About Dalmatian Dogs

Many people think of Dalmatians as the cute little spotted dogs from the Disney movies, but this dog breed has a rich history as a service animal, having been used to clear the way for horses and coaches of centuries ago, as guard dogs protecting the coach owner's property and even as carriers of messages and emergency supplies during WW II.

  1. The Firehouse Dog

    • Dalmatians were named for the Croatian city of Dalmatia and were first brought to Great Britain in the 18th century. They were bred by the first U.S. president, George Washington, and have a history in Colonial America, but it is unknown when they were brought over. They eventually became known as an unofficial firehouse mascot when they were used to chase rats out of firehouses and guide and calm horses on the way to fires. Some modern-day firehouses still keep them as pets.

    Physical Characteristics

    • The tell-tale black spots make adult Dalmatians easy to spot, but Dalmatian puppies are actually born with a purely white coat. They are short-haired dogs, but they do shed, so daily brushing may be necessary. They have long necks and thin, floppy ears that rest by the side of their heads. A full-grown male Dalmatian is anywhere from 50 to 65 pounds and 22 to 24 inches in height, while the female is 45 to 55 pounds and 19 to 22 inches long. They are considered mid-sized dogs and are muscular and strong.

    Dalmatian Deafness

    • Many Dalmatians actually cannot hear, with around 30 percent of them being completely deaf. Many Dalmatian owners report teaching their dogs sign language and training them that way. They are also prone to bladder stones, but for the most part are healthy dogs and live to be 14 years old, with some living to be 17 or 18.

    Personality

    • Dalmatians live up to the dog credo of man's best friend. They love human companionship, are always ready to for a walk or to play, and even suffer from separation anxiety when away from their owner. However, they can be aggressive toward other dog breeds and may not be the best choice if you have other pets in the house or are away from home often.