Dalmatian Breed Guide
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian,
The Dalmatian is arguably one of the most recognisable dog breeds in the world with its white coat and black spots. This breed grew in popularity after being the main feature in the Disney film 101 Dalmatians in 1961. The Dalmatian is an energetic, intelligent and loyal breed who loves to be included in all family activities.
Did you know that Dalmatians are born completely white and only develop their spots at about 2 weeks old?
Find all your Dalmatian essentials including toys, treats, collars harnesses and more in our Medium Breed Dog Shop.
Contents:
Facts About the Dalmatian
| Breed size: | Place of origin: | Intelligence: |
| Medium | Croatia | High |
| Breed group: | Energy level: | Weight range: |
| Coach and Hunting dog | High | 20 - 30kg |
| Life expectancy: | Tendency to bark: | Height range: |
| 12 - 14 years | Low | 56 - 60cm |
| Drool factor: | Coat type: | Colours: |
| Low | Short | White with black spots |
| Shedding factor: | Easy of training: | Overall grooming needs: |
| High | High | Low |
How big do Dalmatians get?
Dalmatians are a medium breed dog with both males and females averaging 23 to 25kg. The female Dalmatians' height at the shoulder range from 55 to 58.5cm and the males are slightly taller at 58.5 to 61cm.
How much does a Dalmatian cost?
A purebred dalmatian puppy costs on average $2500 to $3500. Of course, as with any breed, it is cheaper to adopt an adult dog from a rescue.
Do Dalmatians shed?
Dalmatians shed hair all year round, regular brushing can help to manage this. Their coat is short and dense and they are generally quite good at keeping it clean (due to their regular shedding). Some grooming tools that may be useful include Furminator Short Hair Medium Dog, Paws for Life Combo Brush and Style It Rake Brush.
Are Dalmatians good pets?
Dalmatians make great pets as they thrive on human companionship. They are outgoing and friendly and known to be good pets for families with children. Dalmatians are eager to please, making them a highly trainable breed.
How long do Dalmatians live?
The average life expectancy for Dalmatians is 12 to 14 years.
Do Dalmatians bark much?
Dalmatians have a low tendency to bark. As with any breed, barking can begin if they are not given enough exercise or mental stimulation. Ensure you train with positive reinforcement from a young age to reduce any problem behaviours before they begin.
How much exercise do Dalmatians need?
Dalmatians are a strong and energetic breed that require a large amount of exercise. They have hunting instincts so love to run and jump. Varied exercise is a good way to keep them fit and stimulated.
How do I choose a Dalmatian breeder?
When looking for a Dalmatian, we recommend either adopting from a rescue/shelter or searching for a reputable breeder. When researching for a breeder, look for one that has their own breeder registration number and is a member of the Australian National Kennel Council. Never purchase a puppy without inspecting the breeder's premises and asking the 10 Breeder Checklist Questions first. Good breeders socialise their animals, house them humanely, allow you to inspect their premises, and selectively breed healthy traits and good temperaments. Read our Guide to Finding a Good Breeder for more tips.
Dalmatian History
The history of the Dalmatian is not fully understood, however they are known to have gained their name in Dalmatia, Croatia. This is where they were used in war to guard the borders. However, they are probably best known for their carriage work where they were used to protect horses and the coaches they were pulling from wild dogs. Their many other purposes include, pointer and retrievers, shepherds and hunting dogs.
Dalmatian Personality
The Dalmatian is an energetic, affectionate and intelligent breed. Their intelligence and desire to please makes them easy to train. They are active with great stamina, so require regular and varied exercise. Dalmatians are known to be good with children however, due to their high energy and playful personality should be carefully watched when around small children.
Early exposure to a range of people, dogs, other pets, places and experiences will help your dalmatian to grow up to be a well rounded and adjusted member of the family.
Best Toys for Dalmatians
This clever invention allows you to chuck your dogs favourite ball further than ever before, turning a simple game of fetch into a real workout. Its comfortable grip and integrated claw allow you to pick up your dogs ball without needing to bend down or touch any slobber.
Keep your doggo entertained and slow down their mealtime with this interactive puzzle feeder! Add their favourite treats or kibble through the various holes and containers to encourage problem solving and instinct-satisfying foraging.
The iFetch shoots its miniature tennis balls three, six or nine meters, and will continue to shoot balls so long as your dog fetches them and returns them to the top of the chute.
Can't decide? Why not let us pick for you with the Curious Box? Each Curious Box contains a selection of two to three engaging toys (and treats!) Even better, the theme changes every 6 weeks, making it the perfect way to keep your pet's supply of toys and treats fresh, fun, and varied for mental stimulation!
Dalmatian Diet and Nutrition
Shop all medium breed dog food now
Dalmatian puppies
Some points to note about Dalmatian puppy ownership include:
⢠Food: Dalmatian puppies should eat a premium, medium breed puppy diet that is nutritionally formulated to meet AAFCO Guidelines until they are 12 months of age.
⢠Behaviour: Dalmatian puppies have fantastic personalities but do like to chew and destroy things, just like any puppy! Puppy proofing your house is essential. Remove any easy-to-reach toxins or electrical cords, and provide plenty of toys! For more information on puppy behaviour, take a look at our Puppy Training Guide.
⢠Worming: Dalmatian puppies need to be wormed fortnightly from the age of 2-12 weeks, and then once per month after this. In Australia, Dalmatian puppies also require heartworm protection. You may wish to ask your vet about a yearly heartworm injection, or you can simply give a monthly treatment such as Nexgard Spectra, Simparica Trio, or Credelio Plus (these products also protect your puppy from paralysis ticks, fleas and most intestinal worms).
Best food for Dalmatian puppies
Raw diets for Dalmatians? Raw diets are not suitable or safe for Dalmatian puppies due to the risk of bacterial contamination upsetting their tummies, and an unbalanced diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Read more about Raw Diets: The Risks and Benefits.
Best food for adult Dalmatians
It is very important that you feed your Dalmatian an age-appropriate diet and meet all of their daily nutritional and energy demands. Most medium breed adult and puppy foods from premium brands including Hills Science Diet, Royal Canin, or Advance are suitable. These scientifically-formulated diets also contain balanced levels of protein, fat and carbohydrate plus vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for health and wellbeing.
Dalmatian Health Issues
As Dalmatians are purebred dogs, there are a few conditions which they appear to be predisposed to and are worthwhile noting for current and potential owners.
Deafness
It is estimated that approximately 15-30% of Dalmatians have some form of hearing loss. Most Dalmatians adapt very well to partial or full deafness, as they can use their eyes and nose to help out. Something that may be beneficial when training your Dalmatian is using hand signals as well as words (or clickers, sounds etc.) to provide them with other options if deafness did occur. This is usually a hereditary condition so Dalmatians should be tested before being bred. Don't forget to visit your vet if you think your Dalmatian may have any hearing loss.
Urolithiasis
Another hereditary condition that Dalmatians are predisposed to is Urolithiasis (urinary tract stones).The stones are formed from an excess of uric acid in the urine. A build up of these stones can cause a blockage which needs to be surgically removed and can even be fatal. It is recommended to check if genetic testing has been done on the parents before purchasing a puppy. If you do find out that your Dalmatian has urolithiasis (or has the gene) this can be managed in the future by adjusting the diet and regular check ups. The diet we would usually recommend would be low in Purine. Your vet may also recommend regular urine tests and possibly x-rays to prevent any problems in the future. This is a great article for Low Purine Treats.
Skin Allergies
Dalmatians are quite prone to developing skin allergies. You may see your pup chewing their paws, losing hair, developing a rash, rubbing their face or getting lots of ear infections. If you find that your Dalmatian is becoming uncomfortable, your vet may be able to prescribe you with some medication to help relieve the itch (there are a number of options available). A good way to help prevent excessive itching before it becomes a problem is to use a soothing shampoo or conditioner every 2 to 4 weeks.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the femur and hip joint do not fit together properly, causing pain, lameness and leading to arthritis. Less severe cases can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication, however surgery may be required for serious cases. If you think your Dalmatian might be showing signs of hip dysplasia, it's important to see your vet as soon as possible.
Cataracts and Glaucoma
Cataracts occur when the eyes have a cloudy appearance due to changes to the lens. Cataracts can lead to vision loss however they can be removed surgically. Glaucoma is an extremely painful condition of the eye. Some symptoms that you may see include: watery eyes, squinting, pawing at the eyes and redness of the whites. If left untreated it leads to rapid blindness so make sure you call your local clinic straight away or emergency if out of hours.
Best supplements and products for Dalmatians
Arthritis supplements commonly contain omega fatty acids along with glucosamine and chondroitin. The omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA have been demonstrated to have anti inflammatory properties and glucosamine and chondroitin are the building blocks of normal healthy cartilage. Green lipped mussel powder is a potent source of both omega 3 fatty acids, along with glucosamine and chondroitin, making it a great supplement choice for dogs with arthritis.
Glyde Mobility Chews for Dogs are nutritional supplements proven to improve joint health and reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. These tasty chews are made with New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel, Glucosamine, and Chondroitin, to help relieve the painful signs of arthritis.
Paw Osteosupport Joint Care Powder
PAW Blackmores Osteosupport Capsules contain highly concentrated Green Lipped Mussel powder, which is clinically proven to provide relief from arthritic symptoms in a measured capsule dose.
4CYTE Joint Support Supplement
4cyte Canine is an oral joint support supplement containing Epiitalis, a unique plant oil extract, combined with marine concentrates including green lipped mussel, shark cartilage and abalone. Used together, these ingredients target the chemicals responsible for causing inflammation and impairing joint function.
.Related Breeds
Weimaraner
Weimaraners are "gundogs", originally bred for their hunting skills. They are a very intelligent breed that has enormous stamina. Along with their incredible intelligence and energy, they are a stunning dog, with their silver coat and striking eyes.
Setters
Setter breeds include the Irish, Gordeon, English, and Irish Setters. They gained their name and popularity as hunting dogs due to their instinctive tendency to crouch, or "set," when they find their quarry. Typically, a setter will take a low stance with their body nearly touching the ground. As pets, they are excellent family dogs and mellow housemates, with a high requirement for exercise.
Further reading
Premium pet food: Is it worth it?
Does your dog have a food allergy?
How to read the label on a bag of pet food
Want to know more? Check out our Discover Page for more tips from our expert vets on keeping your pets happy and healthy.