Non-Sporting Group

Dalmatian

Dalmatian is a large dog in the Non-Sporting Group. Adult weight is 45–70 lb, height is 19–24 in, and the listed lifespan is 11–13 years. AKC describes the temperament as Dignified, Outgoing, Smart.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026.

Dalmatian dog
Photo: Bree (Bree Bailey) from Worcester, MA, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Lifespan11–13 years
Weight45–70 lb
SizeLargeGroupNon-Sporting Group

Height

19–24 in

Energy

4 / 5

Shedding

4 / 5

Grooming

2 / 5

Trainability

4 / 5

Good with kids

3 / 5

The breed record

Across 119 single-size large breeds, a lifespan midpoint of 12 years is about 0.6 years shorter than the 12.6-year average. A midpoint adult weight of 57.5 lb is about 1.7 lb lighter than the 59.2 lb average for those large breeds.

The listed origin is Dalmatia (today, Croatia). The coat is described as smooth, short. The AKC energy score is 4 out of 5, 0.5 points above the group average of 3.5 for the Non-Sporting Group. Shedding scores 4 out of 5, so coat cleanup is a regular job. Grooming scores 2 out of 5, so home brushing covers most weeks. Trainability scores 4 out of 5, which is a biddable score. Good with children scores 3 out of 5. Good with other dogs scores 3 out of 5. AKC ranked this breed number 50 in 2025.

Adult size is usually reached in up to 24 months (size-band statement (Salt et al. 2017): larger breeds require up to 24 months). AKC parent-club recommended health screenings: Hip Evaluation and BAER Testing. These are screening tests, not a list of diseases the breed is guaranteed to develop.

Frequently asked

Questions from the breed record

The verified adult weight for a Dalmatian is 45–70 lb.

Sources

More Non-Sporting Group breeds

All Non-Sporting Group breeds

More large breeds

All large dog breeds

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