Dalmatian vs Saluki

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

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 Saluki is not recommended for new/inexperienced owners.
  • Children - Both breeds are child friendly, but the Dalmatian is the most friendly between the breeds.
  • Grooming - The Dalmatian is very easy to groom. The Saluki has high grooming requirements.
  • Barking - The Dalmatian has an average tendency to bark. The Saluki will rarely bark.
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Dalmatian vs Saluki
Dalmatian Sitting
Tan Saluki
Breed NameDalmatianSaluki
General Details
Breed TypePurebredPurebred
Is Hypo­allergenicNoYes
Lifespan13-16 yrs.12-14 yrs.
Height19-24 in.21-28 in.
Weight45-55 lb35-65 lb
IntelligenceAverageAverage
History
Origin CountryCroatia (Hrvatska)Iraq
Origin Year1600 AD6000 BC
Temperament
Overall FriendlinessVery GoodVery Good
Family FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Kid FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Pet FriendlyVery GoodVery Good
Stranger FriendlyGoodPoor
Personality
  • Affectionate
  • Loving
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Stubborn
  • Willing To Please
  • Affectionate
  • Does Not Like Being Alone
  • Stubborn
Living Environment
ApartmentYesNo
IndoorYesYes
Small YardYesNo
Medium YardYesNo
Large YardYesNo
Temperature Tolerance ¹50°F to 85°F50°F to 80°F
Barks/HowlsBelow AverageRarely
Exercise Needs
Energy LevelHighHigh
Exercise RequiredHighVery High
Top Running Speed35 mph42 mph
StrengthHighHigh
Grooming Needs
Coat Main­tenanceMediumLow
SheddingMediumLow
DanderMediumLow
Drool AmountNoneLow

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 NameDalmatianSaluki
Breed Mentality
Dominant/AlphaNoNo
Family/PackYesNo
IndependentNoYes
Breed Focus
Distracted EasilyNoNo
AverageYesYes
Focused & PatientNoNo
Breed Instincts
AggressionBelow AverageBelow Average
Burrow/DiggingBelow AverageBelow Average
ChasingBelow AverageAverage
Follow CommandsBelow AverageAverage
FightingBelow AverageBelow Average
GuardingAverageBelow Average
HerdingBelow AverageBelow Average
HuntingAverageHigh
ProtectionAverageBelow Average
Remove VerminBelow AverageAverage
SleddingBelow AverageBelow Average
WatchAverageAverage
Health Comparison
Breed NameDalmatianSaluki
Lifespan
Lifespan13-16 yrs.12-14 yrs.
Common Health Issues
AllergiesYesNo
DeafnessYesNo
Hip DysplasiaYesNo
Iris Sphincter DysplasiaYesNo
Skin AllergiesYesNo
UrolithiasisYesNo
Appearance Comparison
Breed NameDalmatianSaluki
Coat
FurYesNo
HairNoYes
Coat Type
Single CoatYesYes
Smooth CoatYesYes
Coat Texture
StraightYesNo
SilkyNoYes
Coat Length(s)
ShortYesYes
Coat Color(s)
White & BlackYesNo
White & LemonYesNo
White & Liver BrownYesNo
White & OrangeYesNo
White, Black, & TanYesNo
White, Liver, & TanYesNo
BlackNoYes
Black&tanNoYes
BrownNoYes
CreamNoYes
GrizzleNoYes
RedNoYes
TanNoYes
Tri-colorNoYes
WhiteNoYes