Dalmatian

Everything you need to know about Dalmatians

Life Expectancytypically 12+ years
SheddingShort length with heavy shedding
SizeLarge

Dalmatians are typically energetic dogs. They are muscular and powerful runners. Dalmatians are known for their pure white coats with black spots. These spots can also be a liver brown colour, though they are less common. 

There’s lots of doggy behaviour that comes naturally to all breeds of dog, including Dalmatians, from digging and chasing to searching and retrieving.   

Thinking about giving a Dalmatian a forever home? Here are some Dalmatian facts that might help you decide.  

Caring for Dalmatians

Every dog is different with their own personality and needs. Here are some areas to think about when taking care of a Dalmatian. 

Caring for your chosen breed

Health issues

Before you give any dog a home, it’s important to know about possible health issues. Not every dog will suffer them but it’s good to be prepared.   

To find out more about potential health issues for Dalmat...

How much food does a Dalmatian need? 

The amount of food a Dalmatian needs depends on their:  

  • age  
  • size  
  • activity levels  
  • fitness  
  • weight.   

You can use the informa...

How much exercise does a Dalmatian need?

Dalmatians are high-energy dogs who need lots of exercise to keep them physically and mentally healthy. They'll need daily walks, plus plenty of time and opportunity to explore, burn energy, and play.   

...

How much grooming does a Dalmatian need? 

Dalmatians will need regular grooming as they are heavy shedders.   

To help your dog feel comfortable with handling and grooming, introduce it in a positive way, one step at a time. Teaching your dog ...

What size crate do you need for a Dalmatian?

When inside their crate, your dog should have plenty of space to: 

  • sit and stand up at their full height 
  • turn around without touching the sides 
  • lie down fully stretched out&...

Dalmatian behaviour and training

Even if you think you know about Dalmatians, it’s important to remember that every dog has their own personality.  

Training your chosen breed

What’s the temperament of a Dalmatian?

Just like you, every dog is an individual with their own unique personality and prior experiences. So, every Dalmatian temperament is different.  As dogs grow from puppies, they learn all about the world. They develop...

Are Dalmatians easy to train?

You can teach any breed of dog new tricks! It’s all about positive learning. Find out what your dog loves so you can use this to reward them after a success. Whether it’s small food treats, toys or lots of praise, tra...

Are Dalmatians good with children?

Every dog has their own unique personality that has been shaped by their own experiences of the world. They’ll have their own likes and dislikes and will respond to situations in different ways. However, there are som...

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