Home » Dog Breeds » Dalmatian Pitbull Mix (AKA The Pitmation): Complete Guide

Dalmatian Pitbull Mix (AKA The Pitmation): Complete Guide

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Do you want a dog that is big and muscular but also has a lot of energy and loves to play? If so, then the Dalmatian Pitbull mix may be the perfect breed for you.

They are beautiful dogs that are a mixture of two popular breeds, the Dalmatian and the Pitbull.

Dalmatians are known for their loyalty and being great family pets, while Pitbulls are known for their strength and energy. So when you mix these two breeds together, you get a dog that is strong, energetic, and loving.

This post will cover everything you need to know about the Dalmatian Pitbull mix before making your decision. We’ll discuss their history, what they were bred for, their physical appearance and size, coat colors and patterns, temperament, personality traits, and much more.

Let’s jump right in.

Dalmatian Pitbull Mix

What Is a Pitmation?

The Pitmation is a mixed dog breed that is created by crossing a Dalmatian with a Pitbull.

This mixed breed inherits the best qualities from both of its parent breeds. They are strong, muscular dogs that are active and love to play. This breed is also intelligent and loyal, making them great family pets.

The Pitmation is also sometimes referred to as a Dalmatian Pitbull mix, Dalmatian Pit mix, or a Pitbull Dalmatian mix.

What Was The Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Bred For?

pitmatian

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix was bred primarily to be a companion dog. This is true for most designer breeds today.

Most dogs aren’t used nearly as much as they once were for different jobs. While they still have emotional support jobs, police/military jobs, and others, their primary vocation is a family companion.

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix is another example of that. For the most part, they were bred to be loving family pets of people who adore the look and temperament of Pitbulls and Dalmatians.

Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Origin Story

With that being said, the Dalmatian Pitbull mix is a relatively new breed, so there isn’t much history to speak of. However, we do know that this breed was bred to be a family companion.

This mix likely came about in the United States sometime in the last few decades. However, it is unclear exactly when or where this breed was first bred.

So the next best thing we can do to understand why Pitmatians look and behave the way they do is to look at their parent breed’s past.

Brief Dalmatian History

Dalmatians are one of the most recognizable dog breeds, thanks to their unique black-and-white spotted coats. But there is much more to these dogs than just their looks.

Dalmatians have a long and interesting history, dating back to the days of the Roman Empire. It is believed that the breed originated in Dalmatia, a region that is now known as Croatia.

The first recorded mention of Dalmatians appeared in work by the Roman poet Martial, who described them as “bright-coated hounds.”

During the Middle Ages, Dalmatians were popular with nobility and royals and were often used as carriage dogs.

In more recent years, Dalmatians have become well-known as firehouse dogs, thanks to their fearless nature and high intelligence.

Brief Pitbull History

Though their exact origins are uncertain, it is believed that Pitbulls were initially bred in England in the early 1800s.

They were used for bull-baiting, a popular blood sport in which a dog was pitted against a bull in a cramped arena. The dogs were bred for strength and tenacity, and those that excelled in the ring were highly prized.

When bull-baiting was outlawed in England in 1835, many of the dogs were brought to America, where they became popular among immigrants from Ireland and Scotland.

Pitbulls were also used for bear-baiting and cock-fighting, though these practices were eventually outlawed as well. Then, in the early 1900s, breeders began to focus on creating a more gentle and loving pitbull.

Today’s Pitbulls are far different from their aggressive ancestors.

However, they still retain many of the qualities that made them so successful in their past: strength, loyalty, and determination. But for much better reasons today.

Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Appearance & Traits

Dalmatian Pitbull Mixed dog breed
PC: @the_spotted_duo

Size (Weight & Height)

Pitmatians are medium to large-sized dogs, with males averaging between 60 and 75 pounds and females averaging between 40 and 55 pounds. They stand between 18 and 23 inches tall at the shoulder.

Coat Colors & Texture

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix has a short, smooth coat that can be a variety of colors or combinations of colors. 

The most common coat color is black and white. However, they can also be liver and white, red and white, gray and white, or chocolate and white.

Shedding & Grooming

Dalmatian Pitbull mixes are relatively heavy shedders and will require regular brushing to collect loose fur. Thankfully, their coats are short, so brushing them is quite easy compared to long or curly-haired dogs.

If the thought of having your home covered in fur bothers you, many owners of high-shedding dogs are getting a robot vacuum. They don’t keep your floors spotless, but they help keep things looking manageable until you have more time to do a more thorough cleaning.

When it comes to the other areas of grooming, they require no more maintenance than another dog.

They should have a bath every 8-12 weeks, their nails should be trimmed every few weeks, and their teeth should be brushed at least a couple of times a week.

They can also be fairly heavy droolers, so you’ll need to be prepared for that as well.

Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Hypoallergenic?

No, Dalmatian Pitbull mixes are not hypoallergenic. They do shed a fair amount of fur, so if you’re allergic to dogs, they may not be the best breed for you.

Ears & Tail

Pitmatians have medium-sized, pointed ears that typically flop down beside their face but can also stand tall on the top of their head.

They have a long, thick tail that tapers to a point at the end.

Eye Color

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix typically has dark brown eyes, but some can have blue or green eyes as well.

Lifespan

pitmatian dog

The average lifespan of a Dalmatian Pitbull mix is between 12 and 16 years.

This is a relatively long average lifespan for a dog their size. However, it is still important to remember that mixed breeds can inherit health conditions from either of their parent breeds.

The best way to ensure a Pitmation lives a long and healthy life is to take them for regular checkups at the vet, give them daily exercise, brush their teeth regularly, and feed them a high-quality diet.

Common Health Issues

Dalmatian Pitbull mixes are generally healthy dogs, but there are a few health conditions to be aware of.

They can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is a condition that causes the joints to develop abnormally. This can lead to pain and arthritis later in life.

Pitmatians can also be susceptible to heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and pulmonic stenosis.

These conditions are congenital, which means they’re present at birth. So it’s important to get your dog from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs for these conditions.

Dalmatian Pitbull mixes can also suffer from allergies, just like any other dog. The most common type of allergy in dogs is atopy (skin), which is an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust mites. However, they can have food sensitivities or allergies as well.

Trainability & Intelligence

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix is a very intelligent breed. This means they don’t need many repetitions to learn new tricks or behaviors.

They’re also very eager to please their owner, so they’ll usually be willing to try anything you ask of them.

This breed is a great choice for first-time dog owners or those who have never trained a dog before.

Pitmatians are also relatively easy to potty train because of their intelligence and eagerness to please.

The best way to train this breed is with positive reinforcement methods such as treats, praise, or play. Avoid using negative reinforcement methods such as scolding or hitting as they will only make them scared of you and less likely to listen.

Activity Level & Exercise Needs

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix is a relatively high-energy breed that needs at least an hour of exercise per day.

They’re not the best choice for someone who lives a sedentary lifestyle or doesn’t have the time to commit to daily walks, runs, or hikes.

This breed is best suited for an active family or individual who enjoys spending time outdoors.

Pitmatians also need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. Giving them daily puzzles or toys to keep their mind active is a great way to keep them happy and healthy.

The best way to exercise this breed is with a combination of physical activity and mental stimulation. This can include things like playing fetch, going for a run, or teaching them new tricks/behaviors.

Temperament & Behavior

Dalmatian Pitbull Mix outside
PC: @indyanna_mcdonald

Do Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Bark A Lot?

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix is a relatively quiet breed that doesn’t bark excessively.

They’re more likely to bark when they’re excited or playing, but they aren’t known for being excessively vocal.

Do Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Like To Cuddle?

Typically Dalmatian Pitbull mixes are very affectionate dogs that love to cuddle with their family.

This isn’t to say that some may be more interested in having their space, but the vast majority of them enjoy being close to loved ones.

If a cuddly pup is important to you, you can always help them enjoy cuddling by giving them plenty of positive experiences cuddling when young.

Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Good With Kids?

Dalmatian Pitbull mixes are typically very good with kids of all ages.

They’re patient, loving, and enjoy being around people in general.

Of course, every dog is different, and some may be more tolerant of children than others, but most of them make great family dogs.

If you have young children, it’s always best to introduce them slowly. And to make sure they know how to behave around one another before leaving them alone together.

Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Good With Other Dogs?

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix typically does well with other dogs. They’re friendly, outgoing, and love to play.

Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and some dogs may not enjoy being around other dogs as much as others. So if you’re considering this breed, it’s always best to meet the dog beforehand to see how they interact with other dogs.

That said, most Pitmatians can be trained to be good with other dogs through proper socialization when young.

Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Good With Strangers?

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix is generally friendly with strangers.

They’re more likely to want to say hello and be friends with someone new than they are to bark or show any aggression.

Of course, it’s still important for them to have socialization opportunities when young. Otherwise, they’re more likely to be reserved around strangers if being around new people is totally unfamiliar to them.

Are Dalmatian Pitbull Mixes Good Apartment Dogs?

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix can do well in an apartment if they’re given enough exercise. However, due to their size, apartment living isn’t the most ideal situation for them.

Pitmatians need plenty of space to run and play. So if you live in an apartment, it’s important to make sure you take them on regular walks, runs, or hikes to ensure they’re getting enough exercise.

If they don’t, they can quickly get too much pent-up energy, resulting in them developing anxiety, becoming destructive, or being overly vocal.

Dalmatian Pitbull Mix Puppy Price

Dalmatian Pitbull Mix puppy
PC: @ottis_hes_a_dalbull

The average price of a Dalmatian Pitbull mix puppy is between $500 and $1000.

However, the price will vary depending on the breeder, their location, the dog’s coloration, and whether they are pedigreed or not.

Pitmatians that are pedigreed will typically cost more than those that are not.

If you’re looking for a specific coloration that is a little more unique, be prepared to pay a bit more as well.

The best way to ensure you’re getting a healthy puppy is to buy from a reputable breeder who can provide health clearances for the parents.

Always make sure you are getting your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Where Can You Find a Dalmatian Pitbull Mix For Sale?

pitbull x dalmatian
PC: @mikeyruana

Unfortunately, the Pitbull Dalmatian mix isn’t terribly popular quite yet. Which means few breeders focus on producing this mix.

So you may have some difficulty finding a Dalmatian Pitbull mix available. However, there are a few places you can look to have the best chance of finding one.

Those places are online breeder directories. These websites allow breeders from across North America to list their litters for potential owners to look at and learn more about.

Some of the more well-known breeder directories are AKC’s MarketplaceGreenfield Puppies, and Lancaster Puppies.

While these sites don’t have a specific search filter for ‘Dalmatian Pitbull mix,’ they do have Pitbull mix and Dalmatian mix sections for you to look at.

And if there isn’t a Pitmatian available when you look, you can contact the Pitbull or Dalmatian mix breeders to see if they plan on having a litter of Pitmatians anytime soon. Or, you can ask for a referral to someone who is.

Another option is to visit your local animal shelter or rescue organization. While they may not have Dalmatian Pitbull mixes specifically, they may have other similar breeds that would be a good fit for you and your family.

Similar Breeds To The Dalmatian Pitbull Mix

Final Thoughts

The Dalmatian Pitbull mix is a beautiful, unique breed that is sure to stand out in a crowd.

This breed is still relatively rare, so you may have some difficulty finding one. But if you’re looking for a loyal, loving dog that will be a great addition to your family, the Pitmatian may just be the perfect breed for you.

Just be sure to give them the daily exercise they need as well as mental stimulation. If you do, you’re sure to have a happy, healthy dog that will be by your side for many years to come.

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