Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Collie Versus Dalmatian: Introduction
- Collie versus Dalmatian: Overview
- Collie versus Dalmatian: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Dalmatian
- The Similarities Between the Collie and the Dalmatian
- Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus Dalmatian
- Temperament of the Collie Versus the Dalmatian
- Price of Collie versus Price of Dalmatian
- Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the Dalmatian
- The Intelligence of the Collie versus the Intelligence of the Dalmatian
- The Popularity of Collie versus Popularity of Dalmatian
- Health Problems of Collie versus Health Problems of Dalmatian
- Which one drools more, the Collie or the Dalmatian
- Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Dalmatian
- Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Dalmatian
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Dalmatian?
- Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dalmatians Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dalmatians Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Dalmatian?
- Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Dalmatian?
- Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dalmatian?
- Do Collies Bark and Howl? What about Dalmatians?
- Are Collies good family dogs? What about Dalmatians?
- How Kid-friendly are Collies and Dalmatians?
- Do Collies shed more than Dalmatians?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Collie
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dalmatian
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Collie versus Dalmatian. Which One is a Better Pet?
Collie Versus Dalmatian: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Collie and the Dalmatian? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Collie 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 Collie and the Dalmatian.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Collie 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 Collie 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Collie 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 Collie or the Dalmatian
Collie versus Dalmatian: Overview
Both the Collie and the Dalmatian are similar in size. The Collie and the Dalmatian are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the Collie 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.
Collie versus Dalmatian: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Collie 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.
| Factor | Collie | Dalmatian |
|---|---|---|
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 14 years | 13 to 16 years |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder | 19 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easygoing | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 50 to 70 pounds | 48 to 55 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.0 years | 14.5 years |
| Average Price | $1480 | $1410 |
| Price Range | $1000 – $1800 | $1000 – $1800 |
| Temperament Score | 80.8 percent | 83.3 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 37 | 60 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 16 | 39 |
*Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 a Collie is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Dalmatian is 80 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Collie is a better pet than the Dalmatian. So, you should get the Collie!
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 Collie and the Dalmatian so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the Dalmatian
Below is a list of where the Collie and the Dalmatian are most different:
The Similarities Between the Collie and the Dalmatian
The Collie and the Dalmatian are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Collie and the Dalmatian are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus Dalmatian
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Collie and the Dalmatian.
Collies weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Collies are 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder 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.
Temperament of the Collie Versus the Dalmatian
The Dalmatian has a better temperament than the Collie.
This is because the temperament score for the Dalmatian is 83.3 percent while the temperament score for the Collie is 80.8 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 they 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 80.8 percent, the Collie 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 Collie and the Dalmatian by measuring the temperaments of 896 Collies and 359 Dalmatians.
Price of Collie versus Price of Dalmatian
The average price of the Collie puppy is $1480. The price of the Collie typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of a Collie can be as low as $300 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 356 Collie 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. However, the price of a Dalmatian can be as low as $250 and as high as $2600. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 233 Dalmatian puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Collie is more expensive than the Dalmatian.
| Collie | Dalmatian | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1480 | $1410 |
| Price Range | $1000 to $1800 | $1000 to $1800 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Collie and Dalmatian. For different price points, the charts show how many Collie puppies or how many Dalmatian puppies are listed for sale at those price points.
A breakdown of the prices of Collies. The typical price range is shaded Green.
A breakdown of the prices of Dalmatians
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Collie 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.
You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.
Adopting the Collie versus Adopting the Dalmatian
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Collies and many Dalmatians are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Collie named Sebastian that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Collies like Sebastian on pefinder.com.
Also, like Collies, Dalmatians are also available for adoption. For example, Flint is a Male Dalmatian that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Dalmatians like Flint that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Also Wendell, an adorable Male Dalmatian on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more Collies and Dalmatians that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Intelligence of the Collie versus the Intelligence of the Dalmatian
| Collie | Dalmatian | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 16 out of 130 dog breeds | 39 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 15 To 25 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the Collie has an obedience intelligence rank of 16 out of 130 dog breeds. The Collie belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Collies tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Dalmatian has an obedience intelligence rank of 39 out of 130 dog breeds. The Dalmatian belongs to the `Above Average Working Dogs` category. This means that Dalmatians tend to learn new commands after 15 to 25 repetitions.
The Collie is more intelligent than the Dalmatian.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of Collie versus Popularity of Dalmatian
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Collie and the Dalmatian over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Collie is more popular with dog owners than the Dalmatian. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Collie is 37 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Dalmatian is 60 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Collie
Popularity of Dalmatian
| Year | Collie Popularity Rank | Dalmatian Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 35 | 64 |
| 2014 | 36 | 66 |
| 2015 | 36 | 62 |
| 2016 | 37 | 62 |
| 2017 | 40 | 63 |
| 2018 | 38 | 56 |
| 2019 | 38 | 59 |
| 2020 | 40 | 51 |
Health Problems of Collie versus Health Problems of Dalmatian
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. Therefore, there is nothing like a perfect puppy.
Both the Collie and the Dalmatian are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Collie is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dalmatian.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Collie than for the Dalmatian.
4 health tests are recommended for Collie while 2 tests are recommended for the Dalmatian.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Collies and in Dalmatians.
Collie Health Problems
Collies are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Collie puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Collie puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Collie breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Collies for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Collies here.
Dalmatian Health Problems
Dalmatians are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dalmatian puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Dalmatian puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dalmatian breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Dalmatians for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dalmatians here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Collies and Dalmatians
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Collie Breed is Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
This is because the Collie ranks 1 out of 7 dog breeds for Collie Eye Anomaly problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 114 Collies, 16 of them had Collie Eye Anomaly problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Collies, and how common these diseases are in Collies relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Dalmatian Breed is Baer Hearing Test problems.
This is because the Dalmatian ranks 1 out of 21 dog breeds for Baer Hearing Test problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 8730 Dalmatians, 1003 of them had Baer Hearing Test problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Dalmatians, and how common these diseases are in Dalmatians relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Collie and in Dalmatian and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Collie and the Dalmatian:
| Disease | Collie Rank | Dalmatian Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Collie Eye Anomaly problems | 1 out of 7 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 1 out of 182 dog breeds | 161 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Multiple Drug Resistance (Mdr1) problems | 1 out of 7 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Dentition Database problems | 13 out of 49 dog breeds | 11 out of 49 dog breeds |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 16 out of 70 dog breeds | 51 out of 70 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 65 out of 115 dog breeds | 6 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 107 out of 144 dog breeds | 132 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 182 out of 198 dog breeds | 170 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 1 out of 21 dog breeds |
| Hyperuricosuria problems | Not Common | 1 out of 11 dog breeds |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 9 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | Not Common | 10 out of 159 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Which one drools more, the Collie or the Dalmatian
Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.
Dalmatians do have a very low tendency to drool.
Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. Dalmatian
Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Dalmatians have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus Dalmatian
Collies do not like to be left alone.
Dalmatians can be left alone only for a short time.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Collie or the Dalmatian?
Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Dalmatians are very easy to groom.
Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the Dalmatian?
Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Dalmatians do not adapt well to apartment living.
Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dalmatians Tolerate Hot Weather?
Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Dalmatians can tolerate hot weather.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Collie or the Dalmatian?
Collies are very good for new dog owners.
Dalmatians are OK for new dog owners.
Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dalmatians Tolerate Cold Weather?
Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.
Dalmatians can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the Dalmatian?
Collies get along very well with other dogs.
Dalmatians get along very well with other dogs.
Is the Collie Easier to Train than the Dalmatian?
Collies are very easy to train.
Dalmatians are very easy to train.
Does the Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dalmatian?
Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about Dalmatians?
Collies are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Dalmatians are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Are Collies good family dogs? What about Dalmatians?
Collies 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 Collies and Dalmatians?
Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Dalmatians get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Do Collies shed more than Dalmatians?
Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Dalmatians shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Collie
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Collie that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Collie:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dalmatian
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Dalmatian that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Dalmatian:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Collie and how the Dalmatian compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Collie and of the Dalmatian to other breeds:
Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds
Collie versus Bullmastiff Collie versus English Setter Collie versus Chihuahua Collie versus Cavachon Collie versus Gordon Setter Collie versus Glen of Imaal Terrier Collie versus King Shepherd Collie versus Silky Terrier Collie versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Collie versus Standard Poodle
Dalmatian Versus Other Dog Breeds
Dalmatian versus Barbet Dalmatian versus Irish Setter Dalmatian versus English Cocker Spaniel Dalmatian versus Irish Wolfhound Dalmatian versus Beagle Dalmatian versus Australian Shepherd Dalmatian versus Belgian Sheepdog Dalmatian versus Patterdale Terrier Dalmatian versus Chow Chow Dalmatian versus Japanese Spitz
Conclusion: Collie 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 Collie and the Dalmatian better suits you and your family.