:
Rescue Me! – Browse for available Pitbulls and their mixed breeds in different states on this online directory. Though rare, you might find an available Pitbull Dalmatian crossbreed for adoption.
Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado – This non-profit organization in Colorado is committed to rescuing Dalmatians and Dalmatian mixes (such as the Pitmatian) in need. After proper rehabilitation, these dogs will be available for adoption to help them find their forever homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Dangerous?
Both the Dalmatian and Pitbulls are regarded as aggressive breeds. Hence their offspring can be extremely dangerous, especially if not trained properly.
The Pitmatian has an innate desire to protect and guard their owners and family members, which can be the leading cause of aggression.
If not appropriately trained at a young age, they can pour their energy into harming people (strangers) or destroying things in your household.
Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes High Maintenance Dogs?
Yes. Many mixed-breed dogs are high maintenance, including the Dalmatian Pitbull mix. Both its parent breeds are also high-maintenance.
In Dalmatians, stubbornness is a typical temperament issue as they can be somewhat manipulative.
Pitbulls, on the other hand, are highly attention-craving dogs with protective tendencies. Neglecting these two breeds may adversely affect their behavior.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve once been smitten by an intelligent Dalmatian or an affectionate Pitbull, the Dalmatian Pitbull mix or the Pitmatian makes for the perfect furry companion.
Not only will your new pup give you the best of both worlds, but it will also shower you with loyalty and high-energy levels.
Taking care of a mixed breed dog is a huge responsibility to make. However, I assure you that it can also be gratifying.
Hopefully, this guide can help you navigate your companionship with your furry friend and strengthen your bond for the many years to come.
But if you somehow believe the Pitmatian is not the dog breed for you, please continue browsing our website. Give it time, and you’ll find the perfect match for you soon!
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