Purple Moon

With a patterned coat and movie-star appeal, Dalmatians have had plenty of moments in the spotlight, and they don’t mind it one bit. These spotted dogs adore the attention, love their families, and will keep you constantly on the go. Full-grown, they typically weigh 45-70 pounds and stand 19-24 inches tall.

Dalmatians are generally okay with older children who know how to handle dogs. Dalmatians make great playmates for kids, dogs, and other pets. However, they can be rambunctious and may be overwhelming for small children or animals. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Dalmatians are highly energetic and need tons of activity to satisfy their cravings. Whether taking several walks a day, a brisk jog, or running around in open spaces, these dogs just can’t get enough. They need active owners who can keep up, so get your cardio into shape before adopting a Dalmatian. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The Dalmatian's coat is their most unique and recognizable feature. They’re usually white with black (or liver colored) spots, but yellow, orange, or blue spots also exist. Dalmatians are born white, and their spots typically show up within the first few weeks. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Dalmatians are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. Their energy levels and size aren’t a good match for apartment life, so if you’re considering a Dalmatian, make sure it will have plenty of space to run and play. They are fairly easy to train.

German Short-haired Pointers are medium-large sized hunting dogs who also make excellent companions. They are loyal, loving, and protective. As long as they get plenty of exercise German Shorthaired Pointers are happy, family friendly dogs that fit right in with families who fill their calendar with lots of doggie-friendly outdoor activities. Full-grown, they typically weigh 45-70 pounds and stand 21-25 inches tall.

German Shorthaired Pointers are generally excellent with children of all ages. Families with other pets, especially small furry kittens, should know that German Short-haired Pointers don’t always distinguish between your pets and animals they want to hunt. They can learn to play nice with your other pets if they are raised around them, but you’ll always want to keep an eye out for aggressive play. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

You know that friend of yours who does triathlons? That’s the German Shorthaired Pointer. They need at least an hour of daily exercise to stay happy. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The German Short-haired Pointer never needs a raincoat because their hair repels water and keeps them warm in harsh conditions, but their coat does shed quite a bit. The shedding happens seasonally as they prepare their bodies for what nature will be throwing at them next. It’s best to brush them every week or so to keep their coat and skin healthy and to cut down on shedding. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shorthaired Pointers are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. German Short-haired Pointers need room to roam. They do not do well in apartments and prefer homes with big backyards where they can safely play. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.