Dalmatians: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
By: Lizz CaputoDalmatians have been a fixture throughout history in many countries and were further propelled to fame by Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. Let's explore the origin, temperament and traits of this spotted beauty.
Origin
Dalmatians are a mysterious breed. No one knows for sure where they originated, but we do know they were named after Dalmatia, a beautiful place by the sea in Croatia. Maybe they liked the sunny beaches and the fresh fish there!
Dalmatians have always loved to travel and make friends - throughout history, they have been known mainly as “coach dogs". They used to ride along with both nobles and Romani people, keeping the horses company and protecting them from thieves.
They also became the unofficial iconic firehouse mascot in the U.S., who admired their bravery and loyalty.
Ultimately, Dalmatians are not just pretty faces, they are smart, adventurous, and fun-loving dogs. And just happen to be one of the most popular and well-known dog breeds in the world.
Appearance
Dalmatians are famous for their unique, smooth, spotty fur. Their black or brown spots are like stars in the night sky, scattered all over their white coat.
These powerful, athletic dogs have high-set drop ears and a tail that naturally curves up like a smile. Fun fact: Dalmatians are born as blank canvases and their spots develop about two weeks later.
Similar breeds
Prospective dog owners looking for a breed similar to Dalmatians might consider:
The English Pointer is similar in size to a Dalmatian and has many of the same personality traits, like enthusiasm and high energy levels. They're less independent, however, and may be prone to herding their people, potentially nipping and play-biting to get their point across.
The Hungarian Vizsla has become similarly popular for its good looks and excellent temperament. This breed is loving, affectionate, and loyal. Unlike Dalmatians, Hungarian Vizslas can be less prone to aggression or behavioral issues but have been known to suffer from separation anxiety when left alone. They also have a pretty legendary prey drive.
The Weimaraner is a tall breed with a distinctive, glossy steel grey coat. They are a highly intelligent, high-energy breed that is very good with children. The Weimaraner may be easier to groom and have a slightly shorter reported lifespan, but overall, these two breeds are very similar.
Temperament
Dedicated and loyal, the Dalmatian has a friendly disposition and is an outgoing breed with lots of energy. Their intelligence has made them dependable watchdogs throughout history and their playfulness has made them beloved family pets throughout history.
If well-trained, Dalmatians make obedient pets. So make sure you reserve some extra cash to put them in puppy charm school. Some Dalmatian parents think they might be too energetic for little kids due to their high energy levels. Overall, Dalmatians are happiest when they have a lot of space to explore and enjoy.
Are Dalmatians hypoallergenic?
Dalmatians are not hypoallergenic. Their short black/brown and white hairs shed heavily year-round. With a beautiful coat like that, there are bound to be some tradeoffs!
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Illness/health concerns
While Dalmatians have an average life expectancy, they’re prone to a variety of health issues, partially due to a period of overbreeding as the breed popularized (we can thank 101 Dalmatians for that!)
Common health conditions include deafness, hip dysplasia, bladder stones, epilepsy, and atopy, where the skin reacts to environmental allergens and becomes sore and itchy.
How big do Dalmatians get?
Adult Dalmatians typically grow to weigh between 45 and 65 pounds, with adult males standing between 58cm and 61cm tall and adult females standing between 56cm and 58cm tall.
Life expectancy
Dalmatians’ life expectancy ranges from 10 to 13 years, depending on genetics, diet, and overall care.
Expected lifetime cost
The estimated lifetime cost of owning a Dalmatian is over $20k. This includes the initial costs of purchasing the puppy, supplies, food, veterinary care, grooming, and training.
Estimated cost to insure
The estimated cost to insure a Dalmatian is between $25 and $50 monthly.
The good, the bad, the ugly
When deciding which breed is right for you, it’s important to consider each breed’s potential challenges in addition to their endearing qualities. Some things to consider for Dalmatians include:
Health concerns: The breed is prone to several health complications, from deafness—the most common—to bladder stones to cancer.
Shadow dogs: Dalmatians thrive on human companionship; if left alone for too long, they can become depressed or destructive. Many of us consider all this affection a plus.
Lightning bolts: Let's face it - these pups need a lot of exercise. Dalmatians have seemingly boundless energy, which is important to consider when deciding if your lifestyle and environment are compatible with the dog’s needs. They are not well suited for apartments or small spaces.
Head-turners: Picture this: you're strutting the streets of the concrete jungle and among all the grey, a pristine white and black spotted beauty emerges. Walking a Dalmatian is sure to get you lots of "oohs" and "ahhs", but who can blame them?!
Smarty-pants: These big-brained beauties are wicked smart, independent thinkers. They rank 62nd among dog breeds for their obedience and working intelligence, which means they can learn new commands quickly and obey them well.
So you want a Dalmatian...
A Dalmatian could be the right fit if you’re seeking a loving and loyal dog with boundless energy.
If you're prepared to offer the daily mental stimulation and exercise that your spotty soulmate needs to stay happy, you're in for a best friend for life!
