| As is always true, matching the right
dog with the right habitat will always result in a
wonderfully rewarding friendship. All breeds are
different, so knowing something about the breed of your
choice is important. There is so much that can be said
about the Dalmatian that this site cannot contain it all.
However, many of the sites included on the Links page
have information that is worth considering. And remember,
Dalmatian owners are invariably happy to share their
knowledge. Spotted History
The Dalmatian is always striking in appearance, having
black or liver (brown) spots on the pure white background
coat. Puppies are always born pure white and, as the
spots take around ten days to appear, it is sometimes
impossible to know what colour the spots will be until
they show themselves.
Known often as "Carriage Dog" or
"Firehouse Dog" these names relate to their
popularity during the Regency period when they ran with
all types of carriages, and also when they ran before
horse-drawn fire engines. Their use with carriages etc.
quite rightly gives the correct impression that this
breed is capable of incredible endurance. They can travel
at moderate speed over long distance. Sometimes they even
arrive at the destination with their owner still
in tow. Today they can often be found at Firehouses in
the USA and are frequently to be seen with the
Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales.
The Dalmatian makes an excellent companion and
housedog. Although not often used for such, it has a
sporting nature with a good nose and a soft mouth.
Overall the Dalmatian is strong and muscular, needing -
and enjoying - lots of exercise and better suited to a
life in the country than the town.
Did you Know:
Dalmatian is spelt with the letter "a" and
not the letter "o". The "o" belongs
in the middle of spots.
Dalmatians crave attention and just love human
company. If neglected or left alone for long periods they
can suffer from separation anxiety.
Dalmatians love to be involved with anything that you
are doing, whether you want them to be or not.
Dalmatians are often strong willed as well as
boisterous. They will demand your attention and your
time. However, this can always be controlled if their
owner is willing to properly train and exercise them (365
days a year and no time off for Xmas!), as well as
letting them know where they fit in the family pack.
Dalmatians moult twice a year. Spring to Autumn, and
Autumn to Spring!
Dalmatians are quite long lived, with ages of around
14 years being quite common.
As sweet and cute as a Dalmatian puppy might be,
remember that they grow quickly, reaching a height of
19-24 inches (48-61 cm) at the withers and can weigh in
at 35-65 lbs. (16-30 kg).
Many Dalmatians smile, ranging from a little grin to a
full one with all teeth showing. Whilst it can appear
quite alarming Dalmatians smile when they are happy or
are pleased to see you. Mind you, if growling accompanies
the smile, it isn't one!
Health Issues:
Some Dalmatians can suffer from deafness. Always
purchase your Dalmatian from a reputable source and
ensure that they have been BAER hearing tested.
Dalmatians can form urinary stones if given diets
containing high amounts of purine-yielding food. High
protein foods - containing over 18% - should be avoided.
Epilepsy is found in all breeds of dog. The Dalmatian
breed is not immune. Suitable care should be taken.
Some Dalmatians have blue eyes. Whilst this is often
considered a defect or breed fault it has no effect on
the dogs eyesight and can be very striking.
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