Dog breed · Non-Sporting / Utility
Dalmatian
A striking spotted breed historically used as a coaching dog that ran alongside horse-drawn carriages. Dalmatians need a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation to stay settled and content.
Breed characteristics
- Group
- Non-Sporting / Utility
- Origin
- Croatia (historically associated with Dalmatia)
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 20–32 kg (45–70 lb)
- Height
- 56–61 cm
- Lifespan
- 11–13 years
- Coat
- Short, dense, fine spotted coat
- Temperament
- EnergeticOutgoingSensitiveDignified
History
Long associated with the Dalmatia region of the Adriatic, the breed became famous as a carriage escort dog in England and later a firehouse mascot in the United States.
Appearance
A lean, athletic dog with a short white coat marked with distinct black or liver spots that develop after birth.
Exercise and activity
Very high — an hour or more of vigorous exercise daily, ideally including running alongside a bike or jogging, reflecting the breed's coaching-dog history.
Care and grooming
Shedding is heavy and constant year-round despite the short coat; frequent brushing reduces loose hair around the home.
Health considerations
- Deafness (congenital, unilateral or bilateral)
- Urate urinary stones
- Skin allergies
- Iris sphincter dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia