Dalmatian at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Height
- 56–61 cm
- Weight
- 18–27 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Dalmatian right for you?
Like every breed, the Dalmatian is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You enjoy long walks and an active, outdoor life.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
- You would like a dog that tends to be quiet.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You cannot offer well over an hour of exercise every day.
- You live in a flat or a small home.
- You have young children at home.
How would the Dalmatian fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a strong, muscular, well-balanced dog with a short, sleek, glossy coat covered in black or liver spots on a white background. Friendly, outgoing and loyal, it is incredibly active and needs an energetic household that can keep up with it.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Large
A large dog.
- Exercise
Very high
Usually needs several hours of activity or work a day.
- Energy level
Very lively
Very lively and usually keen to be busy.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet dog around the home.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
Despite the name, there is little evidence that the breed came from the Dalmatian coast of the Balkans, and it is generally considered a mainly English breed. In the late 18th century a white spotted dog was used to run with horse-drawn carriages and guard the passengers and cargo, and in 1791 Thomas Bewick named this type the Dalmatian.
In the Regency period it became a status symbol trotting beside carriages, earning the name the Spotted Coach Dog, and it also guarded stables at night. Dalmatians later ran ahead of horse-drawn fire engines to clear the way, and the breed's history may explain its reported affinity with horses.
Dalmatian temperament
Dalmatians are typically friendly, dedicated and loyal, keen to please and fond of company and clowning about. They love spending time with their owners and need to be challenged both physically and mentally.
Under-exercised or bored Dalmatians can become hyperactive, destructive and difficult to live with. They are not known for being especially vocal, but a bored or lonely dog may bark to show it is unhappy. They need plenty of company: someone at home most of the time is ideal, and they should never be left for more than four hours. They can suffer from separation anxiety.
Size and appearance
Dalmatians are large dogs, typically standing 56–61 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 18–27 kg.
The coat is short, hard and glossy. Breed standard colours are white with black spots and white with liver spots. Puppies are born white and their spots usually appear at around four weeks old.
How much exercise does a Dalmatian need?
Dalmatians were bred to run, and they need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day, split into at least two walks and including free running in a secure area. On top of this they need playtime, time in a secure garden and training sessions to keep their brains busy. Many do well at flyball and agility.
They are strong dogs, so teach them to walk nicely on a lead. Take care not to over-exercise puppies. A large home and garden, and ideally a rural location with good access to country walks, suit them best.
Training a Dalmatian
Dalmatians are intelligent and enjoy learning new things, but they can be strong willed and their exuberance can make for a short attention span.
- Use ongoing positive, reward-based training, with plenty of patience.
- Socialise them early and widely with dogs, people and new experiences.
- Teach loose-lead walking early, as they are strong.
- Put real work into a reliable recall, since they need free running.
- First-time owners should get help from an accredited trainer.
Dalmatian grooming
The short coat is low maintenance: a weekly going-over with a grooming mitt, finished with a soft cloth, is usually enough. Dalmatians are big shedders, though, all year round and more so in spring and autumn, and the hairs can be stubborn to remove from furnishings. They are not ideal for very house-proud owners or people with fur allergies. Because they can suffer from skin allergies, ask your vet before choosing a shampoo.
Living with a Dalmatian
Dalmatians can be friendly and good with children, but their size, strength and high energy mean they are usually better suited to homes with older children. Young Dalmatians can be very excitable and could knock over a small child by accident. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Usually needs a roomy home.
Garden
A secure garden is strongly advised.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Dalmatian health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
Like many purebred dogs, Dalmatians are prone to some breed-related conditions, and screening is available for several of them. Ask breeders about the health of the parents and grandparents.
Deafness
Deafness is the most common health problem in the breed. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hearing testing under the KC BAER Scheme, including litter screening.
Urinary stones and hyperuricosuria (HUU)
Many Dalmatians cannot process uric acid properly, so it passes into the urine and can form stones in the bladder and sometimes the kidneys. This can cause irritation, infection or a blockage that needs urgent veterinary attention. A DNA test for HUU is available.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
The joints do not develop properly, which can lead to arthritis. The Royal Kennel Club recommends hip and elbow testing under the BVA/KC schemes before breeding.
Disproportional dwarfism
The Royal Kennel Club lists a DNA test for disproportional dwarfism (DD-PRKG2) as best practice before breeding.
Atopy
Sensitivity to allergens such as pollen and dust mites, making the skin sore and itchy.
Epilepsy
A brain disorder that can cause seizures.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Dalmatian home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Dalmatian cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Dalmatian home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Dalmatian
If you have decided the Dalmatian suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Dalmatian
Dalmatians do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Dalmatians looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Dalmatian adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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View breed guide
Dalmatian FAQs
Is the Dalmatian good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Dalmatian live in a flat?
Usually needs a roomy home. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Dalmatian need?
Very high: usually needs several hours of activity or work each day. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Dalmatian shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Dalmatian need?
Typically: about once a week.
Is the Dalmatian easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Dalmatian be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Dalmatian bark a lot?
Tends to be quiet. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Dalmatian good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Dalmatian live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Dalmatian get?
Adults typically stand 56–61 cm at the shoulder and weigh 18–27 kg.