Dalmatian dogs are known for their distinct appearance. They are naturally graced with black spots on their white coat. There are few dogs worldwide that have such distinctive features.
When this beautiful breed is mixed with one of the most significant species globally, the Great Dane, the result is a Great Dalmatian!
Great dalmations are the best of both worlds. They show the features of both of their parent breeds. For example, they get the agility, energy, and speed of dalmatians and the massive size and strength of the Great Danes.
If you plan to purchase or adopt a Dalmatian-Great Dane mix, here are six things you should know about them.
1. Coat and color
Dalmatian-Great Dane mix has a shorter coat. They come in various colors like white, black, and brindle. Some other colors like olive, lemon, and liver with some spots are more common. These spots are gifts from their parent breed, declamations.
2. Personality and Temperament
The dalmatians and Great Danes are both loyal and well-mannered dogs. As a result, their offspring breed Dalmatian-Great Dane mix also show the same personality traits. The bulkiness and size from the Great Danes and the agility and speed they receive from dalmations make Dalmatian-Great Dane mix an excellent watchdog.
Dalmations are full of energy, while it isn’t the same with Great Danes. They are more reserved, and therefore the Dalmatian-Great Dane mix is somewhere in between. They are not as active as dalmations but are more active than great Danes. They need some physical movements to stay happy and healthy.
Dalmatian-Great Dane mixes love their families. They quickly get affectionate towards you and crave your attention. That’s the reason why Great Dals get lonely and sad when they are left alone for a longer time. They are patient, calm, and tolerant, making them good family dogs. They are cheerful around children and other pets as well.
3. Physical Activity
As mentioned earlier, they are more reserved and may not have lots of energy. That makes them perfect for relaxed households. Still, they need to do some physical activity to keep themselves healthy. Apart from the daily walks, some outdoor playtime will keep them calm and active once in a while. You can give them interactive toys to stimulate their thinking abilities and physical fitness.
4. Socialization
Dogs are supposed to alert you of strangers, but they should not attack them out of spite. When dogs are made familiarized with strangers and other dogs when they are puppies, they become aggressive and rebellious. It would be best to socialize with more people to get comfortable and not restless after seeing more people.
You can take them to the nearest dog park for a walk and playtime. Let them be comfortable around people. They get the chance to meet other dogs and lots of strangers, so they do not get wary of people and become calmer.
4. Grooming needs
Great Dalmation does not require much maintenance, unlike many other designer dog breeds. They have a short coat which does not get dirty often. Therefore, bathing once or twice a month is enough to keep them healthy and clean. Additionally, you can brush their coat once a week to remove stray hair and get more luster to their coat. Though they have a shorter coat, they shed a lot throughout the year, so keep that in mind. Remember to clip their nails with dog nail clippers to avoid infections. Clean their eyes and ears to remove any dirt and wax buildup. Overall, great dals need very low maintenance as compared to other crossbreeds.
5. Lifespan
Great Dals have an average lifespan of 7-10 years. They live a happy, playful life in their lifespan, and their calm, majestic and striking presence can liven up any room.
Conclusion
Great deals are popular breeds across people who love large dogs. Despite their size, they are surprisingly calmer, making them great around children. Before deciding on a Great Dalmatian for your home, remember to consider the above things.
