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Bullmatian (Bulldog & Dalmatian Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More!

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

Bullmatian (Bulldog & Dalmatian Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More!

As you might have guessed, the Bullmatian is a crossbreed that you can create by mixing a Dalmatian with a Bulldog. While the final appearance of the dog will depend on which parent it takes after more. It typically retains many of the Bulldog characteristics and has the spotted Dalmatian coat.

Breed Overview

Height

22 – 24 inches

Weight

40 – 65 pounds

Lifespan

11 – 13 years

Colors

Brindle, fawn, red

Suitable for

Active families, experienced owners

Temperament

Friendly, affectionate, social

It usually weighs around 50 pounds and stands close to 2 feet at the shoulder. Its ears usually flop over, and the tail is short. It’s typically friendly but can also be quite stubborn. Keep reading while we learn more facts about this new designer breed.

Energy
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High-energy dogs will need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy, while low-energy dogs require minimal physical activity. It’s important when choosing a dog to make sure their energy levels match your lifestyle or vice versa.
Trainability
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Easy-to-train dogs are more skilled at learning prompts and actions quickly with minimal training. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice.
Health
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Some breeds, due to their size or their breeds potential genetic health issues, have shorter lifespans than others. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet.
Lifespan
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Some dog breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, and some more than others. This doesn’t mean that every dog will have these issues, but they have an increased risk, so it’s important to understand and prepare for any additional needs they may require.
Sociability
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Some dog breeds are more social than others, both towards humans and other dogs. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. No matter the breed, it’s important to socialize your dog and expose them to lots of different situations.

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Bullmatian Puppies

You may be surprised to find out that new designer breeds often cost less than many other breeds. You can have your puppy microchipped, spayed, and dewormed in many cases and still remain within a fair price range. However, there are many other costs to consider, like food, treats, and toys, that can get quite expensive over the years. Luckily, most of the costs are smaller ongoing expenses and should be manageable as long as you’ve budgeted funds for your pup.

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Photo Credit: Pixabay

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bullmatian

Bullmatians are friendly dogs that like to spend time with family members and are very charming, so you will laugh and smile in no time. This breed is affectionate and likes to stay by your feet and in your lap when you are not playing games. It has plenty of energy and will continuously bring you the ball to coax you into playing. Plus, it will always leap at the chance to get involved in a family activity. It’s wary of strangers but makes new friends quickly, and it only barks when it needs to tell you something.

It can be a bit stubborn once it makes up its mind to do or not do something but it usually can be coaxed with some extra treats or pats on the head. This stubborn attitude can make it a little more difficult to train, but patience and persistence usually pay off.

Are These Dogs Good for Families?

Yes, Bullmatians are attention seekers and will love to play with the younger family members. This breed is affectionate and will form strong bonds with your family members. It’s never aggressive but will protect its loved ones at all costs and makes a great watchdog. As we said earlier, it can be wary around strangers, but it likes to make new friends and will enjoy meeting everyone that comes to your home, with the possible exception of the mail carrier.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?

Yes, your Bullmatian will get along with other dogs very well, and its desire to make new friends will also have it playing with your cats. It’s not aggressive and it might even leave smaller pets like rabbits and ferrets be, but there’s always a risk. Early socialization will help your dog adjust to other pets faster, but it is usually not necessary.

divider-pawThings to Know When Owning a Bullmatian:

Food & Diet Requirements

Your Bullmatian, like any other dog breed, will thrive on a high protein diet. In the wild, dogs eat mostly meat, only falling back on plant matter when other food is scarce. Therefore, you should check to see there is plenty of protein in the brand you choose for your dog. A good way to tell is by looking at the ingredients list, where you should see chicken, beef, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. Try to avoid foods that contain meat byproducts instead of real meat, and though it will be challenging, try to get your dog used to a brand that doesn’t have corn listed near the top. Choosing foods with probiotics can help balance your pet’s digestive system, reducing the risk of diarrhea and constipation, while omega fats can help the skin and coat. Follow the instructions on your food carefully to avoid overfeeding.

Exercise

Your Bullmatian is an active dog and will need to be active each day to stay healthy and happy. A home with a backyard the dog can run in is an essential requirement for your dog, and it will need to spend several hours out there each day entertaining itself. We also recommend setting aside 45 minutes each day to go for a walk or play fetch. If you have hills and mountains near your home, walks on the trail can be a great way for you and your pet to get the exercise requirements completed quickly.

Training

It can be difficult for a first-time owner to get the Bullmatian to listen because it can be stubborn and want to be in charge. Starting early in life with a set routine that your dog learns to expect is the best way to succeed with this breed. Set a few minutes aside at the same time each day for training. Be consistent and show up each day no matter what the results. Have treats ready and repeat your command while motioning what you want the dog to do. If it follows your commands, give it a treat and repeat until your dog commits it to memory. Don’t get frustrated no matter how stubborn your dog is, or you will be taking steps backward. Patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency are your best tools.

Grooming ✂️

Your Bullmatian does not have long hair, so grooming will be fairly easy. Brushing a few times a week should be all that is needed, and an occasional bath if it gets into something. It sheds, but it doesn’t drop large clumps of hair like other breeds, even in the spring and fall. Frequent tooth brushing is a great way to slow the spread of dental disease, which affects many dogs. If your dog spends a lot of time indoors, you might need to trim the nails if you hear them clicking on the floor.

Health and Conditions

Minor Conditions
  • Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are similar to kidney stones, but they form in the bladder. These stones will be painful and can cause the bladder to become swollen. The bladder can rupture if untreated, so you will need to get your dog checked at the first sign. Symptoms include blood in the urine, a reluctance to be active, and muscle spasms.

Serious Conditions
  • Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is a condition that affects the dog’s kneecap, causing it to pop out of place. As the dog gets older and it pops out of place more often, the ligament holding it in place stretches, and the condition gets worse, eventually affecting the dog’s ability to support weight on the leg. You may notice your dog swinging the leg to put the joint back in place, and it may be difficult for your pet to get up. If you notice your dog having these symptoms, take it to the vet immediately. The doctor may perform surgery to help your dog, and there may be other solutions too.

  • Deafness

Unfortunately, the Dalmation parent breed has a predisposition toward deafness, and there’s a chance this hereditary condition can pass to your Bullmatian. Good breeders can selectively breed out some health problems, especially in mixed breeds, so the risk should be lower. However, if you notice your dog seems unresponsive to environmental sounds, doesn’t come when you call it, and doesn’t wake up when there is a loud noise, you should take your dog to get tested.

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Male vs Female

The Bullmatian breed is too new to know of the differences between the sexes, and the parent they take after more has a bigger effect on their temperament and size. Until experts get more information, there is no noticeable difference between the male and the female.


3 Little-Known Facts About the Bullmatians

1. Two US Presidents Owned the Bulldog Parent Breed; Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding


2. The Dalmation Parent Breed Is Born Without Spots


3. The Dalmation Was a Carriage Dog That Would Accompany Firefighters And Protect The Station

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Conclusion

The Bullmatian makes a wonderful pet for an experienced owner. It can be a little stubborn for a first-time pet owner. However, in the right hands, it’s playful and loves to be around family members. It will entertain them with games of fetch and silly antics for hours. It has a long lifespan and relatively few health problems.

We hope you have enjoyed our review of this modern mixed breed and learned something new. If you want to get one of these for your home, please share this guide with the Bullmatian on Facebook and Twitter.

Find out more about other popular dog breeds:


Featured Image Credit: Mandy Coy, Shutterstock

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