In a mixture of spots and stripes, two four-legged best friends have struck up an unusual bond in the eastern German town of Magdeburg.

Jack, the four-year-old dalmatian and his best friend, Bombay, the white tiger cub have grown up together in Circus Williams and have become bosom buddies.

Bombay was born in America, but after being rejected by his mother, was sent to Germany, where she has been cared for by the circus for the last six months.

She and Jack hit it off immediately and can now be seen playing together and cuddling into one another.

If in the wild the pair would have a slightly different relationship, but animal trainer Manuel Wille says dalmatian Jack is in no danger.

"When they play with each other they hit each other with their claws. She tries to nip him and the dog nips back. It is give and take. I don't think there will be any problems," he said.

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