Dalmatians 101

Non-Sporting

The lean, athletic build and graceful gait of the Dalmatian are lovely to see in action, which is the way the Dal prefers to be. A Dalmatian will never be a couch potato, although they won't mind sharing a rest with their people after a nice long run. A good fit for active families.

What we love about Dalmatians

Always ready for action

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • Talkative

Bark level: As needed. This breed only barks when necessary

Size

19 to 24 inches tall
Large breed size

Size: 19 to 24 inches tall. This is a Large sized Dog.

Lifespan

11 to 13 years

Lifespan: 11 to 13 years average

Weight

45 to 70 lbs

Weight: 45 to 70 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
As needed
Height
19 to 24 inches
Lifespan
11 to 13 years
Weight
45 to 70 lbs

The Dalmatian stands 19 to 24 inches tall and weighs 45 to 70 lbs. Dalmatians have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a as needed bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Dalmatians get?
Dalmatians stand 19 to 24 inches tall and typically weigh between 45 and 70 pounds.
How long do Dalmatians live?
The average lifespan of a Dalmatian is 11 to 13 years.
Are Dalmatians good for first-time dog owners?
Dalmatians are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Dalmatians bark a lot?
Dalmatians typically only bark when necessary — they are not known to be excessive barkers.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Dalmatian health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Dalmatian

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Dalmatian conditions

Mid-life Dalmatians should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Kidney failure is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Above Average Risk

Senior Dalmatian

10+ years

Risk level for common Dalmatian conditions

Senior Dalmatians face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Kidney failure and Valvular heart disease and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Very High Risk

Dalmatian puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Dalmatian conditions

Dalmatian puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection and Gastroenteritis and Ear infection pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk

Young adult Dalmatian

10 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Dalmatian conditions

As Dalmatians grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Urinary bladder stones poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Urinary bladder stones
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk

Mature adult Dalmatian

6 years to 9 years

Risk level for common Dalmatian conditions

Mid-life Dalmatians should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Kidney failure is at moderate risk.

60% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Moderate Risk
40% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Above Average Risk

Senior Dalmatian

10+ years

Risk level for common Dalmatian conditions

Senior Dalmatians face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Kidney failure and Valvular heart disease and Intervertebral disc disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Kidney failure
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Intervertebral disc disease
Very High Risk

Dalmatian puppy

0 to 9 months

Risk level for common Dalmatian conditions

Dalmatian puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Urinary tract infection and Gastroenteritis and Ear infection pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Urinary tract infection
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Gastroenteritis
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Ear infection
Very High Risk

Young adult Dalmatian

10 months to 5 years

Risk level for common Dalmatian conditions

As Dalmatians grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Urinary bladder stones poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Urinary bladder stones
Very High Risk
40% on risk scale
Foreign body ingestion
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
Dalmation standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Dalmatian's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 9 months)
Urinary tract infection: Very High Risk, Gastroenteritis: Very High Risk, Ear infection: Very High Risk
Young Adult (10 months to 5 years)
Urinary bladder stones: Very High Risk, Foreign body ingestion: Above Average Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk
Mature Adult (6 years to 9 years)
Kidney failure: Moderate Risk, Urinary tract infection: Above Average Risk, Valvular heart disease: Above Average Risk
Senior (10+ years)
Kidney failure: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk, Intervertebral disc disease: Very High Risk
Dalmation image

Dodie Smith's 1956 children's novel, "101 Dalmatians," which inspired several movies and TV series, was originally a series in Woman's Day magazine titled, "The Great Dog Robbery."

Dalmatian coat care and colors

Couldn't be easier: Regular brushing to remove loose fur and nail trims and baths as needed.

Dalmatian exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

Not surprising for a breed developed to travel alongside a carriage, the Dalmatian needs a great deal of exercise.

Trainability

Trainability

The Dalmatian is bright and eager to please. Exercise (and lots of it!) is key to their being able to focus on the task at hand.

Dalmatian fun facts

Top girl names for Dalmatians

100%

of Dalmatians are female

0%

of Dalmatians are male

Top boy names for Dalmatians

Nationwide loves Dalmatians of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Dalmatian gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Dalmatians insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Dalmatian statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Dalmatians

Best. Dalmatian insurance. Ever.SM

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