Dalmatians were long associated with firehouses, which contributed to their appeal. Dalmatians are fun-loving dogs that thrive on interaction with their family members. If you are an active or athletic individual and you long to see spots before your eyes, then the celebrated Dalmatian will make a perfect sidekick. There is a lot of speculation when it comes to the Dalmatian’s origin. The dog was initially believed to come from Dalmatia, which is located in what is now called Croatia, but no evidence has been uncovered to prove this theory. There is evidence that spotted dogs have existed in Europe, Africa and Asia for centuries, and it is believed that the dogs accompanied the nomadic Romany people on their travels. The Dalmatian as we recognize it today was developed in England, where it was used in bird hunting. Throughout the years, the dog has filled many roles, from coach dog during the days of horse-drawn coaches to firehouse mascots. The American Kennel Club recognized the Dalmatian in 1888 as a member of the non-sporting group.
The Dalmatian is a muscular, athletic dog with long legs that enable it to run tirelessly. The most distinctive feature on the Dalmatian is its white coat, which is smooth and glossy with distinctive black spots. Grooming needs are low; their coat needs weekly brushing. Dalmatians are known to be prone to deafness. The Dalmatian is the only spotted dog breed. Dalmatian puppies are born white, and the black or liver spots develop as the puppies mature. Their coats are short, sleek and glossy. Dalmatians have blue or brown eyes. The sturdy, muscular dogs stand 19 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Their ears hang downward, and their long tails are carried high.
Personality
This dog breed is very active and sometimes described as hyper. It needs vigorous exercise everyday and makes a good jogging companion. It’s a very playful dog that is friendly and affectionate with its family. It makes a good playmate for children but can be too energetic and stubborn. It’s aloof towards and sometimes aggressive towards other dogs. Dalmatians are prone to deafness, which may make them unmanageable. Dalmatians are active dogs that require daily exercise. Their stamina enables them serve as jogging and biking companions, and they are excellent candidates for agility competitions. Once popular stars in the circus rings, Dalmatians love to learn and perform tricks. They are also mischievous clowns. Dalmatians are happy, sociable and playful. They get along with children, other dogs, cats and horses. They are intelligent and alert, and they make good watchdogs. The breed requires a lot of family interaction and physical activity in order to thrive happily.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Pointer |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Any Climate |
| Group: | Non-Sporting (Utility) |
| Life Span: | 10-13 Years |
| Nicknames: | Carriage dog, English coach dog, Firehouse dog, Plum pudding dog |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Dalmatian Build Information
The Dalmatian is a muscular, athletic dog with long legs that enable it to run tirelessly. The most distinctive feature on the Dalmatian is its white coat, which is smooth and glossy with distinctive black spots. Grooming needs are low; their coat needs weekly brushing. Dalmatians are known to be prone to deafness. The Dalmatian is the only spotted dog breed. Dalmatian puppies are born white, and the black or liver spots develop as the puppies mature. Their coats are short, sleek and glossy. Dalmatians have blue or brown eyes. The sturdy, muscular dogs stand 19 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. Their ears hang downward, and their long tails are carried high.
| Size: | Medium |
| Length (Male): | 22-27 in. |
| Length (Female): | 22-24 in. |
| Weight: | 41 – 65 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 5 – 10 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
This dog breed is very active and sometimes described as hyper. It needs vigorous exercise everyday and makes a good jogging companion. It’s a very playful dog that is friendly and affectionate with its family. It makes a good playmate for children but can be too energetic and stubborn. It’s aloof towards and sometimes aggressive towards other dogs. Dalmatians are prone to deafness, which may make them unmanageable. Dalmatians are active dogs that require daily exercise. Their stamina enables them serve as jogging and biking companions, and they are excellent candidates for agility competitions. Once popular stars in the circus rings, Dalmatians love to learn and perform tricks. They are also mischievous clowns. Dalmatians are happy, sociable and playful. They get along with children, other dogs, cats and horses. They are intelligent and alert, and they make good watchdogs. The breed requires a lot of family interaction and physical activity in order to thrive happily.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Moderate |
| Barking: | Moderate |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | None |
| Energy Level: | Very Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | Yes |
| Independant: | No |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
Dalmatians require minimal grooming. Weekly use of a grooming mitt will remove dead hairs, reduce shedding in the home and maintain the coat’s glossy sheen. Inspect the ears weekly, and keep them clean and dry to prevent ear infections. Brush the teeth at least three times a week to maintain good oral health and overall well-being.
| Colors: | Black, Black & White, Blue Merle, Lemon, Light Brown, Liver, Red-Black Brindle, Sable, Tan Brindle, Tri-Color, White |
| Shedding: | Constant |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fine |
Dalmatian Common Health Conditions
Dalmatians live an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Some health conditions that are seen in Dalmatians include deafness, urinary stones that can result in urinary blockages, skin allergies, laryngeal paralysis and eye problems.
Dalmatian Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The Dalmatian’s origins remain a mystery, but its development took place in England. The Dalmatian has been nicknamed the carriage dog, the English coach dog, the firehouse dog and the plum pudding dog. The Dalmatian is an active, intelligent, happy and sociable companion. The Dalmatian stands 19 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder. The Dalmatian has a high energy level. The Dalmatian requires minimal grooming. The average lifespan for a Dalmatian is 10 to 13 years.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | Yes |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | Yes |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | Yes |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | No |
