Dalmatian

Temperament and Personality

The Dalmatian temperament is outgoing, friendly and incredibly energetic, making them an ideal pet for active families who love going on adventures. However, their intense playfulness and hyperactivity could be too much for very young children.

Known to be loyal and affectionate, they’re a fun-loving companion who is always ready to go – whatever the activity, whatever time of day. Their good looks and charisma also make them natural performers who thrive off attention, so it’s no wonder they were the star of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. This strong need for human interaction has made the Dalmatian a ‘velcro dog’, so be prepared for a constant cuddle buddy.

It’s not all fun and games though. Dalmatians are also hardworking and super smart. They were originally used to run alongside carriages as a guard dog, so they have a protective instinct about them. This loyalty to their family makes them excellent watchdogs, but it also means they can be wary of strangers and may need time to trust new people.

While the Dalmatian is smart and quick to learn, they can often get distracted as they’re always sniffing out something more fun to do. This, paired with an independent mind of their own, has given them the reputation as being quite stubborn. As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. 

If you’re looking for true canine companionship with an enthusiastic, energetic dog, the Dalmatian could be the breed for you. 

Dalmatian paw-sonality traits

• Highly energetic
• Needs lots of exercise and mental stimulation
• Lively, friendly and intelligent
• Playful and affectionate
• Protective and loyal to family
• Emotionally sensitive
• Good watchdogs
• Needs lots of attention and interaction
• Known to be ‘velcro dogs’
• Observant with good memory
• Strong willed, stubborn and independent
• Reserved with strangers
• Quick learners but need consistent training
  

Dalmatian pros and cons

Are Dalmatians good family dogs?

Yes, Dalmatians can be amazing family dogs, but they’re not for everyone. They need lots of attention, exercise and mental stimulation. If your family already has a hectic schedule, adding a Dalmatian into the mix could give you a few grey hairs. However, active families who love the outdoors – and can dedicate time to training and playing – would make great Dalmatian owners.

Are Dalmatians good with children?

Yes, Dalmatians are naturally good with children, however they are super high energy. These large lovebugs greet their humans with lots of enthusiasm (jumping, kissing, pawing) which could be a bit too boisterous for very young children. Their wagging tail alone could knock a toddler over! They might be better suited to a household with older children who can stand their ground.

Are Dalmatians good with other pets?

Yes, Dalmatians are known to be good with dogs and other animals, especially horses. This breed isn’t a hunter or herder, so they have a relatively low prey drive. If they’ve been raised with other pets in the household, they should be able to make new furry friends without much fuss.

Introducing new animals into the pack should always be managed carefully though, allowing them to sniff and suss each other out. Remember, every Dalmatian is unique, so monitor their body language, provide space and reward good behaviour. 

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Dalmatian properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Dalmatian need?

The Dalmatian is a very active dog that needs lots of walkies to stay fit, trim and happy. The recommended amount of daily exercise is a minimum of 2 hours for adult dogs, which can include free running, playing fetch or engaging in agility training. They have boundless energy and can run until the cows (or dogs) come home! This makes them good contenders for Flyball agility. As with all breeds though, take care to not overwork puppies while their bones and joints are still developing.

How do you train a Dalmatian?

Dalmatians are super smart and eager to learn, but they’re not a pushover and can often be quite stubborn. For new dog owners, they’re not the easiest of dogs to train. Ongoing and consistent training techniques that use positive reinforcement is crucial to training this strong-willed pup. Oh, and patience is a must!

Unleash your Dalmatian’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement. Like many dogs, Dalmatians respond well to praise, treats and affection, so show them all the love when they do something right. You could consider our tasty Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats which are perfect for rewarding good behaviour. 

2. Socialisation is key. This breed is known for being a little aloof when it comes to strangers, so the more people and pups they get to meet at a young age, the more likely they are to be confident and friendly. 

3. Keep it fun! Dalmatians love to play so use this to your advantage with games like fetch or tug-of-war when teaching new commands. Agility training like Flyball is also a good choice for this breed.

4. Teach ‘leave it’ early on. Dalmatians are natural investigators and can find themselves in hot water if they get their paws on something they shouldn't. The “leave it” command will help them understand what's off-limits and keep them safe.

5. Keep training sessions short. Brief but frequent 15 minute sessions a few times a day will ensure they don’t lose interest and stay motivated to learn. 
6. Be patient and consistent. Dalmatians can be stubborn if the mood strikes, so you’ll need to devote lots of time to training.

7. Tame their inner Houdini. These dogs are natural escape artists so you’ll need to invest in a sturdy harness, collar and lead, as well as provide a secure back garden.

How much grooming do Dalmatians need?

Very little grooming. The Dalmatian coat is short, striking and low maintenance – and can be ‘spotted’ from a mile away. The typical colouring is white with black spots, but you can get liver-spotted Dalmatians too. 

All of this beauty comes at a cost though…lots of loose hair! They shed heavily throughout the year, especially during spring and autumn, and the hairs are short and stubborn. (You can also get long-haired Dalmatians but they aren’t very common.)

• Use a grooming mitt once a week to remove dead hairs. Finish with a soft cloth to add extra shine.
  
  
• Bathe when needed using a dog-friendly shampoo, but don’t overdo it as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause irritation or allergies to flare up.
  
  
• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.
  
  
• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
  
  
• Use a dog friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent pongy dog breath.
  
  
• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the dog dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, a Dalmatian’s life expectancy is between 10 and 13 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, the Dalmatian is prone to a number of health problems.

Common Dalmatian health issues

• Deafness is a common Dalmatian health issue. Many white dog breeds are prone to deafness due to the lack of melanocytes in the inner ear, but it’s extremely prevalent in Dalmations. Dalmatian puppies who are born deaf need unique training using signals and vibrations. Deaf dogs in general need more care and shouldn’t be allowed off lead.
  
  
• Urinary Stones are common in Dalmatians as they carry a gene that prevents them from processing uric acid. Signs include frequent urination, bloody urine and abdominal discomfort. There’s often a bacterial urinary infection present too. Any pup with these painful stones should be fed a prescription low purine diet.
  
  
• Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Dogs prone to this condition should be started on Joint Supplements young, and Pooch & Mutt now make a supplement aimed at puppies. As well as supplements, dogs can be managed with pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint-specific diets, acupuncture and hydrotherapy.
  
  
• Atopic dermatitis (allergic skin disease) is common amongst Dalmatians. Signs include paw licking, pink skin and excessive scratching. Many will develop secondary bacterial and yeast infections. Dust mites are one of the most common triggers, but it’s hard to eliminate these from any home. A hypoallergenic hydrolysed diet can help if food is thought to be the trigger.
  
  
• Epileptic seizures are also called convulsions or fits. They typically last 1-3 minutes and can cause a dog to collapse on their side, paddle and vocalise. As epilepsy isn’t the only cause of seizures, you need to rule out other reasons a dog may be fitting, such as recent toxin ingestion, advanced liver disease or a brain tumour.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Dalmatian a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay glossy to improving their joints and mobility, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Dalmatian eat in a day?

The Dalmatian size is large, so these big boys and girls should generally be fed twice a day. The amount you feed them depends on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Regular exercise
This will help maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, and keep your pup's joints flexible. 

Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Dalmatian’s nutritional needs, such as Pooch & Mutt. Also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil and Joint Supplements to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Monitor weight
A healthy Dalmatian should weigh anywhere between 20-32kg, depending on if they’re male or female. Make sure they don’t keep reaching for the treat jar though, as they need to stay trim to reduce the risk of joint issues and obesity.

Hold the purine
A low purine diet is recommended if your Dalmatian has urinary stones or has been diagnosed with HUA, so consider feeding them our Fresh Chicken dry food for a tasty yet safe meal. 

Care for their ears
Dalmatian ears are soft and floppy, but it’s what’s on the inside that matters. Clean their ears to prevent wax build up and reduce the risk of infections. 

Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Dalmatian’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Dalmatian is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Dalmatian puppy?

The price of a dalmatian can cost anywhere between £600 and £1,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Dalmatian is around £105.

Setup costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), Dalmatian bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training.

If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches can put away a fair bit, and they need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, feeding a Dalmatian costs between £30 and £50 per month.

Insurance costs
As Dalmatian’s are prone to many illnesses, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Dalmatian even more with these titbits and tales about one of the most well-recognised dogs in the world! 

• Dalmatians aren’t actually born with their spots. Dalmatian puppies develop their black or liver markings as they grow.
  
  
• Nobody really knows where the breed originates. The breed takes its name from a place called Dalmatia, a region in Croatia, but it’s not known if this is where they originally came from.
  
  
• They’re the global mascot of fire departments due to their history of protecting horse-drawn fire carriages.
  
  
• No two Dalmatians are the same. Just like a fingerprint or snowflake, a Dalmatian’s spot pattern is completely unique.
  
  
• They’ve had many names over the years, including Firehouse Dog, the English Coach Dog, the Spotted Coach Dog, the Carriage Dog, and even the Plum Pudding Dog!
  
  
• Paintings of spotted dogs running with chariots have been found in Egyptian tombs, suggesting these hounds have been around for a while.  
  
  
• Have you heard of any Dalmatian cross breeds? A Dalmatian poodle mix is called a Dalmadoodle, a Dalmatian corgi mix is called a Corgmation, and a Dalmatian labrador cross is called a Dalmador!
  
  

History and Origin

With their world-renowned polka dot coats and playful nature, it's easy to see why they've captured the hearts of many. But despite this breed’s global fame – and all of the technology and science we have at our disposal – nobody seems to know where this dog breed originated. 

Some believe they must have come from Dalmatia, a region in Croatia, which fits given the name. Also, if they lived and travelled with Romani people who are historically nomadic, it makes sense they would have a mysterious origin story. But these unique dogs potentially have lineage back to 3,700BC, as paintings have been found in Egyptian tombs depicting spotted dogs running alongside chariots.

Dalmatians as we know and love them today became hugely popular in the 16th century, where they were used to run alongside horse-drawn carriages. Their job was to protect the horses and cargo from any threats, and they have been said to provide comfort to the horses too. When firefighters began using horse-drawn coaches to carry their equipment, the trusty Dalmatian was used as a natural alarm, barking at passersby to move and protecting the equipment from being stolen. Such good boys and girls! Eventually they became status symbols for the wealthy thanks to their stunning appearance.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Dalmatian. 

1. Research the Dalmatian breed. You may love the idea of having your very own Disney Dalmatian, but make sure you can definitely handle their high energy and intense exercise needs before moving forward!

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Dalmatian puppies and check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Dalmatians and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Dalmatian, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Dalmatians in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.