Lemon Dalmatian: Facts, Appearance, Genetics & Pictures

If you are looking for a unique color variation of the Dalmatian breed, then you might want to take home the adorable and well-sought-after lemon Dalmatian. 

The lemon Dalmatian is a relatively rare variation of the Dalmatian breed. It is the exact same Dalmatian that people love, except it comes in a white base and medium yellow spots on its coat. 

In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about the lemon Dalmatian before you decide to take one home. Their appearance, genetics, health issues, and the cost of owning one will all be tackled, so hang tight! 

What Is a Lemon Dalmatian?

The lemon Dalmatian is a purebred Dalmatian characterized by yellow spots instead of the usual black spots in Dalmatians. This Dalmatian color is one of the non-standard colors of the breed. Other than its color, the lemon Dalmatian shares many of its traits with other Dalmatian variants.

Although the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes lemon Dalmatians, unfortunately, Dalmatians of this color are not allowed and qualified to join conformation shows.

This is because lemon Dalmatian is not a standard color of the breed and is only a result of a genetic mutation. 

However, for the most part, the lemon Dalmatian is much like any other purebred Dalmatian. The physical attributes of these adorable dogs are very similar to that of the other color variations of the Dalmatian breed. 

Are Lemon Dalmatians Rare?

Lemon Dalmatians are indeed rare when compared to standard Dalmatians. However, this color isn’t very rare as opposed to the other color variations of the breed, such as the tri-colored Dalmatian. 

That said, while you may not always come across a lemon Dalmatian while on a walk in the park, you will not struggle to locate breeders that produce this color.

Lemon Dalmatian Appearance 

Lemon Dalmatians have the same physical characteristics as the other Dalmatian varieties. It has a sleek yet muscular body and a long tail with a slight upward curve.

Like every other Dalmatian, lemon Dalmatians will have floppy ears. Often their ears will also be spotted just like their entire body, but there are cases when lemon Dalmatians will feature a solid ear color. 

As with the coat color, these adorable dogs have light yellowish to dark red-orange spots over their all-white bodies. In some dogs, you will notice spots that are a combination of yellow and black in color. 

However, each dog has a unique coat pattern. That said, you would never see two lemon-colored Dalmatians with spots that are in the exact same exact positions. 

Size-wise, full-grown male lemon Dalmatians grow to about 23 to 24 inches in height and 40 to 70 pounds in weight. 

Like every other dog, female lemon Dalmatians grow slightly shorter and lighter than males. They grow around 22 to 23 inches tall and weigh an average of between 35 and 52 pounds.

To have a visual idea of what a lemon Dalmatian looks like, you can watch this video:

Lemon Dalmatian Color Genetics

Lemon Dalmatians are caused by a recessive gene. This means, in order to produce a lemon Dalmatian, the dog needs the e/e gene combination at the E-locus. 

The “e” gene inhibits the production of black pigment, which is why, instead of black spots, lemon Dalmatians grow to have lemon-colored spots. 

In simpler terms, even if a black and white Dalmatian was paired with a lemon Dalmatian, it is unlikely that they would produce a lemon Dalmatian. 

This is because both parents must be a carrier of the “e” gene to produce this color. 

If one parent is a carrier of the e gene but was paired with a Dalmatian that is not a carrier of the said gene, the result will not be a lemon Dalmatian.

Do Lemon Dalmatians Change Color as They Grow?

Lemon Dalmatians change colors as they grow. Dalmatians, in general, are born pure white, and their spots will only appear after a few weeks after birth. 

During adulthood, you may also notice changes in terms of how dark or light your dog’s spots are. These subtle changes are totally normal due to aging and environmental causes. 

Note, however, that while their color may change, you won’t end up with a Dalmatian with a completely different color since genes dictate a dog’s permanent color.

Lemon Dalmatian Temperament and Personality 

Lemon Dalmatians are generally intelligent, loyal, and people-oriented dogs. They can be too playful and highly energetic, so this dog may not be a good option for families in an apartment-living setup.

Lemon Dalmatians are also not recommended for families with an idle lifestyle as they would require an owner that would take them out for exercise for at least an hour a day. 

Without sufficient exercise, lemon Dalmatians have a tendency to get destructive. 

On the other hand, these dogs can get along with kids really well, especially when they are properly socialized from early on. However, some dogs are too energetic, which is why adult supervision is highly recommended. 

As with getting along with other dogs, lemon Dalmatians are generally good around other canine companions. Still, it is important that you make sure to socialize with them while they are still young to avoid any behavioral issues.

Needless to say, lemon Dalmatians make great family dogs for the right family. They have very strong personalities but are also very affectionate and loving.

Lemon Dalmatian Lifespan and Health Issues

Lemon Dalmatians’ yellow spots have no effect on their general health and well-being. Like the rest of the Dalmatian varieties, lemon Dalmatians have a lifespan of 10 to 13 years, given enough tender love and care. 

However, lemon Dalmatians are predisposed to several health problems. Note that these health issues are not caused by the color type and can occur in other Dalmatians regardless of coat color. 

Here are some of the most common health problems in lemon Dalmatians:

• Deafness: Deafness or loss of hearing is an inherited polygenic trait that can be passed down to all Dalmatian bloodlines. In fact, an estimated 30% of Dalmatian puppies suffer from this condition. The severity varies in each dog as some experience partial hearing loss while others have complete deafness. 
• Hyperuricosuria: Hyperuricosuria is a condition characterized by excessive excretion of uric acid in the urine, which can cause stones in the bladder or kidneys. This condition can be uncomfortable or painful and often requires surgical removal of stones since it can be life-threatening, especially for male lemon Dalmatians. 
• Hip Dysplasia: Medium to large-sized dogs, such as your lemon Dalmatian are susceptible to hip dysplasia. This health issue happens when the hips and elbow joints fail to develop normally, resulting in a dislocation of the ball and socket. Unfortunately, in severe cases, your dog may need to undergo surgery to correct this problem. 

Although lemon Dalmatians are generally healthy dogs, it is still important to always have them checked by a licensed veterinarian to make sure that they are in tip-top shape.

How Much Does a Lemon Dalmatian Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses

Given that lemon Dalmatians are not as common as standard Dalmatians, expect to spend between $750 and $3,000 for a puppy. Sometimes, prices may even be higher, depending on several factors. 

Some of the factors that affect a lemon Dalmatian’s price include its pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, and the puppy’s overall health and quality.

On top of the puppy’s price tag, you also need to consider other expenses, such as veterinarian visits, vitamins, vaccines, and supplies that your new puppy will need. 

Here is a summarized table of the initial expenses of owning a lemon Dalmatian:

The initial investment for acquiring a lemon Dalmatian ranges from $505 to $2,710. This is in addition to the puppy’s purchase price and recurring costs. 

It is also strongly advised that pet owners set aside an emergency fund or purchase pet insurance. By doing so, you are protecting your finances, considering the expensive medical costs.

Places to Find Lemon Dalmatian Puppies for Sale and Adoption

While lemon Dalmatians are not very common, there are actually a lot of reputable and responsible lemon Dalmatian breeders all throughout the United States. 

To start your hunt, here are some lemon Dalmatian breeders and places you can get in touch with:

• Inky Dink Dalmatians – Inky Dink Dalmatians is a New Jersey-based breeder that produces healthy and beautiful Dalmatians, including lemon Dalmatians. To get a puppy from this breeder, potential owners need to fill out a preference sheet and pay a non-refundable deposit to get on their waiting list and secure a spot in line for a puppy. 
• Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is an online pet advertising website that has been connecting healthy puppies with families since 2000. They have several listings of Dalmatians on this platform, so it’s best to check the site from time to time to see if they have lemon Dalmatians available.

If you still haven’t found a lemon Dalmatian from the places above, you can also opt for adoption. Aside from the fact that you get to save a lot, you can give another dog a chance in life. 

Here are some places you can check out to see if they have lemon Dalmatians for adoption:

• Save the Dals – This organization was founded in the 1990s and officially became a charity in 2001. They are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Dalmatians of all colors, including lemon Dalmatians from shelters or owners who no longer want them. To adopt from them, you need to email them along with a questionnaire that can be found on their website. 
• Dalmatian Rescue of Southern California Inc. – DRSCI is a non-profit organization that was formed to rescue Dalmatian and Dalmatian mixes from the high-kill shelters in the Southern California area. The organization provides a safe temporary home for lemon Dalmatians and Dalmatians of all colors while they wait for a forever home to take them in. 
• Dalmatian Rescue of Colorado – DRC consists of volunteers who foster rescued Dalmatian and Dalmatian mixes until a permanent home is found for them. While in foster, these rescued dogs are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and trained. To adopt a lemon Dalmatian from them, you need to go through a screening and home visitation to make sure you are a good match. 

For added options, you can reach out to reputable breeders on AKC Marketplace. Just be extra cautious and look for great reviews.

Best Dog Names for Your Lemon Dalmatian Puppy

Deciding what name to give your dog can be overwhelming, regardless of whether you are a newbie or a seasoned dog owner. However, this shouldn’t be something to stress over. 

In this section are some dog names that you can choose for your male and female Dalmatian.

Here are some name ideas for your female lemon Dalmatian:

• Lemon
• Bella
• Yellow
• Isabella
• Mellow
• Stella
• Waffle
• Chewy
• Nala
• Princess
• Leila
• Pumpkin
• Butter
• Buttercup
• Biscuit
• Goldie
• Nana
• Honey
• Luna
• Bumble

Meanwhile, here are some name ideas you could use for your male lemon Dalmatian:

• Zeus
• Loki
• Copper
• Coop
• Sony
• Buddy
• Nachos
• Simba
• Lion
• Leon
• Dandi
• Toffi
• Ray
• Woody
• Pluto
• Mojo
• Blondie
• Max
• Apollo
• Bruno

The name you choose for your dog should be something you will love calling it for the rest of its life, but it is also sensible to give it a short, easy-to-remember name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Rarest Dalmatian Color?

The rarest Dalmatian colors are the tri-colored Dalmatians. Their markings consist of tan spots aside from their black or liver spots. 

Like lemon Dalmatians, tri-colored Dalmatians are recognized by the American Kennel Club but are not allowed to join dog shows and competitions since they are considered a non-standard color of the breed. 

Do Lemon Dalmatians Shed a Lot?

Despite its short and dense coat, the lemon Dalmatian sheds heavily throughout the year. Their shedding even increases during autumn and spring. 

That said, brushing your dog’s coat at least thrice every week is highly recommended to control shedding.

Are Lemon Dalmatians Hypoallergenic?

No, lemon Dalmatians are not hypoallergenic. These dogs shed heavily throughout the year, which means they are not suited for people with dog allergies. 

While investing in a reliable vacuum cleaner can help reduce fur in the house, it is still very important that you consider that lemon Dalmatians are not allergy-friendly before you decide to buy this breed. 

Final Thoughts

Lemon Dalmatians are indeed a great addition to the right family. These dogs are very affectionate and can be great watchdogs, which will surely be a delight in your household. 

However, this breed isn’t for everyone. They require an owner that is not only able to provide financially but also someone that can provide them with ample time to play, exercise, and socialize. 

Additionally, these dogs are not suited for people with allergies to fur, as they are not allergy-friendly dogs. That said, it is crucial to consult medical doctors first if it is safe to take this breed home. 

Is this unique Dalmatian the perfect match for you? Let us know your thoughts about the lemon Dalmatian in the comments below!