Bullmatian Dog Breed Information

Group

Unrecognized

Weight

41-65 lb

Height

11-24 inches

Lifespan

8-12 years

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About the Bullmatian

Reviewed by:

Dr. Charlotte Francesca Stiles

Veterinarian

Bulldogs and Dalmatians are two of the most popular dogs in the world. At some point in history, someone had the excellent idea of combining these two breeds to create the cute, friendly and downright joyful Bullmatian.

In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about this unique and rare breed. We’ll delve into the history of the Bullmatian and explore the key traits that all potential owners need to know about.

What is the history & origin of the Bullmatian?

The Bullmatian is a relatively new crossbreed that was first found in Afghanistan. Although it is considered a “designer dog breed”, the Bullmatian is an extremely loyal and intelligent companion dog.

As you may have guessed, a Bullmatian is a cross between a Bulldog and a Dalmatian. The Bulldog can be traced back to 1500s England, where it was bred for a sport known as “bull-baiting”. This practice was eventually banned for being inhumane and involved setting dogs on a bull that was tied up in the middle of an arena.

Dalmations have served very different purposes throughout history. These animals were initially used as “firehouse dogs”, which were put on guard to watch over the fire stations. This also mostly occurred in England.

What is a Bullmatian breed?

As a Bulldog and Dalmatian cross, a Bullmatian inherits characteristics from both of those dog breeds. You can expect your Bullmatian to be very loyal, friendly amongst family members and keen to exercise. Bullmatians can also be stubborn and need to be trained and socialised from an early age.

A Bullmatian’s need to exercise is something all potential owners should understand before getting one. Good physical and mental stimulation is absolutely essential for a Bullmatian to stay fit, healthy and happy. Unlike Bulldogs, Bullmatians are agile and fast enough to join in on jogs and long hikes.

Unlike some other mixed-breed dogs, a Bullmatian looks like a true combination of the parent breeds. You get the Dalmatian’s iconic spots and coat, but with the smaller size and face shape of a Bulldog. This blend is what puts Bullmatians into the “designer dogs” category.

Who is a Bullmatian best for?

Bullmatians are highly social dogs who love being at the centre of family gatherings. They’re also caring of people they know and are gentle and kind around kids. They can be a little cautious of strangers at first, but they soon warm up to new faces.

Although this might make a Bullmatian sound like the perfect first dog, it’s important to remember that the breed can be very cheeky and stubborn. This can make it tough to train a Bullmatian, and owners need to be on the ball from day one if they want to keep their dog in check.

For this reason, we think that this breed is best suited for experienced owners who are looking for a loyal and active companion dog. Bullmatians are true bundles of joy that everyone in your household with quickly fall in love with, including other pets!

Bullmatian Grooming & Shedding

Since Bullmatians have a short and straight coat, they don’t require too much maintenance. It’s good to run a brush through your Bullmatian regularly, though, since the breed does shed at quite a fast rate.

It’s also important to note that Bullmatians produce quite a high concentration of allergens.

Do Bullmatians bark a lot?

A Bullmatian is not a dog that barks very much. This characteristic comes from the parent dog breeds: a Bulldog uses grunts to communicate, and a Dalmatian expresses itself through vocalisations.

Your Bullmatian is much more likely to show its feelings through displays of stubbornness.

What is the average weight & height of a Bullmatian dog?

Overall, the Bullmatian is a medium-sized breed.

Weight
- An adult Bullmatian comes in at 41-65 pounds.
Size
- Bullmatians are broad and stocky, measuring around 30-40 inches long and between 11 and 24 inches from the floor to the shoulder.

Are Bullmatians easy to train?

Bullmatians are very intelligent and will quickly pick up new training routines. However, the breed is extremely stubborn and most inexperienced trainers won’t be able to make progress when the dog doesn’t want to practice.

How do Bullmatians behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Bullmatians are always very gentle and kind amongst people. They love playing alongside kids, especially when it’s a game that involves running around and chasing. In general, Bullmatians are very respectful and safe pets.

This breed is also good around other dogs and pets, but it’s always good to approach any introduction with caution. Socialising your Bullmatian with other dogs as soon as possible is definitely recommended.

As we’ve already mentioned, this medium-sized dog has a strong, active streak. For this reason, a Bullmatian will be keen to develop regular exercise habits. Following a run-around, your dog will love to relax with the family or take a nap before the next bit of fun.

Living Needs

Bullmatians can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long. If you have another pet, then your Bullmatian will definitely appreciate having it around for company when you’re not there.

Bullmatians need very regular exercise and can benefit greatly from places with a safe outdoor space. If you have a garden, try and play with your Bullmatian there whenever you can.

Does the Bullmatian have any common health issues?

Here are some common ailments from the parent dog breeds that a Bullmatian might inherit. These include:

Entropion and Eye Problems: Conditions like entropion, where the eyelids roll inward, can cause irritation and discomfort.
Deafness: This can be a concern, especially in Dalmatians, so hearing checks are important.
Dermatitis: Skin issues, including allergies and infections, can affect the Bullmatian.
Patellar Luxation: This occurs when the kneecap dislocates, which can lead to pain and mobility problems.

What is the lifespan of a Bullmatian?

The Bullmatian has an average lifespan of 8 to 12 years. This is shorter than a Dalmatian (10-13 years) but longer than a Bulldog (8-10 years).

How much does a Bullmatian need to be fed?

Since a Bullmatian is an extremely active dog, weight issues shouldn’t be a huge concern. Of course, it’s still important to give your pet the right portion size to keep your dog healthy and happy in the long run.

How much can you expect to pay for a Bullmatian in Australia?

Bullmatian puppies are quite rare in Australia, but they’re relatively inexpensive, especially for a “designer breed”. You should expect to pay between $400 and $800 Australian dollars for a Bullmatian from a reputable breeder.

Bullmatian FAQs

Is a Bullmatian ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Bullmatians are super friendly, kind and cheerful. They’re gentle dogs that love playing with kids and being part of the family. However, Bullmatians are notoriously stubborn and won’t put up with any nonsense. This can make them quite challenging to train.

Because of this, it’s difficult to recommend a Bullmatian puppy to a first-time dog owner who wants an easy, straightforward experience. If you do get a Bullmatian, then you’ve got to be prepared to put in the work.

Do Bullmatians suffer from separation anxiety?

Bulldogs, in particular, are prone to separation anxiety. This is because they have been bred as companion dogs and require close contact with their owner to maintain their mental wellbeing. Separation anxiety is also common amongst Dalmatians.

As you might expect, a Bulldog-Dalmatian mix inherits this characteristic. Of course, the amount of separation anxiety a Bullmatian suffers will be different for each individual, but generally, Bullmatians thrive with consistent company.

Are Bullmatians hypoallergenic dogs?

Both Bulldogs and Dalmatians are high-allergen-producing dogs, and the Bullmatian breed is no different. If you or your family members struggle with allergies, then a Bullmatian might not be the best choice for your household.

Since this breed produces a high amount of allergens, anti-allergy medication probably isn’t going to be strong enough to overcome them.

Will a Bullmatian need professional grooming?

A Bullmatian has short, smooth hair, so it typically won’t require much professional grooming. Running a brush through a Bullmatian’s coat regularly will keep it beautiful and shiny. Brushing is also recommended in order to minimise shedding.

This definitely doesn’t mean you can’t treat your Bullmatian to a professional groom every once in a while! Grooming isn’t just about keeping a dog’s hair short but ensuring the coat is clean and healthy too.