Dalmatian
Canis lupus

Dalmatians are used as firehouse mascots
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Dalmatian Scientific Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.
Dalmatian Conservation Status
Dalmatian Facts
Dalmatian as a Pet:
- General Health
- Energy Level
- Shedability
- Trainability
- Intelligence
- Tendency to Chew
- Size
- Family and kid friendliness
- Yappiness / Barking
- Low
- Separation Anxiety
- High
- Preferred Temperature
- Warm climate
- Exercise Needs
- Moderate
- Friendly With Other Dogs
- Moderate
- Pure bred cost to own
- $800
- Dog group
- Non-sporting
- Male weight
- 45-60 lbs
- Female weight
- 45-60 lbs
View all of the Dalmatian images!
This breed is known for its sensitive temperament and high energy level.
Named for Dalmatia, a region in Croatia on the Adriatic coast, the Dalmatian is known for its speckled black-and-white coat. While no one can quite point to its exact origins, it is generally agreed that wealthy English travelers returned with this breed of dog following a visit to the mainland in the 1500s.
Forever immortalized in pop culture thanks to Disney’s “101 Dalmatians,” this breed soon became the hound of choice for the wealthy population that was driven about in carriages. They served as miniature polka-dotted bodyguards.
Due to their ability to get along with horses, they also served as the canine equivalent of sirens announcing fire fighting carriages, protecting the horses which drew them, and serving as a calming influence on their equine friends amid all the chaos, smoke, and ash. Long after carriages were replaced by automobiles, these faithful, intelligent canines continued to be honored in the fire service, in memory of the key role they once played.

Dalmatians reach their full size at 16 months, while males are slightly larger than females.
©iStock.com/Eugen Fedorov
Size and Weight
Dalmatians are medium-sized dogs. Males can grow to be 23 inches tall at the shoulder while females grow as tall as 22 inches. Both males and females weigh 60 pounds fully grown. At seven weeks old, puppies weigh around 12 pounds, and they are fully grown at 16 months.
Common Health Issues
Like any breed of dog, Dalmatians are prone to certain health issues, one of which is deafness. Deafness can be passed down through the bloodline. Additional concerns are obesity and bladder stones, which could be a cause for concern if your dog has pain when they urinate. An additional breed-specific concern is a liver disorder called copper hepatopathy. This is when there is a high level of copper in the dog’s liver. This can lead to yellow eyes and gums. If you spot these signs, contact your vet.

Dalmatians are prone to hearing problems and bladder stones.
©Peter Wibberley/Shutterstock.com
Temperament
These dogs have a sensitive temperament and are known for their sweet, playful personality. Though these dogs are good with kids, they should be monitored around particularly small children due to their high energy levels.
One of the most notable traits of this breed is loyalty. They like to spend time around their owner and family. It’s important to socialize them as puppies so they become accustomed to interacting with people and other dogs. They’re prone to shy behavior unless they’re socialized early on.
Caring for Dalmatians

Dalmatians have a specific set of needs with regard to diet, exercise, and healthcare.
©patostudio/Shutterstock.com
Whether you get a puppy or an adult Dalmatian, understanding its diet, exercise, and healthcare needs will ensure a happy and healthy life for the dog.
Diet
Importantly, puppies and adult dogs have different dietary needs. Fortunately, giving them the proper nutrition can prevent some health issues and keep them in great condition for years to come. Consider these diet and nutrition factors for puppies and adults:
Dalmatian puppy food: Food for a Dalmatian puppy should contain high-quality protein, which helps to build strong bones and muscles. Look for Omega-6 fatty acids that contribute to the development of a puppy’s brain and eyes. Fiber is an important ingredient that helps with a puppy’s digestion, and calcium helps with teeth development. Antioxidants contribute to the health of a puppy’s immune system. Avoid foods with fillers such as corn and wheat that unnecessarily add to a puppy’s weight.
Dalmatian adult dog food: Along with high-quality protein, an adult Dalmatian needs food with a mix of DHA and EPA to support their heart health. Additionally, antioxidants support an adult dog’s immune system and can prevent arthritis. Also, food low in saturated fat can help an adult Dalmatian maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity. Finally, calcium in the dog’s diet supports the health of bones, skin, and teeth.
Maintenance and Grooming
Dalmatians are known as frequent shedders. However, grooming a Dalmatian on a weekly basis can get rid of a lot of loose hair. Always brush your dog starting at its head and ending with its tail so you’re moving in the natural direction of the hair. Grooming your dog weekly not only keeps its coat in good condition but also allows you to check for skin irritation or hair loss. Red or scaly skin can be a sign of an allergy and should be checked by a vet. And don’t forget to trim their nails, typically on a monthly basis or as needed.
Exercise & Training
Dalmatians have a lot of energy. Giving them 30 to 60 minutes of exercise and play per day helps them maintain good physical and mental health. Unfortunately, a Dalmatian that doesn’t get enough exercise is prone to obesity and destructive behavior.
In terms of training, Dalmatians are alert and eager to please, which making training easy. The fact that a Dalmatian has a sensitive temperament means it’s best to use treats and words of praise throughout training sessions.
Puppies
One of the most amazing facts about their puppies is they are born without spots. Black spots do not begin to appear on their white coat until they are around two weeks old. When it comes to Dalmatian puppies, the biggest thing to keep in mind is to feed them a diet that has a very low amount of purine.

Dalmatian puppies don’t get their spots until they are around 2 weeks old.
©iStock.com/animalinfo
Dalmatians are known to be good with children, but Dalmatian puppies are particularly rambunctious when at play. Keep an eye on them when they are around small children who can be easily tripped by excited puppies.
View all 287 animals that start with DDalmatian FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much does it cost to own a Dalmatian?
The initial purchase price of a Dalmatian is around $800. Veterinary costs for a Dalmatian range from $300 to $500 per year. Vet costs vary depending on what services your dog needs and the price of each service.
Food costs for a Dalmatian range from $50 to $150 a month. Once again, the price of food varies depending on the brand and how much you purchase.
How long do Dalmatians live?
The lifespan of a Dalmatian is 12 to 14 years.
Do Dalmatians bark a lot?
No. They save their barking for appropriate occasions.
Why is a Dalmatian called a firehouse dog?
More than a century ago, Dalmatians were used by fire crews to run in front of the horse-drawn fire carriage to clear people and animals out of its way. Remember Dalmatians were used as coach dogs?
With today’s modern firetrucks Dalmatians no longer have to clear the way, but they are still seen at firehouses as companions for the fire crew as well as mascots.
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Sources
- American Kennel Club / Accessed January 19, 2021
- Vetstreet / Accessed January 19, 2021
- Wagwalking / Accessed January 19, 2021