Dalmatian
AKA: Dalmatiner, Carriage Dog, Dalmatinac, Firehouse Dog, Plum Pudding Dog, Spotted Coach Dog
Description: The Dalmatian is famous for its black and white spotted coat, put to fame by Disney cartoons and movies. This breed is a picture of elegance, having a muscular symmetric body that possesses superior endurance. The more defined and well distributed the spots, the more valued the Dalmatian.
The eyes of the Dachshund are either dark brown, amber, or blue, and carries with it an intelligent expression. Its ears are carried with a slight upward curve, narrowing toward the point. Its nose is either black, brown (liver), or a shade of blue or dark gray that looks very close to black. The feet are round, the toes well-arched, the nails either white or the same color as the spots.
Dynamics: The Dalmatian was bred to run under or alongside horse-drawn carriages (thus the alias of Carriage Dog) and has a lot of energy to spend. Its nature is that it doesn’t like to sit and do nothing.
The Dalmatian is a very lively and active breed. As a puppy, it can be very energetic and without proper care can be very aggressive. The owner need to possess the same level of energy as the dog in order to keep up with it and train it. A young Dalmatian can be a lot to handle, but it calms down after a few years and becomes loyal to its owner and family.
The Dalmatian needs human companionship. It is likely to become depressed without it. This breed is sensitive and has a very good memory. It can remember for years any bad treatment it has undergone. It is quite intelligent, and does well with firm and consistent training.
With its playful nature, the Dalmatian gets along well with children and enjoys playing with them. It may be too rambunctious for toddlers, however. It can also get along with other pets, but may be aggressive with other dogs. This breed needs to be socialized properly to avoid becoming rigid and timid.
Breed Group: Gun Dog, Non-Sporting
Weight: about 55 lbs (25 kg)
Height: males 22-24 inches (50-60 cm), females 20-22 inches (50-55 cm)
Color: The Dalmatian is famous for its short and dense coat of white spotted with black, brown (liver), lemon, or dark blue. The spots can also be tricolor, brindle, solid white, or sable.
Country of Origin: The origin of the Dalmatian is a cause for debate, but most accept Croatia to be its country of origin. It is an ancient breed, and traces of it have been found in Egyptian bas reliefs and Hellenic friezes. It was also noted that maybe the Dalmatian was similar to the Bengal pointer that existed in England, bringing into question whether the Dalmatian was of Yugoslavian origin or not.
Activities: The Dalmatian has a lot of energy in store. It needs plenty or opportunities to walk, run, and play freely. It can display bad behavior when it is repressed from such activities.
Back in the Middle Ages, the hound was used as a hound. It was more popular as a carriage dog in the 1800s, however. The Dalmatian would trot beside the carriage horses and then guard the carriage as its master conducts business somewhere. This is a versatile breed, used a mascot for firemen, war sentinel, circus performer, vermin hunter, hound, shepherd, and guard dog. Presently, the Dalmatian is mainly a companion dog.
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. Bathe only when necessary.
Other Info: The Dalmatian has a life expectancy of about 10-12 years. Health concerns include deafness (which affects 10-12 percent of the puppies), urinary stones, skin allergies, and high uric acid levels (which can cause urinary blockage). A deaf Dalmatian is difficult to raise, so as a puppy it should be BAER-tested; when the puppy is totally deaf, it should be spayed or neutered. The Dalmatian will be okay in an apartment, but only if it can be taken out several times a day for exercises and play sessions. It is very active and does best in a large open area. This breed is not comfortable outside when it is cold.
