Dalmatian
Dog · Non Sporting · 73 live listings
Bred to run alongside horse-drawn carriages and guard the horses, the Dalmatian has remarkable endurance and a strong bond with its people. Energetic and sometimes reserved, it needs lots of exercise and has a few breed-specific health quirks.
At a glance
The tradeoffs, honestly
Dalmatians shed constantly despite a short coat, need hard daily exercise and can be reserved with strangers. Deafness is common in the breed, and a unique urinary chemistry makes bladder stones a lifelong risk.
Common questions
Is a Dalmatian a good first dog?
For an active first-time owner, it can be. Dalmatians are loyal and athletic, but they need long runs, patient training and early socialization. A sedentary home is the wrong fit.
What health problems do Dalmatians have, and what should be tested?
Deafness and urinary stones (hyperuricosuria) are breed-wide concerns; hip dysplasia and thyroid issues also occur. Ask for BAER hearing tests on the puppy and parents, OFA hips and a thyroid panel.
What is a low-uric-acid (LUA) Dalmatian?
A Dalmatian bred to carry the normal gene for uric acid processing, lowering bladder stone risk. They are accepted by the AKC. If stones worry you, ask whether the litter is LUA.
Ask the seller for these. Documents on Everybarn are on file for your own checks; we don't check them with the issuer.
