The Dalmatian is an extremely well-known dog breed, thanks in part to the recognition and reputation that they have gained by starring in movies like “101 Dalmatians.” Even though these dogs are beloved by children and adults alike, they don’t make any top lists for being the most sought-after household pets.

This is likely because Dalmatians are extremely energetic, which can make them challenging to care for, especially for busy families that don’t spend much time at home. Still, Dalmatians are fun-loving animals that are good with kids and loyal to their human companions overall. They are also intelligent, take well to training, and can make good watchdogs.

If you can provide quality one-on-one time, plenty of exercise, and a loving home, a Dalmatian might be the perfect canine companion for your household. If you’re thinking about getting this breed, you’re likely wondering how much these pups cost. We got the answers for you right here!

Bringing Home a New Dalmatian: One-Time Costs

The price of your new Dalmatian is not the only thing that you’ll have to budget for when considering the overall cost of this dog. You’ll also have to buy supplies like food bowls, bedding, blankets, crates, and toys, among other things. If you create a budget, you may find that these expenses add up quickly and thin your wallet too much for your liking.

Also, budgeting beforehand helps ensure that you don’t spend money that could be used for other things or saved for a rainy day. Let’s break down all the costs that you should consider as a new Dalmatian owner.

Free

If you’re lucky, you can find a Dalmatian that a caring owner can no longer take care of. In cases like these, the dogs are usually free because the owners just want to find good homes for them. That said, you should vet the original owner before agreeing to take on a Dalmatian for free, as you can’t be sure exactly where they came from.

Visit the place where the puppy is being kept, and inspect their habitat to ensure that they were being properly cared for. Ask for veterinarian, vaccination, and flea/tick/parasite treatment records to minimize the risk that you’ll be taking on an ill or mistreated pup that needs specialized care.

Adoption

Occasionally, humane societies and rescue centers end up with a Dalmatian in their care that is looking for a good home. If a local organization in your area has one, you may be able to adopt the dog for anywhere between $50 and $300, depending on the facility’s care costs and regulations. Keep in mind that it’s almost impossible to find out where a dog in a shelter comes from or what their history is.

A Dalmatian waiting to be adopted might have been abused in their life, spent time living on the streets, or developed disruptive behaviors and habits that are hard to break. Therefore, you should have an open mind and maybe even a home without other pets when considering adopting a pet from a shelter. That said, we highly recommend adopting if you feel confident in doing so.

Breeder

Buying a Dalmatian from a breeder is the most expensive way to acquire one of these dogs. Most breeders intentionally create litters of puppies by matching parents based on factors like genetics. Some breeders focus on breeding dogs with strong hunting instincts, while others focus more on getting along in a family environment.

Also, breeders typically socialize their puppies and make sure they have all the necessary veterinary care until they are ready to go home with their new owners. Buying from a breeder allows you to learn about a prospective pet’s lineage and find out if they have a predisposition to problems like hip dysplasia.

Initial Setup and Supplies

Several supplies must be purchased to care for your new Dalmatian, and they should be properly budgeted for. Most of these supplies should be purchased and ready for use before you bring your Dalmatian puppy home for the first time. Here’s a list of estimated costs for the basic supplies that you’ll likely need to buy, though be aware that costs might vary in your local area.

List of Dalmatian Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Dalmatian Cost Per Month?

Once you bring your new Dalmatian home, you can expect to budget for monthly expenses. Fortunately, these will be less significant than the initial costs. Puppies tend to be more expensive than older dogs due to the need for things like potty pads, extra toys, and babysitters.

Health Care

When it comes to your Dalmatian’s healthcare, more than just veterinarian visits must be considered. Flea-and-parasite treatments, medications, food, grooming, and even pet insurance all fall under the healthcare umbrella. Most of the money that you spend on your pup will likely be part of their healthcare.

Food

Dalmatians are large dogs, so they cost more to feed than many other breeds. The cost of commercial food varies depending on the quality and where it’s sourced from. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $40 to $100 a month on your Dalmatian’s food. The higher the budget, the higher quality of food. Purchasing in bulk can save you money on higher-priced food options.

Grooming

The good news is that Dalmatians are easy to care for when it comes to grooming. Their short coats do shed but not excessively, and they don’t usually get tangles or mats. Therefore, these dogs only need a good brushing or combing session once or twice a week to have their coat be clean, shiny, and healthy. Basically, you don’t have to spend any money on grooming throughout the month at all, unless you want to take your dog to the groomer for a “spa day.”

Medications and Vet Visits

You should expect to spend money on flea-and-tick treatments every month, and if you’re lucky, that is all you will have to worry about most months. However, at other times, you will have to factor in visits to the vet for checkups and vaccinations. Also, an illness or injury may occur, and emergency vet services might be necessary.

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance is not a requirement like car insurance is, but it is a good idea because it can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on veterinarian costs if an emergency happens and unexpected surgeries, tests, or treatments become necessary. Pet insurance costs vary depending on the things like what is covered, the deductible amount, and the payout policies.

Environment Maintenance

Dalmatians need to get out for long walks at least once a day. If you work every day and have other commitments to worry about in your schedule, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker to take your dog out a few times a week. This service isn’t cheap, though, so try finding a neighbor, friend, or family member to barter with before checking out professionals in your area.

Another thing to consider while you are potty training your Dalmatian is potty pads. These are ideal if you want to save on paper towels and other cleaning supplies because puppies are bound to have accidents.

Entertainment

You don’t have to spend anything to keep your dog entertained throughout the month. Going on hikes, trips to parks and beaches, and walks around the neighborhood and playing games in the yard and inside the house can ensure that entertainment is not lacking for your canine companion.

Still, there are many other entertainment options to consider that cost money, such as toy subscription boxes and doggy daycare, and these can enhance your dog’s overall life experience. At the very least, you should expect to replace toys at least every 3 months because Dalmatians are tough players and powerful chewers.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Dalmatian

The total monthly cost of owning a Dalmatian can vary greatly, and much of that variation will depend on your personal preferences and what you think is best for your new furry family member. However, you should always budget for more than you are expecting to ensure that emergency needs can be covered.

Additional Costs to Factor In

You might have to factor in additional costs at some point, as big events may happen in your life or your family lifestyle and household circumstances can change. For example, you may decide to go on a vacation or get a job that requires traveling, so a doggy sitter or boarding services would become necessary.

You might want to hire a professional to train your Dalmatian to hunt, participate in agility competitions, or get a job in the service trade for people who need support in which case, you’ll likely pay by the hour or session. Another thing to consider is that a large Dalmatian can damage the house when they’re lonely and bored, so you might end up having to replace furniture, clothing, and/or rugs while your pup is being trained.

Owning a Dalmatian on a Budget

The best way to care for a Dalmatian on a budget is to set a price limit and stick to it. Planning ahead of time and avoiding splurging on whims can go a long way in helping you stay on track money-wise. Instead of paying for entertainment regularly, opt for outdoor outings that are new and exciting. Choose cheaper gear, and avoid the cute clothes that most Dalmatians don’t like wearing, anyway.

Saving Money on Dalmatian Care

When it comes to saving money on Dalmatian care when avoiding costs altogether is not possible, there are a few things that you can do. First, invest in pet insurance. Doing so won’t save you money on regular vet visits, but it can be a budget-saver if an emergency arises and things like X-rays and stitches become necessary.

Second, buying things in bulk can help you save money. Food, treats, potty pads, and even basic toys can be purchased in large quantities and stored for future use. Also, keep an eye out for sales. Get extra toys, and store them in the closet so you can regularly switch them out for older ones. The same can be done for things like collars, leashes, and food bowls.

Summing Up

Bringing a new Dalmatian home is a big commitment in terms of money, time, and emotions. You can expect to build a strong bond with your pup that fills you with love, happiness, and sometimes even sorrow. You’ll be spending time together exercising, exploring, and snuggling in front of the television. You can also expect to spend money on a variety of different supplies and services that are necessary to keep your pup happy and healthy for a lifetime. If you can make these commitments, you might be a good candidate as a Dalmatian parent!

---

Featured Image Credit: Iren Key, Shutterstock