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All you need to know about Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix

Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix

You love the agility, speed and loyalty of a German Shepherd dog but also adore the cuteness and size of a Dalmatian. What if you can get both breed characteristics in one dog: a German Shepherd Dalmatian mix. Although it is not as common as other GSD mixes, many people have successfully bred both of these intelligent dog breeds.

German Shepmatian is a highly intelligent, loyal, and delightful dog. It is perfect as a guard dog and also for your family. However, there are some health problems which are associated with these dogs. So, kindly real all about them before you decide to adopt this breed.

In this article, we will be taking a detailed look at Dalmatian German Shepherd mix dogs. You will learn how to take care of them, what size are they and are they good guard dogs. We will also discuss the German Shepmatian general characteristics and what food they like. How to train them and are they good with children? Is there a demand for this dog breed and what diseases are common among them?

Article Published on 25th January 2022

Get to know Dalmatian Breed

As you may have seen the highly popular Disney movie 101 Dalmatians in which Cruella de Vil tries to steal Dalmatians to make fur coats. The movie made Dalmatians a very popular dog breed. They are white with black spots on their body. Dalmatians have one of the most distinctive coats in the world.

They are described as fun-loving and strong dogs. Regarding their history, there is not much information available about their origin. Dalmatians were used to guard horse carriages. They are known and admired for their stamina and guarding skills.

Get to know German Shepherd Breed

German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the world. Not only are they intelligent and confident but also very easy to train. Their origin traces back to a German named Max Von Stephanitz who is credited for developing this dog breed.

German Shepherds excel at safeguarding, herding, and fighting. They are used a lot in police and the military. GSDs are quite easy to train and therefore in much demand. They are great with children and will be loyal to you all their life.

Crossing a German Shepherd with a Dalmatian

If you’re wondering why would anyone cross a GSD with a Dalmatian, the simple explanation is due to the spotted coat of the Shepmatian. However, there is not much demand for this breed as they are known to have many serious health problems. The common problems they have are skin, hip and back-related.

Sometimes, the breeding between both breeds is accidental. Even, breeders are not actively looking to cross these breeds. However, rest assured that if you do get a German Shepherd Dalmatian mix dog, you are getting a highly intelligent, robust, handsome, and loving dog.

German Shepherd vs. Dalmatian

For a better understanding of the German Shepmatian dog, let’s compare their general characteristics and traits.

Size

Both of these breeds are fairly large dogs. If you are wondering how big do Dalmatians get, the average Dalmatian height is 20-24 inches and weighs around 45-70 lbs. The average German Shepherd grows up to be 22-26 inches and weighs about 50-90 lbs. No matter which parent the puppy takes after, it will most certainly be a big dog.

Coat

When you mix a GSD with a Dalmatian, it is not necessary that the puppy will have a spotted coat. Even, Dalmatian mix puppies from the same litter can look very different from each other.

GSDs have thick coats while Dals have smooth coats. A German Shepmatian is likely to have medium to short hair. Kindly note that the Dalmatian German Shepherd mix dog is a heavy shedder. However, you don’t need to clean them daily as their coat is naturally dirt-repellent.

Strength

German Shepherd is a very strong dog. They have a robust and large body while Dalmatians have a lean body. The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix will be a very intimidating, athletic, and confident dog. You can rest assured that this dog will be perfect as a guard dog.

In a Dalmatian dog vs German Shepherd fight, the latter is more likely to win. However, in terms of speed, the Shepherd can’t outrun the Dalmatian.

Grooming

As Dalmatian and German Shepherd mix is a heavy shedder, you will need to take good care of its coat frequently. Brush them nice regularly so they don’t have tangled fur in their delicate coats.

Take care of their ears too as Dals have long floppy ears. You can clean them after a proper bath. Keep the bathing sessions at a maximum of 3 per year as excessive bathing can make their skin dry. Do not use human shampoo on German Shepmatians. Instead, use a shampoo recommended by a local veterinarian.

Temperament

Both Dals and GSDs share similar traits such as intelligence, loyalty, and alertness. Their hybrid will also be a very intelligent, excited, and strong dog. You will find Shepmatians to be playful and loyal.

You must train them right as without proper training, Dalmatian Shepherd mix can become stubborn. If they don’t get what they want and with the lack of exercise, they can show destructive behavior such as ruining the yard or scratching on doors. Therefore, it is essential to train them from puppyhood.

Dalmatian German Shepherd mix dog is very protective. It is an excellent guard dog. Children can play with them but be aware that children do not pull on their ears as Shepmatians do not like that. If you leave them alone for a long time, they can become anxious. Give them cuddles regularly so they know that they are loved.

Diet

German Shepherds need high-protein diet so serve them with 1.5-2 cups of dog food daily. However, Dalmatians should be given only 1 cup daily as they can’t tolerate a high-protein diet and can gain excessive weight easily. This is due to their unique urinary system. Therefore, the German Shepherd Dalmatian mix diet should be carefully thought of. Remember to give them plenty of water though.

Exercise

GSDs and Dalmatians both are highly-energetic dogs so they need plenty of exercises and physical work. Shepherds are very strong dogs while Dals can run for miles. The German Shepherd Dalmatian mix dog will be a very energetic, excited and athletic dog owing to its parent’s nature.

It is essential to give them exercise daily otherwise they can develop destructive behavior like chewing on material or digging up your yard. Provide them with plenty of space so they can run around easily. To keep their aggression in check, have them exercise for at least one hour daily.

Health

The Dalmatian cross German Shepherd dog is prone to many medical conditions. Some of the most common problems they suffer from are Hip Dysplasia and diabetes.

Life Span

If properly cared for, a German Shepherd x Dalmatian mix dog can live up to 12-15 years. Regular grooming, exercise, and a healthy diet are essential for a German Shepmatian.

What Types of Diseases are Common in German Shepherd Dalmatian Mix?

GSDs and Dalmatians are prone to many medical conditions such as hip dysplasia, diabetes, and heart enlargement. The German Shepherd Dalmatian mix breed will likely inherit these genetic conditions. However, if you get the Dalmatian German Shepherd mix puppy from a reputed breeder, there is less chance of the pup having any serious diseases.

These are some of the most common health issues with the Dalmatian German Sheperd Mix dog:

  • Bladder Stones. To combat this, give them plenty of water to drink.
  • Congenital Deafness. It is quite common in German Shepherds.
  • Skin Allergies
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis
  • Parvo-Virus
  • Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
  • Heart Enlargement. Prevalent in large dog breeds.
  • Obesity

Training a Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix

German Shepherds are highly energetic dogs. Dalmatians are also very powerful and can run for many miles. Their offspring will undoubtedly be very strong and excited dogs. Hence, you should train them from a very young age to instill discipline in them.

GSDs are naturally very intelligent and easier to train. Dals are also quite intelligent and can learn commands with persistence. With this breed, you won’t have a hard time training them. Do not get frustrated as it will take some time for them to be properly trained. Devote at least 2 hours daily on their training and exercise.

Introduce them to other people and dogs gradually. It is important that you get them to socialize. Do not leave them with children alone as German Shepherd Dalmatian mix breed is a large dog. Be present when they interact and play with children. If the dog gets stubborn, do not give in easily and be persistent. When they successfully complete a task, give them treats to show your appreciation.

Is it wise to get a Dalmatian German Shepherd mix dog?

As we have already mentioned before that German Shepherd x Dalmatian mix is not a very common dog. If you would like to adopt or buy this dog, keep in mind that it can come at a heavy price. Some serious health problems can also disturb this dog.

Professional breeders are also not very excited about this dog breed. The German Shepmatians need plenty of attention so be prepared to have a lot of time on your hands. If you can’t manage time for this dog, then we suggest you to avoid getting them as loneliness and neglect can negatively affect the German Shepherd Dalmatian mix.

If you are buying a dog for the first time, then they are not a good fit for you. German Shepherd Dalmatian mix dog is a very strong and stubborn dog. You need to have some experience with other dogs before owning this breed. Also, if you tend to stay indoors a lot, you should also avoid getting them as being indoors for a long time can lead to depression among German Shepmatians.

Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix is perfect for those who have plenty of time to give to their dogs. They need constant attention so you must have spare time and understanding. Give them wide spaces to roam so they can have lots of exercises and physical activity. Shepmatians are very energetic dogs so you also must be in good shape and keep up with them.

Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix Price

The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix dog price ranges from $500 to $1000 (€440 – €900). The Dalmatian German Shepherd mix for sale is available at shelters and pet clinics.

Facts about Dalmatian German Shepherd Mix

Let’s take a look at some facts about Dalmatian x German Shepherd mix dog.

  • Easy to Train

GSDs and Dalmatians are quite easy to train. The German Shepherd Dalmatian mix dog is a very intelligent and strong dog so you must train them from puppyhood.

  • Loyal

Dalmatian German Shepherd mix dog is a very loyal companion. They are smart and protective. They will lay their own life to protect their owners.

  • Intelligent

German Shepherd mixed with Dalmatian is a very intelligent and confident dog. It inherits these traits from its parents. They are also very strong and active.

  • Rare

This breed is quite rare having almost no demand. Many breeders are not excited to produce this breed too. So, if you still want to get them, be aware that you may not find much information about them.

  • Prone to diseases

One of the many reasons the German Shepherd Dalmatian mix is rare is that it is prone to many serious health problems such as elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, heart enlargement, obesity, etc.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that a Dalmatian German Shepherd mix dog can be an amazing companion. They are strong, vibrant, excited, and handsome dogs. However, as both GSDs and Dalmatians are mostly loved as purebred dogs, you won’t find many of these dogs. Also, they are prone to many serious health problems compared to other dog breeds. Feeding them can also be very tricky as you need to find the right balance.

If you still insist on getting a Dalmatian German Shepherd mix dog, then be sure to give them plenty of love and attention. They like to run around so have a lot of space. Take care of them properly and train them from the very start. You will have a great pet dog as your companion and a friend.

sargey

Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs.

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