Dalmatians - Lovable, Strong-Willed Clowns.
Average size and life span: Medium, 12+ years Exercise levels: Medium, Dalmatians need at least two walks a day and at least one should involve a good long run as well. Dalmatians are known as the clowns of the dog world and are extremely playful, excelling in energetic dog agility courses and fly ball. Dalmatians love to be with their humans and will merrily play with you as well as other dogs.

Grooming: Dalmatians are heavy shedders and will require a thorough brushing at least once every 2 days to minimise hair around the house.

Temperament: Dalmatians are rather like the Swiss army knives of the dog world and make great guard dogs, companions, hunters and will eagerly learn tricks. The Dalmatians love of humans does mean they are prone to becoming bored and destructive if left alone for long periods of time.

Dalmatians can easily become timid or highly strung if they are not properly and thoroughly socialised from an early age. These needs to include lots of interaction with dogs of all different sizes and being around small children.

Ease of Training: Medium – high, Dalmatians are not the brightest of dogs but they are eager to please and can do very well in obedience classes. They need to be trained from a young age but socialisation is the most important aspect to ensure a well balanced dog.

Special Training: Dalmatians are perfectly suited to agility, especially the high energy variations such as fly ball. They also do well at obedience.