About Dalmatians

History

• Engravings and papyrus paintings from Egypt show large, spotted dogs running alongside chariots. In Victorian England, Dalmatians' stamina and distinctive looks made them popular with the upper class as escorts to horse-drawn carriages. Their keen nose and hunting instincts also made them valuable as ratters, and this is how they came to be famous as firehouse dogs. Kept in firehouses to control vermin, Dalmatians would accompany the fire wagons on missions. Dalmatians have a natural affinity for horses and are the only breed today regarded as a true "coach dog." The breed was developed and refined in Yugoslavia, brought to the United States in the mid-1800s and recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

Identification

• Identify a Dalmatian first and foremost by his distinctive black or brown spotted white coat. The Dalmatian is a large, athletic dog, standing between 19 and 23 inches at the shoulder. Unlike some other spotted dogs, not only is the Dalmatian's coat spotted, but the underlying skin pigment is also spotted. They have a short, sleek coat and drop ears. Their eyes are usually dark brown, but some of the animals have blue eyes. The overall impression of a Dalmatian is of a large, sleek, elegant dog with a friendly, intelligent disposition. The American Kennel Club, or AKC, has categorized the Dalmatian in the nonsporting group. For the detailed AKC standard, see the link below in Resources.

Function

• Early descendants of the Dalmatian were used for hunting and retrieving and as watchdogs. Their keen sense of smell has also made them useful as tracking and search and rescue dogs. Controlling vermin and accompanying fire wagons and horse-drawn carriages gave them their iconic identity as firehouse dogs. They were also used as guard dogs for the camps of United States soldiers during both World Wars, and during Vietnam. Today they are often competitive in dog sports such as tracking and agility.

Considerations

• Dalmatians are very high-energy, athletic dogs and need considerable exercise to keep them calm and happy. Their watchdog heritage makes some Dalmatians fairly vocal, barking at unfamiliar sounds. As such, they are not ideal apartment dogs unless the owner is prepared to spend considerable time exercising them. Friendly, social and intelligent, Dalmatians are nonetheless sometimes harder to train than some other breeds. They respond best to positive training, and harsh training can make a Dalmatian nervous and potentially a fear-biter. Their grooming needs are minimal, but the short coat can still shed considerably, leaving owners' clothing and furniture bristling with white hairs. Their high activity level makes them a good match for active owners who will hike, bike and run with them.

Warning

• There are several health conditions that affect many Dalmatians. Almost 25 percent of Dalmatian puppies are born either partly or completely deaf. This is common in predominantly white dogs. Deaf dogs can make excellent pets and adapt very well. White dogs often have skin allergies, and this is fairly common in Dalmatians. Finally, the Dalmatian has a unique urinary system. Instead of containing urea, their urine contains uric acid. This makes them susceptible to bladder and kidney stones.

Prevention/Solution

• Dalmatians need a special diet low in purines to prevent the formation of urinary stones. Talk to a vet or knowledgeable breeder about a suitable diet for a Dalmatian, because there are several types available. Skin allergy symptoms can also be minimized with a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, prescription shampoo and flea control. Deaf dogs can be managed and trained very much like hearing dogs. Check the link below in Resources for tips on owning a deaf dog.