Dalmatian Puppies for Sale

overview of the Dalmatian Dog Breed

Are you looking for an athletic, energetic, and intelligent dog with a striking coat? 

Check out our Dalmatian puppies for sale below!

These distinctive white and black dogs were bred to run beside chariots, carriages, and coaches. Dalmatians have an elegant, athletic build and incredible endurance. They make excellent guard dogs and are loyal and affectionate with their family. 

Dalmatians have a lot of talent and energy and must be kept busy with exercise, games, obedience classes, or dog sports.

Adopt your Dalmatian puppy today and welcome home this beautiful and intelligent breed! 

Don’t forget to check out the other breeds we have for sale while you are at it.

Dalmatian temperament

Athletic & Energetic: The Dalmatian is a coaching dog bred to run in front of chariots, carriages, coaches, and fire engines. Dalmatians enjoy obedience work, dog sports, and therapy work. Dalmatians are great hikers and backpacking companions. If you are considering adopting a Dalmatian, make sure you have a solid exercise plan for your Dalmatian. 

Guard Dog: Dalmatians are also excellent guard dogs. Wary of strangers and loyal to their owners, they are protective when the situation calls for it. As with any guard dog, socialization is essential so your puppy learns what is normal and what is a threat. 

Intelligent: Dalmatians are intelligent dogs that enjoy learning new things. They can excel in obedience training and dog sports.

Independent: Dalmatians have an independent streak and may not always be as eager to please as some other breeds. This trait requires patient and consistent training.

Smart: This breed is intelligent and likes to be kept busy. Historically, Dalamtians were used as trick dogs in the circus! They are alert to their surroundings and enjoy being part of whatever is happening around them. A Dalmatian will not be happy alone in a backyard or a kennel. They will become bored and destructive. 

Headstrong: Dalmatians are known to be a bit stubborn. They need firm and consistent training. Take your Dalmatian puppy to obedience classes to help with training. 

Striking Appearance: Arguably the most recognizable dog breed, the Dalmatian has a beautiful and unique coat that makes him stand out wherever he goes!

It’s important to note that individual Dalmatians can have their own unique personalities and tendencies. Proper training, socialization, and care are crucial to ensure that a Dalmatian develops into a well-mannered and happy companion. Additionally, due to their energy levels, Dalmatians are best suited for active households that can provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Dalmatian Breed history

The exact origin of the Dalmatian is disputed. The Dalmatian is an ancient breed, and historical evidence of this breed exists in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Perhaps one reason for this is that Dalmatians were often owned by Romanies, or gypsies, who moved from place to place. 

By the early 1800s, the Dalmatian was closely associated with the part of Central Europe bordering the Adriatic Sea, once known as Dalmatia. 

The Dalmatian has been a war dog, a draft dog, a shepherd, a circus dog, and a hunter. However, his most important work comes as the one and only coaching dog. 

The Dalmatian is lean and muscular, bred to run alongside or in front of chariots, coaches, carriages, or fire trucks. The Dalmatians would guard the horses and coaches when unattended. 

To this day, it is said that Dalamtians get along with horses very well, and horses seem to like Dalmatians. 

In America in the 1800s, Dalmatians attended horse-drawn fire engines and guarded the equipment and firehouse. 

Today, most Dalmatians are family companions, although the Dalmatian Club of America holds road trials to test Dalamatians’ coaching ability. 

Dalmatians rose in popularity in the 1990s when Disney’s film 101 Dalmatians was released. 

Dalmatians were added to the AKC stud book in 1888, and today they rank 49th out of breeds registered with AKC. 

Breeds that share characteristics with Dalmatians include Vizslas, White Labrador Retrievers, and German Short Haired Pointers.

Dalmatian Average size

Dalmatians measure 19-24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 45-70 pounds.

Average Dalmatian lifespan

Dalmatians usually live to be 11-13 years old.

Dalmatian body features

The Dalmatian’s distinctive white and black-spotted coat is an eye-catcher! But did you know puppies are born pure white, and spots appear as they mature? 

For the show ring, the spots on Dalmatians must be black or brown with a pure white background. However, some Dalmatians have patches (larger than spots) of color. They can even be tricolor, including tan and liver, in addition to black and white. 

Aside from their recognizable coat, the Dalmatian has an elegant, muscular build and smooth gait. 

grooming Your Dalmatian Puppy

The Dalmatian’s striking coat doesn’t need a lot of care. Thorough weekly brushing and a bath when dirty will be sufficient for this breed. 

You’ll need to regularly wipe out their ears with a damp cloth and check for dirt, redness, and irritation. 

Your dog will also need its nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly. 

Keeping Your Dalmatian Puppy Healthy

Dalmatians are a generally healthy breed—however, it’s important for owners to be aware of conditions that may affect their dog.

Deafness

Deafness is a problem that affects Dalmatians. BAER testing is a scientific test done after the puppy is five weeks old to determine if they are deaf. 

Keep in mind that all puppies’ ears are closed until they are about 12 to 16 days old. After their ears open, deaf puppies often still respond to loud noises because they can feel the sound vibrations. 

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, or urolithiasis, is another condition that affects Dalmatians. Ask your vet to check your Dalamatian’s urine regularly and ensure your Dalmatian always has access to water. 

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia 

Like all dog breeds, Dalmatians are at risk for hip and elbow dysplasia, two of the most common health issues in dogs. 

Hip and elbow dysplasia occurs when the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip and can result in limping, lameness, or arthritis if it’s not addressed.

Hip and elbow dysplasia can be genetic, or it can be caused by environmental factors such as overeating or injuries. 

Here are some ways to prevent hip dysplasia in your puppy: 

1. Ask the breeder for an OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) hip clearance. Dogs with hip dysplasia shouldn’t be bred. 
2. Talk to your vet about the right food for your puppy and stick to the correct amount to prevent unhealthy growth. 
3. Keep your puppy from running or jumping excessively on hard surfaces and from standing on its hind legs.  

Bloat 

Bloat, also called gastric dilatation-volvulus or gastric torsion, can affect any large breed dog and is a life-threatening condition. 

Bloat is when the stomach becomes twisted, and the gases in the stomach are unable to escape. The pressure from these gases affects the blood flow to the heart, which can be fatal. 

To prevent bloat:

1. Avoid feeding your dog right before or after heavy exercise.
2. Feed them a few smaller meals a day instead of one large meal to prevent bloat.
3. Learn to recognize the symptoms of bloat so you can take action immediately.

Some owners choose to have surgery done to tack their dog’s stomach in place and prevent it from twisting. 

Protect Your Dog from Obesity 

You can protect your dog from one of the most common health problems: obesity. One of the best ways to extend your dog’s life is by feeding them the correct amount of food and giving them adequate exercise.

Typical Dalmatian Allergens

First of all, what causes allergies? 

Allergens are caused by dander, which is dead skin cells. Both animals and humans shed these dead skin cells. Dander is attached to the fur that dogs shed. 

Dalmatians are moderate shedders and are not considered an allergen-friendly breed. Allergens can be lowered with regular brushing and bathing. 

If you or someone in your home has animal allergy concerns, please consult your health provider before adopting a puppy. 

• 1. Do all Dalmatians have black and white spots?
  The iconic Dalmatian is pure white with small black or liver spots all over his body. However, some Dalmatians sport larger dark patches or tricolor coats with white, black, and tan markings. Dalmatians with patches or tricolor coats are not suitable for the show ring, but they make excellent pets.
• 2. Do Dalmatians shed?
  Dalmatian owners like to say that their dogs only shed at two times: during the night and during the day. In other words, Dalmatians shed a lot! They shed year-round and require regular brushing. However, their coats are short and soft and don’t often get dirty.
• 3. Why are Dalmatians associated with firemen?
  During the 1800s in America, Dalmatians used to run beside horse-drawn fire engines. They served to protect the horses and equipment during a fire and occasionally even helped rescue people from burning buildings. They were ideal for the job because they got along well with horses, had the stamina for the job, and had a strong sense of loyalty and duty. Back at the firehouses they served as the watchdogs. Many firehouses across the country still have Dalmatians as mascots, and we still associate them with firemen today.
• 4. Are Dalmatians high-maintenance?
  One of the most demanding things about Dalmatians is their energy level. These dogs were bred to run alongside carriages for miles, and they have lots of energy and athleticism. They will need a rigorous exercise schedule to keep them fit and happy. Other challenges Dalmatian owners might face include deafness and urinary issues. Dalmatians are prone to being either completely deaf or deaf in one ear. Dalmatians also require some dietary oversight because of their unique urinary systems. Otherwise, Dalmatian care is simple. They don’t require much in terms of grooming, and they will be happy as long as they get to be with their families.
• 5. Are Dalmatians friendly to strangers?
  Properly socialized Dalmatians do well with strangers. However, these dogs are loyal, watchful guard dogs and may naturally be a little wary of strangers.
• 6. Are Dalmatians easy to train?
  Dalmatians are smart enough to learn anything you want to teach them. However, they tend to have a headstrong, stubborn side. They need firm, consistent training from a young age to prevent them from getting out of hand.
• 7. Do Dalmatians get along with kids and other pets?
  When well-socialized at a young age, Dalmatians get along wonderfully with kids and pets. With proper parental supervision, they can make fun, active playmates for children. They also seem to get along especially well with horses, given their history as carriage dogs.
• 8. Where did Dalmatians come from?
  Nobody knows exactly where Dalmatians came from. However, they are known to have traveled around with Gypsies in Europe. They picked up their name from the province of Dalmatia, along the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea, in the area which is now Croatia.
• 9. Are Dalmatians popular today?
  According to the AKC, Dalmatians rank 49th in popularity out of almost 200 dog breeds, putting them closer to the top than to the bottom. That is because they have a lot going for them – they are athletic, smart, affectionate, and absolutely gorgeous. They make fabulous companions and excel at dog sports such as flyball. However, Dalmatians come with some challenges as well. The breed is prone to deafness, and approximately 8% of puppies are born completely deaf. They also have a unique urinary system that can complicate their dietary requirements, and they need a lot of exercise. To a new dog owner, these challenges could look intimidating, and perhaps that is why this intelligent, athletic, and striking dog breed doesn’t appear even higher on the list.
• 10. What do Dalmatians do today?
  Since we don’t have carriages to run beside these days, Dalmatians often compete in athletic events such as agility and flyball. They excel in anything active and also make excellent therapy dogs. However, numerous Dalmatians simply act as energetic, intelligent family companions. They make great jogging, hiking, or adventuring buddies!