The German Shepherd Dalmatian mix, affectionately called the Dalmatian shepherd or Dalshepherd, is a strong and energetic dog that needs an owner committed to providing proper care. The German shepherd dalmatian mix is a cross between two purebred dogs: the German Shepherd and the Dalmatian.
They have almond-shaped eyes, close together and dark. Their tail is long and slender and the feet, chest and belly are white with black spots. The legs, backside and muzzle of this dog are usually fawn or brown although they can also be black.
The first recorded mix of these breeds happened in 1984 in California. While today this mixed breed has been around for over 20 years, it took many years for breeders to recognize it as a legitimate type of dog.
Dalmatian German shepherd mix or German shepherd Dalmatian mix both are the same names; this is just a variation of words. The Dalmatian German shepherd mix is a medium-sized dog with pointy ears set apart from one another that stand straight up from their head.
Keep reading this informative blog post to know more about German shepherd mixed with Dalmatian dog.
| Height: | 22–26 inches |
| Weight: | 60–80 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 10–12 years |
| Colours: | Black, white, tan, sable, spotted, mottled, and panda. |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, active, loyal, loving, and affectionate. |
| Suitable for: | Active families and individuals looking for energetic working dogs. Not suitable for the elderly. Active families with or without children |
| Puppy Cost: | $300–$1000 (A reputable breeder may charge a high cost in comparison to a cheap breeder.) |
Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix
The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix is a large mixed-breed dog bred by combining the German Shepherd and Dalmatian. “German Shepmatian,” as they’re otherwise known, are physically active dogs that require daily exercise. For active families, the German Shepmatian makes a wonderful family pet.
The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix will likely borrow a healthy amount of its physical appearance and temperament from both parent breeds. The Dalmatian parent may mean it’s more reserved, whereas it gets its activity levels from the German Shepherd.
Image credit: shino_the_dog
Dalmatians and German Shepherds are both European breeds and make an even-tempered, physically active mixed breed. This article will explore where the Shepherd Dalmatian mix comes from and what you can expect from a Shepherd Dalmatian pup.
What Does a Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Look Like?
The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix borrows a decent amount of its physical appearance from both parent breeds. If your Shepherd Dalmatian inherits more of its Dalmatian parent, it will likely have a smooth coat and black spots. Its coat may also be thicker and denser, like the German Shepherd’s.
Image credit: jumping.june
The Shepherd Dalmatian Mix’s body will either be sleek and slender, like its Dalmatian parent, or stockier, like a German Shepherd. The German Shepmatian will adopt the face shape of either parent breed (they have a similar face shape, to begin with), though it will likely have the floppy ears of the Dalmatian.
The History of the Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix
As a designer dog, the German Shepmatian’s history is a little spotty. We can glean a lot from what we know about the Dalmatian and German Shepherd breeds. Both are European dog breeds, with the Dalmatian being an older breed by a few centuries.
We are still determining when the German Shepherd Dalmatian mix came to be, although it’s suspected that it was crossbred along with multiple other German Shepherd mixes and Dalmatian mixes in the 1990s and early 2000s. It may even have been a result of an accidental mating.
German shepherd mixed with Dalmatian: Breed overview
The German shepherd dalmatian mix [1] has a double coat that both sheds and doesn’t shed. This dog is an average shedder so owners must be prepared to brush them regularly. If not cared for properly this breed can become dirty rather quickly as their coat catches dirt easily.
It’s a misconception that a double coat means a double amount of shedding. That really depends on what you’re searching for in a pet – if you want one that sheds less then don’t go for a dog a thick, coarse outer layer. If you don’t mind an average amount of shedding, then get one with a double coat.
Health problems
The German shepherd dalmatian mix is healthy and strong but does experience some health problems. They are prone to intervertebral disc disease (which affects the back) and hip dysplasia (a deformity in the dog’s hips causing it pain while walking). Some develop pan osteitis, which causes bone inflammation. These dogs can be affected by diabetes mellitus or Fanconi syndrome which has severe consequences on their liver and kidneys.
Parent breed of The German shepherd Dalmatian mix
German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Pros And Cons
Dalmatian and German shepherd mix is a combination of two famous breeds. The shepherd as well as the dalmatian are well known for their stately looks and the black color just adds to their charm. This makes them also very popular as pets, especially among those who like these two breeds or do not have sufficient space in the house for both. The dog that results from this cross is referred to as a Black German Shepherd and Dalmatian Mix (BDSDM).
Usually, breeders plan out to make such crosses with animals that share similar physical characteristics which also allows compatibility during mating. It should be kept in mind however that all breeds involved need to be pure breeds and hybrids otherwise the puppies produced will not be purebreds. There are breeders who plan out BDSDMs on their own; using known breed dogs to achieve the best results. This may produce mixed heritage results that might not necessarily be very similar to either of the original breeds.
Weight
This is a large sized dog, usually weighing between 60 pounds and 80 pounds and standing 22–26 inches tall at the shoulders. The exact size will depend on whether it was intended to create a male or female. Males are supposed to be larger than females for this cross breed.
Hairs and coat
It has short hair but with longer coat also available in some cases which can be black or white along with tan markings over the body mostly found above eyes, muzzle, cheeks and chest area. A German shepherd mixed with Dalmatian has floppy ears like those seen on a Collie. It has a bushy tail and thick legs with paws that look like those found on a Labrador retriever.
Temperament, intelligence, and behaviour
The Dalmatian mix with German shepherd is intelligent, stable, friendly, and loyal to its master as well as family members. Because of these characteristics it can be an ideal pet for families living in apartments where dogs cannot be kept outside the house continuously due to lack of space or for those who want a large-sized pooch but do not have time for exercise sessions.
Some of the best things that come from this breed are its capability to learn quickly and easier training process without any harsh words being involved with it. The dog is also very friendly towards children so it is suitable even with small kids at home since they both will enjoy playing together.
The black German shepherd dalmatian mix is a result of breeding between a German shepherd and a dalmatian. This breed is known as BDSDM or ODSD. It is also called as Affenpinscher Shepherd Mix, Black German Shepherd Dog Hybrid , Black GSD / Dalmatian Mix, GSD X Dalmatian.
Traits
It has short hair with some long hairs found over the body mostly above eyes, muzzle, cheeks and chest area. German shepherd mix with Dalmatian has floppy ears like those seen on a Collie and bushy tail like that of a German shepherd. It has thick legs with paws that look like those found on a Labrador retriever. A female can grow up to 20-22 inches or even more whereas male can grow up to 22-26 inches. A male weighs around 60-80 pounds whereas a female weighs around 40-60 pounds.
It is known to be quite obedient and loyal but requires strong leadership from the master in order to prevent it from becoming stubborn and difficult in obeying commands and orders. They can go through training themselves with ease when they are aware of what they need to do so it is necessary for owners to prove their strength as leaders with a confident voice tone and body language despite how friendly they may seem towards their pets.
German shepherd Dalmatian mix puppies
German shepherd Dalmatian Mix dog owners
Owners who really want to keep the dog well-trained must take care of such factors such as motivation, patience and cheerful attitude while training or else chances of failure become high since dogs usually respond better towards positive incentives rather than negative ones. Since this breed needs lots of mental stimulation, it would be an ideal choice for people who are always on the move because the dog will not be bored at home alone.
On the whole, this is an extremely loyal and intelligent breed that requires lots of care and love, just like most breeds do in order to live long and remain healthy. It may become difficult for owners to keep it well-trained if they are not confident leaders with patience and caring nature.
Food and diet plan
The dog needs high quality food regularly in order to stay in good health so it is better if owners who cannot afford such expensive foods can mix a small quantity of boiled chicken with its kibble or canned food so as to add more taste and nutrition for their pets.
Since this is a large sized breed, it also has a longer lifespan makes it one of the best dog breeds to have in the home when it comes to long-term benefits.
Obviously, those who want a dog for this reason should be prepared to spend time and money on its care but by doing so they can look forward to more years of enjoyment from their special pet.
German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Characteristics, appearance, and puppies
German shepherd and Dalmatian mix as a family pet
Dalmatian and German shepherd mix breed dogs make great family pets. If you’re thinking about getting a dog, but aren’t sure whether to get a Dalmatian or a German shepherd, then this article will help you decide which type of dog would be the best dog for you and your family. Keep in mind that just because both breeds share similar traits doesn’t mean that they are interchangeable. Each one has their own distinct personality and abilities so it’s important to fully research each breed before making your final decision.
Origin, history, and overview: Dalmatian
Dalmatians are short-haired, medium-sized dogs that originated in Croatia. They can be found in a variety of colors including black-spotted, liver-spotted, orange spotted and white. Dalmatian usually have dark brown or black spots on their coats but it’s not uncommon to find one with gray or blue spots.
The history of the Dalmatian is thought to stretch back to the 14th century, with the first written account of the Dalmatian coming in 1375, when a Slovenian Bishop mentioned a spotted hunting dog from the Croatian region of Dalmatia in his writings.
Later paintings and documented descriptions of the Dalmatian stretch back to the 17th and 18th centuries. It was referred to as Dalmatian in 1771 by Thomas Pennant, a Welsh naturalist and travel writer.
Dalmatians gained massive popularity in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries and were frequently owned by English and German nobility and used as ‘coach dogs’ – they would walk alongside the coaches that held the noblemen and be used as guard dogs.
As time wore on and society became more egalitarian, Dalmatians found themselves used in different roles, primarily as working dogs – either war dogs during the First and Second World Wars or as firefighting dogs – escorting firefighting apparatus. They are also competent hunting dogs due to their energy levels.
Much of their early American history is as fire station mascots, although they are now firmly beloved family pets.
How Popular Are Dalmatians?
Dalmatians in the US began their time in North America as firehouse dogs and hunting companions due to their high capacity for intense physical exercise. They were also used extensively during the US’ efforts in the Second World War.
However, the Dalmatian has since transitioned from a working dog to a firm family companion. They are not the most popular dog in the US, just breaking the top fifty, according to the American Kennel Club’s 2021 popularity rankings.
Who Are Dalmatians a Good Dog For?
The Dalmatian is a fantastic dog for the active family unit or active couple/single individual. Their high activity levels mean they’re better suited for folks with a house and a yard rather than an apartment. They sometimes suffer from separation anxiety, which can lead to destructive behaviors.
Dalmatians typically do better with experienced dog owners and are not recommended for the elderly due to their size and exercise requirements.
How Did Dalmatians Come About?
Specific breeding history of the Dalmatian is almost non-existent – we don’t know when it was first bred or by whom. However, we do have first-hand accounts from a Slovenian bishop – Peter – that tells of a black and white-haired dog with spots on its body that he observed in the Dalmatia region of Croatia.
We also have illustrations from the 17th century that provide a picture of the Dalmatian, but there is not much by way of cynological history to go on.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Dalmatian?
The history of crossbreeding of the Dalmatian is more elusive than the history of the Dalmatian itself! However, the Dalmatian is a very popular crossbreed – with the German Shepmatian, Blue Heeler Dalmatian Mix, the Beagle Dalmatian, and the Golden Dalmatian, to name a few mixes.
But the when, where, how, why and by whom remains elusive. Crossbreeding dogs in the US became very popular in the 1990s and early 2000s, having been introduced into the canine culture of the country in the 1960s. The Dalmatian and its various mixed-breed offspring were likely bred during that time.
Breed overview: Dalmatians
Their bloodlines often contain Pointer breeds so they possess an excellent sense of smell which they use to trail game during the hunt. They are energetic dogs who love nothing more than to run around all day. This is partly because they were created by crossing house dogs with English hunting dogs who needed to be able to keep up with mounted hunters on horseback during the hunt without tiring quickly.
The breed was valued for its speed, stamina and keen sense of smell. The breed is known for being very affectionate, loyal and quick learners with an even temper. They are good with children but need early socialization in order to get along well with other dogs.
Dalmatians as a family pet
Dalmatians are great family pets because they are affectionate, rarely bark and have a keen sense of smell that makes them ideal for tracking sick or injured people in the wilderness. They are energetic though so it’s important to make sure that you can provide your Dalmatian with the daily exercise they need in order to keep them happy and healthy.
Dalmatians can get along well with children and other pets when properly trained. However, they are known to be shy around strangers which is why proper training at a young age is crucial in order to make sure your dog gets along well with people outside of the home.
Dalmatians are great for active families who love being outdoors or are looking for a dog that will alert them if anyone comes near their home. They aren’t good for people who live in apartments though because they need lots of room to run but they still make great pets. If you have the space in your backyard for them to frolic in because they can run all day long. If you’re looking for an affectionate pet that likes staying close by then Dalmatians dogs are a great choice for you.
Origin, history, and overview: German Shepherds
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in North America where they were originally bred as working farm dogs. They have a thick double coat which makes them well suited to colder climates and they can come in a variety of colors including, sable, black and tan, all shades of red and solid black.
Unlike the Dalmatian, the German Shepherd does have a very definitive history. A German man, ex-cavalry Captain Max von Stephanitz, first purchased it. Stephanitz was a former German cavalry officer, a farmer, and a former veterinary college student. Captain von Stephanitz needed a highly intelligent breed that could do tireless physical activity for his farmland. While at a dog show, on the hunt for the perfect breed, he noticed a dog that he thought would fit the mold.
He changed its name to Horand von Grafath and, in 1899, created the Society for German Shepherd Dogs. Thirty years later, the Society for German Shepherd dogs had more than 50,000 members.
The modern history of the German Shepherd maintains its workhorse nature, as the GSD has been used routinely in military and police functions, owing much of that to its size and strength and its notoriety as a highly intelligent breed.
How Popular Are German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are among the most popular dog breeds in the US, ranking in most popular dog breeds in the US, routinely ranking inside the top ten.
Who Are German Shepherds a Good Dog For?
Because of their need for moderate daily exercise, the GSD is often viewed as one of the best family dogs if the family is active. Their size and strength also prohibit them from living in most smaller spaces – they’ll be happier with a larger house and a yard.
German Shepherds are also natural guardians – like their Dalmatian mix – another notch in the column for the perfect family pet.
How Did German Shepherds Come About?
The German Shepherd was first called Horand von Grafath and was purchased by Max von Stephanitz from a dog show in 1899. Following this, von Stephanitz created the “Society for German Shepherd Dogs,” and thus, the German Shepherd was born.
When Did First Cross-Breed The German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are often bred to breed standards, and crossbreeding of GSDs is far less prevalent in Europe than in the US. However, German Shepherd crossbreeds do happen, like the German Shepmatian.
Breed overview: German Shepherds
German Shepherds get their name from their love of herding sheep, but they don’t need to be on a farm to get into that kind of work. In fact, German shepherds make excellent guard dogs because they are fiercely protective over the people they care about.
However, this doesn’t mean that they won’t get along with children or pets if properly trained at an early age. They are a very intelligent breed with a lot of energy, so they need to get their daily exercise by being put through their paces on a regular basis, or they can get into trouble if left unattended during the day.
German Shepherds as a family pet
German Shepherds are very loyal but don’t always get along well with other dogs because many have been bred for fighting in order to complete police work. If you’re looking for an affectionate, trustworthy family pet then German shepherds are great choice for you.
However, keep in mind that it’s essential that your German shepherd gets plenty of mental stimulation as well as physical activity every day since this is what will help them get along better with other pets and people around your home.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of owning a dog is researching beforehand. Part of this research into your new potential dog will be its temperament. You’ll want to ensure that the dog you’re looking at purchasing or adopting is a temperamental match for you and your family’s lifestyle.
Like the Dalmatian puppy, active puppies and dogs will require an active, outdoorsy family with plenty of room to grow as they mature. While less-active dogs, like the Pug (for example), won’t require as much space to live or physical activity.
If you don’t think you can give your active dog daily exercise, consider adopting/purchasing a different type of dog with a different temperament.
What is the Temperament of the Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix?
The German Shepmatian will likely adopt different parts of the temperament of its parent breeds – including some negative traits, such as separation anxiety and possible aggression (if not adequately socialized) – commonly found in German Shepherds.
You can expect your Dalmatian German Shepherd mix to have a highly energetic temperament, possibly with a high prey drive. Still, they generally make excellent family pets if properly trained and socialized from an early age.
Is The Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Friendly?
German Shepmatians are known to be wonderfully friendly animals, with both parent breeds being friendly dogs, producing an even-tempered mixed breed.
Is The Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Easy to Train?
As individual breeds, the Dalmatian and the German Shepherd are very used to intensive training and command-following, so you can expect your German Shepmatian to be equally easy to train.
Be aware that (until adequately trained), your German Shepherd Dalmatian mix may exhibit some destructive behaviors associated with separation anxiety. However, German Shepherds and Dalmatians are incredibly intelligent breeds, so they should pick up on training quickly.
How Much Can A Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a German Shepmatian is 60 to 80 pounds.
How Tall Can A Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Get?
The average height of a Dalmatian German Shepherd mix is between 22 and 26 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
The German Shepherd Dalmatian mix is a large breed similar in size to a few different, including both their parent breeds.
These dogs include the Golden Retriever, the Doberman Pinscher, the Collie, and the Standard Poodle.
Does the Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Shed?
Yes! You can expect your Dalmatian German Shepherd mix to be a heavy-shedding dog. Dalmatians are single-coated dogs and shed moderately, while German Shepherds have two coats and shed heavily.
You may get away with a moderately shedding dog, but they will still require weekly brushing to mitigate the fur-nado that’s landed on your house.
How Much Exercise Does A Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Require?
Regarding exercise, the Dalmatian German Shepherd mix is among the most energetic dogs. The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix requires at least 45 minutes of exercise each day, including at least one day of off-leash running, fetching, or hiking on the weekends.
If you’re going to adopt or purchase a German Shepherd Dalmatian mix, please ensure that you can maintain the necessary levels of physical activity. It helps maintain a healthy weight, along with various other health benefits.
How Long Can a German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Live?
The life expectancy of a Shepherd Dalmatian is between 10 and 12 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Have?
- Hip dysplasia (hip joint issues)
- Congenital Deafness (inherited deafness/hearing problems)
- Elbow dysplasia (elbow joint inflammation)
- Bronzing Syndrome (skin allergies/irritation)
It should be noted that most mixed-breed Dalmatian German Shepherds are very healthy dogs, free of many common medical conditions that plague their parent breeds.
So, as long as you can find one from a reputable breeder, you shouldn’t have too many health issues to worry about. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight, with good exercise and a balanced food diet, can significantly increase their life expectancy.
How Can You Find a Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Puppy For Sale?
It can be challenging to try and find a Dalmatian German Shepherd mix puppy for sale. Instead, we recommend you start by searching for a Dalmatian German Shepherd mix puppy to adopt!
Adoptees can usually be found at your local vet or animal shelter. Alternatively, you can search for your Dalmatian German Shepherd mix puppy online at https://www.petfinder.com/.
How Much Does a German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Dalmatian German Shepherd mix puppy is between $300 and $1000. Yet another reason to consider adoption!
If you’d like to learn more about the differences between breeders and puppy mills, check out our article!
Is the German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’re in love with Dalmatians or German Shepherds and have been looking for a possible crossbreed between the two – then the German Shepherd Dalmatian mix might be the perfect breed for you.
If you can keep up with their demanding exercise routines, big stomachs, and need for plenty of couch (and bed) space and are physically capable of controlling them, then you may have just found your perfect family dog!
Frequently Asked Questions
They are same in characteristics, no difference. The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix is a fascinating dog breed with a lot of energy. They are medium-sized dog that is a cross between the popular Dalmatian and the hardworking German Shepherd, giving them the best of both worlds.
A dalmador is a cross between a labrador retriever and a dalmatian. Dalmadors are athletic dogs with brown, black, or white coats that feature a random number of dalmatian-style spots.
The German Shepherd Dalmatian mix is affectionately known as the Dalmatian shepherd or Dalshepherd.
- Dalmatian German shepherd mix or German shepherd Dalmatian mix both are the same names; this is just a variation of words. ↩︎
Sources:
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dalmatian/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hip-dysplasia-in-dogs/
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/hearing-loss-senior-dogs/
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/obesity-dogs
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_eye_problems_in_dogs
- https://www.hepper.com/dalmatian-german-shepherd-mix/
- https://germanshepherdpuppiesnc.com/german-shepherd-dalmatian-mix/
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dalmatian-mix