Dalmatian
The spotted coach dog — a tireless athlete with a one-of-a-kind coat.
Vital stats
| Size | Large · 48–61 cm |
| Weight | 16–32 kg |
| Life expectancy | 11–13 years |
| Energy | Very high — 2+ hours/day |
| Shedding | Heavy, year-round |
| Coat | Short, dense · white with black or liver spots |
| Group | Non-sporting · FCI №153 / AKC |
Breed traits
Friendliness
Care
Mind
Temperament
Bred to trot for miles beside carriages, guarding the horses and clearing the road ahead, the Dalmatian is an endurance athlete with a deep need for company. Give it real daily running and it's a witty, affectionate companion; leave it idle and alone and it will invent projects you won't approve of.
Habits & quirks
Born to trot
Its natural gait eats miles — a jogging and cycling partner par excellence.
The Dalmatian smile
Many Dals greet you with a toothy grin — it's friendly, not fierce.
Horse sense
Centuries beside carriages left an unusual calm around horses.
Full-contact affection
A leaner and a lap-optimist, all 25 kilos of it.
Care
| Exercise | Plan on serious daily running — this breed was built to trot all day beside a coach. |
| Diet | A unique urate quirk raises urinary-stone risk: many Dals need lower-purine food and constant fresh water. |
| Hearing | Congenital deafness runs in the breed — buy from BAER-tested litters and teach hand signals early. |
| Shedding | Short white hairs, every day, on everything; weekly rubber-mitt sessions help. |
Common questions
Do Dalmatians make good family dogs?
For active families with space and time — they're loyal and playful but need heavy daily exercise, and their energy suits older children better than toddlers.
Are Dalmatians deaf?
The breed has an unusually high rate of congenital deafness, in one or both ears. Responsible breeders BAER-test puppies before rehoming.
Why do Dalmatians need a special diet?
The breed metabolises purines unusually, which can lead to urinary stones. Many owners feed a lower-purine diet and keep fresh water always available — your vet can advise.