The Dalmatian

The Dalmatian is famous for its white coat with either black or liver spots. This well-known spotted coat is unique to the Dalmatian, and no other breed features the spotted markings

The Dalmatian is a well-muscled, medium sized, elegant dog with amazing stamina. The fully grown Dalmatian should have a height of between 19 and 24 inches at the withers and a weight of between 20 to 32 kg.

The coat of a Dalmatian is short, dense, and fine. The ground color is white with well defined spots of uniform color of either black or brown shades. Lemon, orange, blue, tricolor, and brindle spots can also be featured on a Dalmatian, however they are a disqualifying fault for showing purposes, as are any areas of solid color that is not the result of heavy spotting.

Dalmatian puppies are born with all white fur. However, it is possible, at times, to see the beginning of spots under the skin of a newborn pup. There spots generally develop at the age of 2 to 3 weeks.

Unlike a majority of other double-coated dogs, such as German Shepherds or Siberian Huskies, Dalmatians shed their short, fine coats all year round. They shed their coats considerably more than year round shedders. Because their hairs are barbed at the ends, they stick to clothing, furniture, and other types of fabric. Absolutely nothing can be done to prevent their excessive shedding. New owners must be prepared to deal with the great amount of hair that will constantly litter their household.

According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, the eyes of a Dalmatian should be set moderately well apart, medium in size and round in appearance. They should be well set into the skull. The eye coloring of this breed is blue, brown, amber, or any combination thereof. The darker the eye color, the better.

Dalmatians were originally bred as coach dogs, and because of this, they are highly active and require a great deal of exercise. They can run at great speed, with a large amount of stamina and self-reliance. When they are given freedom to roam, they will take multi-day trips on their own across the countryside. They make great companions for children because of their energetic and playful nature. They are also extremely fond of humans and horses.

Dalmatians are people-orientated dogs, and will become lonely if they are left alone to sleep on their large dog beds. Therefore, they should be trained to accept the absence of their owners, so that they can be left alone when necessary without them pining severely. Because this breed was originally bred to defend carriages and horses, they can become extremely territorial if not trained otherwise.

It is often stated that Dalmatians are difficult and untrainable. Because of this, many end up in shelters and rescue homes. However, not being able to train a Dalmatian is absolute nonsense. It is more so a problem of the owner not having experience with dog psychology, dog training, and lack of information about this breed of dog.

The Dalmatian is very often free from ailments that are common in other dogs such as hip dysplasia. Most of their health problems are a result of old age. This breed has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years, although some can live as long as 15 to 16 years. In their late teens, both male and female Dalmatians can suffer bone spurs and arthritic conditions. They can also experience deafness along with kidney and bladder stones.

The Dalmatian has received great popularity due to the 1961 Disney animated classic "101 Dalmatians". However, many breeders and puppy mills cashed in on the breed's rising popularity, and began breeding high numbers of Dalmatians without first ensuring the health, quality, and temperament of the dogs that were being bred. Many enthusiasts then purchased Dalmatians for their children and then found them to be too energetic, therefore not being able to cope with them.

For individuals that can provide Dalmatians with the exercise, care, dog treats, and attention that they require they can make the most wonderful addition to any family.