Considered one of the oldest
of dog breeds, the Dalmatian is believed to have
originated from a region on the Adriatic Sea called
Dalmatia. Recent research ties the breed to the area
of Croatia. The breed’s history includes use as
guard dogs, circus and stage performance, and
herding. It has been known as a coach dog for many
years as well and is shown on wagons, other
horse-drawn vehicles, and of course, fire trucks,
which were originally drawn by horses. Known to be
especially fond of being around horses, Dalmatians
are excellent guard dogs as well.
The Dalmatian has a unique coat, with black or deep
brown spots on a white body. It is considered one of
the quieter breeds, though its bark is strong and
purposeful. They have a protective instinct and make
good watchdogs, but possess a friendly overall
personality and love to run and play.
Temperament
The Dalmatian you bring home from a good breeder
will be friendly and loving and will most likely fit
the normal quiet standard of this breed. They have a
pleasant personality and love to run and jump, so it
is best to give them time and room for this
activity. Dalmatians make good housedogs, being
close to family members. However, their playful
demeanor can lead them to get into trouble if left
alone for long periods.
This breed is known to be excellent for households
with children, especially if the puppy’s breeder
makes sure the dog is socialized to be comfortable
with humans. Dalmatians are very intelligent and
will be eager to please the owner and family
members. Though they have high energy levels, they
are not a hyperactive dog. It is just best to give
them plenty of time to run and play and to interact
with you.
Size and Color
Almost everyone will think of the white dog with
many black spots when the name Dalmatian is
mentioned. This unique look is similar from one dog
to another but in reality each Dalmatian is spotted
differently. The American Kennel Club and other
organizations considered the best dogs to have spots
distributed evenly, with spot sizes from dime to
half-dollar in diameter.
Most spots are black or very, deep brown. Liver
colored spots are rare and are caused by a recessive
gene in the bloodlines. This type of Dalmatian
attracts a lot of attention but is not necessarily
more expensive or valuable. Puppies are born white
and the spots develop later. Dalmatians have the
lean lines of a pointer and will be 20 to 24 inches
tall and weigh up to 55 pounds, making them a
mid-size dog with stamina and a sturdy build. The
coat will short and somewhat hard and the ears will
be carried slightly forward.
Feeding and Grooming Requirements
As with any purebred dog, the diet is a key
ingredient to long life and good health. Many top
breeders and experienced Dalmatian owners make sure
their dogs get fresh foods similar to what the
people bring home from the store for themselves. One
of the keys to having a healthy Dalmatian is to be
aware of the high uric acid content in the urine of
the breed. This condition can lead to kidney stones
and other problems, but by paying particular
attention to diet and nutrition, you should be able
to avoid major problems.
One of the items that should not be in excess in the
diet is protein, as high protein levels can
contribute to high uric acid content in urine.
High-quality commercial foods will be okay for the
dog but extra protein in meats and table scraps
should be avoided.
Exercise Needs
Be prepared for a playful dog that loves to run and
jump! The Dalmatian does not do well in apartment
living and should have room to move around, even if
it is a moderate sized yard. You should plan to give
your new Dalmatian time for running and romping in
the park. If a good breeder raises them, they will
be comfortable playing with you and with children.
The Dalmatian was bred to run alongside or even
under horse-drawn wagons and has good stamina. Your
new pet can be sensitive and will seem depressed if
there is not time for running and playing. Daily
running time will probably be necessary to prevent
their active nature from leading to destructiveness.
