Dalmatian Prices 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

If you’ve decided to welcome a Dalmatian puppy into your family, you have a lot to look forward to! The sharp intelligence and fierce loyalty of Dalmatians make them wonderful companions and excellent protectors. It’s easy to get swept away in all the excitement. However, there are many expenses associated with owning a Dalmatian. Today, we discuss some of the costs you can expect (and some you may not!) when purchasing a Dalmatian in 2024.

How Much Does a Dalmatian Puppy Cost?

Depending on what you’re looking for, the cost of a Dalmatian puppy can vary greatly. In general, purchasing a Dalmatian puppy from a breeder will cost between $500 and $1700. Where the price falls within that range will depend on a variety of factors, such as the breeder’s reputation and the pedigree of the dog. Well-known and respected breeders will usually charge more than those who are just starting out. However, they will also be likely to offer you a health guarantee on their puppies. This is a promise from the breeder that the animal they’re selling you is healthy and unaffected by any genetic diseases to the best of their knowledge. In the event your puppy does become diagnosed with a medical condition covered by the guarantee, you’ll be eligible for a refund. This additional cost will provide peace of mind, so it’s usually worth spending the extra money.

Although it might be cheaper, buying a Dalmatian puppy from a puppy mill or backyard breeder comes with serious risks. Often, the people running these operations do not do genetic testing on the animals they’re breeding, leading to an increased risk for disease in their offspring. Your Dalmatian puppy will likely have a poor quality of life, and as an owner, you might find yourself under a mountain of vet bills. If you’re on a budget, adoption is a much more affordable option. Adopting a Dalmatian from a rescue or shelter will usually cost between $50 and $300.

Other Factors That Influence the Purchase Price of a Dalmatian

There are other factors that influence the price of a Dalmatian puppy that are easy to overlook. For example, if you’re seeking a Dalmatian as a companion animal, the price will fall towards the lower end of the range. If you’re leaning more towards adding a show dog to your family, the price will climb higher. Your location may also play a role in determining the price of a Dalmatian puppy. Depending on the density of local breeders and average median income, the price may fluctuate.

The coloration or coat type of a Dalmatian may also affect the price. Long-haired Dalmatians and tri-colored Dalmatians are two variants that are relatively rare and expensive. However, blue Dalmatians are regarded as the rarest color, and they are highly sought after. Despite the high demand for these puppies, there is a limited supply of them, and breeding for this coloration is somewhat difficult. Due to this, prices can climb insanely high. For more information regarding pricing in regard to coloration, inky dink Dalmatians has a comprehensive list.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Dalmatians

Depending on where you get your Dalmatian puppy from, some expenses may be included in the purchase price. Many breeders provide their puppies with their first set of vaccinations and take them to an initial health screening. Neutering or spaying may also be performed before you take your puppy home if they are old enough. Talk to your breeder about what medical fees they typically cover.

However, if you adopt your Dalmatian from a rescue or shelter, you may have to pay for some of these expenses out of pocket. For vaccinations, you can expect to pay roughly $50 to $100 for their initial set of shots. After this, any additional set of booster shots will cost around $40. Once you take your Dalmatian home, it’s important to take them to the vet for an initial health panel. Depending on your location, the cost will be roughly $125. Prices vary between different practices and different states, so be sure to do some research on veterinary offices local to you.

Cost of Food and Supplies for a Dalmatian

The cost of feeding your Dalmatian puppy will vary greatly depending on the choices you make. It’s important to be prepared to spend between $40 to $60 per month on basic wet and dry food. This does not include the price of dog treats or other snacks. Some owners prefer to feed their Dalmatians a raw diet, which can be much more expensive. If you’re thinking about going this route, you can expect to pay a bit more, usually between $100 and $120 per month. In addition, some Dalmatians will require a prescription diet. Depending on their individual needs, prices can climb as high as $150 a month. However, this cost might be supplemented by pet insurance, which we’ll talk more about later.

If this is the first dog in your home, you may incur some additional expenses. You’ll need supplies such as food and water bowls, a leash and collar, and toys. There are also optional expenses, such as dog beds, crates, and microchipping. With these expenses in mind, it’s best to put aside an additional $500 to cover these costs.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Dalmatian

Dalmatians are susceptible to many genetic health conditions, so preparing a safety net is always a smart idea. Some common diseases to be aware of are Dalmatian bronzing syndrome, dilated cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, bladder stones, and cancer. If you purchased your Dalmatian from a breeder, they may have offered a health guarantee. This means that in the event, that your puppy does become diagnosed with one of these conditions, you may be eligible for a refund. However, these guarantees only last a limited time, roughly three years after you take your dog home.

If your dog receives a diagnosis after they’ve aged out of the health guarantee, pet insurance is the next best option. The monthly cost to insure your Dalmatian will be somewhere between $25 and $50. It’s important to purchase this before they’ve been stricken with a serious disease, so prepare to make plans around the time the health guarantee expires. These diseases are expensive to treat, and purchasing pet insurance can ease your financial burden. Purchasing your Dalmatian puppy from a reputable, ethical breeder will greatly lower the chances of genetic disorders. However, outliers still exist, and it’s best to be prepared for a worst-case scenario.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Dalmatian

Training your Dalmatian puppy is incredibly important and will be a chief determinant of their behavior as adults. Dalmatians are incredibly intelligent and have an innate desire to learn. That being said, it’s best to nurture this early in their life and not let their natural talents go to waste. If you’re leaning more towards training at home, you can begin doing so immediately after you bring your puppy home. At this age, their brains are like sponges and absorb information quickly and easily. Keeping your puppy focused at this age may be a bit difficult, so don’t be shy to motivate them with treats.

If you don’t have enough time to dedicate to training your Dalmatian puppy on your own, taking them to classes is always an option as well. Training classes cost $30 to $50 per session, and it is recommended to take your puppy to about 40 classes to ensure they are fully trained. Typically, this period can last from a few months to a year.

Final Thoughts

Welcoming a Dalmatian puppy into your home comes with many expenses, some of which are obvious, and others which are lesser known. However, these brilliant, loyal, and loving dogs greatly enrich the lives of their families. Dalmatians have an average lifespan of roughly 10 to 14 years, so the decision to purchase or adopt should not be taken lightly. This is a long-term financial commitment, so be sure that you’re prepared to support your Dalmatian for their whole life and budget accordingly.