Most Dalmatians are outgoing and friendly dogs, being originally bred to work closely with humans and animals alike. They tend to be curious and intelligent animals, as the breed needed to be capable of independent problem-solving in order to excel at a wide range of tasks. 

However, because they were also intended to be guard dogs, they may be wary of strangers. They don’t tend to bite or be aggressive, but proper introductions must be made before they fully trust new people. 

A Dalmatian that has your trust, however, is very playful and gentle with both people and other animals. They can get along well with other dogs as well as cats, and their love for horses is one of their defining traits. Dalmatians are wonderful playmates for children when supervised. 

Because Dalmatians bond closely with their owners and family members, they dislike being alone and will want to be involved in most family activities. 

The Dalmatian had to have the stamina and athletic ability to keep up with horses, while also being able to watch out for threats and clear a path at the same time. As a result, they’re high-energy dogs and will want a good deal of exercise each day. They can seemingly run for ages, never stopping or slowing down. 

Most Dalmatians will require an hour and a half to two hours of exercise each day. This can be split up into shorter walks or runs, with some time devoted to training and play. Dalmatian puppies require careful supervision before they can engage in really intense exercise, as their bones do not fully develop until they reach 2 years of age. 

Aside from physical exercise, they also need a good deal of mental exercise. Puzzles and games will help keep your Dalmatian entertained and work their brain. Many Dalmatians also excel at various dog sports such as agility and obedience. They’re also powerful and agile enough for sports such as flyball, if you plan to compete. 

Grooming is one area where Dalmatian owners will have a very easy time. The Dalmatian has a short, dense coat of fur, which is easy to brush and maintain. Their coat does shed a moderate amount throughout the year, but regular brushing around once a week will help to minimize shedding.

Their coat is also surprisingly dirt and water repellent. Dalmatians have little to no doggy odor that usually accompanies other breeds. As a result, baths do not need to happen very often, with most Dalmatian owners settling on a schedule of once every three to four months. 

Nail trimming can be done every two to four weeks. Brushing a Dalmatian’s teeth is also important to prevent tooth and gum disease, and should be done at least three to four times a week. 

When bathing your Dalmatian, take care to clean and dry their floppy ears to prevent bacterial infections. During regular brushing sessions, take some time to inspect their ears for any swelling or irritation, as it may be a sign that their ears have not been cleaned properly. You may use a pet wipe or damp towel to clean their ears in between baths. 

There’s almost nothing that is beyond a Dalmatian’s abilities. They’ve fulfilled a variety of roles throughout the years, and this heritage shows in the breed’s trainability. Dalmatians tend to be agreeable and easy to train due to their high intelligence. That being said, they are known to be protective – they were meant to guard horses, after all – so obedience training will need to begin early before the dog develops bad habits. 

Dalmatians are also known to be sensitive to how their owner treats them, so spare them the harsh language and punishments. They react much better to treats and toys as rewards, and this type of positive reinforcement will motivate your Dalmatian to follow commands much better than the alternative. 

Dalmatians are generally healthy and live for 11 to 13 years. Dalmatians may be prone to:

• Deafness – Dalmatians are much more likely than other breeds to develop deafness in one or both ears
• Urinary stones – a genetic mutation causes the Dalmatian’s urinary system to secrete uric acid into the bladder, causing a higher likelihood of bladder stones
• Skin allergies – a sensitivity to environmental allergens such as ticks, mites, or pollens

Dalmatians are a medium-size breed and are built athletically, but without excess bulk. Most adult Dalmatians will stand between 19 to 23 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 45 to 70 pounds. 

Houses with easy access to outdoor space are the best option for most Dalmatians, as owners will have to take them out for walks numerous times each day. Their extremely high energy levels and exercise needs may make them unsuitable for apartment living. 

Dalmatians love spending time with humans and will want to live indoors with their family. They will need to participate in most family activities or they can end up being bored and moody.