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Dalmatians - Breed Introduction

Dalmatians are energetic, intelligent, loving dogs who unfortunately have gained a reputation over the years for being unruly or ill-behaved. A properly trained Dalmatian is a loyal, protective animal suitable for the entire family.

They adore human companionship and need plenty of it in order to thrive. The Dalmatian has served many purposes throughout the ages, and therefore is a highly adaptable dog that can participate in a wide variety of activities.

The adult Dalmatian stands between 19 and 24 inches high (54 to 61 centimeters) and weighs between 45 and 70 pounds (20 to 32 kilograms).

History of Breed

The history of the Dalmatian is an uncertain and highly contested topic. Some believe the Dalmatian was named for the province of Dalmatia from which the breed originated in Croatia.

The dogs were also mentioned in the letters of Jurij Dalmatin, a poet of the mid-1500’s. The Dalmatian has been seen in Egyptian cave paintings, running alongside chariots.

A chapel in Florence has a fresco that was painted in 1360, depicting dogs that look very much like our modern-day Dalmatian. Whatever its origins, the Dalmatian is an ancient breed that is said to have come through the years virtually unchanged.

Throughout the ages, the Dalmatian has been a dog of war, a hunter, a retriever, a bird dog, and a carriage dog. Perhaps he is most famous as the firehouse mascot, riding atop the horse-drawn fire engines, or more recently as the four-legged passenger aboard the hitch pulled by the Budweiser

Clydesdales. Dalmatians make good watch dogs, and it is thought they were originally kept inside fire houses to protect the horses that pulled the fire wagons from thieves.

Color and Coat

The Dalmatian has a short, fine, dense coat that sheds constantly. The hairs are barbed, which encourages them to stick firmly to furniture, clothing, and anything else they come into contact with.

The only accepted colors for showing are either black or liver spots against a white background. Less frequently seen colors include blue (a blue-grey color), orange, lemon, brindle, mosaic, tri-colored, or two-toned.

Personality and Temperament

Generally speaking, the Dalmatian is not a good choice for a first-time dog owner, or those who are unwilling to spend a good deal of time with obedience training. In fact, 50% of Dalmatian owners will not keep the dog beyond the first year.

Dalmatians are extremely intelligent creatures, capable of being trained to a very high level of obedience. The dog cannot be treated harshly, though. They have excellent memories, and can remember abuse or rough treatment for many years.

Dalmatians are very independent and strong-willed, and lack the high desire to please their owners that many other breeds have.

For this reason, ongoing, patient, consistent training is necessary. Generous rewards and praise combined with consistent, gentle corrections seem to work best when training this breed.

Small children should always be supervised when playing with a Dalmatian. This breed adores people and children, and has a happy-go-lucky attitude about life. Unfortunately, the dog may inadvertently send a young child rolling across the floor by accident.

The Dalmatian was bred to run along with or under horse carriages, and so has a very high level of energy. This dog requires plenty of exercise and loves to run free. Some Dalmatians have been known to embark on journeys of several days.

In today’s society, such adventures are unsafe. Therefore, a safe place needs to be provided to ensure the animal gets his much-needed romp in a secure environment.

These dogs love human companionship, and will become very depressed if left alone. If it is necessary to leave the dog at home, he must be trained to accept his owner’s absence. Having a companion animal in the house will help prevent the dog from pining for his owner.

Show Characteristics

Only liver or black spots on a white background are allowed. Patches of solid color are disqualifying.

The eyes should be medium sized and rounded, and can be either black, brown, amber, or blue. Ears are set high and carried close to the head, tapering toward the tip.

The body type is lean and muscular, resembling the Pointer.

Typical Health Concerns

Dalmatians are an ancient breed that is typically known to be quite healthy. One exception to that rule is a genetic predisposition towards deafness. This is especially prevalent in albino and piebald animals or dogs that share a genetic tendency toward light pigmentation.

Studies have found that blue-eyed Dalmatians are more likely to be deaf than brown-eyed Dalmatians. Deafness may affect one or both ears. A test called the BAER test can accurately assess deafness in the Dalmatian.

Middle-aged male Dalmatians can suffer from gout and kidney stones. Calcium intake should be reduced in males over 10 years of age. Feeding a low protein diet can also help prevent kidney stones.

Grooming

The Dalmatian is by nature a very clean animal and is said to even avoid puddles. They are profuse shedders, requiring constant brushing to deal with the shedding. Dalmatians also enjoy a vigorous rubdown with a rough cloth.

Country of Origin

The origin of the Dalmatian is a hotly disputed topic to which there has been no concrete resolution.

Average Life Span

The life expectancy of the Dalmatian is 10 to 12 years.