Dalmatian

Many AKC breeds have obscure and disputed origins, none more so than the Dalmatian. Researchers have used ancient artifacts and writings to support theories placing the Dal’s birth in the British Isles, Europe, North Africa, and Asia. There is no doubt, however, that by the early 1800s the breed was closely associated with a swath of Central Europe along the Adriatic Sea, the region once known as Dalmatia. Dalmatians have a job description unique among AKC breeds: coach dog. Their traditional occupation was to trot beside horse-drawn coaches, and to guard the horses and rig when otherwise unattended. Dals were alongside the caravans of the Romani people, commonly known as gypsies, during their ceaseless wanderings around Europe. This association with the peripatetic Romani helps explain why Dal origins are so difficult to pin down—as with the gypsies themselves, the world was their home. British nobles, too, employed Dals as handsome accents to their livery. The English had a close affinity with the breed and gave it such nicknames as the English Coach Dog, Spotted Dick, and the Plum Pudding Dog (the Dal’s spots resembling the candied fruit and nuts that fleck Britain’s traditional holiday dessert). Back in the 1800s, when horses pulled fire engines, Dals began their long association with firefighters. These days, Dals accompany the famous Budweiser Clydesdales on parade. Dals entered the AKC Stud Book in 1888. The Dalmatian Club of America holds road trials to test their dogs’ “coach dog” ability.

The Dalmatian is a distinctively spotted dog; poised and alert; strong, muscular and active; free of shyness; intelligent in expression; symmetrical in outline; and without exaggeration or coarseness. The Dalmatian is capable of great endurance, combined with fair amount of speed. Deviations from the described ideal should be penalized in direct proportion to the degree of the deviation.

A high-quality dog food appropriate for the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior) will have all the nutrients the Dalmatian needs. To avoid tipping the scales, watch your dog’s calorie consumption and weight level. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity. Give table scraps sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Learn about which human foods are safe for dogs, and which are not. Check with your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s weight or diet.

The Dalmatian’s coat is a thing of beauty with its colored spots on a sparkling white background, and it doesn’t take much work to keep it in good condition. Occasional baths and weekly brushing with a horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb to pull away dead hairs will keep the Dal looking his best. His nails should be trimmed at least monthly. Because his ears flop down, they should be checked regularly—your breeder and your veterinarian can suggest a good routine and cleaning materials, and will show you how to care for them.

All Dalmatians need regular exercise to stay fit and happy. This exercise can consist of chasing a ball tossed across the backyard, running alongside a biking or jogging owner, or taking a nice, long hike through the woods. Since a puppy’s bones and joints aren’t at their mature strength until two years of age, be wary of strenuously exercising the dog before then. Dalmatians can be very high-energy dogs and can easily get into mischief if they don’t have enough opportunity for physical and mental exercise.

It is very important that you expose your puppy to as many new and unusual but pleasant situations as possible as part of his training. If he understands that new places and people are nothing to be afraid of, it will not only make his life happier but will make life with him much easier for you. He should be taught to behave from the very beginning, but Dalmatians can be very sensitive, so positive, reward-based training is a must. Early socialization and puppy training classes will help to ensure that your Dal grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion.

If your Dalmatian came from a reputable breeder, you will have a record of genetic health testing done on the parents. Deafness is present in the breed, and responsible breeders will have had the parents tested and will have entire litters tested to be certain that all can hear. A unilaterally hearing dog (deaf in one ear) can usually lead a fairly normal life; a bilaterally (both sides) deaf dog often cannot and will require special considerations. Kidney stones are also present in Dals. Your breeder or vet can tell you what you should feed to avoid the problem. Usually quite healthy, Dalmatians aren’t picky eaters and don’t require a lot of supplements to keep them looking fit.

Non-Sporting

No one knows the exact roots of the Dalmatian, nor when they first originated. There are historical recordings dating to the 18th century, but the breed is likely older than that. It is thought that they originated in Dalmatia in the region of Croatia, where they used as guard dogs. The Dalmatian became popular carriage dogs in the 1800’s because of their ability to get along with horses. Trained to run in front of the horse-drawn carriages, they cleared a path for horse-drawn fire wagons. Because of their great guarding abilities, they were also used to guard firehouses, preventing the theft of expensive equipment and horses. They are also great eradicators of rats and other vermin.

Large, 19-24" at the shoulders, weighing up to 40-70 pounds. This breed is strong with a muscular body and a short, smooth coat with fine hairs that in a primarily white coat with well defined round spots. The spots can be black or liver. The puppies are born solid white and the spots develop as the pup matures.

The Dalmatian has a life expectancy of 10-12 years and is kidney stones and urinary tract diseases, skin allergies, hip dysplasia and deafness

The Dalmatian needs an active family. This breed is a natural athlete, highly energetic, playful, vivacious, needs to run and wants to play with you – for hours! Remember, they were bred to run for long periods of time in front of carriages, so they have a natural instinct to run, run and run some more. They need a fenced yard because they are escape artists and when they run away, then run away fast! They are affectionate, loving, need your companionship and thrive in a family environment. They are natural guard dogs and will protect their territory and those within it. Be cautious, though, that you do not encourage guarding behavior that results in aggression. This breed needs a lot of socialization when a puppy to prevent the guarding behavior from becoming a problem especially because they are wary of strangers. Lack of socialization will result in fear aggression with this breed, which can trigger a fear aggressive bite. Your Dalmatian is a sweet, loyal, enthusiastic, alert, highly intelligent breed who will be eager and quick to learn from you. You need to be a calm, knowledgeable, and humane owner giving consistent and committed leadership to your Dalmatian using only motivational training methods.

 Grooming Requirements:   Requires regular brushing and bathe only when necessary  Coat: Short  Shedding: Constant shedding with profuse shedding twice per year  Hypoallergenic: No  Apartment Living: Good for apartment living if given sufficient exercise  Lap Dog: No  Good With Children: Good with all children when socialized while a puppy  Good With Other Pets: Good with other dogs when socialized while a puppy; can be dog aggressive with unfamiliar dogs; loves horses