Dalmatian vs German Shepherd

Compare the Dalmatian to the German Shepherd. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Dalmatians and German Shepherds.

Dalmatian vs German Shepherd
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Change Breed
Change Breed
General Details
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
13-16 Years
10-14 Years
Height
19-24 Inches
22-26 Inches
Weight
45-55 Pounds
75-95 Pounds
Intelligence
Average
Above Average
History
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Origin Country
Croatia
Germany
Origin Year
1600 AD
1899 AD
Temperament
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
Above Average
Above Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Loving
Separation Anxiety
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
50-85 °F
40-85 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Average
Exercise Needs
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
High
Top Running Speed
35 MPH
30 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Medium to High
Shedding
Medium
High
Dander
Medium
High
Drool
None
Medium
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
Yes
Yes
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Aggression
Below Average
Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Below Average
Follow Commands
Below Average
Above Average
Fighting
Below Average
Below Average
Guarding
Average
Above Average
Herding
Below Average
Above Average
Hunting
Average
Above Average
Protection
Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
Below Average
Below Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Below Average
Watch / Guardian
Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Average Lifespan
13-16 Years
10-14 Years
Health Concerns
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Common Health Issues
Hip dysplasia
Allergies
Deafness
Kidney stones
Iris sphincter dysplasia
Skin allergies
Cushing's syndrome
Bloat
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Von willebrand's disease
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Demodectic mange
Cherry eye
Lens luxation
Panosteitis
Megaesophagus
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy
Degenerative myelopathy
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Retinal dysplasia
Seborrheic dermatitis
Heart problems
Blindness
Diabetes
Wobbler Syndrome
Osteochondrosis
Cruciate ligament rupture
Pannus
Digestive problems
Lupus
Vitiligo
Paralysis
Perianal fistula
Chronic diarrhea
Nail bed disease
Myasthenia gravis
Hemophilia A
Hemophilia B
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Single
Smooth
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Straight
Coat Length
Short
Short to Medium
Coat Coloring
Dalmatian
German Shepherd
Breed Colors
White and Black
White and Liver Brown
Black
Black and Cream
Black and Red
Black and Silver
Black and Tan
Blue
Gray
Liver
White
Menu