The Bullmatian is a mixed breed dog — a cross between the Bulldog and Dalmatian dog breeds. Loving, energetic, and friendly, these pups inherited some of the best qualities from both of their parents.
You may find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to always adopt! Don’t shop if you’re looking to add a Bullmatian to your home!
Bullmatians are top-notch companion dogs. This mixed breed is known to be loving and friendly and also does very well around children. However, this energetic dog will need a high amount of regular exercise and a variety of play sessions. If you’re a rookie dog owner, then you should know that Bullmatians have a reputation for stubborness at times — they’re most likely to make a good fit for a seasoned dog owner who has a lot of experience training dogs.
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash like this one in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:11 to 24 inchesWeight:41 to 65 poundsLife Span:8 to 12 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- Bullmatians are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Dalmatian or Bulldog parents.
- While Bullmatians are super loyal dogs, they can be prone to bouts of stubbornness. They need patient and authoritative training.
- The Bullmatian has a spotted coat. Although, unlike Dalmatians, the spots will not always be black–colors like brown, orange, fawn, red, and brindle are frequently seen.
- Bullmatians are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring coat brushings only about three times a week.
- In general, Bullmatians prefer a moderate climate. They don’t have high tolerance for very hot and very cold environments, and you may need a doggy jacket in winter and sunscreen in the summer.
- Bullmatians tend to have high energy. They’ll happily join you for a jog or run.
History
The Bullmatian is a pretty new hybrid dog breed that was first discovered in Afghanistan.
When it comes to the mixed breed’s parentage, the Bulldog originated in England during the 1500s. It was a dog originally bred to take part in bull baiting–although once the practice was outlawed, Bulldogs became coveted as companion dogs. The Dalmatian was also popular in England, commonly being used as firehouse dogs charged with keeping watch over the stations.
The Bullmatian is a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. So consider contacting your local rescue groups and shelters if you’re thinking about adding the Bullmatian to your home.
Size
The Bullmatian is usually described as a medium-sized dog–although, as with all newer dog breeds, the exact size standards may vary.
Most weigh in at 41 to 65 pounds and range in height from eleven to 24 inches.
Personality
Bullmatians are social dogs with a strong active streak. This mixed breed loves to follow their owners around, and despite sometimes demonstrating a wariness towards strangers, they will be happy to take center stage at family get-togethers.
Exercise is a must for a Bullmatian’s daily routine. These dogs are always up for a walk, and if you’re a jogger, feel free to bring your Bullmatian along for the run! Ideally, a fenced in garden or yard will allow your Bullmatian to frolic outside on their own, too. Mental stimulation is also vital, so make sure to provide a range of interactive toys, and rotate them regularly.
While Bullmatians are super loyal dogs, they can be prone to bouts of stubbornness. This is why it’s imperative that they are trained and socialized correctly from an early age–and you might need to exercise a high degree of patience at first. But once your Bullmatian learns to trust and respect you, the breed proves to be a devoted dog and companion.
Health
Bullmatians are generally considered to be healthy dogs, although the breed can suffer from issues and ailments inherited from their parent breeds.
Some of the more common health problems Bullmatians suffer from include:
- Entropion and eye issues
- Patellar luxation
- Dermatitis
- Deafness
Care
As with all dogs, it’s important to keep up your Bullmatian’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Just like any other dog, Bullmatians can become obese due to overeating, so it is important to monitor food servings. Because the Bullmatian is such an active dog, it’s vital to keep up proper exercise routines. Try and aim for at least one and preferably two hours of physical exercise every day.
If possible, brush your Bullmatian’s teeth a few times a week, and as often as every day if your vet recommends so. The breed’s nails will also need to be trimmed, while weekly ear wipe sessions should be undertaken to lessen the risk of infection. Remember, a clean Bullmatian is a healthy Bullmatian!
Feeding
An ideal Bullmatian diet should be formulated for a medium-sized breed with high energy.
As with all dogs, the Bullmatian’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Bullmatian’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
As you’d expect from a dog with Dalmatian heritage, the Bullmatian has a spotted coat. Although, unlike Dalmatians, the spots will not always be black–colors like brown, orange, fawn, red, and brindle are frequently seen.
This breed’s coat is short-haired and straight. Bullmatians are relatively low maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring coat brushings only about three times a week.
In general, Bullmatians prefer a moderate climate. They’re not super great in very hot and very cold environments, so be on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion throughout the summer, and during the winter months consider picking up a snappy dog coat for your Bullmatian to wear.
Children And Other Pets
Bullmatians are great family dogs, and they are usually happy to form strong bonds with young children. But be sure to teach your kids how to respectfully interact with a dog and how to keep play sessions fun without becoming too boisterous. Supervision between kids and Bullmatians is key, especially during the early days together.
In general, Bullmatians are good around other pets, although always exercise caution before introducing new pets to each other.
As with all dogs, early socialization pays off, so make sure to reward your Bullmatian for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home. The payoff will be a dog who very quickly comes to consider you their best friend!
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Bullmatians because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Bulldog or Dalmatian breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Bulldog Club Of America Rescue Network
- Willing Hearts Dalmatian Rescue
