Photo of a Dalmatian dog

Dalmatian

When Dalmatians are born, they are completely white. The spots develop about two weeks later.
Size
Weight
Male 45-60 lbs.
Female 45-60 lbs.
Height (at withers)
Male 21-23 in.
Female 19-22 in.
Coat
Length
Short
Texture
Flat
Color
White with black spots
Care
Exercise
>40 minutes/day
Energy Level
Very Energetic
Longevity
12-14 yrs.
Needs
High
Traits
Barking
Snoring
Drooling
Grooming
Social Needs
Digging
Club Recognition
AKC Class.
Non-Sporting
UKC Class.
Companion Dog
Prevalence
Common
Dalmatians have been the object of fad popularity because of movie exposure. However, this has often caused overbreeding of poor specimens.
About

Males are about 23 inches tall, and females are about 22 inches tall. Both weigh about 45 to 60 pounds (20 to 27 kilograms).

The Dalmatian is a graceful, medium-sized dog with a sleek, muscular body. The tail is fairly long and has a slight, upward curve. The coat is short and dense, with brown or black spots on white. The Dalmatian sheds heavily, even though the coat is short. Frequent brushing is required to control shedding.

Dalmatians live about 10 to 12 years.

Personality

Dalmatians are highly energetic, playful and sensitive dogs. They are loyal to their family and good with children, although some Dalmatian experts caution that the breed may be too energetic for very small children.

These dogs are intelligent, can be well trained and make good watchdogs.

Some Dalmatians can be reserved with strangers and aggressive toward other dogs; others are timid if they are not well socialized, and yet others can be high-strung. These dogs are known for having especially good "memories" and are said to recall any mistreatment for years.

What to Expect

Dalmatians thrive on human companionship, and if left alone too long they can become destructive or they will pout and act depressed. This dog is for someone who wants to spend time with a pet.

Dalmatians also need lots of exercise to dispel boundless energy. They are probably not suitable for apartment-dwellers unless the family is committed to long, daily walks or runs. The Dalmatian is more suited to living where he can romp and run.

The breed has been the object of fad popularity because of movie exposure. Too often this has led to overbreeding of poor specimens, and homes that are not suited for the breed. The breed also has a high incidence of deafness, which can lead to communication problems. Too many Dalmatians end up in rescue because they do not act like the dogs in the movies.

History

When most of us see a flashy, spotted Dalmatian, we think of a firehouse mascot or the stars of Disney's “101 Dalmatians“ but the breed has a more varied, though elusive, history.

No one knows for sure where the breed originated, but Dalmatians are named for Dalmatia, a coastal area that long ago was part of Austria. The dogs are thought to be descendants of the pointer.

Dalmatians became popular in the 1800s, when they were used as coach dogs to trot alongside carriages and protect them and the horses from other dogs and threats. They have also been war sentinels, circus performers and hunters, as well as firehouse mascots. The Dalmatians we know today are primarily companion animals.

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Adopt a pet. Change a life.

Are you prepared to adopt a pet?  Use these tools to make sure you are ready for the commitment.