Dalmatian Dog

Dalmatian Others Name:

Dal

Dalmatian Weight

50 – 55 lbs.

Dalmatian Size

Dalmatian Average lifespan

11 – 14 years.

Dalmatian Appearance

Tradition suggests that the Dalmatians came from Dalmatia, a region on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. They are athletic, muscular and tough dogs.

Dalmatian Temperament

He is playful, friendly, affectionate and very energetic. They are good with children, but are too noisy for homes with young children, so they would be best suited for a family with older children. They are great pets that need to be part of the family. Dalmatians that are confined to a yard or kennel away from family activities often become barkers or burrowers. They get along well with other animals and make good watchdogs.

Dalmatian Training

They are easy to train as they are willing to please and respond very quickly to consistent training.

Dalmatian Cleanliness

The care it requires is minimal. A weekly brushing will be enough to keep the hair healthy and free of dead hair.

Dalmatian Exercise

Dalmatians have high energy levels and therefore need a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. It is not the right breed of dog for people who do not have time for long daily walks. Owners have to be energetic and willing to take time to adjust to the energy and stamina levels of the breed. Care must be taken not to exercise them too much when they are puppies as they need time for their muscles to build.

Dalmatian Health Problems

Deafness

8 to 12% of Dalmatians are born deaf. While this disadvantage does not allow them to be a track dog, it does not prevent them from being easy to train by signaling them. 22% have unilateral hearing, that is, they have hearing in only one ear. This does not prevent them from being good pets and most owners are not aware that they have the problem.

The bladder stones

Another major concern is stone formation in the bladder. This problem can be largely avoided and treated through proper diet. It is particularly necessary that they stay well hydrated and give them a chance to urinate next, for this reason, drawer training is not recommended.

Skin problems and allergies

Appear to be present in the breed. These skin problems can be caused by a variable number of factors including: stress, humidity, heat, and the most common allergens (allergic reactions). These allergens can be inhaled as in the case of pollen in the air, ingestion of food, or simply by being in contact with local irritants that come into contact with the skin such as flea saliva.

Hip malformation or dysplasia

Results in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the acetabulum of the hip. This condition can be alleviated by surgery, although with consequences for dogs and owners since dogs with dysplasia usually produce puppies with the same condition. Buyers should ask if both the sire and dam of the puppy they are interested in have been recently tested and are free of hip dysplasia. Don’t take yes for an answer without seeing a certificate and ask for a copy to take to your vet.

Hypothyroidism

It is an endocrine disease that results in abnormally low production of thyroid hormones. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, mental depression, weight gain, and a tendency to seek warm places. Hypothyroidism can also affect the coat and skin, causing hair loss and excessive dandruff.

Iris sphincter dysplasia

Affected dogs appear to be squinting when sunlight hits them. More research is needed on how this problem is transmitted, but it appears to be inherited, therefore affected dogs must be removed from breeding programs.

Dalmatian History

Historians believe that Dalmatians originated in India and were used as hunting dogs, being treasured by Gypsies for their striking markings and for being very cheerful dogs. They traveled throughout Europe and Asia with the Gypsies until they finally reached Europe in the late 1780s, when members of the British upper class brought them home after their frequent trips to Continental Europe. The aristocracy hoped to use them as hunting dogs, but soon found that they were better companions for carriage riding because they liked to run alongside horses, which explains why they were called carriage dogs.

The association of Dalmatians with chariots and horses also opened up a new career opportunity for the breed in the USA, where they received the nickname “fire dog””, as they were the dogs that lived in the stables of the horses that they pulled carts used to put out fires. When the alarm bell sounded the dogs ran after the horses or led the way through the streets. Later, when automobiles replaced horses and carriages, the dogs moved to fire stations and enjoyed riding on top of engines. In the last 40 years most fire stations have not been able to keep Dalmatian dogs, losing the tradition that made them so well known.care they require.