How Much Does a Dalmatian Cost? (2024 Updated)

Dalmatian price is a key factor if you’re looking to bring home a Dalmatian puppy. For starters, the cost of a Dalmatian can vary based on factors like the breeder’s reputation, the puppy’s age and lineage, and more. 

Additionally, the initial purchase price is just the start of the costs that come along with keeping a Dalmatian. There are other things involved, such as food expenses, veterinary fees, and grooming costs.

In this guide, we break down the expenses involved in buying and keeping a Dalmatian. So whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or a first-time buyer, this guide can help you out. Read along to learn more!

How Much Does a Dalmatian Puppy Cost?

If you want to bring home a Dalmatian, a budget of $600 to $1,200 will suffice. This price range can vary based on factors like the breeder’s reputation as well as the puppy’s age and lineage. It is also possible for a Dalmatian’s price to reach upwards of $5,000 if it is born from a champion line.

Another thing that may affect the price of a Dalmatian puppy is the particular variant you’re getting. For instance, rare Dalmatian variants such as blue, brindle, and lemon can run you more money. 

Furthermore, the so-called long-coated Dalmatians are also priced higher than regular ones. 

If you’re looking to save some cash, you can opt to get an adult dog or a rescued Dalmatian from animal shelters. 

All things considered, the purchase price is just the beginning of the long list of costs associated with owning a Dalmatian. On top of this price, pet lovers should also consider essentials like food, accessories, and veterinary care.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Dalmatian From a Shelter? 

The cost of adopting a Dalmatian from a shelter can vary depending on the specific organization and location; however, the typical range is between $150 and $550. 

A portion of this adoption fee covers the medical cost of spaying or neutering a rescued puppy. Meanwhile, some parts of it go as a contribution to the rescue organization, which helps fund the operation of rescue shelters.

In addition to the adoption fee, aspiring Dalmatian owners also need to purchase essential accessories for their dogs, just like how they would if they bought a puppy from a breeder.

It is also possible that puppy training and vet fees are required for adopted dogs. This is because some adopted dogs are surrendered for behavioral issues or health issues. However, these happen in rare instances only.

This is not the case for a retired firefighter friend of mine who grew fond of Dalmatians because of his line of work. He then opted for a retired male Dalmatian from a nearby rescue organization for only $250. He got Walter, a nine-year-old Dalmatian who had a very well-balanced behavior because of all the training he received.

First-Time Expenses of Dalmatian Ownership

When bringing home a Dalmatian, there are other things to pay for on top of the purchase price of the dog. Some of these things include the first batch of puppy food, feeding bowls, toys, and more.

It is important to set a separate budget for these essentials so that you don’t end up overspending or forgetting to buy essential items.

Below are some of the first-time expenses associated with owning a Dalmatian:

• Food and Treats: Dalmatian puppies need high-quality food and a healthy pack of treats. This will ensure that your dog will grow up healthy and free from developmental issues. A bag of Dalmatian food and treats costs around $70 to $110.
• Bowls: Choosing appropriately-sized bowls for your Dalmatian is necessary for proper nutrition. For this medium-sized breed, appropriately-sized bowls will run you from $10 to $30.
• Toys: Toys are important for active and energetic dog breeds like the Dalmatian. That said, you should also purchase high-quality toys to keep them entertained. Toys usually range in price between $30 and $60.
• Beds: Investing in a good quality dog bed ensures your Dalmatian has a restful sleep during its downtime. This is also important in prolonging your dog’s mobility and joint health. Dog beds have an average price of $40 to $200.
• Collars and Leashes: A high-quality set of collars and leashes is needed when bringing home a new dog. Leashes and collars will set you back $15 to $50, depending on the style and material used.
• Crates and Carriers: Crates and carriers are a need when you have to transport your Dalmatian elsewhere. Likewise, it also comes in handy if you want your dog to have a safe place of its own at home. Expect to spend $50 to $370 for these.
• Grooming Essentials: Dalmatians generally have short, dense coats that require regular brushing and occasional bathing. You need to purchase grooming supplies which may cost you $50 to $160.
• Initial Vet Visits: Depending on where you take your Dalmatian, you may incur an average of $100 to $500 in total for the initial rounds of vet visits.
• Initial Vaccine Shots: You will need to get your Dalmatian puppy initial vaccine shots that may range from $50 to $200.
• Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications: These are essentials to ensure your dog is in top health. Depending on where you get these services, it will cost you around $40 to $300.
• Neutering or Spaying: If your Dalmatian has not already been spayed or neutered, you may need to pay for this procedure. These procedures have an average cost of $50 to $500.
• Microchipping: Microchipping your Dalmatian will help identify it if it ever gets lost. It is also a travel requirement, especially when crossing country borders. Availing of this service will set you back $40 to $60.
• Dog License: Dog licensing is as important as microchipping. Through this, your city will have a permanent record of your ownership of your Dalmatian. Dog license fees range from $10 to $20.
• Other Essentials: Other than the ones already listed in this list, miscellaneous expenses for puppies will set you back $20 to $50. This may include basic obedience training classes, group lessons, and other knick-knacks.

As a summary, here is a list of the first-time expenses associated with owning a Dalmatian:

All of these expenses can add up quickly, so it is important to budget accordingly. You may also cut down on some of these expenses by looking for breeders who give away freebies.

Annual Cost of Owning a Dalmatian

Now that you know how much money to prepare when first getting a Dalmatian, it’s time to talk about the ongoing costs. These are the recurring expenses that cover dog food, vet check-ups, and more.

However, here are some of the yearly expenses associated with owning a Dalmatian:

In total, you can expect to shell out between $1,875 and $4,450 per year for the basic needs of your Dalmatian puppy. This estimate assumes that your dog will need a new set of beds, crates, and toys every year.

However, as this is not always the case, your actual spending might be a little lower than this range. Keep in mind, though, that unexpected expenses like emergency medical assistance are not included in this estimate.

Other Potential Expenses to Consider

In addition to the day-to-day expenses of owning a Dalmatian, there are many other potential expenses to keep in mind. This is where emergency vet bills come in, along with pet-sitting and pet insurance.

Here are some of the other potential expenses that may arise during the course of your Dalmatian ownership:

• Emergency veterinary care: Dalmatians are generally healthy dogs, but they are not immune to sudden illnesses or injuries that require emergency care. These emergencies can be expensive and can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the kind of vet care needed.
• Breed-specific health issues: Dalmatians are prone to some health problems, such as congenital deafness, hip dysplasia, bladder stones, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and more. Depending on the severity of these issues, you may need to spend $100 to $3,000 on maintenance medicine, specialized diets, or treatment. 
• Boarding or pet-sitting: If you need to travel and leave your Dalmatian behind, you need to spend on pet boarding or pet-sitting services. These expenses can vary depending on the location and the level of care that your dog requires. Expect to spend $30 to $50 to cover this expense.
• Pet insurance: Pet insurance can help most dog owners offset the cost of unexpected veterinary bills. Depending on the level of coverage, this expense may run you $40 to $100 per month.

It is important to consider these potential expenses when budgeting for your Dalmatian’s care. By planning and being prepared for unexpected costs, you will have a better experience in owning a Dalmatian.

Best Places to Find Dalmatian Puppies for Sale and Adoption

If you have already decided on bringing home a Dalmatian, the next thing to think about is the best places to get one. Fortunately, this guide has rounded up some of the best sources for Dalmatians for sale and adoption.

Here are some of the best places to find Dalmatian puppies for sale:

• AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is an online platform backed by the American Kennel Club. All breeders on this platform are verified by the AKC and are some of the best in their craft. Check out listings for Dalmatians on the AKC Marketplace to see if you will find the reputable breeder you’re looking for. 
• Dalmatian Club of America – The Dalmatian Club of America is the official dog breed club for Dalmatians in the country. They have a breeder referral service where all their recommended breeders are listed. These breeders are well-trusted in the business, and some have been breeding dogs for decades.
• Alpha N Omega Dalmatians – Alpha N Omega Dalmatians is a reputable breeder of show-type Dalmatians. They have over 28 years of experience and are recognized as AKC’s Breeder of Merit. Check out their website to find both puppy and adult dogs.

Meanwhile, if you are looking to adopt a Dalmatian, below are some of the best rescues and shelters to check out:

• Petfinder – Petfinder is an online database of adoptable pets from shelters and rescue organizations across the United States. With the help of their filters and other search features, you are sure to find an adoptable Dalmatian from an animal shelter near you.
• Dalmatian Rescue of North Texas – This organization is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming Dalmatian dogs in the North Texas area. While Dalmatian puppies are waiting for their new loving homes, the organization provides them with care and basic training.
• Dalmatian Adoption and Rescue of Colorado – This organization is a nonprofit group based in Colorado whose mission is to rescue and rehome Dalmatian dogs. They have a network of foster homes where Dalmatians can receive care and socialization while they await their forever homes.

The sources above are some of the best places to find Dalmatian puppies for sale and adoption. That said, however, be sure to do due diligence before buying or adopting a Dalmatian and stay away from puppy mills at all costs.

Money-Saving Tips for Dalmatian Owners 

Owning a Dalmatian dog can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be expensive in the long run. Fortunately, there are a handful of money-saving tips you can implement to help you save some of your hard-earned cash:

Here are some money-saving tips for Dalmatian owners:

• Groom your Dalmatian puppy at home. Grooming your Dalmatian dog at home can save you a lot of money. All you have to do is invest in a good grooming kit and be patient in learning the process.
• Buy pet supplies in bulk. Buying pet supplies like food and treats in bulk can save you money in the long run. Look for sales at the pet store and consider signing up for deals and promotions.
• Invest in high-quality dog food. While it may be tempting to buy cheap food, investing in a high-quality, health-tested brand can save you money, as it ensures that your dog is receiving the best nutrition. 
• Keep your Dalmatian puppy healthy. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can help keep your dog healthy and prevent costly health issues down the road. 
• DIY dog training. Rather than paying for a professional dog trainer, consider training your Dalmatian at home using online resources and books. With patience and consistency, you can train your Dalmatian to be a well-behaved and obedient companion.

By implementing these money-saving tips, you can reduce the cost of Dalmatian ownership without sacrificing the health and happiness of your furry friend.

As with Walter, the senior Dalmatian I mentioned earlier, my friend provides him with the best quality kibble that is specialized for senior dogs. It might be costly, but the practice will save a lot of costly trips to the veterinarian and treatment that may result from poor nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Dalmatian Dog Cost?

A pet-quality Dalmatian puppy can cost you around $600 to $1,200. Meanwhile, Dalmatians from champion bloodlines can cost upwards of $5,000. In terms of recurring costs, expect to pay $1,800 to $4,000 yearly.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Brown Dalmatian?

Brown Dalmatians or liver-spotted Dalmatian dogs are less common than their black-and-white counterparts, and their rarity can make them highly sought-after. This Dalmatian variant often costs between $1,600 to $6,000 or more.

Are Long-Haired Dalmatian Puppies Expensive?

No, despite them being quite rare, long-haired Dalmatian puppies are not more expensive. This is because this variant is not considered a purebred dog and is, therefore, less desirable to Dalmatian fanciers.

Long-haired Dalmatian puppies are within the price bracket of $600 to $1,200, making them a few hundred dollars cheaper.

Final Thoughts

Keeping a Dalmatian as a pet is not free, and it comes at the cost of a few thousand dollars. Not only that, but Dalmatians also incur a pretty hefty annual cost.

In summary, you need about $600 to $1,200 when purchasing a Dalmatian puppy and $150 to $550 when adopting one. You also need approximately $500 to $2,000 to afford the cost of some basic accessories.

On top of all that, you need to prepare roughly $1,800 to $4,000 for the yearly expenses. 

While these numbers can be daunting, there are many ways to cut down on costs. Fortunately, you can simply bookmark this guide and get back to it if you ever need some money-saving tips.

So, are you getting a Dalmatian soon? Let us know what you think about this Dalmatian price guide in the comments below!