The Dalmatian Pitbull mix, otherwise affectionately known as a “Pitmatian”, mixes two interesting temperaments together to create an affectionate, excitable mixed-breed dog with an aggressive/docile balance that can at times be difficult to manage. Both of these have storied histories as protective dogs – both of farmland and people – and both have a lineage stretching back to the 19th and 20th centuries.
Photo credit: spotted_olive
Let’s learn more about the “Pitmatian” and whether or not it’s the right breed for you and your family.
Dalmatian Pitbull Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 40–70 pounds |
| Height: | 18–24 inches tall |
| Lifespan: | 11–16 years |
| Coat colours: | Spotted black & white coat. |
| Temperament: | Loving, playful, energetic, protective. |
| Suitable for: | Families, couples without children, and single individuals. |
What Does a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Look Like?
A Dalmatian Pitbull mix will borrow plenty of its looks from both parent breeds. Though its most prominent feature is definitely its Dalmatian-style spotted black-and-white coat, it tends to borrow its facial features from the Pitbull – with a shorter snout and shorter ears. You should also expect your Pitbull Dalmatian mix to have longer legs than a traditional Pittie and a medium-length tail. You can also expect your Pitmatian to have brown eyes.
Photo: @spotted_olive
The History of the Dalmatian Pitbull Mix
As with many designer dog breeds, this mixed breed’s history isn’t well known, but both of its parent breeds most certainly are. We’ll explore these breeds’ histories to reveal what you might expect from a mix of the two.
Dalmatian History
The Dalmatian stretches back centuries to 1375 in Continental Europe, what is modern-day Croatia and its region of Dalmatia. The breed originated from a mixture of Pointers and a spotted Great Dane – hence the overall height of the dog, its pointed tail and long angular snout.
Dalmatians were traditionally used as guard dogs and status symbols, strutting alongside Croatian nobility and were used to guard horse stables at night. This highly-intelligent breed was also used as hunting dogs, and dogs of war and makes a fantastic guard dog. It is traditionally friendly among those known to it and aloof with strangers.
How Popular Are Dalmatians?
In the United States, the Dalmatian ranks as a moderately popular dog, ranking 49th in the American Kennel Club’s 2021 rankings. Though the Dalmatian is now exclusively a family pet.
Who Are Dalmatians a Good Dog For?
Dalmatians are great all-around pets for almost anyone except for perhaps the elderly, and people living in small spaces like apartments. As they are larger dogs, they require a great deal of outdoor exercise.
How Did Dalmatians Come About?
Dalmatians were first bred with different types of pointers and a spotted Great Dane, you can see this in their sheer size and spotted coat.
When Did First Cross-Breed Dalmatians?
Crossbreeding first began to gain popularity in the United States in the 1960s, though there was a prominent breeding campaign in the 1970s known as the Dalmatian/Pointer Backcross Project, signalling a shift by the American Kennel Club towards crossbreeding and certification – though it is still rare for the AKC to endorse any crossbred dogs due to pedigree dilution.
Pitbull History
The Pitbull’s history is somewhat of a violent one – bred for violence in the early 1800s, Pitbulls were originally both fighting dogs and ‘Bullenbeisser’, or “bull baiting” dogs. These dogs originally gained popularity for this function and its for this reason that they are banned in half a dozen countries today, and many American states also ban Pitbull ownership.
How Popular Are Pitbulls?
Given that owning a Pitbull is unfortunately banned in many American states, it is difficult to garner exact statistics on popularity, as the American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize Pitbulls. However, other statistics tell that the Pitbull accounts for roughly 20% of American “strong dog” ownership.
Who Are Pitbulls A Good Dog For?
Pitbulls are very strong, active, agile and quick animals. This means that you’ll need to be particularly strong in order to handle them when they become older and stockier. This makes them incompatible with the elderly and some single individuals, but overall, Pitbulls are great dogs for families and single males and females – despite their history and reputation for aggression.
How Did Pitbulls Come About?
Pitbulls originated in England in the 1800s, originally bred as fighting and hunting dogs.
When Did First Cross-Breed Pitbulls?
Crossbreeding Pitbulls isn’t common due to their murky legal status, but not unheard of – and many people use cross breeding Pitbulls as a way to get around the law, as “technically” you don’t own a “Pitbull”.
What is the Temperament of the Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes?
The Dalmatian Pitbull mix is known as being quite an energetic dog, with the ‘pointer’ history of the Dalmatian coming to the fore and its history as a hunting companion ensuring a heavy ‘prey’ instinct. Though, both dogs can be quite protective of their owners and are generally quite aloof and standoffish with other dogs and strangers.
Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Friendly?
In general, this mix will borrow a standoffish approach to strangers but is rather friendly once it warms to their presence.
Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Easy to Train?
In general, the Pitbull Dalmatian can be easier to train once they get a little older, as Pittie pups can at times be little disobedient devils.
How Much Can Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Weigh?
The Dalmatian Pitbull mix is a large dog, sometimes weighing between 40 and 70 pounds.
How Tall Can Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Get?
Not only are they hefty dogs to lift, but they can also grow as tall as 18-24 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Dalmatian Pittie mix: the Bluetick Coonhound, the Great Dane and the English Setter, to name but a few.
Does a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Shed?
Yes! This mix is prone to excessive shedding thanks to its Dalmatian genes. While they do not have long hair, you can still expect shedding throughout the year. We recommend that you brush your Dalmatian Pittie once a week at least.
How Much Exercise Does a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Need?
Given that the history of both of the parent breeds of this dog is very active, you can expect your Pitmatian to be much the same. They will require at least 45 minutes of walking every day. Plus a good run in an off-leash dog park at least once per week.
How Long Does a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Live?
The lifespan of the Dalmatian is between 10-13 years, while the Pitbull is between 8-15 years.
Therefore we can assume the life expectancy of the Dalmatian Pitbull Mix is anywhere between 11-16 years.
Like with any dog, there are a number of factors that will determine the number of years your specific Dalmatian Pitbull mix lives like diet and exercise.
What Health Conditions Could the Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Have?
- Hip Dysplasia
- Kidney stones
- Canine Congenital Sensorineural Deafness (CCSD)
- Heart valve murmurs
- Cerebellar Abiotrophy
- Iris Sphincter Dysplasia
How Can You Find a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix For Sale?
While we don’t recommend buying before you try adopting – go through your local animal shelter or veterinarian to see if anyone has dropped off a Pitmatian – it is still possible to find a Pitmatian for sale.
You could also try to https://www.petfinder.com/ first, to see if you can find anyone offering up a Pitmatian puppy near you.
How Much Does a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Cost?
Because these are rare hybrid dogs, you’re probably going to have to spend upwards of $1000 to purchase a Pitmatian pup – another reason to try adoption!
Is the Dalmatian Pitbull Mix the Right Breed For You?
While only you can know if the Dalmatian Pitbull mix is the right breed for you, we hope our guide has helped you to make that decision! If you love dogs and are OK with a dog with plenty of exercise requirements, but one that will make an excellent family pet and guardian of the household, then the Dalmatian Pitbull mix might just be the perfect dog for you.