Bullmatian Basics
The Bullmatian combines the beautiful looks of the spotted Dalmatian with the adorable appearance of a Bulldog. These unique looking canines make wonderful companions, but they can also be quite stubborn and difficult to train. So before you introduce one of these pooches into your family, learn about the good and the bad so you can be absolutely certain it’s the right match.
The Bullmatian is a cross between a purebred Bulldog and Dalmatian.
Origin
The Bullmatian is one of many designer crossbreeds that have been developed over the last 15-20 years as a result of the surge in popularity of designer dogs.
Pedigree
The Bullmatian is a cross between a purebred Bulldog and Dalmatian.
Food / Diet
When shopping for a food that your Bullmatian will love to eat, stick with a high quality brand that uses natural, whole food ingredients without byproducts and artificial ingredients. Then feed your Bullmatian anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 cups of dry food each day, dividing this amount up into at least two feedings. If you are going to also incorporate some high quality canine canned food, just reduce the amount of dry food that you are providing so that he doesn’t end up gaining too much weight from eating too much.
Bullmatians are friendly and charming, as well as affectionate and social.
Training
This breed isn’t the easiest to train, so the process won’t be quick and easy. Training your Bullmatian from a young age will be necessary, as these dogs can be stubborn. You should have some experience with training canines, as this breed requires consistency and loads of patience.
By socializing and training your puppy from a young age, you can make it easier for him to learn the rules of the house. Always use a firm but positive approach, letting your dog know that you are the leader of the pack. Always incorporate the use of treats, rewards, and praise, and make training sessions engaging to keep your dog interested in the lessons.
Ultimately, you might need to give in and ask for help from a professional dog trainer or dog training school, as your Bullmatian might be too stubborn to train on your own.
Weight
A medium-sized breed, the Bullmatian weighs between 41 and 65 pounds.
Temperament / Behavior
Bullmatians are friendly and charming, as well as affectionate and social. These fun-loving dogs are definitely for you if you want an energetic and playful pooch that will keep you moving.
This breed enjoys getting loads of attention from its human family, and these dogs make new friends easily. They are sweet, smart, and filled with energy and enthusiasm, and they are joyful canines that will make you smile.
Expect that your Bullmatian will be wherever you are. If you have friends or family in your home, this dog will want to be in the mix of the activity.
At first, your Bullmatian might be wary of strangers, but once he learns to trust a new person, he will show them plenty of love. Overall, these dogs make wonderful companions for active individuals and families.
Common Health Problems
As with all other hybrid dog breeds, the Bullmatian could inherit some of the health problems that are common to its parent breeds. However, there is no guarantee that your dog will ever suffer with any of these problems, and there is no way to determine the long-term health of an individual pet. Nevertheless, being aware of what to look out for will help you get your dog the veterinary care necessary sooner rather than later.
Bullmatians may suffer from patellar luxation, eye ailments, deafness, reverse sneezing, urolithiasis, hip dysplasia, tail ailments, skin ailments, head shakes, brachycephalic syndrome, bladder stones, and pyoderma.
Life Expectancy
The Bullmatian has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years.
Exercise Requirements
Your Bullmatian will need daily exercise, and an enclosed backyard is a great way to let your dog run freely and play to get his energy out.
Daily walks and jogs will keep your dog healthy and fit, and a trip to the dog park will also be a good way to let your dog play.
Finally, having a variety of toys to play with while indoors will keep your Bullmatian content and mentally stimulated.
The Bullmatian is sweet, smart, and filled with energy and enthusiasm.
Recognized Clubs
The Bullmatian is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Coat
The Bullmatian’s coat is short and straight, so your dog will need a low to moderate level of maintenance and grooming. The shedding will also be low to moderate, so you won’t be dealing with a lot of hair around the house.
You can brush your dog a couple of days out of the week in order to keep the coat shiny and healthy, as well as to remove dirt and loose hair. You can also give your dog a bath whenever he gets too dirty.
Puppies
A Bullmatian puppy will be small and delicate, so care should be taken to handle these pets gently. To help your puppy grow into a happy and friendly adult, be sure to start training him early, and allow him to meet a variety of people and animals so he will feel comfortable and confident around everyone.
Photo credit: 6SN7/Flickr
