Dalmatian

Appearance: What Makes Dalmatians So Special?

The Dalmatian’s trademark is undoubtedly its white coat with black or brown spots. It is unique among dog breeds and originated from a genetic mutation. The distinctive dark spots, which are ideally distributed symmetrically across the entire body, stand out clearly against the otherwise pure white, short coat. The round spots, ideally measuring two to three centimetres in diameter, should be a uniform black or liver-brown colour.

The Dalmatian’s Coat: Typical Spots

Dalmatians are born completely white and only begin to show the first signs of their characteristic spotting at around ten to 14 days old. By the time they reach their first birthday, all the spots will have developed.

Dogs born with individual large black patches are considered a fault according to the breed standard and are therefore excluded from breeding.

Depending on the colour of the spots, a Dalmatian’s eye colour also varies. Dogs with black spots should have dark brown eyes, while those with liver-brown spots should have amber eyes.

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Athletic Build

The Dalmatian’s smooth, short white coat is very dense, but without a warming undercoat. It highlights its well-proportioned, athletic build, which gives the Dalmatian a particularly elegant gait. Its lean body features a strong back with a straight topline and muscular shoulders.

Its neck is long and powerful and, like the head, free from loose skin. The rounded, drop ears are set high on its rather narrow skull and lie close to the head. The sickle-shaped tail, tapering to a point, can reach down to the hocks.

Size: How Big Does a Dalmatian Get?

With a height of 56 to 62 centimetres at the shoulder for males, Dalmatians are classed as medium to large dog breeds. Females are slightly smaller at 54 to 60 centimetres and accordingly a little lighter.

Weight: How much does a Dalmatian weigh?

According to the breed standard, males weigh between 27 and 32 kilograms, while an adult female should ideally weigh between 24 and 29 kilograms.

Character: Are Dalmatians Affectionate?

Yes, Dalmatians are affectionate and enjoy company – whether with their family or other animals. They like to be involved in everything and are considered adaptable and pleasant companions – provided they are physically and mentally stimulated. They are very sensitive and tend to withdraw if there is tension within the family.

Are Dalmatians difficult to train?

Their affectionate nature is also evident in their training. They respond far better to praise and gentle encouragement than to excessive strictness. With patience, consistency and positive reinforcement, this breed is therefore fairly easy to train.

However, if subjected to force or too much pressure, the self-assured Dalmatian can become stubborn and may show a strong independent streak – which in most cases is unlikely to please its owner.

Are Dalmatians Timid?

In the right hands, with consistent yet loving guidance, the Dalmatian proves to be a friendly and open family dog. Visitors are quickly announced, but aggressive or timid behaviour is completely foreign to this peace-loving pedigree dog.

When living with children, it shows great patience and playfulness – but it does not want to be treated as a “toy”.

Keeping: Are Dalmatians Family-Friendly?

Two things are important to this striking pedigree dog: firstly, closeness to its family and secondly, plenty of exercise. Dalmatians are very lively family dogs who can be calm and cuddly at home, but really come into their own outdoors.

How Much Exercise Does a Dalmatian Need?

These active, sporty dogs are true endurance athletes. They love running for hours alongside a bicycle or accompanying their humans jogging. But swimming, fetching, playing or long walks in the countryside where they can move freely are also great activities, alongside numerous dog sports.

This intelligent black-and-white bundle of energy needs both mental and physical stimulation and is very eager to learn, even when being taught small tricks. Dalmatian owners should allow at least two hours a day for their dog’s sporting activities.

Is a Dalmatian Suitable for First-Time Owners?

It goes without saying that a dog with these needs is not a couch companion for homebodies. A Dalmatian requires an active family that shares its love of movement.

As well as enjoying sporting activities together or heading out into nature, the family should of course have plenty of time. Only those who are prepared for this commitment should embark on the “Dalmatian adventure” as a first-time owner.

Grooming: Time-Consuming but Not Difficult

In contrast to the physical and mental challenges of keeping a Dalmatian, grooming this dog is fairly straightforward.

It is sufficient to brush the short, smooth coat once or twice a week with a rubber curry comb or grooming mitt designed for this purpose.

How Much Do Dalmatians Shed?

Unlike many breeds, Dalmatians do not undergo a typical moulting season and instead shed lightly throughout the year.

In addition to coat care, their eyes, ears, teeth and claws should be checked and cleaned regularly. The more routinely you carry out these short “check-ups” and grooming sessions, the more relaxed your dog will be. And the more time you will have for sporting activities with your spotted companion!

Diet: What Do Dalmatians Eat?

A low-purine diet is recommended for Dalmatians. By avoiding purine, which is found for example in beef, offal, fish and yeast, uric acid levels in the urine can be lowered, thereby reducing the risk of urinary stones.

As Dalmatians are also often affected by allergies, feeding a special diet food has proven effective for many dogs. Although commercially available dry food with a low crude protein content of 15% can also achieve results, such standardised dog food usually does not fully meet the Dalmatian’s specific needs.

Discussing a detailed feeding plan with your vet or breeder is always advisable.

Drink Plenty

Whether you choose dry food, wet food or freshly prepared meals from your own kitchen, it is important that your Dalmatian drinks plenty and is provided with sufficient fluids.

Dogs that have frequent opportunities to urinate develop urinary stones less often than those that only get outside once a day. It has also proven effective to fill your Dalmatian’s food bowl just once a day (preferably in the afternoon).

Health: Which Illnesses Are Common in Dalmatians?

Becoming a fashionable breed has tended to bring disadvantages for many dogs. With increased breeding focused primarily on profit, important traits such as health and stable temperament are often neglected.

It is therefore something of a relief that the Dalmatian boom has now subsided somewhat. Breeding this special dog requires foresight and a strong sense of responsibility, especially as the Dalmatian is prone to certain breed-specific conditions.

Deafness

Compared to other breeds, an above-average number of puppies are born deaf in Dalmatians. Scientists discovered early on that deafness in dogs is linked to the white coat. Not only in Dalmatians does the incidence of deafness increase proportionally with the amount of white in the coat. Despite this early discovery, no genetic test for a predisposition to deafness has yet been developed.

The reason lies in the complex inheritance pattern of deafness, which involves several genes. As a result, deaf dogs can have physically healthy parents, while two deaf parents can produce hearing offspring.

To ensure your puppy is not affected by deafness, prospective owners should always ask to see the results of hearing tests when purchasing a puppy.

Dalmatian Syndrome

Another health issue that affects only Dalmatians is a defective uric acid transport system caused by a genetically inherited metabolic disorder.

As a result, Dalmatians form urinary stones more quickly than other dogs, which is why this is also known as Dalmatian syndrome or the Dalmatian defect. Although all purebred Dalmatians have significantly elevated uric acid levels in their urine, not all dogs develop urinary stones.

Unfortunately, no breeder of purebred Dalmatians can prevent Dalmatian syndrome, but as an owner you can reduce the risk of illness with the help of the right diet.

History: Where Does the Dalmatian Come from?

The Dalmatian’s origins remain unclear to this day. The many theories are based purely on assumptions. In addition to the Dalmatia region on the Croatian coast, Italy, England, Turkey and northern India have also been suggested as possible countries of origin.

Depictions on Greek frescoes and ancient Egyptian pharaohs’ tombs suggest that the ancestors of these spotted dogs lived more than 1,000 years ago. Unfortunately, there are no records of their original purpose or duties, nor of the exact origin of their name.

Carriage Companion and Firehouse Mascot

Historical works listing the Dalmatian as the Turkish Dog, Dalmatian Dog, Petit Danois, Tiger Dog or Bengal Pointer show that this distinctive black-and-white dog existed as far back as the Middle Ages.

From the late Middle Ages onwards, it was popular in European noble houses and among the upper classes. In England in particular, it was used as a refined and protective carriage companion. It was also valued as a hunting dog.

In America, it became especially well known as a companion to fire engines originally drawn by horses. The striking Dalmatian would run ahead barking and act as a kind of “living siren”, clearing the way. Even today, it serves as a mascot for some American fire brigades.

Recognition as an Independent Breed

When the selective breeding of many dog breeds began in the 19th century and specific standards were established, the Dalmatian was officially recognised as a distinct breed.

The first uniform and official standard was established in 1890. Despite the turmoil of the First and Second World Wars and the loss of its role as a carriage companion with the advent of motorisation, the Dalmatian maintained its position as a pedigree breed. Although it no longer has a specific working role today, it remains extremely popular as a companion and family dog.

Breeding and Buying a Dalmatian: What to Look Out For

Anyone wishing to adopt a Dalmatian should always contact a reputable Dalmatian breeder who is a member of a recognised breed club .

Trustworthy breeders ensure all necessary vaccinations are carried out, as well as proper socialisation. All of these are essential for a long and happy life together.

The best prevention is provided by knowledgeable breeders who use their expertise and comprehensive health checks to ensure that only healthy dogs are bred together. Sound temperament is also one of the breeding goals of responsible breeders.

Once you have contacted a Dalmatian breeder, you will usually be able to visit them and the puppies in their home. During your visit, ask all the questions on your mind – including critical ones. This will quickly show whether the breeder is reputable. Also pay attention to the puppies’ parents, who should appear healthy and well balanced.

You can find everything you need to know before buying or adopting a dog in our guides:

• 10 things you should know before adopting a dog
• Important questions to ask a dog breeder
• Adopting puppies from a rescue centre

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Conclusion: Not a Dog for Couch Potatoes

Alongside proven good genetics, a healthy diet and species-appropriate care are crucial for ensuring your Dalmatian lives a long and healthy life.

For a Dalmatian, species-appropriate means above all plenty of exercise and activity. Free access to a garden and a short daily walk are nowhere near enough for this sporty and enduring dog. Anyone who provides their Dalmatian with a varied exercise programme, healthy food and regular vet visits will enjoy this unique dog for many years.

Dalmatian Profile

Special features:	Its spotted coat makes the Dalmatian unmistakable. It is well suited as a family dog but needs plenty of exercise and breed-appropriate activity, otherwise behavioural issues may arise.
Character:	friendly, lively, affectionate, sensitive
Height at withers:	Males: 56–62 cm Females: 54–60 cm
Weight:	Males: 27–32 kg Females: 24–29 kg
Coat:	short, hard and dense, base colour white with black or liver-brown spots
Coat care:	low maintenance, sheds all year round, brush weekly
Exercise:	high need for exercise, activities such as canicross or agility
Suitable for first-time owners:	rather not
Barking:	barks relatively little
Life expectancy:	approx. 10–13 years
Common illnesses:	deafness, urinary stones, Dalmatian leukodystrophy
FCI group:	Group 6: Scent hounds and related breeds Section 3: Related breeds
Origin:	Croatia