Dalmatian
Group: Utility
Size: Large
Coat length: Short
Grooming required: Once a week
Coat sheds: No
Home size: Large House
Garden size: Large
Lifespan: Over 10 Years
Exercise: More than an hour per day
They are large, strong and muscular with a short white coat with distinctive spots. The spots can come in a variety of colours but the preferred colours are black or liver. The puppies are born white and the spots appear later.
There is some disagreement about their country of origin although they were certainly popular in the 1800s as a carriage dog: looking distinctive following the carriage and then guarding it when the master was away unoccupied.
They have a lot of stamina and energy but are not particularly good at independent thought. As a result, they need clear leadership and something to do. With the right training they can be good with strangers, and other pets but may be a little too excitable for small children. Dalmatians need a lot of opportunity to exercise and may become destructive if not allowed to do so.
They shed all year so regular grooming is needed to help to keep that in check. There is quite a high proportion of deafness in this breed. They are also prone to urinary stones and skin allergies.