The American Bulldog Dalmatian Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the American Bulldog and the Dalmatian Retriever. Both of these dogs have very sweet personalities and will probably have a moderate energy level. It can obviously be an aggressive dog, but if properly socialized this shouldn’t be any problem at all. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the American Bulldog or the Dalmatian? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful American Bulldog Dalmatian Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their American Bulldog Dalmatian Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Dalmadoodle puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.
All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Dalmatian History: The first illustrations of the dog have been found in Croatia in the 1600’s. Like nearly every dog breed, they were used as dogs of war, to help hunt, and to protect the villages and houses. To this day, the breed retains a high guarding instinct; although friendly and loyal to those the dog knows and trusts. They have a strong hunting instinct and have been used as an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin and bird dogs among other things. You can’t talk about Dalmatians without talking about their role working for the firefighters for their role as firefighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots. It is thought they became so compatible with firehouses since they and horses are very compatible. the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. They are also pretty good watchdogs and were used to help protect the firehouse from would be thieves stealing strong, steady horses. American Bulldog History: The American Bulldog descends from an ancient Mastiff line. It came to the United States in the 1800s, with immigrants who brought their working Bulldogs with them. It was most popular in the Southern States, due to its ability to bring down and catch feral pigs. This has always been a hunting dog even in Europe, the prey might have just differed from hogs to bears or even bulls. It is known for its devotion and grit.
American Bulldog Height: 20 - 28 inches at the shoulder Weight: 60 - 130 lb. Lifespan: 10 - 15 years Dalmatian Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder Weight: 35 - 70 lb. Lifespan: 10 - 13 years
Bullmatians are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. Labs are very friendly, amicable dogs that will help offset some of the aggression from the bulldog. They are friendly and gentle and love to play too. He will need to be watched with strangers to see if he is kind and amicable towards them before he can be fully trusted. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Dalmatian mixed with the American Bulldog might be prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, skin allergies. Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements? They will be a pretty easy keeper in this department. However, it could go the opposite way as the Bulldog can actually be a heavy shedder. Both parent breeds have short hair and don’t shed that much. They will of course still need brushed, they just won’t be as intense as others. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. What are the exercise requirements? This is a moderate energy dog that will need that from an owner. Both parent breeds are hunting dogs that are bred to run and retrieve all day. The American Bulldog is much calmer than the Lab, but anything with the Lab is going to have a higher energy level. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. If it has a short nose like the Bulldog you will need to be very careful with it overheating too much. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the training requirements? This is an extremely intelligent dog that will be easy to train, however, it might be extremely stubborn. It will need a strong, firm handler that is consistent and won’t let this dog take advantage of them. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.