The Collie Dalmatian Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Collie and the Dalmatian. Both of these dogs have very sweet personalities and will probably have a moderate energy level. This is going to be a large dog that is very friendly and loves to be around people. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Collie or the Dalmatian? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Collie Dalmatian Mix.
While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Collie Dalmatian Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Collie Dalmatian Mix puppies for sale.
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All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.
Dalmatian History:
The first illustrations of the dog have been found in Croatia in the 1600’s. Like nearly every dog breed, they were used as dogs of war, to help hunt, and to protect the villages and houses. To this day, the breed retains a high guarding instinct; although friendly and loyal to those the dog knows and trusts. They have a strong hunting instinct and have been used as an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin and bird dogs among other things. You can’t talk about Dalmatians without talking about their role working for the firefighters for their role as firefighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots. It is thought they became so compatible with firehouses since they and horses are very compatible. the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires. They are also pretty good watchdogs and were used to help protect the firehouse from would be thieves stealing strong, steady horses.
Collie History:
Both Rough and Smooth collies come from a breed of herding dog that originated in Scotland and Wales.The Scottish variety was a large, strong, aggressive dog, bred to herd highland sheep. The Welsh variety was small and nimble, domesticated and friendly, and a little more relaxed than the other. The English interbred them with their own variety of sheepdogs. This is why you see different lengths of hair and other qualities. In the 1940’s it is thought that they were bred with the Borzoi (Russian Wolfhound). The Borzoi is where it get its longer muzzle from, this is one of the defining characteristics today. This is a herding and working breed with a higher energy level.Collie
Height: 20 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 50 - 80 lb.
Lifespan: 14 - 16 years
Dalmatian
Height: 22 - 24 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 35 - 70 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 13 years
This is a very loving and friendly dog that will greet you at the door each night with a smile and a wagging tail. They aim to please and love to be with their family. He wants to be with the “pack” and is a loving member of the family. He does not like being left alone for long and can suffer from separation anxiety. He prefers to be around people and a part of activities. Early socialization and positive reinforcement are vital for all dogs. He is intelligent so training should be moderately easy. He should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving him alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. He wants to be with the “pack.”
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
The Dalmatian mixed with the Collie might be prone to Joint dysplasia, allergies, among other problems.
Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.
What are the grooming requirements?
This will be a very heavy shedding dog. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week and get a good brush. Also, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.
What are the exercise requirements?
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a higher energy level as the Collie is a herding breed that was supposed to work all day. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog.
Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog.
What are the training requirements?
All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. The Collie is known for being hard-headed so plan on having to put a little more energy into that part. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.
A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible.
Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.
A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.