A Dalmatian is a breed of dog known for its black spots that cover its white fur. In the United States, Dalmatians are often depicted as firefighter dogs.
A popular breed, Dalmatians are medium in size, muscular, and have great stamina. The Dalmatian coat is dense, short and very fine. The base color of this breed is white, with round black or brown markings. A Dalmatian’s feet are small and round and their nails are either the same color as their spots or white. The color of their nose also depends on the color of the spots they have. A Dalmatian’s eyes share an intelligent expression and are either brown or blue. The ears are tall and thin and are close to the dog’s head. The spots on Dalmatians come later, as Dalmatian puppies are born completely white.
The Dalmatian breed got its name from Dalmatia, an area of the Republic of Venice, in the 18th century. The origin of the breed is not known with certainty, but it is believed to be Yugoslavia, Egypt, Greece or Rome.
Ranging in height from 22 to 24 inches and around 55 pounds, the dog breed is known for being a working dog. Although they do not specialize in one area, Dalmatians often herd and hunt. It was also used as a carriage dog, a type of dog that ran alongside a carriage and cleared a path, helped control the horses, and protected the carriage. With training, Dalmatians can obtain a high level of obedience.
As the past history of being a carriage dog shows, the Dalmatian breed is active and needs exercise. Although they may be too big and rough for younger children, they make good companions for teenagers with their playful attitude. They also need company and affection, as they can become depressed. Dalmatians are known to have good memories and are loyal and kind.
Unfortunately, some Dalmatians (about 10%) tend to have hereditary deafness, which is common in all-white breeds. There is also a strong relationship between blue eyes and deafness. The average lifespan of a Dalmatian is 10 to 12 years. Dalmatians also suffer from a lack of uricase, an enzyme that breaks down uric acid. Without this enzyme, uric acid can cause bladder stones or gout as it builds up in the joints. To reduce the chance of stones, owners should not feed Dalmatians organ meats.
The Dalmatian breed became very popular after the 1956 novel “The Hundred and One Dalmatians” and the Disney animated movie of the same name. Unfortunately, some owners bought Dalmatians because of the movie, but were unaware of the great amount of exercise Dalmatians need. Dalmatians even like to swim, but owners need to be careful as wet ears can cause an ear infection.
Although they are easy to maintain, Dalmatians need to be brushed frequently to deal with constant shedding. Their nails should also be kept trimmed as they tend to grow quickly. However, they only need baths when necessary, as they do not have a doggy odor and like to keep themselves clean.