Is the Auvergne Pointer or the Dalmatian better for families with children?

Both the Auvergne Pointer and the Dalmatian are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Auvergne Pointer or the Dalmatian?

The Dalmatian sheds more than the Auvergne Pointer. If shedding is a concern, the Auvergne Pointer is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Auvergne Pointer or the Dalmatian?

The Auvergne Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Auvergne Pointer or Dalmatian bigger?

Auvergne Pointer and Dalmatian are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Auvergne Pointer or Dalmatian?

Dalmatian tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Auvergne Pointer is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Auvergne Pointer or Dalmatian?

For apartment or apartment living, Auvergne Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Auvergne Pointer vs Dalmatian: Which Sheds Less?

Auvergne Pointer vs Dalmatian: full comparison

Trait	Auvergne Pointer	Dalmatian
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	High
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Very High
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	Low	Low
Typical lifespan	12 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Dalmatian has noticeably higher shedding than the Auvergne Pointer.

Size and living space

The Auvergne Pointer is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Dalmatian is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Auvergne Pointer is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. The Dalmatian is a true athlete that needs intense daily exercise and a job to do, or it will get restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Auvergne Pointer needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The Dalmatian needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds heavily year-round and needs frequent vacuuming to keep up. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Auvergne Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, keeps fairly quiet, barking occasionally and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. The Dalmatian trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, gives voice moderately, typically when something warrants it and is generally good with children when socialized and supervised. On guarding instinct, Auvergne Pointer will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian, whereas Dalmatian will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Auvergne Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Dalmatian has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Auvergne Pointer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Auvergne Pointer has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Auvergne Pointer has the edge, as it sheds less dander around the home.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Auvergne Pointer if you want less shedding around the home, you want an easier dog to train, or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Dalmatian if you want a more outgoing, sociable dog.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Auvergne Pointer or the Dalmatian better for families with children?: Both the Auvergne Pointer and the Dalmatian are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Auvergne Pointer or the Dalmatian?: The Dalmatian sheds more than the Auvergne Pointer. If shedding is a concern, the Auvergne Pointer is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Auvergne Pointer or the Dalmatian?: The Auvergne Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Auvergne Pointer or Dalmatian bigger?: Auvergne Pointer and Dalmatian are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Auvergne Pointer or Dalmatian?: Dalmatian tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Auvergne Pointer is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Auvergne Pointer or Dalmatian?: For apartment or apartment living, Auvergne Pointer has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Auvergne Pointer vs Dalmatian