Your new Dalmatian should
remain a lean, sturdy dog for 10 to 12 years with
the right diet and plenty of exercise. The breed was
originally a working dog, and was often seen acting
as a mascot for horses and on the scene to keep
these horses calm and in line. This natural tendency
to be involved combined with the playful nature of
the breed makes the Dalmatian a joy to be around if
you are committed to spending quality time with your
new pet.
If you are looking for a Dalmatian, it is always
best to visit with at least three quality breeders
and ask questions to clear up any doubts you may
have about a new pet. Remember that deafness affects
about 10% of Dalmatians and puppies from a reputable
breeder should be tested for this using what is
called a Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER)
test. It would be wise to ask about this when you
are looking for a new Dalmatian. Deaf dogs can be
difficult to raise and often become aggressive and
even bite out of fear because they do not have one
of their key senses. Major dog breed organizations
have stated that breeders should use as parents only
dogs with good hearing in both ears.
Dalmatians should be raised on
a high-quality diet because the breed is known to
have high uric acid content in the urine, a
condition that can be worsened by too much protein
in the food. Some experts recommend having meats
like chicken and turkey as the protein source, with
20% to 24% protein content. You would be wise not to
depend on the claims of “complete” nutrition in
commercial dog foods and make an effort to add the
right ingredients to your Dalmatian’s daily meal.
In addition, the Dalmatian’s meal should always be
accompanied by water or if the food is dry to begin
with softened and mixed with water. This will help
ensure that your pet gets enough liquid to help
prevent the uric acid problems inherent in this
breed. Experienced owners and breeders sometimes
recommend rice and vegetables in the proper amounts.
New owners should be familiar with symptoms of
stones forming in their pet. Things to watch for
include reduced amount of urine, less demand for
going outside when necessary, discomfort. Sometimes
it helps to change to distilled water for your pet
as well.
Dalmatians can also be especially sensitive to skin
allergies and irritations and seem to react
negatively to some of the synthetic fibers and
treatments for carpets and other fabrics. There may
also be some problems with the pet inhaling the
vapors or fumes from synthetics or fabrics. These
conditions can often be treated with change of diet
or over-the-counter antihistamines. Some of the
other health factors you may want to be aware of
when considering a Dalmatian are the eye and hip
problems that can afflict purebred dogs, though eye
problems are rare in the Dalmatian.
Dalmatians will need, and want, quite a bit of
exercise. They love to run and play outside, so
frequent walks and free time in the park should be
provided from the beginning. Many new owners find
that their pet will naturally follow the owner
closely, a carryover from the natural tendency to
accompany their master’s wagon or follow the master
on foot when traveling or hunting. Therefore, you
should be prepared for spending outdoor, active time
with your pet to keep him happy and healthy.
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