Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

The Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Australian Shepherd and the Dalmatian. These are obviously very different dogs with different personalities and sizes. The Australian Shepherd was bred to herd and work all day, so it is going to be a higher energy dog. Is it more like the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix puppies for sale.

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Here are some pictures of the Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix

Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix History

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.

Australian Shepherd History:

The Australian Shepherd has a rather vague past and lineage. For this reason, it’s name is a bit misleading. The Aussie was actually called the following prior to it’s current name - Spanish Shepherd, Pastor Dog, Bob-Tail, New Mexican Shepherd, California Shepherd, and Australian Shepherd. There are a lot of folks who think that the breed originated from the Basque region in Spain where they were used by shepherds. The thought is that those shepherds emigrated to the West Coast of the United States via Australia and brought their dogs with them. While the origins aren’t totally agreed upon, there is agreement that it developed in western North America in the 19th and early 20th centuries. One theory as to where they got their name is that they were named for the imported sheep that they herded.

The Australian Shepherd isn’t as affected by altitude as much as other herding breeds so it became a well known and loved sheep herder in the Rocky Mountains. The original breeders were Ranchers in Boulder, Colorado, who then began to sell and distribute the dogs all over the West.

Back when dogs such as this were used primarily as working stock, shepherds were much more interested in dogs' working abilities than their appearance. As a result, over time, shepherds interbred dogs that they believed would produce better workers for the given climate and landscape. The landscape played a large role in how the dogs looked, In the eastern U.S., terrain and weather conditions were similar to that of Europe. Europe is where most of those breeds came from, so the existing breeds and their offspring worked well there.

However, different dogs were needed In the American West, as the conditions were much different from the East. Spanish flocks of sheep, known as the Churra were introduced for food. The shepherds brought over Spanish dogs that proved capable for their job in the wild and dangerous territory. These dogs were highly valued for their ability to herd and protect from predators on the open range. Selective breeding for many generations focused on aspects of the dog that enabled it to function as an effective stockdog in the American West. It had to handle severe weather; have plenty of speed, athleticism, energy, and endurance; and be intelligent, flexible, and independent; while remaining obedient.

Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Size and Weight

Australian Shepherd

Height: 18 - 23 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 35 - 75 lb.

Lifespan: 13-15 years

Dalmatian

Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder

Weight: 35 - 70 lb.

Lifespan: 10 - 13 years

Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Personality

Trying to predict the personality traits of hybrid dog isn’t always that easy to do. Sometimes the mix takes more from one of the parent breeds than the other. However, the Aussies are known and bred to work and keep things moving. Inheriting the Australian Shepherd-like friendliness, these dogs are highly affectionate to their family members.They also display friendliness towards kids as well as other pets. The best thing you can do for any puppy or young dog is to socialize it as well as possible. This can’t be stressed enough as socialization is extremely important. This is an alert, curious, and very intelligent, lively, fun-loving dog. They can become depressed if they don't get the right amount of attention as they really like to be a part of the family.

Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Health

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 Australian Shepherd might be prone to Eye problems, hip dysplasia, skin problems, tail problems.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

They will probably shed a lot. The Australian Shepherd is a medium haired dog but it sheds like crazy and will “blow” their coats once a year. They are also heavy shedders the rest of the year. The Dalmatian is not necessarily a heavy shedder. 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 very high energy dog that will need that from an owner. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. Don’t be surprised if it starts to herd you as the Australian Shepherd has a very strong herding instinct. 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.

Australian Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Feeding

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.

I good diet to look into is a Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.