---
title: "Dalmatian - temperament, price, health, breeders | Pedibase"
description: "Everything to know about the Dalmatian (Croatia): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
canonical_url: "https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian"
meta:
"og:description": "Everything to know about the Dalmatian (Croatia): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"og:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4457/dalmatien_femelle_2ans.jpg"
"og:image:alt": "Dog and cat breeders near you"
"og:image:height": "630"
"og:image:width": "1200"
"og:title": "Dalmatian - temperament, price, health, breeders"
"twitter:description": "Everything to know about the Dalmatian (Croatia): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders."
"twitter:image": "https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4457/dalmatien_femelle_2ans.jpg"
"twitter:title": "Dalmatian - temperament, price, health, breeders"
---
> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+11
Dogs
# The Dalmatian: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Croatia
An elegant, athletic and loyal dog, recognizable by its white coat dotted with black or brown spots.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–14 yearsBudget ≈ €115/monthPuppy €400 – €1,000
[Find a breeder 38](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=dalmatian)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Fair
Guarding instinct Good
Strengths and weaknesses
- Affectionate and loyal: He forms a strong bond with his family and enjoys shared activities.
- Athletic and enduring: His past as a coach dog makes him an excellent companion for active owners.
- Intelligent: He understands quickly when sessions are consistent, positive and varied.
- Not very barky: He remains attentive and courageous without vocalizing excessively.
- Strong-willed temperament: His tenacity requires early, patient and consistent training.
- High activity needs: A lack of long outings and stimulation can make his daily life difficult.
- Heavy shedding: Despite his short coat, he sheds a lot and requires regular brushing.
- Health predispositions: Hearing, the urinary tract and the hips require screening and targeted monitoring.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active owner: He readily accompanies long walks, games and outdoor activities.
- Experienced person: A consistent owner knows how to channel his strong personality without brutal methods.
- Family with plenty of time: He integrates well when household members devote time to him and supervise interactions.
Not recommended for
- Very sedentary person: Their daily need for running, long outings and stimulation would be difficult to satisfy.
- Household often absent: Even if they can tolerate being alone, they need regular activities and interactions.
- Owner looking for a very docile dog: Their independence and tenacity can unsettle an unprepared person.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
58 cmDalmatian
- Height at the withers
- 54–61 cm
- Weight
- 24–32 kg
- Coat
- Short, hard, dense and glossy
- FCI group
- 6
- Origin
- Croatia
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Dalmatian in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Dalmatian finds its origins in the historical region of Dalmatia, in Croatia. The first precise references to the breed date back to the 18th century and the British naturalist Thomas Pennant gives it its name in his work Synopsis of Quadrupeds in 1771. Long associated with horses and carriage vehicles, it ran alongside stagecoaches, a function that helped shape its endurance and its taste for movement. The first official standard was drawn up in 1890 when the Dalmatian Club was created in England, then the breed was recognized by the FCI in 1955 under number 153.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
Medium-sized, the Dalmatian has a rectangular silhouette, powerful, harmonious and muscular. Its prism-shaped head remains proportionate to the body, with a rather flat skull, a slight lateral rounding and a moderate stop. Its triangular ears with rounded tips are set high and carried close to the head. The back is straight and powerful, the loin short and muscular, while the tail, strong at the base then tapering, is carried in a sabre. Its short, harsh, dense and glossy coat covers a pure white coat marked with round spots, clearly defined and regularly distributed, black or brown depending on the variety.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Sensitive, affectionate and intelligent, the Dalmatian also has a strong personality and real independence. He is naturally neither nervous nor aggressive, but can be stubborn if his educational framework lacks consistency. Courageous, loyal and attentive to his environment, he can fulfill a guarding role without being excessively barky. He enjoys the company of his family, outings and shared activities.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The Dalmatian is an active dog that needs long daily outings, opportunities to run and outdoor play sessions. It can adapt to different lifestyles if its physical and mental exercise is truly satisfied, but apartment living remains poorly suited without at least two long and frequent walks per day. Early socialization promotes good relationships with children, other dogs and other animals. Its short coat providing little protection from the cold, it is preferable that it sleeps indoors.
Training
## Training and socialization
His training must begin early and combine calm firmness, patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement, based on praise, petting, play and measured treats, suits this dog eager to please but sometimes stubborn. Training benefits from being varied in order to engage his intelligence without boring him. Early and regular socialization is essential. Because of his assertive temperament, he is better suited to an owner who is already experienced.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Dalmatian
The purchase price varies depending on the breeder, the line, the pedigree, the screenings carried out on the breeding dogs and the puppy’s intended purpose. Beyond the purchase, you should plan a regular budget for quality food, veterinary prevention, accessories and routine care.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Dalmatian is generally robust, but the breed has particular predispositions that justify rigorous selection and regular veterinary monitoring. Congenital deafness affects a notable proportion of puppies, while its specific uric acid metabolism increases the risk of urinary stones and kidney disorders. Hip dysplasia and several more occasional conditions must also be monitored.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Dalmatian needs a complete, balanced diet adapted to its activity level. Particular attention must be paid to hydration and to the composition of the ration due to its predisposition to urinary stones.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Dalmatien is also known under the names Dalmatian and Dalmatinski Pas. Its history is closely linked to carriage horses and stagecoaches. The breed gained worldwide fame thanks to Pongo and Perdita, the couple of dogs at the heart of Disney's animated film The 101 Dalmatians, who set out in search of their puppies kidnapped by Cruella de Vil. A litter generally includes between 6 and 9 puppies.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Dalmatian
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Dalmatian suitable for a first adoption?
It can learn quickly, but its assertive temperament, independence, and high need for activity make it better suited to someone who is already experienced, available, and consistent in its training.
### Can the Dalmatian live in an apartment?
It can adapt to it only if its owner offers it at least two long outings every day, opportunities to run, and sufficient mental stimulation. A house does not replace these daily activities.
### Is the Dalmatian suitable for children?
Properly socialized and supervised, it is generally affectionate and playful with children. Interactions must always be supervised and respectful of the dog.
### Why should a Dalmatian’s hearing be tested?
Congenital deafness is relatively common in the breed. The BAER test measures the activity of the auditory pathways of each ear and allows reliable screening from a young age.
## Find a Dalmatian breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Dalmatian breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
[Dalmatian breeders in Brittany6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/brittany) [Dalmatian breeders in Normandy6](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/normandy) [Dalmatian breeders in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur5](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/provence-alpes-cote-dazur) [Dalmatian breeders in Nouvelle-Aquitaine4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/nouvelle-aquitaine) [Dalmatian breeders in Hauts-de-France4](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/hauts-de-france) [Dalmatian breeders in Occitanie3](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/occitanie)
### Dalmatian breeders by country
[185 breeders of Dalmatian in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/germany) [38 breeders of Dalmatian in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian) [26 breeders of Dalmatian in the Netherlands](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/netherlands) [20 breeders of Dalmatian in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/italy) [17 breeders of Dalmatian in Denmark](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/denmark) [7 breeders of Dalmatian in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/finland) [4 breeders of Dalmatian in Belgium](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/belgium) [4 breeders of Dalmatian in Croatia](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/croatia) [4 breeders of Dalmatian in the United Kingdom](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/united-kingdom) [3 breeders of Dalmatian in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian/austria)
[All breeders of Dalmatian in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian)
## Ready to welcome a Dalmatian?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-dalmatian)
## Compare Dalmatian with other breeds
- [Dalmatian vs. Weimaraner](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare/dalmatian-vs-weimaraner)
## Discover other breeds
[Weimaraner
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/weimaraner)
[English Pointer
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/english-pointer)
[Posavac Hound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/posavac-hound)
[Istrian Shorthaired Hound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/istrian-shorthaired-hound)
[Istrian Coarse-haired Hound
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/istrian-coarse-haired-hound)
```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website","@type":"WebSite","description":"Find dog and cat breeders near you. France's leading breeder directory, with an interactive map, breed information, and verified reviews.","inLanguage":"en","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/search?q={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"publisher":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity"},"translationOfWork":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#website"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#webpage","description":"Everything to know about the Dalmatian (Croatia): temperament, size, health, lifespan of 12-14 years, feeding, price, and verified breeders.","name":"Dalmatian - temperament, price, health, breeders","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian","@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#breadcrumb"},"isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en#website"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#/schema/question/1"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#/schema/question/2"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#/schema/question/3"},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#/schema/question/4"}],"potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian"]}],"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4457/dalmatien_femelle_2ans.jpg","width":1200,"height":630,"inLanguage":"en","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/_img/rs:fill:1200:630/el:1/q:80/f:jpg/plain/s3://media-pedibase/public/4457/dalmatien_femelle_2ans.jpg"}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#identity","@type":"Organization","description":"Pedibase is a free directory of dog and cat breeders that helps prospective owners find a registered breeder near them.","email":"contact@pedibase.com","name":"Pedibase","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/","contactPoint":{"@type":"ContactPoint","contactType":"customer support","email":"contact@pedibase.com"},"logo":{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo"},"parentOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Aurion","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"1 rue Pasteur","postalCode":"72000","addressLocality":"Le Mans","addressCountry":"FR"}},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/pedibase","https://www.instagram.com/pedibase_app"]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#breadcrumb","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Home","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en","position":1},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dogs","item":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breeds","position":2},{"@type":"ListItem","name":"Dalmatian","position":3}]},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#/schema/question/1","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Dalmatian suitable for a first adoption?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It can learn quickly, but its assertive temperament, independence, and high need for activity make it better suited to someone who is already experienced, available, and consistent in its training."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#/schema/question/2","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Can the Dalmatian live in an apartment?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"It can adapt to it only if its owner offers it at least two long outings every day, opportunities to run, and sufficient mental stimulation. A house does not replace these daily activities."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#/schema/question/3","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Is the Dalmatian suitable for children?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Properly socialized and supervised, it is generally affectionate and playful with children. Interactions must always be supervised and respectful of the dog."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/dalmatian#/schema/question/4","@type":"Question","inLanguage":"en","name":"Why should a Dalmatian’s hearing be tested?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Congenital deafness is relatively common in the breed. The BAER test measures the activity of the auditory pathways of each ear and allows reliable screening from a young age."}},{"@id":"https://www.pedibase.com/#logo","@type":"ImageObject","caption":"Pedibase","contentUrl":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg","inLanguage":"en","url":"https://www.pedibase.com/logo.svg"}]}
```