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Dalmatian: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners

Dalmatian

 

Tara Gregg / EyeEm / Getty Images 

The Dalmatian is a sleek and medium-sized shorthaired dog that is affectionate, very athletic, highly intelligent, and energetic. This breed is extremely driven, loyal, and well-suited for work or companionship. The Dalmatian is known for its distinct spots, slim carriage, and tail arched upward. It also has a rich history as a firehouse dog and, of course, its acclaim from the Disney cartoon movie.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Non-sporting

HEIGHT: 19 to 24 inches tall

WEIGHT: 45 to 65 pounds

COAT: Short

COAT COLOR: White with black or liver spots

LIFE SPAN: 11 to 13 years

TEMPERAMENT: Outgoing, friendly, intelligent, active, energetic, sensitive, playful

HYPOALLERGENIC: No

ORIGIN: Possibly Dalmatia/Croatia or England

Characteristics of the Dalmatian

Dalmatians can make excellent companions for the right household. It is most important that everyone in the home understands the Dalmatian's need for activity and training, so active households are ideal. This is an affectionate dog breed that bonds closely with its human companions and can make a lovely playmate for the active individual or family.

Affection Level High
Friendliness High
Kid-Friendly Medium
Pet-Friendly Medium
Exercise Needs High
Playfulness High
Energy Level High
Trainability Medium
Intelligence High
Tendency to Bark Low
Amount of Shedding High

History of the Dalmatian

The Dalmatian's true origins are up for debate, but evidence of similar types of dogs goes back to ancient times. It is likely that the breed did not actually originate in Dalmatia (present-day Croatia), but it is certain that Dalmatians were once used as sentinels in the area. They appear in artwork from the early 1600s.

The Dalmatian is known for its affinity with horses, which made it the original and prized carriage dog or coach dog in England. They would run alongside carriages to serve as protectors and status symbols. Then they also guarded the stables at night. The breed has also served as a dog of war, guard dog, retriever, ratter, and shepherd. The first Dalmatian club was established in England in 1890. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

The Dalmatian arrived in the U.S. around the turn of the 20th century and one worked closely with teams of firefighters, starting from the era when horses were still used to pull fire engines. The dogs would run ahead of the horses to clear the paths of people and other animals so the engines could quickly get to the scene of the fire. The breed is often still seen as a firehouse mascot. The company Anheuser-Busch also includes a Dalmatian on breeding farms and in television ads where its teams of Clydesdale horses are featured.

Dalmatians were made extremely popular by Disney's "101 Dalmatians" films and programs. This had an unfortunate side effect of irresponsible breeding and inappropriate adoption. As many people could not handle a high-energy Dalmatian, many were abandoned, and rescue organizations were developed. The fad faded and AKC registrations dropped 90 percent in the 10-year period after 2000.

Dalmatian dog show
March 1927: Winning dalmatians sit proudly on their chairs at a dog show in London's Hyde Park, watched admiringly by their young owners. Fox Photos/Getty Images
Spanner the dalmatian fire dog at the South Portland Fire Department, Cash Corner Station in the USA.
Spanner the dalmatian fire dog at the South Portland Fire Department, Cash Corner Station in the USA. Orlando / Getty Images

Dalmatian Care

Dalmatians are very agile, athletic, and versatile. To keep this dog in good shape (physical and mental), Dalmatians need tons of exercise and plenty of activities. Otherwise, they are prone to weight gain, anxiety, and even behavior problems. This breed may also have a tendency for excessive barking, especially if there is not a proper outlet for the dog's energy.

Exercise

Be sure you walk a Dalmatian on a leash and have a secure enclosure. When off-leash, they may bolt and be long gone before you can react. This breed needs a minimum of two hours a day of exercise, which includes at least two walks and running time.

Grooming

The Dalmatian has a smooth white coat with distinct black or brown spots. Puppies are born white without spots, which develop later. This breed requires little more than basic grooming but is a relatively high shedder and sheds year-round. Regular brushing will help minimize shedding. The good news is that their short coat seems to be dirt-repellent and will quickly shed any mud or other debris.

Be sure to clean the Dalmatian's ears regularly to prevent ear infections. In addition, keep the nails neatly trimmed so your Dalmatian can walk around comfortably and safely. 

Training

The Dalmatian is known for its ready-and-willing attitude and seemingly endless energy. These dogs are quite smart, despite what some may think. Dalmatians are also considered to have exceptionally long memories, which can be helpful when training. The extreme energy level of the Dalmatian makes the breed appear goofy at times. This is why proper training is essential for this dog. The Dalmatian is typically very clever and eager to learn if you are diligent and can keep its attention.

Dalmatian puppies
Mehmet Hilmi Barcin / Getty Images 
Dalmatian running into water
Harald Walker / EyeEm​ / Getty Images
Dalmatian kissing woman
Uwe Krejci / Getty Images

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

  • Deafness: About 10 to 12 percent of Dalmatians are born deaf and 22 to 24 percent have hearing only in one ear. This is an inheritable condition and these dogs should not be bred, but they can lead full and well-adjusted lives.
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is an inherited condition that can produce lameness and arthritis.
  • Urinary Issues (infections, stones): This is more of a problem with Dalmatians than with any other breed as they excrete more uric acid in their urine. They need plenty of water and food that is not high in purines. All pure-bred Dalmatians will have this tendency and there are breeding projects underway to reintroduce normal genes.
  • Skin Allergies: Dalmatians may have food-based allergies, contact allergies, or inhalant allergies.
Dalamatians as Pets

Illustration: The Spruce / Kelly Miller

Diet and Nutrition

A Dalmatian will need two meals per day for a total of 1.5 to 2 cups of dry food. You may need to get a special dog food that is low in purines to reduce the risk of kidney stones. If you notice your dog is gaining weight, discuss the proper feeding schedule, food amount, type of food, and exercise with your veterinarian.

Be sure to provide constant access to water to reduce the risk of stones. It is good to note whether your dog is urinating regularly.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Dalmation

Do you think this high-energy dog is the breed for you? If you would like to get your own Dalmatian, take the time to do your research first. Talk to your veterinarian, other Dalmatian owners, reputable breeders, and rescue groups to learn more. You might be able to find a rescue or a Dalmatian in a shelter. If you buy from a quality breeder, expect to pay between $600 to $1,200 for a puppy.

Dalmatian Overview

Pros
  • Great for farms, horses, and as a companion

  • Quite intelligent

  • Dirt-repellent coat

Cons
  • High energy and requires plenty of exercise

  • Prone to urinary infections and deafness

  • Sheds a lot and likes to bark

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, look into these to compare the pros and cons.

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there. With a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.

FAQ
  • Are Dalmatians good with kids?

    Disney's "101 Dalmatians" may have made the breed popular for families with children, but, ironically, the breed is not naturally compatible with smaller kids. The high-energy dog can knock over small children and get overly excited in play. Although with proper training and socialization around kids, even this can be overcome.

  • Are Dalmatians with liver spots considered rare?

    Although there are more Dalmatians with black spots than there are dogs with liver spots, it is not considered "rare." A Dalmatian with liver spots should not cost any more from a breeder than a black-spotted dog from this breed.

  • Are Dalmatians aggressive dogs?

    Because they are a Disney favorite, the perception is that Dalmatians are not aggressive at all. However, this breed may become high-strung and aggressive with other dogs. They can also become aggressive when they are left alone too long or not given adequate attention.