Dalmatian

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Dalmatian

Dalmatian Characteristics

Size:
Grooming Needs:
Exercise Needs:
Good With Dogs:
Watchdog Ability:

Dalmatian Breed Information

Breed Group: Non-Sporting

Weight: 40-60 lbs

Height: 19-23 inches

Color(s): black or liver spots on white background; spots should be round, well defined, and preferably separated. Dalmatians are born white and develop spots

Black Boy 3

Dalmatian

$1,200.00

AKC Dalmatian puppy

Dalmatian

$600.00

Domino Dalmatian

Dalmatian

$800.00

Overview

An ancient breed, it is believed the Dalmatian originated in a section of Yugoslavia called Dalmatia. Their stamina, size, and guard dog capabilities made them a favored breed by English aristocracy. During both World Wars, this breed was used to protect the camps of U.S. soldiers. The Dalmatian is most often associated with being a firehouse dog.

Character

Dalmatians are of medium size and are extremely active and energetic. They are bold, unique, and are known as the clowns of the dog world. This is a versatile breed that possesses the ability to work as a vermin hunter, hound, guard dog, and circus performer as well as being a loyal companion.

Temperament

The Dalmatian is exceedingly social and thrives on human companionship and attention. They are extremely sensitive and do not do well if left alone for extended periods of time. If they become lonely or bored they will become depressed and destructive. The Dalmatian is not recommended for homes with small children due to their exuberant and rambunctious nature. They will typically get along with household pets they have been raised with, but display aggression to dogs they do not know. This breed is aloof with strangers and makes an excellent watchdog; only barking when absolutely necessary.

Care

The Dalmatian requires frequent brushing with a firm bristle brush to minimize loose hair. Extra attention should be given to the coat during the heavy shedding periods. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary using a mild shampoo to protect the integrity of the coat and skin. This breed does not do well in extreme weather conditions and are prone to fungi from moist grass and soil as well as ticks and fleas. The various health issues that affect this breed include deafness, bladder and kidney stones, skin and food allergies, and hip dysplasia.

Coat

The Dalmatian has a hard, smooth, short and dense coat. The color of the coat is pure white with spots that are either black or liver. Puppies are born completely white and spots develop as they mature. This breed is a constant shedder with profuse shedding twice a year.

Training

This breed requires intensive and extensive early and lifelong socialization as well as basic obedience. Without training, the Dalmatian has a propensity to be timid or high-strung. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed methods. Training must be done with firmness, fairness, consistency, reward, and patience. Dalmatians excel in obedience competition, agility, and fly-ball.

Activity

The Dalmatian must have daily frequent exercise. They enjoy participating in family activities and play sessions. Quality time spent with their family is extremely important to this breed. With their high degree of endurance, the Dalmatian makes an excellent walking, jogging, and hiking companion. This breed does best with a securely fenced yard they can romp and run in. Dalmatians are not recommended for apartment dwelling unless it is possible for them to receive a walk or run several times a day.

Ask a Question Dalmatian Questions & Answers

QUESTION: what type of food can we give to our female dalmatian of 6 months

Anonymous - 1/26/2012 7:27:58 AM

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QUESTION: Do Dalmatians shed?

Anonymous - 1/15/2012 6:10:26 PM

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The answer is yes, but less than average. Daily brushings with a soft rubber kong or other gentle short bristled fur brush will do. The fur is white, so expect to have random white hairs attached to your life... The dal coat is short and not very thick so it does not take long to remove the dead fur for the next day or 2. You may also want to consider supplementing an oatmeal based shampoo for sensitive skin care..Hope this helps.

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 11:23:10 AM

Yes, a lot! Daily brushing with kong brush is recommended.

Anonymous - 1/28/2012 12:09:40 AM

QUESTION: I have dalmatian baby female of 1 1/2 month.Can you guide me at what age I should bathe him, and stuff. As I have contacted a doctor but he said no for bath. Also guide me how to train my dalmatian baby? thank you

Anonymous - 1/11/2012 6:12:44 AM

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You should give your dalmatian a bath every 2 weeks or when she gets dirty. Taking him a bath too much can dry out her skin. You should also ask her vet what shampoo to use. Try to start bathing her at an early age so she can get used to the water and not give you a big fuss about taking a bath. When training your dog you should never hit her or cause her pain. Read books or articles online on dog training. The most important commands are sit,come and stop. She also needs to know how to walk on a leash. Hope this helps :)

Anonymous - 1/16/2012 5:14:27 PM

QUESTION: WHAT IS THE FOOD FOR DALMATIAN PUPPIES?

Anonymous - 1/3/2012 5:00:18 PM

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Puppies should eat food marked for puppies and should be switched off to adult food when the vet says to. Try feeding your dalmatian foods like Wellness or Blue Buffalo. You may need a big bag because dalmatians (especially puppies) eat a lot!

Anonymous - 1/16/2012 5:18:44 PM

QUESTION: what is the movement for the dalmatian puppy??

Anonymous - 8/16/2011 9:08:31 PM

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I don't understand your question. Could you explain it more?

Anonymous - 1/16/2012 5:19:40 PM

could you be more specific

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 10:28:18 AM

QUESTION: My dalmatian is 9months old and is very naughty and playful...but the problem is that he is extremely thin and eats very little...is it ok....he keeps eating all kinds of other things like my clips n rubber bands..

Anonymous - 7/6/2011 2:59:02 AM

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Thats not good you should take your dalmatian to the vet

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 10:29:03 AM

dont let your dalmatian eat those things. it may cause problems

Anonymous - 8/8/2011 12:05:21 AM

let your dalmatian have fun with them and dont force to eat more

Anonymous - 7/19/2011 11:09:51 AM

QUESTION: Hi I have a year old Dalmatian who I love to bits, the problem is I keep worrying about his liver and kidneys. I know they should not eat beef or offal. So what is the best thing for them to eat? I Feed him dry food chicken and rice which he seems to love, do you think this is ok? Thank-you

Anonymous - 6/18/2011 1:09:06 PM

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I dont think that is a good idea

Anonymous - 9/29/2011 1:56:20 PM

I had two male dalmatians both lived 13 and 14 years. I had learned that foods low in purines is the best for Dals as they are prone to formulate urinary or kidney stones - especially in males. A vitamin w/ chondroitin and glucosamine is a good idea too as dals can develop joint issues later in life. Go on-line and read up on this type of diet. Also make sure your guy has plenty of fresh water, exercise and tons of love. That will help to keep him with you for a long and healthy life. BUT before you do any of these suggestions - please consult your vet. :)

Anonymous - 6/22/2011 12:17:11 PM

QUESTION: I just had to put my wonderful dalmatian down. I had him for 14 1/2 years. I had his uncle til 2005 at the age of 13 and he was equally as amazing. Their personalities and temperament were exceptional and if possible I would like to find another dal w/ the same blood line. My Dalmatian's parents were Rocky Rides Again and Glowing Ember. From Tampa, FL. Anyone out there have a dal from any of their litters that might still be breeding this bloodline? Or any idea how I might be able to find this bloodline. Your assistance is greatly appreciated

Anonymous - 6/17/2011 10:34:56 AM

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male or female?

Anonymous - 12/13/2011 8:45:01 PM

QUESTION: is there a brown dot on dalmatian

Anonymous - 6/9/2011 11:56:04 PM

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Dalmatians spots are either black or brown. The brown spots are called liver colored and its normal to have a liver spotted dal instead of a black spotted one.

Anonymous - 1/16/2012 5:22:53 PM

of course there is !! - I've had 2, they are know as LIVER spotted.

Anonymous - 12/17/2011 6:11:47 AM

Not usually unless your dalmatian is a mix and thats still very rare

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 10:30:46 AM

QUESTION: What is the life span of a Dalmatian? I have a dalmatian that is 12 1/2 years old.He is apart of our family.We got him when he was 2 years old.He had been abused and was really scared of adults.He hid in a corner of the cage at the pound when my husband and I was there. But when my husband and I took our 2 little boys ages 4 and 1 year old to the pound to see him he came running to the gate when my 4 year old stuck his hand in the fence.He then started licking my sons hand and was wagging his whole body.I knew that he was the one for us. See we had just put our 14 1/2 year old Golden RetrieverAlf down a month before .My kids were so heart broken and lonley that we had to get another dog.Anyways my boys named him Lucky because he was a lucky dog they said.

BlueDragon388sWife - 5/30/2011 10:51:48 PM

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Thanks.Lucky is 14 years old now.He still acts like a puppy. He loves to play with the boys and our other dogs. He has been a great dog andwe love him with all our hearts. Thanks again for answering my question.

Anonymous - 8/31/2011 7:05:08 PM

don't worry.if your dog has a healthy diet,tons of love & exercise he will live for 13-15 years.my friend has a dalmatian whose mother lived for 15 years.

Anonymous - 8/20/2011 10:26:38 AM

QUESTION: I have heard and is it true that the Dalmatian was crossed with the White Bull Terrier to clean up the white coat, it that true?

Anonymous - 5/12/2011 10:24:16 PM

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No and the breeding lines of a dalmatian are very confusing and lost - all we know is that george washington was one of there first american breeders

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 10:47:29 AM

QUESTION: People say dalmatian pup's are dumb & deaf...why?

Anonymous - 4/17/2011 3:58:08 AM

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Dalmatians are not dumb but can be born deaf. Tthey are highly intelligent dogs and used to be used to guard wealthy peoples money and houses

Anonymous - 9/18/2011 10:49:48 AM

Damlmatians are actually a very smart breed which makes them difficult to train. They often believe they are the pack leader and knows what is best. The only way to over come that issue is to make them understand at a young age you are in charge not them. As for being deaf, one in every three dalmatian is deaf. Most white dogs have the deafness gene but most dalmatians will have some type of hearing problem. At times people make the mistake of not getting their dog tested and automatically think it is deaf by its dehavior. Dalmatians also have selective hearing so at times they will ignore you if they feel like it. I am an animal behaviorist who studies wild and domestic animals and I have had dalmatians since I was 9.

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 4:28:44 AM

Dalmatians are BY FAR dumb! Some are born deaf or deaf in one ear, but that is all gene/hereditary issues. You have to socialize them at an early age, just as you would do with ANY dog breed. My husband is a firefighter and we have a dalmatian who is 2yrs old now. He is the smartest dog I have ever seen. He was SO easy to train. We use him for a lot of FD functions and he LOVES being around the kids! He loves riding on firetrucks. He hears a fire truck and he starts jumping around all excited. He even demonstrates to kids how to 'stop... drop... and roll'... He has a huge smile and when you walk in the door he runs up to you smiling. We have even taught him how to say "I love you". They are animated dogs who are loyal, smart, and so much fun to be around.

Anonymous - 4/26/2011 2:09:25 PM

QUESTION: I am curious, but since you know so much about dalmatian dogs, are they a mixed breed animal ?(If they are, please PLEASE tell me what mixed breed are they born as.) I'm sorry but I need this explanation for a science dog breed homework. Thanks and hope you reply soon!

Anonymous - 4/12/2011 5:47:26 PM

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QUESTION: I adopteda 3 month old puppy dalmatian. Ive had him now for a month. I walk him at least 3x per day and I started taking him to the doggy park. However, he is still rather active. Any suggestions of what else I can do to help him stay calm outside of him sleeping? Help! Im running out of options.

Anonymous - 4/9/2011 7:44:49 PM

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i have a 4 year old dal and shes the definition of energy....we take her running in the park ever week and exercise her till neither she nor i can walk anymore! shes calm for a day and becomes active again....at 3 months your dog would be very very very active...try making him run...ALOT...theres not much u can do for a dog that age....hide all your shoes and breakables!

Anonymous - 4/28/2011 5:05:31 PM

I have an 8 y/o dalmatian female and was raised with them, they are awesome! Maybe you are not giving him the right amount of exercise-my daughter roller blades with ours and she loves it - try running or walking longer!

Anonymous - 4/14/2011 10:18:58 PM

QUESTION: I am going to adopt a dalmatian puppy of 6 months old, I want my dog to be more hazardous to strange people, does a dalmatian act like that?? Are dalmatian's friendly to its master??

Anonymous - 4/8/2011 11:53:50 AM

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dalmatians are definetely a one master dog! if u earn his trust at a young age he will protect you no matter what...i had a dal..he was extremely loving and loyal toward me and my family but never took well to strangers...it depends on his temperament but overall..you have chosen the right dog! :)

Anonymous - 4/28/2011 5:09:07 PM

From my brief experience with my dalmatian puppy he is very friendly towards others and me. He likes to follow me around the house and watches my every move almost. He does play on his own very well with his chew toys too. Be prepared to take him/her out to potty every every or so. Miles goes alot! good luck.

Anonymous - 4/10/2011 1:37:43 PM

QUESTION: I've been looking for a dalmatian to adopt, the problem is there will be about 4 hrs a day during the week were there will be nobody home. I go to college and my parents to work. Can I handle a dalmatian dog??

Anonymous - 3/18/2011 8:33:51 AM

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Whoever said probably not, is crazy. 4 hours is okay for your Dal to be alone. As long as you give it tons of attention and activity play while you are around Dal, they will be happy. I have a dal that is 4 now, got her at 3months old...at first she didnt have more than 4 hours alone. Now at 4 she goes most weekdays on at least 5-6hours alone. When home she gets most of the attention and as much play as i can (if not tired) She is the raddest dog ever, super great temperment and personality. One happy dog!

Anonymous - 11/18/2011 12:34:21 PM

probably not.....dalmatians are very attention seeking animals

Anonymous - 4/28/2011 5:10:36 PM

QUESTION: I'm looking for a dalmatian, but I don't know much about them!! What do they eat, do they eat a lot? Do they need extra care??

Anonymous - 3/18/2011 7:48:33 AM

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my friend has a dalmatian and i know what to do as my relative is a vetinarian.at the first few months you have to care for them a lot.then about the diet you have to consult a vet.my friend gave bananas to hers & it became so fat that it moved on a skate board for a month!!

Anonymous - 8/20/2011 10:38:42 AM

Dalmatians are likely to get kidney stones so yes they should have a special diet. Talk to a veterinarian about the diet because if the dog gets kidney stones they will not be able to control their bladder.

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 4:34:19 AM

Dalmatian's eat what any other dog eats.

Anonymous - 3/26/2011 11:00:44 AM

QUESTION: Are Dalmatian dogs the right choice for house protection?

Anonymous - 2/18/2011 2:16:41 PM

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Yes Dalmatian's are great watch dogs for your home, their bark is so thunderous it can shake a person up but all in all they are the most friendly dogs too as long as they are socialized as puppies. Which I recommend regardless. (Dalmatian owner of two)

Anonymous - 3/8/2011 11:18:41 AM

QUESTION: How are dalmations with other dogs? Are they a dominant breed, or happy to just be in the pack, lab like personality verses a terrier attitude? That is my concern is the pup that grows up, will it grow into a problem with the other dogs in our household. We have a lab and a kerry blue terrier and don't have any issues, the lab just lets the terrier do as she pleases. And the Terrier is noisy but mostly full of hot air, can a dalmation tolerate a boisterious terrier?

Anonymous - 1/19/2011 11:57:15 PM

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I agree it is all about socializing as long as you raise your puppy right and he/she is raised around kids and other pets they are fantastic family pets. I have two dalmatians and a great pyrenese they are all best friends, we also have an old cat they adore.

Anonymous - 3/8/2011 11:19:57 AM

Dalmatian's are excellent with other dogs if properly socialized. If not they CAN become protective and aggressive. A properly trained and socialized Dal can very much become part of the pack (hint: neutering males reduces their tendency to dominate). They are not dogs to be sentenced to a back yard. They need and crave constant attention and are far happier as members of the household. Read up on the breed, and particularly check out the Dalmatian Club of America's website (http://www.thedca.org/). The breed is a wonderful one, but far too many people don't spend the time to understand their needs and quirks. Whatever you do, understand that this is a commitment. not a trial. If you adopt a dal and it turns out to be more work than you're prepared to accept, turn it into Dalmatian Rescue and NOT the local pound. I hope it works out for you and you enjoy this very rewarding breed of dog. Given a chance, they can truly change your life for the better.

Anonymous - 2/13/2011 8:30:24 PM

QUESTION: We just got a puppy and we don't know what breed he is. he is white with black spots. Berle showing and around his snout is pink and also his paws so please tell me what breed he is please .

Anonymous - 1/15/2011 6:04:09 PM

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he might have defiency problems.consult a vet

Anonymous - 8/20/2011 10:41:31 AM

we would need to see a picture

Anonymous - 3/8/2011 11:20:19 AM

QUESTION: I got a 14 month old puppy and the people did not tell me what type of dog breed she was. she was solid white when I got her. It has been a little over a month since we got her and she has changed. She has developed brown spots on her ears and faint spots in her coat along her body. On the underside of her body she has spots. Se is a fairly big puppy and has large feet. She has very noticable pink around her eyes and nose. Can you please help me find what breed she is? Possibly a Dalmatian? thank you

Anonymous - 1/9/2011 10:06:09 PM

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She sounds like a dalmatian. Its okay for her to have brown spots instead of black ones. Some pups get their spots later than others so by the information given i think she's a dal.

Anonymous - 1/16/2012 5:30:12 PM

not always...some puppies get their spots later than others......what you are describing definetely sounds like a dalmatian...but without a picture we cant be sure

Anonymous - 4/28/2011 5:13:56 PM

Without a photo it's difficult to tell. Dalmatians typically get their spots well before their 14th month. The coloration and spotting DO indicate a liver-spotted Dalmatian, however -- but again, the spots should have appeared twelve (or more) months earlier...

Anonymous - 2/13/2011 8:17:51 PM

QUESTION: I have a GREAT dalmatian that is going on 13 years of age. I am wondering what I can give to him to help him with his arthritis? He is barley getting around in this cold weather.

Anonymous - 12/29/2010 11:02:05 AM

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Although meds do help, like this person said, it can have a negative effect on the liver eventually among other issues. We have always loved vitamins specifically made for senior dogs and along with the vitamins, give your Dalmatians the arthritis vitamin specifically for joint and hip care, any brand will do fine. We also put them on senior dog chow at that age point.

Anonymous - 3/8/2011 11:22:27 AM

I have a dalmatian that is 14 years old and she is awesome. She is a wonderful pet and a loyal best friend. However, she suffers from serious arthiritis in her spine and left back leg-hip. I have taken her to the vet multiple times and she is currently on Medicam. The Medicamm is a rx pain reliever for dogs. It does work however it can compromise her liver at some point. But I think the benefits outweigh the price of her being in pain. In the winter she cannot go up the stairs in our house without stumbling. We also have her on Blue Buffalo reduced calorie dog food that keeps her weight down and off her hips. Anyhow, I hope my beautiful Dalmation lives another couple of years. She is my heart and my life will not be the same without her.

Anonymous - 1/1/2011 4:08:04 PM

QUESTION: Are Dalmatian dogs good with kids? What is their temperament like?

Anonymous - 12/18/2010 8:27:53 PM

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Dalmatians tend to have temperment issues which can make them bad with children. The only way a damlamtian will be good with children is great training and socialization starting at a very young age. Do not get an older dalmatian if you have younger children. People should also learn as much information about how to train a specific breed as possible. Not all breed train the same way, as an animal behaviorist I know.

Anonymous - 5/10/2011 4:42:34 AM

I heard that dalmatians are amazing with kids and wonderful family pets!!! :)

Anonymous - 3/26/2011 2:19:26 PM

We have had our Dalmatian, Daisy for almost 13 yrs now. She's great with the kids in the home & neighbor kids. Daisy loves running. Trains easy with lots of love & kindness. : )

Anonymous - 3/17/2011 4:25:00 PM

Yes! Dalmatians are actually very playful

Anonymous - 12/26/2010 2:21:28 AM

QUESTION: some breeder has told me that Dalmatians are 90% deaf and its natural by thier birth......we didn't know that they are deaf after four months of thier life.......is its true??????.....plz tell me!!!!!!friends

fanik - 9/19/2010 7:08:31 AM

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Its perfectly normal for a dalmatian to be deaf in at least one ear. Its just something thats part of the breed and if you teach them sign language they will learn it fast and still be great pets.

Anonymous - 1/16/2012 5:33:10 PM

I was unaware Dalmatians have a deaf issue. Our Daisy shows signs of deafness at the age of 12. My grand-daughter is teaching her sign lauguage. Is doing pretty good at it.

Anonymous - 3/17/2011 4:28:07 PM

Honestly, a good breeder of Dalmatians is supposed to do one of the two things, kill the deaf pup to prevent further breeding or spay/neuter the deaf pup (which I prefer) to prevent breeding of the deaf pup. Good breeders will not breed deaf pups. And only 1 out of ten litters will have a deaf pup naturally.

Anonymous - 3/8/2011 11:24:22 AM

We have a deaf Dalmation and she is the BEST Dal we have had. We taught her our own hand signals. She is 8 years old and was born deaf. The breeder was going to put her down but we said no, we would keep her and so glad we did. She was having some stiff joint trouble and our vet told us to give her 1/2 of glycussimin condroutin tablet and she is like a puppy again. In the fall (we live in PA) she bites her feet so we put dog boots on her when she goes outside until we get a good frost, then the boots stay off til next fall.

Anonymous - 2/26/2011 6:57:04 PM

If you are looking for Dalmatian puppies for sale from reputable Dalmatian breeders or to adopt a Dalmatian from a Dalmatian rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Dalmatian puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Dalmatian puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

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