Breed Comparison: Australian Kelpie Versus Dalmatian

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Australian Kelpie Versus Dalmatian: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Australian Kelpie and for the Dalmatian. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Australian Kelpie or the Dalmatian.

Australian Kelpie versus Dalmatian: Overview

Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are similar in size. The Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Australian Kelpie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the Dalmatian belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

Australian Kelpie versus Dalmatian: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Kelpie to the Dalmatian based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian

Factor Australian Kelpie Dalmatian
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Life Span 10 to 15 years 13 to 16 years
Height 15 to 20 inches 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Weight 25 to 46 pounds 48 to 55 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 1/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 14.5 years
Average Price $500 $1410
Price Range $500 – $500 $1000 – $1800
Temperament Score 83.3 percent 83.3 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Kelpie in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Dalmatian. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Australian Kelpie is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Dalmatian is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dalmatian is a better pet than the Australian Kelpie. So, you should get the Dalmatian!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian

    Below is a list of where the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are most different:

    • Australian Kelpies are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Dalmatians are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian

    The Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are most similar:

    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are very playful.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Australian Kelpie versus Dalmatian

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian.

    Australian Kelpies weigh 25 to 46 pounds when fully grown. Australian Kelpies are 15 to 20 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Dalmatians weigh 48 to 55 pounds when fully grown. Dalmatians are 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Australian Kelpie versus Dalmatian

    The lifespan of Australian Kelpies is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Kelpies is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Dalmatians is between 13 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Dalmatians is 14.5 years.

    Dalmatians live longer than Australian Kelpies.

    Temperament of the Australian Kelpie Versus the Dalmatian

    The Australian Kelpie has the same temperament score as the Dalmatian.

    This is because the temperament score for the Australian Kelpie is 83.3 percent while the temperament score for the Dalmatian is 83.3 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the Australian Kelpie has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 83.3 percent, the Dalmatian has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian by measuring the temperaments of 6 Australian Kelpies and 359 Dalmatians.

    Price of Australian Kelpie versus Price of Dalmatian

    The average price of the Australian Kelpie puppy is $500. The price of the Australian Kelpie typically ranges from $500 – $500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 1 Australian Kelpie puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Dalmatian puppy is $1410. The price of the Dalmatian typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 233 Dalmatian puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dalmatian is more expensive than the Australian Kelpie.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Australian Kelpie and Dalmatian. For different price points, the charts show how many Australian Kelpie puppies or how many Dalmatian puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Australian Kelpies. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dalmatians

    A breakdown of the prices of Dalmatians

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Australian Kelpie puppy or the Dalmatian puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Kelpie versus Dalmatian

    Australian Kelpies do not like to be left alone.

    Dalmatians can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Australian Kelpies shed more than Dalmatians?

    Australian Kelpies shed moderately.

    Dalmatians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Australian Kelpie or the Dalmatian

    Australian Kelpies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dalmatians do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Australian Kelpie or the Dalmatian?

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to groom.

    Dalmatians are very easy to groom.

    Does the Australian Kelpie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dalmatian?

    Australian Kelpies have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Dalmatians have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Australian Kelpies Bark and Howl? What about Dalmatians?

    Australian Kelpies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Dalmatians are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dalmatians Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Kelpies can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Dalmatians can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Kelpie vs. Dalmatian

    Australian Kelpies have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Dalmatians have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Australian Kelpies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dalmatians Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Kelpies can tolerate hot weather.

    Dalmatians can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Australian Kelpie or the Dalmatian?

    Australian Kelpies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Dalmatians get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Kelpies good family dogs? What about Dalmatians?

    Australian Kelpies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Dalmatians are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Australian Kelpies and Dalmatians?

    Australian Kelpies do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Dalmatians get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Australian Kelpie Easier to Train than the Dalmatian?

    Australian Kelpies are very easy to train.

    Dalmatians are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Kelpie Better for Apartment Owners than the Dalmatian?

    Australian Kelpies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Dalmatians do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Australian Kelpie or the Dalmatian?

    Australian Kelpies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Dalmatians are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Australian Kelpie versus Dalmatian. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Australian Kelpie and the Dalmatian better suits you and your family.