Dog Breed

Dalmatian

Primary image of Dalmatian dog breed
Full Name
Dalmatian
Your PupScore
Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
Life Span
10 - 13 years years
Weight
50 - 55 pounds
Description

Outgoing, Friendly, Energetic, Playful, Sensitive, Intelligent, Active

Origin
Croatia
Bred For
Carriage dog - trot alongside carriages to protect the occupants from banditry or other interference
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Dalmatian good with children?

    Yes, the Dalmatian is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Dalmatian naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Dalmatian friendly with strangers?

    Yes, the Dalmatian is very friendly with strangers. We still recommend early socialization while the Dalmatian is a puppy to introduce them to various new people, but in general they are friendly with everyone.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Dalmatian friendly with other dogs?

    Yes, the Dalmatian is very friendly with other dogs. We still recommend early socialization while the Dalmatian is a puppy to introduce them to various new dogs, but in general they are friendly with dogs as soon as they meet them.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Dalmatian like to cuddle?

    The Dalmatian loves physical affection and cuddles. If you're looking for a cuddle partner you may have found the one!
    Playfulness

    Does the Dalmatian like to play?

    The Dalmatian is always ready for play! It's important to keep in mind, as they need to be stimulated with games and affection throughout the day.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Dalmatian make a good service dog?

    Historically, the Dalmatian has never been used as a service dog and really would not be a good fit.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Dalmatian good for first-time owners?

    The Dalmatian is an excellent breed for first-time owners. They love pleasing their owner, and rarely are aggressive or over-dominant.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Dalmatian be trained?

    The Dalmatian is about average when it comes to training potential. The Dalmatian can be seen in competitions and can have advanced training, but it would require much dedication and oftentimes professional training.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Dalmatian shed a lot?

    The Dalmatian is an average shedder. Dalmatian owners will probably still tell you it's a lot of shedding, but certain breeds shed even more.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Dalmatian easy to groom?

    The Dalmatian requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Dalmatian to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Dalmatian on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Dalmatian need a lot of exercise?

    The Dalmatian requires some daily exercise, but daily walks should be enough. The Dalmatian appreciates going outside and on daily walks, but they will be ok without anything overly athletic.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Dalmatian?

    The Dalmatian is a bit goofy and may not be as intelligent as some other breeds, but that is what people oftentimes love about the Dalmatian!
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Dalmatian bark? Does the Dalmatian bark too much?

    The Dalmatian barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Dalmatians - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Dalmatian a good guard dog?

    The Dalmatian would not make a good guard dog. They can be alert, but typically do not have the desire or instinct to take on "guarding" as their job.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Dalmatian good at staying alone? Is the Dalmatian independent?

    The Dalmatian does not enjoy being left alone for extended periods. They can do well for a couple of hours alone, but may have anxiety for time beyond that.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Dalmatian a good apartment dog?

    The Dalmatian can be a good dog for apartment living. Daily exercise is still important, but the Dalmatian is a better fit for apartment living than most breeds.
    Size

    How big is the Dalmatian?

    The Dalmatian is one of the biggest dog breeds in the world. In the "giant" category!
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Dalmatian tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Dalmatian?

    The Dalmatian does not tolerate hot weather very well, and we would not recommend having a Dalmatian if you live in a very hot weather climate. At the minimum, they would need a home with air conditioning.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Dalmatian tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Dalmatian?

    The Dalmatian does not tolerate cold weather very well, and we would not recommend having a Dalmatian if you live in a very cold weather climate. Even if your home is warm, it can be inconvenient to go on walks, and you may need to have a sweater for your Dalmatian.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Dalmatian try to run away?

    The Dalmatian does not have a large drive to run away. They can still be distracted and run, so precautions should be taken, but overall they have a less than average urge to run away.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Dalmatian a healthy dog? The health of a Dalmatian should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Dalmatian has many health problems that should be considered. The Dalmatian can still live a perfectly healthy life, but it's important to consider all of these health risks ahead of time.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Dalmatian?

    The Dalmatian has some energy and requires daily walks, but overall the Dalmatian has less energy than average.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Dalmatian drool?

    The Dalmatian drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Dalmatian have a large prey drive? Does the Dalmatian like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Dalmatian has some prey drive, so should not be left alone with very small animals such as birds, mice, or gerbils, but with some gradual introduction should be fine living with a cat in the same home.
    Athleticism

    Is the Dalmatian atheltic?

    The Dalmatian can have athletic moments, and bursts of speed, but does not have the endurance as other highly athletic dog breeds. They would do great for occasional jogs, but probably not the best for long-distance runs or anything more athletic than that.
  • Secondary image of Dalmatian dog breed

1 of 2

  • Thumbnail image 0 of Dalmatian dog breed
  • Thumbnail image 1 of Dalmatian dog breed
  1. Non-Sporting
  2. Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a purebred dog that falls within the larger Non-Sporting dog breed group.
Non-Sporting group: The Non-Sporting group of dogs is probably the most diverse in the sense that it has a variety of dogs, and they were not all bred for one specific purpose. Each breed in the non-sporting group is unique! They have been primarily bred as house pets, and because of that make excellent additions to the family. Exercise is still important for them, but the typical non-sporting dog does not have the energy of of a sporting or working group dog.

Dalmatians for adoption

Similar Breeds