Dalmatian
- Height at the withers
- 54 to 62 cm
- Weight
- 24 to 32 kg
- Life expectancy
- 11 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Dalmatia, Croatia
- FCI group
- 6 · Scent hounds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
Overview
A medium-sized, athletic dog with a distinctive white coat spotted with black or liver and an elegant outline, originally bred as a carriage dog with exceptional stamina.
History and origins
An old breed whose roots are traced to Dalmatia, in Croatia. It was first used as a carriage dog, able to run long distances alongside horse-drawn coaches and to guard the horses and carriages. It also had a career in circuses and became the emblem of American firehouses.
Health
Life expectancy is 11 to 13 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Congenital deafness
- Urate urinary stones (hyperuricosuria)
- Atopic dermatitis
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Very heavy shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Difficult, 2 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Very heavy, 5 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Dalmatian FAQ
How big does the Dalmatian get?
The Dalmatian stands 54 to 62 cm at the withers and weighs 24 to 32 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the Dalmatian shed a lot?
It sheds very heavily and its coat needs minimal care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons.
Can the Dalmatian live in an apartment?
It is difficult: it needs space and activity, and a home with a yard suits it better.
How much exercise does the Dalmatian need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the Dalmatian good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Dalmatian live?
Life expectancy is 11 to 13 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are congenital deafness and urate urinary stones.
