Dalmatian: Breed Personality, Fitness & Care

Group: Gun Dog, AKC Non-Sporting

AKC Ranking: 85.

Also Known As: Carriage Dog, Dalmatiner, Dalmatinac, Firehouse Dog, Plum Pudding Dog, Spotted Coach Dog

About Dalmatian

Origin of the Breed The Dalmatian is a breed whose heritage is hotly disputed by researchers. There is no evidence that the breed originated in Dalmatia. The Dalmatian is most certainly a dog of very ancient lineage that has come through the centuries virtually unchanged. Description of the Breed The Dalmatian is a symmetrical, muscular, medium-sized dog with superior endurance. A picture of elegance, the Dalmatian has lean, clean lines.

The feet are round with well-arched toes and the nails are either white or the same color as the spots. The nose can be black, brown (liver), or blue or a dark gray. The eyes are dark brown, amber, or blue, with an intelligent expression. The ears are soft, narrowing toward the point, carried with a slight upward curve.

Coat

It has a short, hard, dense coat of pure white with black or liver colored spots randomly splashed over it. The spots can be black, brown (liver), lemon, dark blue, tri colored, brindled, solid white or sable.

Puppies are born completely white and the spots develop later.

Height

Dogs 22-24 inches (50-60cm.);
Bitches 20-22 inches (50-55cm.)

Weight: About 55 pounds (25 kg)

Personality

Dalmatians have a vast about of stamina and energy. They are playful, happy-go-lucky, extremely sensitive and loyal. The Dalmatian needs human companionship. For this reason they do not make good yard dogs. They have excellent memory.

The Dalmatian enjoys playing with children, but may be too rambunctious for toddlers. They get along well with other pets, but some may be aggressive with strange dogs; males often dislike other males. Somewhat high-strung, and can be timid without enough socialization. Quite intelligent, but can be willful.

Living Conditions

A Dalmatian is not an ideal dog for apartment dwellers unless it can be taken out for a brisk walk or run several times a day. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This breed should not be kept outside in the cold.

Exercise & Training

They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks, runs or jogs. Lack of adequate exercise can cause a wide array of behavioral problems.

The Dalmatian generally does well with firm, consistent training. The Dalmatian is trainable to a high degree of obedience. They can be trained for defense and are good watchdogs. Generally, their attention spans are limited. More so in the hands of an inexperienced owner who does not create the correct rank order. Combinations of rewards (treats, play and praise, in that order) are the best bets and will go a long way in getting their attention and for training purposes. Gentle consistent corrections are often sufficient to correct unacceptable behavior.

Common complaints heard are that while the owner has been able to get the Dalmatian to respond while on leash or while in familiar areas, it does not obey equally well off the leash or in unfamiliar areas. This problem is not breed specific, however, again a trainer inexperience issue.

Grooming

The Dalmatian sheds profusely twice a year. It is a hardy, easy to keep breed, though frequent brushing is needed to cope with constant shedding. They do not have a doggy odor and are said to be clean and even avoid puddles. It should be bathed only when necessary.

Health Issues

In their late teens, both males and females may suffer bone spurs and arthritic conditions. Deafness affects 10-12% of Dalmatian puppies. Every Dalmatian puppy should be BAER-tested for deafness. Urinary stones and skin allergies (especially to synthetic fibers in carpets and upholstery) are also sometimes inherited. Uric acid levels in Dalmatians are higher than in any other breed, sometimes causing urinary blockage. Some Dalmatians suffer from cataracts.

Life Expectancy: About 10-12 years

Breed Club: www.thedca.org

Rescue Link: http://www.thedca.org/rescue.html