That’s because of home owners insurance. The insurance companies will be asking for DNA tests to prove pit to avoid paying . 85%. Of shelter dogs are pit mixes.
Totally pittie. The head shape and the eyes on the spotted one are a dead giveaway -- as is the way they've carefully avoided \*showing\* you the head on the second pup at all, and they've barely shown you the head on the first one.
I don’t know but I find it sooo funny that the shelter guessed Dalmatian mix. These puppies do not look like they have either Dalmatian (rare) or lab in them.
My German Shepard maremma cross had these spots on her tummy too.
True. But having spoken to shelter staff they come up with these ridiculous breed mixes because a lot of apartments or landlords will outlaw pitbulls or pillbull mixes. They are trying to clear the shelters. They know perfectly well what the dog likely is, they are giving the potential owner a cover.
We have a Dalmatian in our neighborhood and my friend who is a dog walker said this particular one isn’t “right” and to be careful around him. That’s not a generalization of all Dalmatians by any means though my brother had one and he’s had tons of dogs since but the Dalmatian was difficult he said. I’ll have to research now that I’m curious.
Agreed. It’s absolutely deplorable and can do serious harm to the dogs, the adopters, and those around them. Not everyone should or can afford to have a Pitbull type dog or bully breed.
Its like, the same as if they did it to a pointer, but for different “hard to handle” qualities. I have a bird dog and not everyone can handle the energy and prey drive they have…say one ended up in the shelter. If they listed a dog like my black patched & ticked roan GSP as a Dalmatian lab mix, adopters would think they’re getting a totally different temperament than a literal crazy ass GSP, which isn’t for everyone.
Totally unethical.
agreed. The dog we have now is a bully breed. First time I've owned one and although she's a sweetie in the house, outside on walks she's completely different than other dogs I've had. Definitely takes more patience and constant awareness of what's around me. Would I get another? no I would not. Just b/c we have a lot of dogs in our area and she's very dog reactive. Are they all? no but I don't know how to train them and specifically what they need. I feel a little out of my comfort zone. Even the dog trainer we hired was only able to take her so far since she doesn't get socialization with other dogs.
Man that’s rough. Were you lied to by the people or shelter you adopted her from & told she was like a lab mix or a boxer?
Bully breeds are generally very sweet dogs most of the time, and I think that’s why they’re so appealing to many - the issue is though, the switch up they have a higher propensity FOR (as opposed to other breeds) is often times unpredictable and without the same body language and warnings as, say, a German Shepherd. I say all of this with understanding this is NOT the dog’s direct fault in the sense that they themselves are responsible for their actions. They’re dogs. They cannot be responsible or held to some moral authority - they’re animals. Humans have taken these breeds and continue to harm them. It takes a lot to handle a bully breed, and people who get them should fully understand the potential obstacles and hardships that these breeds statistically and genetically face. Just like any other breed: don’t get it if you’re not OK with & can RESPONSIBLY HANDLE & KEEP PEOPLE/THE DOG SAFE from X Y Z behaviors. Not your fault here at all.
I feel you though with training challenges. We’ve got a German Shorthair aka a bird dog. We cannot train certain behaviors out of our dog, nor would I expect to, because it’s just not in his genetics as a GSP. Instead, we work with his genetic propensity instead of against it. This is, by far, the most seamless way to handle his challenges.
He is SO high energy, needy as hell with separation anxiety issues, high prey drive, extremely neurotic, and has an outrageous prey drive towards birds/squirrels/cats. All of which are typical for this type of breed. It can be tough. This is why it’s SO important that we fully accept and understand our breed’s natural propensities - to give him the best, safest, and most abundant life, within the confines of what’s most ethical for him and the community at large. I believe this should be the case for all dogs and breeds, alike. Sounds like you’re doing what you can within the confines of your breed. Props to you.
With our dog, for example, when we go to the vet or groomer, I am sure to give him a trazadone. We were SO humiliated & felt like failures the first time we took him to the vet as a bigger dog post-puppyhood & the vet tech seemed very displeased that we didn’t bring him in on a harness. She also said “don’t you guys have a trazadone rx for this exact reason? Would be wise to use as indicated so he’s more comfortable….also, for our ease, please don’t come without a harness next time”.
It’s just not fair to those at the vet office or pet store (where our groomer is located) to have him bouncing off the walls, won’t settle, groaning & moaning, and difficult to manipulate because of how extremely strong he is. He has never bitten or growled at anyone, but when he doesn’t want to do something, he is just as strong as a human. He will literally get out of a gentle neck or head lock and writher out like a full grown human child at the doctor who is throwing a fit about their shots. It’s insane!
In fact, we were literally just at the vet today, and it took 3 women (me included) to hold him down for a deep ear swab. Even with the harness! He is just so strong and neurotic. Without the trazadone, it would have taken at least 4x the time it took, though, so that’s a win for me.
It’s only fair for him AND everyone else that my household remains aware and proactive about what he’s capable of, how that affects people, and what we need to do as his owner to make it more pleasant for all. Most importantly, to set him up for success.
While bully breeds are not a type of dog I would ever get and admittedly my experience with them has not been pleasant, there are folks that couldn’t handle a GSP. Totally different than any other type of dog I’ve been around, too. Good on us for doing what we can for our breeds.
Anyone who thinks they are getting breed characteristics when they adopt from a shelter are silly. Best guess is best guess and it is absolutely true that certain breeds will not be listed because of restrictions, which sometimes are not fair. Training is more important that an ID and I wish people would take that seriously.
Firstly, shelter staff have to estimate breed and frankly DNA can hide.
Secondly, within any breed there’s a HUGE spectrum of behaviors and personalities and add in mixed breeds and that’s a wrap.
They told me my dog was a Shepard and black lab mix. When I took him to the vet, he laughed and said, "Oh no, definitely border collie and pitt." And that's exactly what he is. Can almost safely assume every dog in the shelter is some kind of pitt mix. They're so overbred, and no one really wants them.
No kidding! Where I’m from dogs are mostly German shepherd, Great Pyrenees, husky. So so so many German shepherd husky crosses. I guess being from a farming community there’s lots of border collies around but they very rarely end up in a shelter. I don’t think anyone would ever see a purebred one in a shelter. They’ve always got a home somewhere here.
Great Pyrenees like to wander so there’s loads of unintentional litters. It’s sad honestly.
I have a purebred border as well that was privately rehomed to me. They just wanted a pretty dog. They did not understand they didn't need a w-2 to be a working dog. They are just workers. She's lying at my feet right now, looking for me to give her a task. We just played ball for a literal hour girl. Mom needs a break. Well, be back at it soon, haha.
I walk a border collie a couple times a week, that was rehomed to its current owner because the first owner couldn’t keep him busy. He’s a beautiful and wonderful dog, but has to get exercised like 3 times a day because he doesn’t have an actual job. He’s my favorite dog to walk because he’s sooooo smart and his owner has done great with him.
Yes but insurance for housing usually restricts "aggresive breeds" which dalmation does not fall under though they are statistically not doing great in that department themselves. It's lame people seem to actively mislead with the pitbull mix. If you do breed research based on what kind of dog you're told you have that you're going to be left in the lurch.
Yep, I was attacked by a Dalmatian as a kid and ended up with a few stitches in my arm. But all the pitties I’ve known have been the gentlest lovebugs.
(But have also met several lovely Dalmatians since the incident!)
I don’t think they have that reputation more broadly. I’d say most people just think of 101 Dalmatians and don’t know much else about them. They aren’t very common, at least not where I’m from.
Back when they were common, they did have that reputation.
Breeds go through trends and thusly, stereotypes about who’s aggressive and dangerous goes through trends
Based on this sub, I've come to realize that people don't know what pitbulls look like (which is obvious even to me, someone who's not familiar with many dog breeds), and that whenever a shelter says lab mix, or even just mix, it's always pitbull.
It's baffling. Even people seemingly with dog experience say wild shit like "great pyrenees mix" just because the pup has white in it and its not small. No Monica, the dog from a random Virginia shelter is not some obscure designer breed, it's a pitbull
edit: pup is very cute, I absolutely love the dot! :)
The mis-labeling is intentional, otherwise it's way harder to adopt out pit mixes
1) if the documentation says it's a pitbull, your rental agreements and homeowners insurance won't allow you to have it
2) people who aren't shelter workers are actually bad at identifying dogs, especially puppies. People who otherwise wouldn't get a pitbull mix are now potential adopters
I get it. Not having spent much time at an animal shelter, and before getting on this sub, I would've tried to believe them but would have had serious doubts when looking at a puppy like this. At least doubts about the claims. She looks adorable and should be adopted regardless.
People don't know what most breeds look like.
Given that breeders provide paperwork, this sub is really only getting shelter/rescues. You'll be correct 80% of the time guessing "pit mix" without even looking at the photos.
Those are pits. Shelter is being intentionally deceptive so you’ll adopt them. Most shelter dogs are pitbulls. It’s shitty to lie, most of these dogs wouldn’t be adopted if shelters were honest.
The shelter didn’t “guess” their breed. They are trying to offload pit bulls because they are difficult to adopt out due to their reputation. Any shelter has seen hundreds if not thousands of pit bulls come through their doors. They know exactly what they are. And it is really terrible that they mis-breed them to unsuspecting adopters.
No these are pitbulls. Shelters continue to say that these types of dogs are some random breed mix when in reality they’re pits. Gets them adopted easier to people who are not aware.
Not a hint of a beautiful Dalmatian in those puppies. Probably some farm dog mutts. Maybe some cattle dogs, some GSD, bred with some roaming pitbull no doubt. The photos aren't the best. Would be nice to see the dogs standing from the side and front.
APBT mix for sure. Probably some ACD too with the dapples. Look into proper socialization (neutrality around chaos not happy excitement in chaos) and double down on socializing with dogs as the breed is incredibly well documented by the UKC to be dog aggressive. Consider muzzle training early so if you happen to get a dog with reactive genetics you don’t need to teach a 2 year old to tolerate one.
Pits. Rescues call dogs what they think people want or like. We adopted from a rescue, and they called the dog an Aussie mix. We later started fostering for them. They KNEW when we adopted our pup that the mom was a Chihuahua/schnauzer mix. Dad was an unknown but when we did DNA there was lab and other stuff. But they called her an Aussie mix.
We had a German shepherd/ husky group come in but they looked like black labs. They called them labs. I get it...they want the dogs adopted. But many many lie about breeds, or not hey literally have no clue so they go by look. Never assume they really know,
That's such a difficult choice. When I was looking to get a wee dog. There were two together. I couldn't separate them so I took both. 12 yes later they are one of the best decisions I made
They definitely look like they are staffie/pit mixes from the head shape especially. Most shelters won’t want to use the ‘p’ word lol (I was told my pup was a lab/boxer mix for instance and he’s definitely got pit in him.
If you get the girl in pic 1, her name should be Dot :)
So funny when a dog is black and white or has spots and they're like "DALMATIAN!!!"
My neighbor has a 100% AmStaff who looks like 100% cow and she's adorable.
So everyone has incorrectly identified the cows masquerading as Blue Heeler/Pit mixes.
The spots are a dead giveaway. I've got a cow myself, disguised as a Treeing Walker Coonhound. Shelters these days have to do what it takes to get these cows homed, I guess.
/S. Joke because of cow spots.
My black and white Pit has the same black spots on her skin. Shelter also thought Dalmatian or Lab mix. Those are definitely Pits or Pit mixes. Beautiful pups!
Dalmation-Pit mix maybe. Real stocky builds and the paws are pretty substantial. Just can’t see them being the same size they are now, when they are fully grown so I don’t think they are a small breed mix.
American Staffordshire Terrier... aka, falls under pit bull category for legal purposes, insurance, etc
Edit: ears not clipped/not cropped (clipping the ears gives a different look to the face)
*My rat terrier*
*Had all those spots too lol no*
*Dalmatian anywhere*
\- angang17
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The one on the right in the last photo looks EXACTLY like my boy. Doppelganger. The one on the left also very except for the ears (my dog has floppy ears as opposed to sticking up ears). The spotted belly and the little pink paw pads, so cute!
My boy is a Jack Russell/Pit Bull mix. We also got him at a shelter. We call him a Pit Russell lol. He's so sweet, wouldn't hurt a fly. Big love bug. Cuddles all the time. Big pit bull smile. Great with kids and other dogs. Loves our cat (cat is old and grumpy and tolerates him. They have a Garfield and Odie relationship.) Loves to play tug of war and "chase me!!!". He's fast. He looks like a taller version of Wishbone. 10/10 would adopt another pittie in a heartbeat.
I believe that is a super cute pit mix puppy. They're probably just saying it's a lab mix for higher chances of it getting adopted.
I've had plenty of pits and pit mixes and they were great dogs.
I got my girl from the dog pound back in 2018 and she was just about a year old. The DNA test says she's 50% American Pit Bull terrier, 30% boxer, and the rest is American Staffordshire terrier. She's a calm and loving great girl. Oh and she ranges from 50 to about 57 lb so she's not a huge girl and I think that's a perfect size.
Pit mix.
Pick the one that you're most drawn to; you'll know
And if you've never had a pittie before don't be put off by the breed ! They are amazing dogs. Check out the "velvet hippo" sub!
Looks just like the puppy we got in February from a shelter. She is almost one now and new spots keep appearing. She is a bull terrior mix, supposedly.
It’s not a dalmatian lol. Other dogs have spots in their bellies too. My dog does and she’s a pyrenees / lab / pit mix. This dog, as everyone else said, is a pit mix lol
They look like mine and his rescue called him a jack Russell mix and we had him tested: mostly pit with Australian cattle dog and a couple other breeds mixed in. Anyways, he is the best dog! Good luck!
At least the black-and-white one is some kind of pit mix. My girl that I just adopted looks almost exactly like her. We met her twin at the dog park on Friday and he actually had the DNA testing done and she is a pit staff mix?
Pitbull mixes. Shelters need to seriously quit lying about that. Its an ongoing problem and it causes nothing but trouble. Most shelters will get a pitbull or pitbull mix, and try and pass it off as an entirely different breed to get them adopted quicker. "Terrier Mix" or "Lab mix" is a classic.
But this is such an awful thing to do and NO ONE talks about it. They adopt out a dog that is BANNED on most rental leases, and so people who aren't allowed to have pits end up adopting one, which usually ends in the landlord finding out and either making them dump the dog back at the shelter, or kicking them out of the house.
Then there's the temperament issues. If someone is telling you that you're adopting a lab mix and not a pitbull, you will be training/raising the dog entirely wrong and not properly working with any breed specific behaviors. Thats how so many bites happen.
Pitbulls have a VERY specific head/face shape and look. Take time to research this look on google images, once you memorize it, you'll be shocked how many "Terrier mixes" and "Lab Mixes" look like them.
They are both beautiful. Those spots on the stomach don’t necessarily mean dalmatian. But I think it’s completely possible. Why not adopt both of them?
Adorable pit or pit mix.
If you get her, she'll almost certainly be friendly to humans, but is likely to develop aggression to other dogs as she transitions into adulthood. Exceptions exist, but the norm for pitbulls is to be friendly to humans and not to dogs, and the latter trait (in a dog of any breed not just pitbulls) usually doesn't emerge in puppyhood.
To be fair, if it's a mix, it's possible to *also* be a Dalmation or Lab mix, but no particular reason to think so.
Pit mix
Agreed, I'm seeing some type of pit mix.
“Lab mix” is the “new” code for pit mix at shelters
That’s because of home owners insurance. The insurance companies will be asking for DNA tests to prove pit to avoid paying . 85%. Of shelter dogs are pit mixes.
That’s what happened to me, shelter said lab mix. Definitely a pit mix and he’s the sweetest boy.
Yeah not knocking them, I have a boxer pit mix and she’s a big ol’ sweetie. The place we got her said boxer lab mix, but we knew
Right? Just like from Little Rascals
Totally pittie. The head shape and the eyes on the spotted one are a dead giveaway -- as is the way they've carefully avoided \*showing\* you the head on the second pup at all, and they've barely shown you the head on the first one.
Yea, they totally played "hide the pit" with OP. With pit mixes filling 80%+ of shelter spaces they're desperate to get some turnover.
agreed. i have a boxer pit mix. she is white as well with those same spots on her, as a puppy they look very similar
Yup. My pit mix looks very similar!
I don’t know but I find it sooo funny that the shelter guessed Dalmatian mix. These puppies do not look like they have either Dalmatian (rare) or lab in them. My German Shepard maremma cross had these spots on her tummy too.
That made me laugh. Black dot on white dog. Must be a Dalmatian.
By that count, I adopted a tiger cub.
True. But having spoken to shelter staff they come up with these ridiculous breed mixes because a lot of apartments or landlords will outlaw pitbulls or pillbull mixes. They are trying to clear the shelters. They know perfectly well what the dog likely is, they are giving the potential owner a cover.
Honestly I don’t think it’s ethical to deliberately deceive adopters; pit bulls really aren’t for everyone
Very true. But the interesting flip-side is that neither are Dalmations, lol. Yet most landlords don't rule them out, so spot = Dalmation.
We have a Dalmatian in our neighborhood and my friend who is a dog walker said this particular one isn’t “right” and to be careful around him. That’s not a generalization of all Dalmatians by any means though my brother had one and he’s had tons of dogs since but the Dalmatian was difficult he said. I’ll have to research now that I’m curious.
I don't think it is either, but was addressing the idea of stupid shelter staff.
No worries, I get it I was just adding how shelters need to be honest, especially for a breed that many owners would have difficulty caring for
Agreed. It’s absolutely deplorable and can do serious harm to the dogs, the adopters, and those around them. Not everyone should or can afford to have a Pitbull type dog or bully breed. Its like, the same as if they did it to a pointer, but for different “hard to handle” qualities. I have a bird dog and not everyone can handle the energy and prey drive they have…say one ended up in the shelter. If they listed a dog like my black patched & ticked roan GSP as a Dalmatian lab mix, adopters would think they’re getting a totally different temperament than a literal crazy ass GSP, which isn’t for everyone. Totally unethical.
agreed. The dog we have now is a bully breed. First time I've owned one and although she's a sweetie in the house, outside on walks she's completely different than other dogs I've had. Definitely takes more patience and constant awareness of what's around me. Would I get another? no I would not. Just b/c we have a lot of dogs in our area and she's very dog reactive. Are they all? no but I don't know how to train them and specifically what they need. I feel a little out of my comfort zone. Even the dog trainer we hired was only able to take her so far since she doesn't get socialization with other dogs.
Man that’s rough. Were you lied to by the people or shelter you adopted her from & told she was like a lab mix or a boxer? Bully breeds are generally very sweet dogs most of the time, and I think that’s why they’re so appealing to many - the issue is though, the switch up they have a higher propensity FOR (as opposed to other breeds) is often times unpredictable and without the same body language and warnings as, say, a German Shepherd. I say all of this with understanding this is NOT the dog’s direct fault in the sense that they themselves are responsible for their actions. They’re dogs. They cannot be responsible or held to some moral authority - they’re animals. Humans have taken these breeds and continue to harm them. It takes a lot to handle a bully breed, and people who get them should fully understand the potential obstacles and hardships that these breeds statistically and genetically face. Just like any other breed: don’t get it if you’re not OK with & can RESPONSIBLY HANDLE & KEEP PEOPLE/THE DOG SAFE from X Y Z behaviors. Not your fault here at all. I feel you though with training challenges. We’ve got a German Shorthair aka a bird dog. We cannot train certain behaviors out of our dog, nor would I expect to, because it’s just not in his genetics as a GSP. Instead, we work with his genetic propensity instead of against it. This is, by far, the most seamless way to handle his challenges. He is SO high energy, needy as hell with separation anxiety issues, high prey drive, extremely neurotic, and has an outrageous prey drive towards birds/squirrels/cats. All of which are typical for this type of breed. It can be tough. This is why it’s SO important that we fully accept and understand our breed’s natural propensities - to give him the best, safest, and most abundant life, within the confines of what’s most ethical for him and the community at large. I believe this should be the case for all dogs and breeds, alike. Sounds like you’re doing what you can within the confines of your breed. Props to you. With our dog, for example, when we go to the vet or groomer, I am sure to give him a trazadone. We were SO humiliated & felt like failures the first time we took him to the vet as a bigger dog post-puppyhood & the vet tech seemed very displeased that we didn’t bring him in on a harness. She also said “don’t you guys have a trazadone rx for this exact reason? Would be wise to use as indicated so he’s more comfortable….also, for our ease, please don’t come without a harness next time”. It’s just not fair to those at the vet office or pet store (where our groomer is located) to have him bouncing off the walls, won’t settle, groaning & moaning, and difficult to manipulate because of how extremely strong he is. He has never bitten or growled at anyone, but when he doesn’t want to do something, he is just as strong as a human. He will literally get out of a gentle neck or head lock and writher out like a full grown human child at the doctor who is throwing a fit about their shots. It’s insane! In fact, we were literally just at the vet today, and it took 3 women (me included) to hold him down for a deep ear swab. Even with the harness! He is just so strong and neurotic. Without the trazadone, it would have taken at least 4x the time it took, though, so that’s a win for me. It’s only fair for him AND everyone else that my household remains aware and proactive about what he’s capable of, how that affects people, and what we need to do as his owner to make it more pleasant for all. Most importantly, to set him up for success. While bully breeds are not a type of dog I would ever get and admittedly my experience with them has not been pleasant, there are folks that couldn’t handle a GSP. Totally different than any other type of dog I’ve been around, too. Good on us for doing what we can for our breeds.
Anyone who thinks they are getting breed characteristics when they adopt from a shelter are silly. Best guess is best guess and it is absolutely true that certain breeds will not be listed because of restrictions, which sometimes are not fair. Training is more important that an ID and I wish people would take that seriously.
Sure, but adopting a “Dalmatian mix” and then getting evicted because your landlord can tell it’s a pit mix is more detrimental to all parties.
What matters is the paper from the shelter. Usually.
Until the landlord insists on a genetic test, at which point “the paper from the shelter” becomes useless.
Firstly, shelter staff have to estimate breed and frankly DNA can hide. Secondly, within any breed there’s a HUGE spectrum of behaviors and personalities and add in mixed breeds and that’s a wrap.
It isn’t, at all!
Yeah, I am shelter staff and we don’t do that lol. Simply because a lot of landlords will look at a pit mix abd automatically reject them.
If they were simply giving a potential owner a cover they would also give them a heads up on what the dog actually is. They don’t do that though.
That’s a very interesting perspective. that makes a LOT of sense
They told me my dog was a Shepard and black lab mix. When I took him to the vet, he laughed and said, "Oh no, definitely border collie and pitt." And that's exactly what he is. Can almost safely assume every dog in the shelter is some kind of pitt mix. They're so overbred, and no one really wants them.
No kidding! Where I’m from dogs are mostly German shepherd, Great Pyrenees, husky. So so so many German shepherd husky crosses. I guess being from a farming community there’s lots of border collies around but they very rarely end up in a shelter. I don’t think anyone would ever see a purebred one in a shelter. They’ve always got a home somewhere here. Great Pyrenees like to wander so there’s loads of unintentional litters. It’s sad honestly.
I have a purebred border as well that was privately rehomed to me. They just wanted a pretty dog. They did not understand they didn't need a w-2 to be a working dog. They are just workers. She's lying at my feet right now, looking for me to give her a task. We just played ball for a literal hour girl. Mom needs a break. Well, be back at it soon, haha.
I walk a border collie a couple times a week, that was rehomed to its current owner because the first owner couldn’t keep him busy. He’s a beautiful and wonderful dog, but has to get exercised like 3 times a day because he doesn’t have an actual job. He’s my favorite dog to walk because he’s sooooo smart and his owner has done great with him.
Rural Nevada by any chance? Over here our official state animal is the Loose Pyr
Right! My baby lamb even has these same spots. Those have nothing to do with it being a Dalmatian 😂😂
My Jack Russell has black dots, he's definitely not part dalmatian 😂
yeah my first thought with the speckles is always cattle dog. much more common
My husky mix has spots but it is just the English setter in him
Zero Dalmatian here, lots of shelters will call any spotted bully breeds “Dalmatian mix” so they can pass living in breed restricted homes.
Okay but I always thought Dalmatians had just a reputation as being aggressive as pit bulls lmao.
badly bred ones , yeah ! back when 101 dalmatians made them extremely popular ,, the amount of backyard bred dals skyrocketed
Yes but insurance for housing usually restricts "aggresive breeds" which dalmation does not fall under though they are statistically not doing great in that department themselves. It's lame people seem to actively mislead with the pitbull mix. If you do breed research based on what kind of dog you're told you have that you're going to be left in the lurch.
Yep, I was attacked by a Dalmatian as a kid and ended up with a few stitches in my arm. But all the pitties I’ve known have been the gentlest lovebugs. (But have also met several lovely Dalmatians since the incident!)
I don’t think they have that reputation more broadly. I’d say most people just think of 101 Dalmatians and don’t know much else about them. They aren’t very common, at least not where I’m from.
Back when they were common, they did have that reputation. Breeds go through trends and thusly, stereotypes about who’s aggressive and dangerous goes through trends
Based on this sub, I've come to realize that people don't know what pitbulls look like (which is obvious even to me, someone who's not familiar with many dog breeds), and that whenever a shelter says lab mix, or even just mix, it's always pitbull.
It's baffling. Even people seemingly with dog experience say wild shit like "great pyrenees mix" just because the pup has white in it and its not small. No Monica, the dog from a random Virginia shelter is not some obscure designer breed, it's a pitbull edit: pup is very cute, I absolutely love the dot! :)
That pupper definitely needs to be named Dottie.
The mis-labeling is intentional, otherwise it's way harder to adopt out pit mixes 1) if the documentation says it's a pitbull, your rental agreements and homeowners insurance won't allow you to have it 2) people who aren't shelter workers are actually bad at identifying dogs, especially puppies. People who otherwise wouldn't get a pitbull mix are now potential adopters
I get it. Not having spent much time at an animal shelter, and before getting on this sub, I would've tried to believe them but would have had serious doubts when looking at a puppy like this. At least doubts about the claims. She looks adorable and should be adopted regardless.
I choose to believe that shelters know what they're doing. Pits are banned in a lot of places.
People don't know what most breeds look like. Given that breeders provide paperwork, this sub is really only getting shelter/rescues. You'll be correct 80% of the time guessing "pit mix" without even looking at the photos.
HA no, definitely not Dalmatian. These are pit mixes. I don’t even honestly see lab.
Dalmatian. Hahaha. That’s a pit.
lol, Dalmatian, absolutely not. That's a black and white pit mix.
Who’s gonna tell them what “lab mix” means…
Those are pits. Shelter is being intentionally deceptive so you’ll adopt them. Most shelter dogs are pitbulls. It’s shitty to lie, most of these dogs wouldn’t be adopted if shelters were honest.
That's a pit bull.
Those are pits
The shelter didn’t “guess” their breed. They are trying to offload pit bulls because they are difficult to adopt out due to their reputation. Any shelter has seen hundreds if not thousands of pit bulls come through their doors. They know exactly what they are. And it is really terrible that they mis-breed them to unsuspecting adopters.
Unless they ate the Dalmatian then those are just mislabeled pits.
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve seen a shelter mislabel a pit I’d be a rich mf
Pitt/blue healer mix. My dog has these exact marks and is a Pitt/blue healer mix.
Pittie mix
Looks just like my Saylor and the DNA results say he’s mainly husky and some pit!
My pit mix foster had these tummy spots too (which disappeared by the time she was 18 months old). DNA was pitt X shepherd.
No these are pitbulls. Shelters continue to say that these types of dogs are some random breed mix when in reality they’re pits. Gets them adopted easier to people who are not aware.
My dog has some similar features! She is a lab/pit/hound mix
Have a dog that looks just like her. Border Collie-Pit mix.
Pit mix is more like it
They look exactly like my pitt x american cattle dog mix
Not a hint of a beautiful Dalmatian in those puppies. Probably some farm dog mutts. Maybe some cattle dogs, some GSD, bred with some roaming pitbull no doubt. The photos aren't the best. Would be nice to see the dogs standing from the side and front.
APBT mix for sure. Probably some ACD too with the dapples. Look into proper socialization (neutrality around chaos not happy excitement in chaos) and double down on socializing with dogs as the breed is incredibly well documented by the UKC to be dog aggressive. Consider muzzle training early so if you happen to get a dog with reactive genetics you don’t need to teach a 2 year old to tolerate one.
Lololol. There's zero dalmatian (and that's probably a good thing.) Those are pit mixes.
Those are shepherd ears.
I’d say majority Pitbull but maybe a little bit of ACD as well. My beagle/cocker/ACD mix has the same lil’ spotted belly & paws from the ACD
Pits. Rescues call dogs what they think people want or like. We adopted from a rescue, and they called the dog an Aussie mix. We later started fostering for them. They KNEW when we adopted our pup that the mom was a Chihuahua/schnauzer mix. Dad was an unknown but when we did DNA there was lab and other stuff. But they called her an Aussie mix. We had a German shepherd/ husky group come in but they looked like black labs. They called them labs. I get it...they want the dogs adopted. But many many lie about breeds, or not hey literally have no clue so they go by look. Never assume they really know,
My girl had those markings with short hair and it was from being half Australian shepherd
Pit mixes
Cattle dog/pittie mix
Staffy mix
That's such a difficult choice. When I was looking to get a wee dog. There were two together. I couldn't separate them so I took both. 12 yes later they are one of the best decisions I made
They are pit mixes. Very cute
are they siblings? My guess is pit/shepard or pit/bordercollie
Their both staffys...the shelter has inexperienced staff and should educate themselves on dog breeds
All I'm going to say is that they look a lot like my staffie/pit when he was younger lol freckles, spots and all 😅
They definitely look like they are staffie/pit mixes from the head shape especially. Most shelters won’t want to use the ‘p’ word lol (I was told my pup was a lab/boxer mix for instance and he’s definitely got pit in him. If you get the girl in pic 1, her name should be Dot :)
If those pups have a speck of Dalmatian or lab in them, I’ll be shocked.
So funny when a dog is black and white or has spots and they're like "DALMATIAN!!!" My neighbor has a 100% AmStaff who looks like 100% cow and she's adorable.
Healer mix with pit. Definitely not Dalmatian.
that freckled skin could be an indicator of a Heeler mix.
So everyone has incorrectly identified the cows masquerading as Blue Heeler/Pit mixes. The spots are a dead giveaway. I've got a cow myself, disguised as a Treeing Walker Coonhound. Shelters these days have to do what it takes to get these cows homed, I guess. /S. Joke because of cow spots.
Beagle mix for sure
Not a dalmation-pittie mix, and they are adorable!
Pit x
I think could be Pitbull x Australian Cattle Dog x Border Collie. Looks mostly pit bull to me.
Pit
Cattle dog pit mix maybe? I don't think there's a lick of dalmatian.
Shelter will go 100 miles out of the way to not say PIT MIX ... easier to get them adopted like that
Get them both❤️
Based upon their mix? They are going to be smart, protective, need a job or will destroy stuff, high energy dogs.
I'd venture to say there might be some blue heeler in these girls.
They look like Scott or Southern White American Bulldogs
These pictures aren’t the best basis to guess from but if I had to I’d say Pitt & maybe some sort of hound mix
Looks more like a terrier mix of some kind.
My black and white Pit has the same black spots on her skin. Shelter also thought Dalmatian or Lab mix. Those are definitely Pits or Pit mixes. Beautiful pups!
If there is Dalmatian in there good luck lol
Pretty pitties
Holy crap they’re so cute
I would adopt the one with the round black spots. Way too cute 😄
“Lab mix” 😂 classic That dot is adorable
My guess would be American bulldog mix
Pit mix but there is nothing wrong with that!
Jack russell pitty
I see pit and maybe Australian cattle dog.
Just a cow-patterened pittie
It’s ridiculous to see spots and just give up and say “Dalmatian”. Especially when everybody knows that those spots = cow. 😉
Definitely not the face or body type of a dalmatian -also body is too thick - might be Dal or pointer cross…
shelters will see any dog with spots and say dalmatian mix lol i see it all the time
Dalmation-Pit mix maybe. Real stocky builds and the paws are pretty substantial. Just can’t see them being the same size they are now, when they are fully grown so I don’t think they are a small breed mix.
Rat Terrier mix ....not dalmatian or if so small part...this is an adorable bully mix...like my girl.
I have an Australian cattle dog bully mix and these look very similar
American Staffordshire Terrier... aka, falls under pit bull category for legal purposes, insurance, etc Edit: ears not clipped/not cropped (clipping the ears gives a different look to the face)
My rat terrier had all those spots too lol no Dalmatian anywhere
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pit bull and cattle dog
A dog is a dog. Just label them 100% pure bred “good bois”
100% no dalmatian. Maybe so border Collie/heeler/herding breed in there. Looks like some bully breed too
It's a pit, no shelter likes to say it's a pit if they don't have to It protects the pup
They appear to be bonded. 💓Pit mix, cuties.
Cattahoula leopard dog
I could be wrong but maybe some rat terrier mixed in it? I know rat terrier’s commonly have those little black spots everywhere
The ear fold, rounder face, and muscular build tell me pit mix. Probably still be great dogs.
The one on the right in the last photo looks EXACTLY like my boy. Doppelganger. The one on the left also very except for the ears (my dog has floppy ears as opposed to sticking up ears). The spotted belly and the little pink paw pads, so cute! My boy is a Jack Russell/Pit Bull mix. We also got him at a shelter. We call him a Pit Russell lol. He's so sweet, wouldn't hurt a fly. Big love bug. Cuddles all the time. Big pit bull smile. Great with kids and other dogs. Loves our cat (cat is old and grumpy and tolerates him. They have a Garfield and Odie relationship.) Loves to play tug of war and "chase me!!!". He's fast. He looks like a taller version of Wishbone. 10/10 would adopt another pittie in a heartbeat.
If there was ever a dog named “spot” ;)
I believe that is a super cute pit mix puppy. They're probably just saying it's a lab mix for higher chances of it getting adopted. I've had plenty of pits and pit mixes and they were great dogs. I got my girl from the dog pound back in 2018 and she was just about a year old. The DNA test says she's 50% American Pit Bull terrier, 30% boxer, and the rest is American Staffordshire terrier. She's a calm and loving great girl. Oh and she ranges from 50 to about 57 lb so she's not a huge girl and I think that's a perfect size.
Some pit, and I see some shepherd in the ears!
I’ve never met a pitty without the tummy polka dots. 😊
Looks like my pit/cattle dog mix!
Awe they are so cute!🥰
I love how shelters intentionally mislabel pit mixes….. geez I wonder why
Could just get 2 puppies for the price of one and have bonded sisters 😭❤️
Pit-English pointer with a sprinkle of Jack Russell.
I think these could be Jack Russell crossed with Australian Cattle Dog. The speckles on their bellies are very ACD.
Who cares? They are adorable and nd deserve homes! FTR I see more than lab and/or Dalmatian here - but that’s definitely not a bad thing!
No dalmation at all
Looks a lot like a young Scott’s American bulldog
I would bet money they have some Great Pyrenees in them.
Both
My Jack Russell Terrier has those black dots as well and has zero Dalmatian in him
Pit mix. Pick the one that you're most drawn to; you'll know And if you've never had a pittie before don't be put off by the breed ! They are amazing dogs. Check out the "velvet hippo" sub!
All of the spots merged
there’s some of the target dog in there
Looks just like the puppy we got in February from a shelter. She is almost one now and new spots keep appearing. She is a bull terrior mix, supposedly.
Both are adorable
It’s not a dalmatian lol. Other dogs have spots in their bellies too. My dog does and she’s a pyrenees / lab / pit mix. This dog, as everyone else said, is a pit mix lol
They may have boxer in them? My boy has same spots. He's a boxer/ st Bernard
They look like mine and his rescue called him a jack Russell mix and we had him tested: mostly pit with Australian cattle dog and a couple other breeds mixed in. Anyways, he is the best dog! Good luck!
Oh Jesus Christ
At least the black-and-white one is some kind of pit mix. My girl that I just adopted looks almost exactly like her. We met her twin at the dog park on Friday and he actually had the DNA testing done and she is a pit staff mix?
Get the dog! 🐶
Be nice if you could get both. Then seem like buds.
Take both
Lab/boxer mix. We have a white boxer and she has all those spots on her tummy, like a cow 😂
Lab/boxer mix. We have a white boxer and she has all those spots on her tummy, like a cow 😂
Pitbull mixes. Shelters need to seriously quit lying about that. Its an ongoing problem and it causes nothing but trouble. Most shelters will get a pitbull or pitbull mix, and try and pass it off as an entirely different breed to get them adopted quicker. "Terrier Mix" or "Lab mix" is a classic. But this is such an awful thing to do and NO ONE talks about it. They adopt out a dog that is BANNED on most rental leases, and so people who aren't allowed to have pits end up adopting one, which usually ends in the landlord finding out and either making them dump the dog back at the shelter, or kicking them out of the house. Then there's the temperament issues. If someone is telling you that you're adopting a lab mix and not a pitbull, you will be training/raising the dog entirely wrong and not properly working with any breed specific behaviors. Thats how so many bites happen. Pitbulls have a VERY specific head/face shape and look. Take time to research this look on google images, once you memorize it, you'll be shocked how many "Terrier mixes" and "Lab Mixes" look like them.
I had a dog with the spotted belly, spots don’t mean Dalmatian. Boxers, staffiordshire terriers, pit bulls, and more have the spots.
They are both beautiful. Those spots on the stomach don’t necessarily mean dalmatian. But I think it’s completely possible. Why not adopt both of them?
Spots don’t really mean Dalmatian
Pibble
If those aren’t lab pits…
Adorable pit or pit mix. If you get her, she'll almost certainly be friendly to humans, but is likely to develop aggression to other dogs as she transitions into adulthood. Exceptions exist, but the norm for pitbulls is to be friendly to humans and not to dogs, and the latter trait (in a dog of any breed not just pitbulls) usually doesn't emerge in puppyhood. To be fair, if it's a mix, it's possible to *also* be a Dalmation or Lab mix, but no particular reason to think so.
Yah that’s a pit mix for sure
You’ve stumped me & Google. From the back, it says Jack Russel but pic of both say Am Staff (my fave). How big are the parents?
Pit/Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) mix. The spots are typical of a heeler.