There is no dog more picturesque than the Dalmatian with his slick white coat gaily decorated with clearly defined round spots of jet black,  or, in the liver variety, deep brown. Full-grown Dalmatians usually weigh between 40 and 70 pounds.   Male Dalmatians are generally bigger than female Dalmatians. The activity level and size of a Dalmatian may not make it an ideal choice as a companion for toddlers.   Dalmatians do very well with older, well-behaved children. Dalmatians are "people dogs."   Dalmatians like nothing more than spending quality time with their owners.   Dalmatians are excellent house dogs.   Dalmatians are NOT a yard/kennel dog and need to be a part of the family.   Their short coat makes them unsuitable for staying outdoors in very cold weather.   Dalmatians need exercise. Dalmatians have a natural affinity for horses and like to go along hiking, jogging, biking and rollerblading with their owners. Dalmatians are generally good with other dogs, when they are well-socialized at an early age.

Dalmatians are extremely smart, they can be independent thinkers and even when well-trained may occasionally offer a behavioral challenge.   Like some children, they like to see how much they can get away with!   Dalmatians require early, motivational, consistent training.  Puppy kindergarten and basic obedience are highly recommended. Dalmatians (as with ALL dogs) require early socialization with a wide variety of people and dogs.  Homes without children should borrow some for socialization purposes. Genetic deafness does occur.  Responsible breeders will have hearing tested the puppies as well as the parents. A Dalmatian can have unilateral hearing (normal hearing in one ear and deaf in the other).  A unilateral Dalmatian is perfectly acceptable as a pet.   Dalmatians have a uric acid anomaly that may lead to the formation of urate stones.  They do best on a lower protein, non-beef based food.   Although Dalmatians have short hair, they shed quite a bit and must be brushed regularly to avoid a "snowstorm" of hair in the house.  They are a very clean with little doggy odor. Dalmatians can have a tendency toward skin and coat problems.  Diet and regular grooming can help to control this.   A Dalmatian that spends too much time left to his own devices may become a barker or a digger from boredom.