Australian Cattle Dog vs Dalmatian

Compare the Australian Cattle Dog to the Dalmatian. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Cattle Dogs and Dalmatians.

Quick Summary

Below are a few quick comparisons between the two breeds.
  • Owner Experience - The Dalmatian is a good choice for new owners. The Australian Cattle Dog is strongly discouraged for new or inexperienced owners.
  • Children - The Dalmatian is very child friendly. The Australian Cattle Dog does okay around kids, but is not as tolerant as the Dalmatian.
  • Grooming - Both the Australian Cattle Dog and Dalmatian are very low maintenance and easy to groom.
  • Barking - Both the Australian Cattle Dog and Dalmatian are average barkers.
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Australian Cattle Dog vs Dalmatian
Blue Australian Cattle Dog
Dalmatian Sitting
Breed NameAustralian Cattle DogDalmatian
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicNoNo
Lifespan12-14 yrs.13-16 yrs.
Height17-20 in.19-24 in.
Weight30-50 lb45-55 lb
IntelligenceHighAverage
History
Origin CountryAustraliaCroatia (Hrvatska)
Origin Year1840 AD1600 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyAverageVery Good
Pet FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Stranger FriendlyPoorGood
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Jealous
  • Loving
  • Stubborn
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Stubborn
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentNoYes
IndoorNoYes
Small YardYesYes
Medium YardYesYes
Large YardYesYes
Temperature Tolerance ¹40°F to 95°F50°F to 85°F
Barks/HowlsBelow AverageBelow Average
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelHighHigh
Exercise RequiredHighHigh
Top Running Speed25 mph35 mph
StrengthMediumHigh
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceLowMedium
SheddingLowMedium
DanderLowMedium
Drool AmountNoneNone

¹This is estimated min/max temperature range for a healthy adult dog. Dogs that live indoors, puppies, seniors, unwell dogs, and/or dogs with improperly groomed coats may overheat sooner and get cold more quickly.
Instincts & Behavior Comparison
Breed NameAustralian Cattle DogDalmatian
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesYes
IndependentNoNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageBelow Average
ChasingHighBelow Average
Follow CommandsBelow AverageBelow Average
FightingBelow AverageBelow Average
GuardingBelow AverageAverage
HerdingHighBelow Average
HuntingBelow AverageAverage
ProtectionBelow AverageAverage
Remove VerminVery LowBelow Average
SleddingBelow AverageBelow Average
WatchBelow AverageAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameAustralian Cattle DogDalmatian
Lifespan
Lifespan12-14 yrs.13-16 yrs.
Common Health Issues
AllergiesNoYes
DeafnessYesYes
Hip DysplasiaYesYes
Iris Sphincter DysplasiaNoYes
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesNo
Skin AllergiesNoYes
UrolithiasisNoYes
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameAustralian Cattle DogDalmatian
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesNo
Single CoatNoYes
Smooth CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
StraightYesYes
Coat Length(s)
ShortYesYes
Coat Color(s)
BlueYesNo
Blue MottledYesNo
Blue SpeckledYesNo
Red MottledYesNo
Red SpeckledYesNo
White & BlackNoYes
White & LemonNoYes
White & Liver BrownNoYes
White & OrangeNoYes
White, Black, & TanNoYes
White, Liver, & TanNoYes