Border Collie vs Dalmatian

Compare the Border Collie to the Dalmatian. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Border Collies 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, whereas the Border Collie is not recommended for new/inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both breeds are child friendly, but the Dalmatian is the most friendly between the breeds.
  • Grooming - Both breeds have low maintenance coats, but the Dalmatian is easier to groom.
  • Barking - The Border Collie bark/howls frequently. The Dalmatian has an average level of barking.
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Border Collie vs Dalmatian
Border Collie Dog Breed
Dalmatian Sitting
Breed NameBorder CollieDalmatian
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicNoNo
Lifespan12-15 yrs.13-16 yrs.
Height18-22 in.19-24 in.
Weight27-45 lb45-55 lb
IntelligenceHighAverage
History
Origin CountryUK (England)Croatia (Hrvatska)
Origin Year1860 AD1600 AD
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyGoodVery Good
Pet FriendlyGoodVery Good
Stranger FriendlyGoodGood
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Stubborn
  • Willing To Please
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Stubborn
  • Willing To Please
Living Environment
ApartmentNoYes
IndoorYesYes
Small YardYesYes
Medium YardYesYes
Large YardYesYes
Temperature Tolerance ¹30°F to 80°F50°F to 85°F
Barks/HowlsVery OftenBelow Average
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelHighHigh
Exercise RequiredHighHigh
Top Running Speed28 mph35 mph
StrengthHighHigh
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 NameBorder CollieDalmatian
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesYes
IndependentNoNo
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageBelow Average
ChasingBelow AverageBelow Average
Follow CommandsAverageBelow Average
FightingBelow AverageBelow Average
GuardingBelow AverageAverage
HerdingHighBelow Average
HuntingBelow AverageAverage
ProtectionBelow AverageAverage
Remove VerminBelow AverageBelow Average
SleddingBelow AverageBelow Average
WatchAverageAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameBorder CollieDalmatian
Lifespan
Lifespan12-15 yrs.13-16 yrs.
Common Health Issues
AllergiesYesYes
Collie Eye AnomalyYesNo
DeafnessNoYes
EpilepsyYesNo
Hip DysplasiaYesYes
Iris Sphincter DysplasiaNoYes
Osteochondrosis DissecansYesNo
Progressive Retinal AtrophyYesNo
Skin AllergiesNoYes
UrolithiasisNoYes
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameBorder CollieDalmatian
Coat
FurYesYes
Coat Type
Double CoatYesNo
Single CoatNoYes
Smooth CoatNoYes
Coat Texture
SilkyYesNo
StraightYesYes
Coat Length(s)
MediumYesNo
ShortNoYes
Coat Color(s)
BlackYesNo
BlueYesNo
Blue MerleYesNo
BrindleYesNo
GoldYesNo
LilacYesNo
RedYesNo
Red MerleYesNo
SableYesNo
Sable MerleYesNo
Saddleback SableYesNo
White & BlackYesYes
White & BlueYesNo
White & Blue MerleYesNo
White & RedYesNo
White & Red MerleYesNo
White TickedYesNo
White & LemonNoYes
White & Liver BrownNoYes
White & OrangeNoYes
White, Black, & TanNoYes
White, Liver, & TanNoYes