A Guide to Dalmatians – Breed Information and Advice

Famous for their spotty coats, Dalmatians were bred to run behind horse-drawn carriages, which accounts for their endurance and stamina. They need space to stretch their legs and get rid of excess energy, so they're not a breed that's suited to apartment living. Naturally active and alert, they need an owner who can keep up with them, and in return they'll give loyalty and affection in spades.

If you think you’d be up to the challenge of caring for a Dalmatian, it’s worth seeing if there’s one available at your local shelter. You can also have a look at the Dalmatians page on Gumtree. But – as with any pet – it’s vital to do thorough research on the breed before beginning your search. We recommend checking out the Pet Advertising Advisory Group to learn all you can on how to buy a dog responsibly before committing to ownership. We’ve also put together a guide to buying a puppy or dog online to help you safely and sensibly assess your options.

Care

Dalmatians are a medium-sized breed that tend to be naturally lean. As long as they’re getting plenty of exercise they shouldn’t be susceptible to weight gain. Dalmatians can be prone to urinary problems, so they benefit from being fed low-purine foods. A vet should be able to recommend a quality dog food and the amount you should be feeding based on the size and weight of the Dalmatian.

Dalmatians have lots of energy and they thrive in rural areas. It’s ok if you don’t have loads of outside space, but at the very least they need a secure garden to run around in. Alert and intelligent, this breed needs engaging activities to keep them occupied. Providing them with toys, games and dog treats will keep their minds active and ensure they’re distracted from any destructive behaviours.

Exercise

This bouncy breed has extremely high energy levels and they love bounding around with an active owner. To blow off some steam, Dalmatians need a minimum of two hours exercise every day. This is best split up into a few shorter walks to keep them stimulated. Supplementing walks with time chasing toys in the garden, or even some agility courses, will keep their bodies and minds engaged. It’s worth mentioning that Dalmatians are strong dogs, so lead training at a young age is recommended.

Grooming

Dalmatians have short coats that are pretty low maintenance, so they don’t need a meticulous grooming regime. However, they can shed a lot, so it helps to give them a quick brush with a gentle dog brush every week to get rid of excess hair and keep their coat shiny and healthy. Because they shed, Dalmatians don’t suit owners with allergies or anyone who’s too worried about hairs being left on the sofa. This breed is known to suffer from skin allergies, so an occasional bath with a medicated dog shampoo can be helpful.

Temperament and training

Possibly because of their working heritage, Dalmatians tend to be strong-willed, which means they’re not always the easiest dogs to train. They’re also quite vocal and will bark if they feel threatened. It’s a good idea to start rewards-based training at a young age to curb any bad behaviour. Intelligent and athletic, this breed enjoys learning new things, so they appreciate lots of stimulation and human company. As long as Dalmatians are socialised properly, they usually have an outgoing, loyal and affectionate nature.

Health concerns

Dalmatians are generally quite robust, but there are some health issues associated with this breed. These include:

  • urinary problems – high uric acid levels can result in kidney and bladder stones in Dalmatians
  • allergies – Dalmatians are prone to skin allergies and issues, including bronzing skin syndrome
  • deafness – this breed has a genetic predisposition to hearing loss, so it’s good to look for a breeder who has had their litter tested for this

As with any breed, it’s important to get Dalmatians properly vaccinated and to seek veterinary care straight away if any worrying symptoms arise. It’s also best to check with the breeder that the dog’s parents were screened for these conditions.

Thinking of buying a puppy? Take a look at what to expect in your puppy’s first year and the lifelong cost of owning a dog.

FAQs

Are Dalmatians born with spots?

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Perhaps surprisingly, Dalmatians aren’t born with their distinctive spots! They are born with white fur and start developing spots at around 2 weeks old. The spots then get darker and more clearly defined as the puppy grows into an adult dog.

How long do Dalmatians live?

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Dalmatians have an average lifespan of 10-13 years. Feeding them an appropriate diet, providing them with lots of exercise and making sure they get regular veterinary check-ups will help them live a long and healthy life.

Are Dalmatians good with children?

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The answer to this question depends on the dog’s temperament and how well trained and socialised they are. While Dalmatians are generally friendly dogs, their high energy levels and excitability are better suited to older children. As a general rule, it’s always best to supervise dogs when they’re around small children.