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Croatia•non-sporting
Dalmatian
popularGood with KidsGood with Pets
Iconic spotted breed with stable, outgoing temperament. Highly energetic and intelligent, requiring active lifestyle. Historically used as coach dogs.
Weight20-32 kg44-70.5 lbs
Height48-61 cm19-24"
Lifespan11-13 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
OutgoingDignifiedEnergeticPlayfulIntelligent
Height
48-61 cm19-24"
Weight
20-32 kg44-70.5 lbs
Lifespan
11-13 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Medium - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Active - needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
Trainability
Eager to please - loves learning and responds well to training
Grooming
Regular grooming - weekly brushing
Barking
Barks when necessary
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Dalmatian48-61 cm19-24"Compatibility
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Colors & patterns
Dalmatian comes in 2 recognized colors
Black Spotted
Black and White
Dalmatian
Black·White
Liver Spotted
Brown and White
Dalmatian
Liver·White
Exercise
Activity requirements for Dalmatian
high energy60-90 min/day
The Dalmatian is energetic and requires substantial daily exercise. Plan for dedicated activity time to prevent behavioral issues from pent-up energy.
2+ hours daily of vigorous physical and mental exercise
Recommended Activities
Moderate intensity
Long Walks/Hikes
Extended walks or hiking adventures to burn energy.
45-60 min
Moderate intensity
Swimming
Low-impact but excellent full-body workout.
20-30 min
High intensity
Running/Jogging
Running alongside you for cardiovascular exercise.
20-30 min
High intensity
Active Play Sessions
High-energy games like fetch, frisbee, or tug-of-war.
20-30 min
High intensity
dog Sports
Agility, flyball, or other organized activities.
30-45 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Dalmatian
Moderate Carefur coat
Dalmatians need regular grooming attention to maintain a healthy coat and prevent matting. Establish a consistent routine.
Regular Brushing
Brush 2-3 times per week to prevent tangles, remove dead hair, and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Increase to daily during seasonal shedding.
2-3 times per week
Bathing as Needed
Bathe every 1-2 months or as needed. Over-bathing can strip natural protective oils from the coat.
Every 1-2 months
Optional Professional Grooming
Professional grooming is optional for nail trimming, ear cleaning, and deshedding treatments. Many owners handle grooming at home.
As needed
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with floppy ears.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Dalmatian
Eager to Please
The Dalmatian is highly trainable and eager to please. They pick up commands quickly and thrive on positive reinforcement.
Best Approach
Use positive reinforcement consistently. These dogs are motivated by praise, treats, and play. Keep sessions engaging and varied to prevent boredom.
Training Tips
Essential
Positive Reinforcement
Reward good behavior immediately with treats, praise, or play. This breed responds exceptionally well to rewards.
Essential
Start Early
Begin training as soon as you bring them home. Their eagerness makes early puppyhood an ideal training window.
Recommended
Teach Varied Commands
Take advantage of their trainability by teaching a wide range of commands and tricks.
Advanced
Consider Advanced Training
This breed excels in obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Challenge them with advanced skills.
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Dalmatian
Medium Breed2 meals$41-103/month
Medium-sized breeds typically do well on twice-daily feeding with a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for their age and activity level.
Feeding Tips
Balanced Nutrition
Choose a complete and balanced food appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
Adjust for Activity
Active dogs need more calories; less active dogs need fewer. Adjust portions accordingly.
Quality Protein Source
Look for foods with named meat sources as the first ingredient for optimal nutrition.
Consistent Schedule
Feed at the same times each day to support digestive health and training routines.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Dalmatian
2
High Risk
2
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Dalmatian
Monthly costs
Food
$41-103
Insurance
$38-88
Supplies
$15-30
Monthly total
$94-221
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$432-720/yr
Parasite prevention
$360/yr
Annual total
$792-1,080/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Dalmatian's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
3 references for Dalmatian
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
Veterinary·Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
Canine Health Information Center - Dalmatian
Health·OFA-CHIC
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research