The Dalmatian is a prominent breed of canines, not to mention all of the Dalmatian crossbreeds too. This breed, famous because of the Disney movie 101 Dalmatians, is extremely loyal, very intelligent, easy to train and a great family dog. Let's find out more about the Dalmatian and also the different Dalmatian mix breeds.
Origins and history of the Dalmatian
This breed has a fascinating history. Although these days, the Dalmatian is a very recognisable breed, it has a mysterious heritage. The breed is thought to have first appeared in Greece, Ancient Egypt and Rome. Indeed, findings supported by engravings and writings had been discovered portraying this dog breed.
In 1791, Thomas Bewick initiated the name, Dalmation, but at this time there were no known dogs of this type living in his country, Dalmatia. Consequently, an air of mystery surrounds their origins. Around the mid-1900s, an English ship-owner took his dogs overseas, to Dalmatia, which is an area close to the Adriatic Sea. It was here, that he lived and bred his dogs, and where the breed was first established.
The Dalmatian is an energetic dog
This beautiful dog's intelligence and eagerness to complete any tasks makes them suitable for multiple missions. Consequently, they make brilliant sporting dogs when hunting birds. They are certainly used for stag and boar hunting and as trail hounds.
Another role the Dalmatian takes is as a coach dog. In days gone by, they would trot alongside the horses pulling coaches. Obviously, they didn’t pull the vehicles but were more like security, transport guards. Other Dalmatian dogs appear on the stage and in circuses.
The Dalmatian crossbreeds
Over the years, the Dalmatian breed has been mixed successfully with various other breeds. The Dalmatian himself is a strong dog with a huge personality and character.
Here are some of the Dalmatian mix breeds:
1. Bodacion – Border Collie and Dalmation cross
Crossing a Dalmation with a Border Collie produces a medium to larger size dog. A very friendly breed that will almost certainly develop a bond with just one person.
Height: 15 – 22 inches
Weight: 26 to 40 pounds
Life Span: 12 – 15 years
2. Bullmation – Bulldog and Dalmation cross
The Bullmation is an irresistible, friendly dog. A very sociable pet and very family orientated. As a result of their cheerful disposition, they make and accept new companions without any issues. Picking up on the excitable nature from the Dalmation parent, and the stature of the Bulldog, the Bullmation is a fantastic crossbreed.
Height: 15 – 23 inches
Weight: 40 to 65 pounds
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
3. Dalcorgi – Dalmation cross with a Corgi
This crossed breed dog is also known as a Corgi-Dalmation mix. They are intelligent, chirpy dogs that make delightful family pets. His coat has the spotted appearance of his parent, the Dalmation while he has the Corgi’s sturdy, low set legs.
Height: 10 – 12 inches
Weight: 20 to 50 pounds
Life Span: 10 – 15 years
4. Dalmador – Labrador retriever and Dalmation mix
These pups take their genes from both parents. As a result of this, different physical and personality traits can be different, dependant on the dominant parental genes. Both parents are very intelligent, social dogs and the resulting pups are very much the same. Certainly, Dalmadors are very sociable dogs, quite happy around other pets, children and meeting new people.
Height: 19 – 24 inches
Weight: 48 to 80 pounds
Life Span: 10 – 14 years
5. Sharmation – Dalmation and Chinese Shar Pei cross
These gorgeous crossbreed pups have amazing personalities. Their coats usually pick up on the spotty Dalmation identity. Consequently, they tend to be quite short and shed hair only a small amount. The Sharmation offspring make very sociable and responsive family pets.
Height: 18 – 24 inches
Weight: 40 to 60 pounds
Life Span: 10 – 12 years
There are also several other crossbreeding unions that produce remarkable Dalmation cross puppies:
- Bassamatian: a cross between a Basset Hound and a Dalmatian
- Pitmation: a cross between a Pitbull and a Dalmatian
- Goldmation: a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Dalmatian
As you can expect, all of the puppies take some of the startling, spotted markings from the parent Dalmation dog.
Having a Dalmation cross breed as a family pet
The parent Dalmation is a very loyal and obedient dog, with a lovely nature and lots of charisma. Almost all his offspring will inherit some of these traits, but will also, of course, have physical and character features from the other parent too. As a result of these qualities, although they make outstanding family pets, the Dalmation cross puppies do have a nature to protect and guard objects. It seems like the best idea is to always supervise when other small pets or young children are around.
Remember too, that these dogs love lots of exercise and playtimes. As with most dogs, the implementation of early training and social skills will certainly reduce any temperamental and behaviour problems.
Check out these other mixed breeds:
- The Beagle cross
- The Border Collie cross
- The Border Terrier cross
- The Chihuahua cross
- The Dachshund cross
- The French Bulldog cross
- The German Shepherd cross
- The Golden Retriever cross
- The Husky cross
- The Jack Russell cross
- The Labrador crossbreed
- The Pomeranian cross
- The Poodle cross
- The Pug cross
- The Rottweiler cross
- The Shih Tzu cross
