"If
you got to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,
try orderin' somebody else's dog around."
Cowboy Wisdom
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.
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.