Dalmatians are also known as carriage dogs, because they used to trot alongside carriages in the past, presumably to keep the people in the carriage safe from harm. Then they were appointed as escort dogs and companion dogs too. These dogs are excellent companions if they are trained properly, and hence they have been able to sustain their popularity. Let us get to know the details about this breed, in the following paragraphs. Physical Characteristics and Intelligence
Dalmatians are a medium-sized breed. They are characterized by irregular black or liver spots on their white coats. They fall under the category of 'square outline', meaning they are well built dogs, and quite muscular. The head of the dalmatian is broad and flat between the ears, and their eyes are spaced wide apart, and are round and bright, in a shade of brown and gray. They do not have standing ears unlike some other dog breeds, but their ears fall around their face. They have a long neck and long legs, and their chest is deep. They have a level top line, and tapering tails. They have a short, white base coat. Dalmatians have a rhythmic gait, and walk with long, smooth strides. Dalmatians have a lot of strength and stamina, and as such they do not tire easily.
Dalmatians are utility dogs. In the early days, dalmatians were used for pulling carts, hunting, circus performances, border patrols, retrieving, and were also adopted by fire departments (gaining another nickname called firehouse dogs), during the 1800s since they got on well with horses, and ran behind them. They are intelligent animals, and they are eager to please their masters and learn new things and tricks. Dalmatians pick up new things pretty quickly and they are very determined dogs, so they are a delight to train as well. They can be trained in various dog-agility exercises, as well as to participate in games like horse riding, jogging, fly ball, etc. Dalmatians respond well to praise and rewards, and this is often used to help them learn difficult tasks, specially if they are unwilling or reluctant.
Their height and weight are as follows:
Temperament
Dalmatians are dignified, loyal, playful and very active dogs. They are of even temperament if they are trained properly and socialized at an early age. If they are not socialized at an early age, they tend to become aggressive towards others, and possessive of their families. Dalmatians form strong bonds with their families and if they are given up, they are known to cry and pine for their owners, and some starve themselves to death. Getting home a dalmatian is lots of commitment, so it is best to first analyze whether you are up for the job. It is just not done, if you get him for a while, and when his upkeep becomes cumbersome, you leave him back at the shelter! It's inhumane. The right training and socializing will make them even and pleasant tempered, and they get along well with other dog breeds. Although they get along with horses the best, as this connection dates back several centuries, when dalmatians first ran along with horses and came to be fondly recognized as carriage dogs.
The way a dalmatian behaves depends largely on the social environment he is brought up in. If he is brought up in a loving and playful environment, he will become loyal and affectionate, but if he is brought up in an abusive environment, he will become aggressive and will develop a tendency to attack often if he feels that he is being threatened. Dalmatians are pretty stubborn dogs, so they have to be taught to be obedient as soon as they are ready to learn, or the owner can expect a handful later on. Early training, in obedience and leadership will make sure that your dalmatian will listen to you, and be a good and docile (well, mostly!) companion. Dalmatians are also prone to shyness, and this can hamper their lifestyle, if they are not socialized properly, to help them overcome their shyness. They are outgoing and friendly dogs and are suitable companions for children.
Life Span and Health Issues
The average life span of a dog is between 14 - 16 years. This is quite long in terms of dog years, so before deciding to get a dalmatian as a pet, you should consider the commitment that is going to be required for the next 15 years of your life, and then decide whether you are up for it. After the movie, 101 Dalmatians was released, this breed saw a surge in popularity, but since they were adopted or bought just because they were in fashion, many owners left them when they couldn't cope with the maintenance. Thousands of dalmatians were euthanized around that time, when no one was ready to adopt the castaways. It was a terrible scenario.
Along with living a long life, there are certain health issues that dalmatians are prone to. They are susceptible to ear infections, kidney and liver problems. Dalmatians should not be kept cooped up all day, and should be allowed to relieve themselves whenever they feel the need to do so. Inability to do so, will exacerbate the kidney problems, with possibility of kidney stones. Another genetic condition that they are prone to is deafness. Statistics reveal that almost 30% of all dalmatians suffer from deafness, and this usually presents itself in the first 4 - 6 weeks after the pup is born. Dalmatians are also prone to hypo-pigmentation, around the eyes and nose, and this condition worsens with age. Taking care of a dalmatian is not very difficult, but it's not something that can be taken casually either.
Grooming
Dalmatians have short, glossy and dense coats. They shed throughout the year. But since they have a short coat, their shedding can be managed so that it does not become a major issue. Daily brushing in the mornings will reduce the shedding inside the house throughout the day. Dalmatians require a bath every 8 - 10 weeks, which is not very frequent. Unless instructed by the vet for some reason, avoid bathing your dalmatian frequently. At the most, once a month is fine, to prevent dog odor.
Space and Maintenance Required
Dalmatians require a lot of exercise, since they are very playful and energetic dogs. You can either play catch with your dog, or take him jogging with you, or on a brisk walk. If that is not possible on a daily basis, then maybe you can design a pet friendly garden and allow your pet to remain free and play in the garden. If dalmatians are not given the basic exercise they require, they become bored and this may lead them to become aggressive and moody. Dalmatians also require grooming, although not to a great extent. They need regular brushing to help reduce the shedding inside the house and a bath once a month will do. If you stay in a flat then getting a dalmatian may not really be suitable, because they do require a lot of space to run around and burn off their excess energy. Besides which, if you are not in the physical condition to take him for walks or play with him, then it is a better idea to opt for a smaller breed.
As regards the food and health and litter maintenance, it is necessary to keep a tab on his health by conducting regular visits to the vet. A dalmatian will produce a litter of 8 - 12 puppies at a time. Dalmatians are good eaters, not very fussy. But they do require a good breed dog food so that they can maintain good health and avoid any health issues. All the vaccinations, and medicines should be given as and when prescribed by the vet, to avoid the spiral of a petty illness into a full blown disease. Over all, this is a pretty robust breed, so once all the vaccinations are taken care of, they should not develop any health issues. The only caution required is in the area of urination, and ear infection, which can be avoided by letting them free, and cleaning their ears frequently, respectively.
Suitability as a Pet
The following candidates are suitable as dalmatian owners: Active familiesFamilies without toddlersYoung, sporty peoplePeople who are physically and financially able to handle the energetic breedElderly people should avoid getting a dalmatian as a pet, because they will find it difficult to satisfy the playful side of the vivacious breed. Similarly, this breed can get carried away when excited, so although they are good companions for kids, it is best to keep them away from toddlers.
Dalmatians form great bonds with the families that adopt them, so they are good pets. But they do require enough time from their masters or they feel lonely. Keeping a dalmatian as a pet requires a great deal of time and patience, but I'll say it is worth it. They are one of the best companions you can count on, at any time!
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