The Carriage Dog, the Dalmatian

Ever since the movie about the 101 Dalmatians, this spectacular spotted dog has grown in popularity. The Dalmatian's history however goes beyond that of the movie. He is also known as a "carriage dog" or a "firehouse dog". Before the "horseless carriage", horses were used to pull the fire wagons and the dog became a common sight around the Fire Stations in the United States. The dog was used as a protector of the carriage, trained to run beneath the wheels and protect the horses by keeping other farm dogs at bay. The Dalmatian is an all around guard dog and protector and has also been used as a hunter.

The Dalmatian is an easy care breed, a simple wipe down of the coat will keep him clean. His white coat with many spots is spectacular in appearance. The puppies are born all white and gradually as they get older the spots begin to appear. The coat has short stiff hairs which shed year round so a brisk rub down with a towel several times a week will help to loosens the hairs and prevent fall out on the furniture. The standard of the breed describes the coat very specifically: "white must show in the ears" and "there must be only black or only liver spots" not a combination of the two. In the United States blue eyes are acceptable but the European and the English standards call for black or brown eyes.

He is generally healthy, but the breed does carry an inherited deafness trait. The Dalmatian is also a breed that is known to have some skin problems associated with allergies. There is little hip dysplasia in the breed but as with all larger dogs it is necessary that he be x-rayed to rule this out.

The temperament of this dog is steady but protective. He does not do well with children unless exposed to them early on. He is intelligent and requires a job to do to be at his best, therefore obedience training is a great option if you have one of these dogs in an urban setting. Plenty of exercise is the key. Joggers are great owners for Dalmatians as they adapt very well to jogging along with their owner and protecting him from stray dogs! He is the stable dog of choice in Horse establishments.

Since the movie, the Dalmatian has become a generally popular dog, which is not always the best thing for any breed. He has been over produced by breeders who have bred these dogs for the lure of the dollar rather than the quality of the breed. This often leads lots of these puppies showing up in pet stores. People buy on impulse, having no idea that what they will actually end up with is a dog who is protective, who needs a lot of exercise and with all the usual housebreaking and training which is always necessary for a family pet. As is usual when this occurs, there are a number of Dalmatians who have ended up in shelters. Fortunately the National Club does have an active "rescue" group which can be located by visiting the pages of the A.K.C. web page.

Dalmatian Dog Training Tips

Dalmatian training programs are designed to suit the dog's natural characteristics of a companion dog. Dalmatians seek affection but only from the people they trust - and they tend to take a while before trusting strangers. As with any dog breed, personality differences can be noticed with Dals - some area easier to train, some will give you a hard time. Here are a few of the most common Dalmatian training tips that will help you shape your dog into a real friend and companion:

· Patience is important when training a Dalmatian - they are quite independent and you might have to go through a routine several times before they start learning - not because they lack the intelligence, but because they tend to have their own way at first.

· Although they mature from a physical point of view relatively fast, they still act like puppies until they are about one and a half to two years old. And if you are looking for a good Dalmatian training tip , here it is: do not expect maturity from your dog until he reaches 2 years of age, and, even then, don't restrict his playful nature completely.

· Dals are active dogs, so make sure to offer them training routines that involve physical exercise - they love it!

· Dalmatian housebreaking training is not very difficult and the dog learns quickly what is allowed and disallowed around the house.

· Chewing toys are a must with the Dalmatian. Since they are in a puppy state for longer than most dogs, you should also try to adapt your training methods to this. Start the Dalmatian training program early, otherwise the puppy will turn into a very independent adult Dalmatian that will be a lot harder to train.

· Some Dalmatians do well in tracking and obedience trials, but you have to find the ones with the proper personality if you are thinking of training them professionally. The road trial, a sport where the dog accompanies a horse or a horse-drawn coach as an adornment and as protection is also a favorite Dalmatian activity.

· Teaching your dog obedience training commands is not different from other dog breeds, but keep in mind that you are dealing with and active and stubborn breed, and patience and creativity have to be combined if the dog-training program aims to be a success.

· When taken care of properly, these dogs can live up to 16 years. Proper Dalmatian training will ensure a better life, both for you and your spotted pet.

Dalmatian: The Popular Working Dog

A Dalmatian is a breed of dog known for its black spots which cover its white coat. In the United States, Dalmatians are often portrayed as firehouse dogs.

A popular breed, Dalmatians are midsized, muscular and have great endurance. Dalmatians' coats are dense, short and very fine. The base color of this breed is white, with round spots in black or brown. A Dalmatians feet are small and round and their nails are either the same color of their spots or white. The color of their nose also depends on the color of the spots that they have. The eyes of a Dalmatian share an intelligent expression and are either brown or blue. The ears are high and thin and are close to the dog's head. Spots on Dalmatians come later, as Dalmatian puppies are born fully white.

The Dalmatian breed was named after Dalmatia, an area in the Venetia Republic, in the 18th century. The breed's origin is not known for sure, but it is believed to be either Yugoslavia, Egypt, Greece, or Rome.

At 22 to 24 inches tall and about 55 pounds, the dog breed is known for being a working dog. Although not specialized in one area, often Dalmatians herded and hunted. It was also used as a carriage dog - a type of dog who used to run next to a carriage and clear the way, help control horses and to guard the carriage. With training, Dalmatians can gain a high level of obedience.

As past history of being a carriage dog shows, the Dalmatian breed is active and needs exercise. Though they may be too rough and big for younger kids, they are good companions for teens with their playful attitude. They need companionship and affection too, as they can become depressed. Dalmatians are known as having good memories and being loyal and kind.

Unfortunately, some Dalmatians (about 10%) tend to have hereditary deafness, which is somewhat common in all-white breeds. There is a strong relationship between blue eyes and deafness, too. The average lifespan of a Dalmatian is 10 to 12 years. Dalmatians also suffer from a lack of uricase, an enzyme which breaks down uric acid. Without this enzyme, uric acid can cause bladder stones or gout, as it builds up in joints. To reduce the likelihood of stones, owners should not feed Dalmatians organ meats.

The Dalmatian breed got very popular after the 1956 novel "The Hundred and One Dalmatians" and the Disney animated film with the same name. Sadly, some owners bought Dalmatians because of the film but were unaware of the high amount of exercise that Dalmatians need. Dalmatians even like to swim, but owners must be careful as wet ears can cause an ear infection.

Although they are easy to keep breed, Dalmatians need to be frequently brushed to deal with the constant shedding. Their nails also need to be kept trimmed as they tend to grow quickly. However, they only needs baths when necessary as they have no doggy odor and like to stay clean.

Dalmatian - Dog Breed

Dalmatian is a dog breed having athletic capabilities. It is quite a dependable dog. It is known for its high-spirited nature and playfulness as well as its dignified manners.

Though a Dalmatian possesses independent nature but if the owner guides his dog rightly then it will obey whatever it is taught. However, if human leadership is lacking in training then you will find it impossible to handle.

It is advised to involve this dog in challenging activities like obstacle course etc because it has an athletic and vigorous nature with good endurance level so it needs to vent out its excessive energy. You can take your dog regularly for jogging or biking and even for hiking. If you cannot do it more often then allow it to play and jump around in a safe and enclosed place.

Do not leave it alone too much as it will lead to hyperactivity and destructive behavior in it.

Usually a Dalmatian shows a very good attitude towards strangers. However if it shows any signs of aggression, then you need to socialize them a lot.

If you are looking for a polite dog which likes to interact with others and has high energy levels, then Dalmatian is a good choice as a pet for you. But be extra careful as this dog tends to show anxiety. Moreover it requires vigorous physical activity on a daily basis to vent off its high energy levels. You also need to spend sufficient time with it otherwise it will show aggression.

Dalmatian is not recommended for allergy sufferers as this dog sheds constantly.

Fun Facts About The Paisley Breed Of Dalmatian

During the past century, there has always been a strong bond existent between British dog fanciers and the Dalmatian. It is said that these dogs have been known there for the past 200 years, and there has even been exploration of a theory that they are actually partially descended from the early English hunting hounds, the Talbot in particular, so similar are they to these dogs in type, character, and hunting ability.

Dave and Sue MacMillan who are located at St. Paul, Minnesota own Paisley Dalmatians. When Paisley Preterit completed his finals in March of 1985, he became the 50th conformation winner owned or bred at Paisley. And through that same month, Paisley's QindaBritt became the 30th compliance Dalmatian to have earned a C.D. degree.

Quite possibly a century or two ago there was some Talbot blood infused into the European dogs who, by their striking appearance, caught the eyes of travelers from Great Britain, then gained their admiration by their intelligence, along with their strong guard dog tendencies, and thus were brought back to Britain with the tourists. There seems no disputing the fact that the Dalmatian has his roots in very ancient times, and that the evolutions in the breed have been numerous.

The Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog, averaging 22" to 24" tall at the shoulder and weighing approximately 50 - 65 pounds. He is most noted for his distinctively spotted coat, which occurs in two colors, black or a chocolate brown, properly termed as "liver". Either color is equally correct and, therefore, simply becomes a matter of personal preference.

Originally bred as a coach dog, he is an active dog, capable of great endurance. His heritage also includes a protectiveness that extends to all of his possessions, including his family. The Dalmatian is an affectionate dog with a boisterous personality although this behavior is typically reserved for "his" people. With strangers, he presents a dignified and restrained manner until you have passed his inspection and been accepted into his fold. Some Dalmatians "smile" by baring their front teeth. The Dalmatian is easily known by its striking black-spotted pattern design. However, the origin of this interesting color pattern is still unknown.

Its name however, stems from Dalmatian, which is a region located in western Yugoslavia. This dog breed was recognized by the AKC back in the year 1888 and has remained popular ever since.

More Info

To learn more about the Paisley breed of Dalmations, there are many places you can turn online. Begin by keying in search terms like, "Paisley breed" and "paisley dalmations" into your favorate search engines like MSN, DogPile, Google or Yahoo. Check out popular websites, blogs, articles, videos and other links that appear in their listings.

You can also head to sites with all types of affordable products from books to CD / DVDs and more like Barnes and Noble, Amazon and the world's largest auction house online, eBay. Again, search for your key phrases there and then site back and relax while their individual engines bring up plenty of listings for you to review.

Dalmatian - Dog Breeds

Group: Non-sporting

Weight: 40-60 lbs

Height: 19-23 inches

Overview

The Dalmatian is a very old breed and it is believed these dogs are originally from a section called Dalmatia in Yugoslavia. Their endurance, size and guard dog ability made them a preferred breed by the English upper classes. In the 1800's the Dalmatian was used more often as guard dogs and horse and carriage dogs. They protected the contents of the carriage by running next to them. Dalmatians were ideal for this seeing that they are very loyal dogs with lots of endurance. This breed was also used to guard the camps of the U.S. soldiers during both the first and the second World War. The Dalmatian is most often used as firehouse dogs.

Temperament

The Dalmatian is very social and loves human attention. They are very responsive and will not do well when left alone for too long. If they become lonesome or bored to death they will become miserable and destructive. The Dalmatian is not suggested for homes with small children as they are quite lively. They will naturally get along with other household pets they have been brought up with, but exhibit hostility to dogs they are not familiar with. This breed is wary of strangers and makes and brilliant watchdogs. The Dalmatian will only bark when completely necessary.

Care

The Dalmatian requires everyday brushing with a firm hair brush to reduce hair loss. Further attention should be paid to the coat during the heavy shedding seasons. Dalmatians should only be bathed when it is really deemed necessary, and a mild shampoo is advised to protect the coat and skin. These dogs will not do well in extreme climate conditions and are likely to have problems with ticks and fleas.

Training

Dalmatians should not be trained by making use of negative reinforcement. Although these dogs are even tempered, they can become annoyed when punished or vocally mistreated. Keep on teaching your dog by means of positive reinforcement until they learn the instructions. Puppies are easier to train, but adult dogs can still be trained with some endurance and consistency.

Health problems

Dalmatians struggle with two major health issues, and these are deafness and kidney stones. These issues are really due to genetics and pure breeding, and sometimes also age. It is advised that you buy your puppy from an official breeder who tests their puppies with the BAER test. Kidney stones can cause your dog severe pain, but luckily it is not too common in most Dalmatians. Allergies and skin rashes may also crop up if your dog is bit by a flea or tick.

Dalmatian - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Dalmatian

Breed Description

Known for their black spots all over their white coats, the Dalmatians are strong, active, and muscular breed, capable of great speed and endurance. This elegant dog has an average weight from 35-70 pounds, and a height between 19-24 inches.

Coat

The coat of the Dalmatian is dense, short, and fine. They shed all year round, and their short, stiff fur will penetrate into your upholstery, clothing, and almost any kind of fabric.

Activity

The Dalmatians can never be overly exercised. They are very active and energetic, and will not mind how long they are taken out. But, two hours of exercise daily is enough to keep them physically and mentally fit. As puppies, however, they should receive sufficient exercise through playing at home or in the garden. It is important not to stress them too much, as their bones and joints are still developing, and should be given 10 minutes at the longest.

Temperament

The Dalmatian is a vigorous, watchful and outgoing breed. They have excellent problem solving skills and are adept in obedience training. Graceful and brave, the Dalmatian is a bred that tends to bond closely with its owners. They make wonderful household pets, yet sometimes they can be strong-willed. Thus, owners for this breed should be somewhat experienced in training and handling dogs. These dogs are trustworthy and friendly with the need of a lot of physical and mental stimulation as they tend to be easily get bored, leading to destructive behaviors.

Overview

The Dalmatian is an ancient dog believed to have originated in a part of Yugoslavia named Dalmatia. Their size and stamina shows their guard dog capabilities, making them favorites of English aristocrats. During World Wars I and II, they were used to guard the camps of the U.S. soldiers.

Care

The Dalmatian sheds all-year but does so abundantly twice in a year. Regular brushing helps manage the constant shedding. Since they do not have a doggy odor, they only need to be bathed when absolutely necessary. Some are known to suffer from skin rashes, as their skin can be quite sensitive. Caused by all sorts of allergens, these allergies should always be checked out with the vet. Due to their sensitive skin, they should be bathed as little as possible with a mild shampoo.

Training

Dalmatians require extensive, intensive, and consistent training, with early and lifetime socialization, and basic obedience. If untrained, the Dalmatian tends to be high-strung or timid. They are very unresponsive to heavy-handed and harsh training techniques, so training should be done with reward, patience, firmness, and patience. Dalmatians are known to excel in obedience competition, agility training, and fly-ball.

Character

The Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog that is extremely energetic and active. They are unique and bold, recognized as clowns of their world. This versatile breed has the ability to work as vermin hunter, guard dog, circus performer, hound, and as a loyal companion as well.

Dalmatian Breeders - How to Choose the Right Guys!

Dalmatians have a quite distinct look and are great for the home. Previous breeders have come up with various characteristics for this species, including speed, strength and health. When searching for top Dalmatian breeders, there are some things you need to think about first.

How To Search For Dalmatian Breeders ("D.B.")

It's never a good idea to jump into buying a Dalmatian without taking a few considerations. Finding great D.B. really isn't a hard task. All you need are recommendations from a veterinarian, friend, dog show coordinator, or local breed club. Never buy a dog from a pet store, as good Dalmatian breeders generally do not sell through pet stores. Instead, go directly to a breeder or the place where the dogs were originally born and raised. You may do some research over the World Wide Web then go to a breeder afterwards.

How to Research On Dalmatian Breeders

When you've finally decided on a breeder, observe. You'd want to know if you're getting a Dalmatian that will be healthy and happy for the next several years. Make sure the breeder is a dependable one. Make a list of at least 3 potential Dalmatian breeders and see them one at a time. When meeting up with D.B., watch out for their real intention in selling their dogs.

Good D.B. will often ask you a million questions. The main reason for this is that they want to make sure if you'll be able to take care of their dog accordingly. You may be asked how long you work in a day, who else is living with you, if you often have guests that come over, how much you're willing to spend and how large your backyard is. These inquiries might sound intrusive, but they are actually good signs that you're speaking with a responsible breeder!

What To Ask Dalmatian Breeders

Now that you've chosen your top breeder, it's your turn to ask the questions. Your main inquiries should be about guarantees, back up plans, and affiliations. The most reliable breeders are more likely to give your dog lifetime guarantees. If you're unfortunately unable to care for your dog at any given time, good D.B. will also be able to take responsibility over your dog. Finally, an affiliation with some animal organization always gives a breeder more points.

Other Matters To Think About

Of course, you also need to consider how you're going to care for your new Dalmatian. Aside from your own preference in a dog, know what Dalmatians were bred for in the first place. They are very energetic, playful and friendly dogs.

Speaking of the characteristics mentioned above, you'd need to give your Dalmatian lots of exercise and therefore lots of space. The only thing about Dalmatians is that they can be stubborn and so will require sufficient training. Don't forget that these breeds shed a lot and may not be suitable for those with allergies. Dalmatian breeders would gladly give you the best Dalmatians they have, but just remember that some genetic conditions cannot always be predicted in any breed.

Whether dog shows are your expertise or you just want to share a happy life with your new Dalmatian, good breeders would be more than happy to tell you about Dalmatian show characteristics. You can easily find information on breed show characteristics online. Remember, Dalmatian breeders should care more about their dogs than money at the end of the day.

Dog Breeds - Choosing a Dalmatian For Your Family Dog

When choosing the right breed of dogs, it is important to get a dog who can adjust to your family lifestyle easily. There are some questions you need to ask yourself before choosing the right breed. Questions such as "who will take care of the dog?" are crucial in selecting the dog breed that can fulfill your requirements.

If you are looking for a dog who has a medium built and can easily adjust to apartment living then a Dalmatian is just what you need. In the past, Dalmatians were used for herding and they still carry their natural ability to be a guard dog who can easily protect their human masters.

They are also classified as sporting dogs who have strong scent ability and do not normally warm up right away to strangers. They are great guard dogs who are very smart and can be good protectors. They are also elegant to look at, and had often been admired for their spotted coats.

The Dalmatian is also a perfect company for children as they are very playful and always eager to please their masters. However, because they are naturally active and requires constant exercise, they may need for a good fenced yard to keep them in. They are constantly full of energy, but once a harmonious relationship has developed between him and his master, the Dalmatian can be a loving and charming dog.

Grooming Dalmatians may not be that easy because they tend to shed a lot of hair which can cling to carpets and furniture. However, a good grooming glove or rough towels used on his coat daily will help.

Dalmatians will benefit from early puppy training which can also teach him to be more sociable with humans and other dogs.

With all these qualities, you won't go wrong choosing a Dalmatian for your family dog. Be careful though, to buy your Dalmatian from reputable breeders, as these dogs are quite prone to deafness. Before buying your Dalmatian, make sure to test it for deafness by talking to him and seeing if he reacts fast enough.

The Dalmatian is a versatile dog and is easily trainable. Make sure that you only get your Dalmatian from experienced breeders and train your Dalmatian early through reputable puppy training schools.

Fun Facts About The Dalmatia Breed of Dalmatian

Dalmatians were well known as a carriage dog and so they were also known as Spotted Coach-dogs. Evidence shows that possibly the breed existed centuries before it was named in the 18th century. There is 4000-year-old Greek art showing dogs that look much like modern Dalmatians. The Dalmatian dog breed's popularity surged with the 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith, and also the Disney film based on the book.
Their size allowed them to fit under the rear axle of the coach, where they often ran. Their stamina allowed them to keep up with the horses and guard dog tendencies allowed the owners to leave the coach without worrying about their possessions. It was often said that a coach was better left in the care of the dogs than the coachman, who could easily be distracted by highway robbers.
The Dalmatian is most famous for being the firehouse dog. This probably started in London where they were first acquired as "ratters", to kill vermin in London's stables and firehouses. Soon they were running alongside the fire engine. To this day, many firehouses in Great Britain and the USA have a Dalmatian, although now, they are more likely to been seen riding on the fire truck instead of along side it.
The breed's first appearance in a dog show was in Great Britain in 1860. The first American shows appearance was in 1926, when the Dalmatian Club of American held its first National Specialty Show.
The exact time and location of the dog's origin are unknown. However, because Dalmatians appear in an Italian wall painting dated about 1360 A.D. and because these spotted dogs were named after Dalmatia, an Adriatic coastal region, one may

assume that they originated somewhere in this area. But, it wasn't until 1780 when the name "Dalmatian" was used in the English language.

English: Dalmatian Italiano: Dalmata (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the 1700's, Dalmatians were used to protect horses that pulled English stagecoaches. Typically two Dalmatians would run next to the horses as they pulled the coach. When other dogs tried to run out and scare the horses, the Dalmatian team would chase them away. Over the years, Dalmatians formed a close bond with horses. During this time, horse theft was very common. Because of the potential for theft, stagecoach drivers would typically sleeping a hammock strung between two stalls where they would watch for thieves. However, because of the bond between the Dalmatians and the horses, the driver could sleep in a hotel or house if he owned a Dalmatian.
The Dalmatians would sleep with the horses and guard against horse theft. It is during the era of horse drawn fire apparatus that the Dalmatian becomes forever tied to the Fire Service. These fire house horses were required to spend hours at a time at a fire scene, or hours inside the fire house waiting for a call, and despite many misbelieves, these fire house horses were not broken down old hags, but fine spirited horses.

Dalmatian Puppy And Dog Information

The Dalmatian is an energetic dog that was bred to run. She will not do well in an apartment unless the owner is a jogger or person able to allow her several long, hard walks a day. A properly fenced in backyard with a place to stay warm in winter and access to the house and human companionship is ideal. Or, since she seems to love horses, another ideal environment might be a horse farm. She may not do well with younger children due to her high activity and she may play too hard and nip. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised with a puppy or dog. She can do well with other pets as long as she is socialized early with them. They may do poorly with other dogs or other dogs of the same sex.

Approximate Adult Size

The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Dalmatian is 22 to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder). The female ranges from 20 to 22 inches to the withers and either sex weighs somewhere from 50 to 55 pounds.

Special Health Considerations

Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Dalmatian is no exception. Be on the look out for inherited deafness (up to 10% or more of Dalmatian puppies are born deaf and this can make a puppy fearful and snappy), skin allergies, cataracts, and urinary stones. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

Grooming

The Dalmatian coat is close fitting, fine short and dense. She is a shedder, especially during spring and fall. She should be brushed regularly to minimize shedding. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

Life Span

The Dalmatian can live between 11 and 13 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

History

The Dalmatian comes from the former Yugoslavia. The actual name Dalmatia is a region on the Adriatic Sea. The Brisish popularized the breed using her as a watchdog, shepherd, draft dog, bird dog, ratter, circus performer etc. The most famous Dalmatians were in the Disney movie, 101 Dalmatians. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1888.

Some Registries

Dalmation Club of America

UKC United Kennel Club

NKC National Kennel Club

CKC Continental Kennel Club

APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.

AKC American Kennel Club

FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale

NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club

KCGB Kennel Club of Great Britain

ANKC Australian National Kennel Club

ACR American Canine Registry


Litter Size

8 to 10 Dalmatian puppies

Category

Non-Sporting

Terms To Describe

Alert, muscular, active, alert, intelligent, fast, good endurance, stable, out going, loving, spirited

SPECIAL GOOD POINTS

High obedience.

High intelligence.

Good watch dog.

Medium guard dog.

She keeps herself clean.

Very low dog odor.

She is considered a joggers dog.

She likes horses.

Takes obedience training well.

Good memory.


SPECIAL BAD POINTS

Can be a barker.

Does poorly in the cold.

Can get destructive if not permitted plenty of exercise.

Can be willful.


Other Names Known By

Firehouse god, Carriage Dog, Plum Pudding Dog

Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.

Life With a Dalmatian

Dalmatians, sometimes known as the firehouse dog, love to play. They enjoy going for walks, running, and fetching. If you lead an active lifestyle and want a dog to take with you when participating in outdoor activities, then a Dalmatian is one of the best breeds to own.

Dalmatians, when treated and cared for properly, can make fantastic pets for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. An energetic dog by nature, Dalmatians require attention from their owners and should be walked at least once a day. Many people enjoy taking these dogs to parks, dog runs, and other areas where there are other dogs and people.

Adult Dalmatians are usually 19 to 24 inches in height and weigh 45-65 lbs. Males are larger than females and can grow to be 27 inches and weigh 70lbs. Dalmatians are considered medium sized dogs and are fairly strong animals.

You may easily recognize the Dalmatian because of the characteristic spots on its coat. These spots are usually brown, black, or a lighter lemon color. Spots will begin to appear as the dog begins to reach adulthood. Puppies are born without spots. If you are considering showing your Dalmatian, keep in mind that dogs with lighter colored spots are restricted from competing.

Another characteristic of the Dalmatian is the look in their eyes. Viewed as intelligent, these dogs have bright brown, blue, or amber colored eyes. Their intelligence is supported by their devotion to people, their ability to stand guard and protect what they feel is important, and their overall friendliness.

While it is easier to train a puppy, you can still train an adult dog with a little patience and consistency on your part. Do not use negative reinforcement with training your Dalmatian. Even though they are even tempered dogs, they could become angry when punished or verbally abused. Keep instructing your dog using positive reinforcement until they learn the commands.

Overall, the fun-loving, people-oriented Dalmatian thrives in a family environment. They are a high-energy breed and require daily exercise on a dog leash or within a fenced area. The breed's short coat sheds almost year round, but regular brushing helps minimize the shedding. Dalmatians enjoy being in the company of people, so buying a comfortable dog bed or blanket will help the dog stay comfortable. If buying a puppy, you should consider buying a dog crate for it to sleep in during the night. This is to protect the puppy from objects in the home, and also so you can get a good night's sleep.

Dalmatian Puppies - The Fire Engine Puppy That Actually Does Love Horses

There are a lot of myths and rumors out there, but the truth of the matter is that Dalmatians actually do love horses-just the like the beer commercials would have us believe. Hey, maybe truth in advertising does exist. Dalmatian puppies, unlike most puppies are surprisingly fast.

If you're raising a Dalmatian from puppyhood right now then you realize that these little guys are speedsters. The plain truth is that Dalmatians were bred for speed, but just wait until they turn into adults. They may not be as fast as Greyhounds, but they don't lag all that far behind them either. When driving down the street a Dalmatian could easily keep up with your car, to give you an idea about how fast they do get.

Looking for Dalmatian puppies for sale? Well, as most people will do you'll probably end up doing some initial browsing via the internet, and it's a great place to start. But, remember on the internet it's easier for puppy farm owners to hide, you can't see them and you can't get a feel for them, so it makes it easier for them to manipulate possible customers.

Our recommendation is to shop online but also look for word of mouth recommendations from other Dalmatian owners, I'm sure you could find a helpful blog or two with folks that would love to help you out. Isn't the internet great sometimes?

Also, look for licensed breeders because the unlicensed tend to be the crooked and criminals, but that's not to say that the little old lady down the street is up to no good, but it pays to be careful. We really like word of mouth referrals and we love real blogs to help folks out.

You could check the local rescue for Dalmatians, if that is something you'd like to do, however, be aware that most dogs in a rescue center will be fully grown and there may not be any Dalmatians at all. But, of course, rescuing an animal from a shelter is an amazing gift, so if you can that's just wonderful.

Dalmatian grow up fairly tall, about 22-24 inches from the ground to the upper shoulder, their weight's tend to be in the fifty pound range, they are lanky, long, and trim; remember, they're built for speed.

Dalmatians live to be around 12 or 13 years old which is fairly long in dog years.

If you have small children beware that Dalmatian puppies are known to get a little snappy when they play, so, keep an eye out. As they get older Dalmatians may develop deafness and cataracts, as these dogs are genetically predisposed to developing these conditions.

They also may develop hip problems as well. Remember Dalmatian puppies have just a shadow of the speed that they will gain as they grow to be adults. You're in for a fun ride; oh and take them down to the fire station or to visit some horses--they're love you for it.

Will a Dalmatian Be the Best Pet Dog for You? The Pros and Cons

Learn Why a Dalmatian Will or Won't Be the Best Pet Dog for You

No matter what you have heard, Dalmatians make excellent pets. They are strong, energetic, smart and noble dogs. They do mature slowly and are somewhat strong-willed so the correct training is a must. Training them does take a lot of patience but both you and your pet Dalmatian will be better for it. Like all breeds, they have certain needs and limitations. With the right start they can become a pet that will be much loved and will make any family proud.

Pros:

Dalmatians are very intelligent. They, historically, were trained as hunters, herders, carriage dogs, firehouse mascots and even circus dogs.

Their short coats make them fairly easy to care for as a daily brushing and bathing them 3 or 4 times a year will suffice to keep them looking and smelling good without a lot of shedding.

Dalmatians are energetic and love to play. Make sure they have plenty of toys to play with so they don't get bored when you aren't around.

They love a challenge and do well in competitions, like obedience contests and obstacle courses. Their memories are long and accurate.

This breed loves their families and wants to be with them as much as possible.

Crate training your pet Dalmatian is a good idea as it gives them a safe place to go. It will ease your mind, when you have to leave them behind, to know your pet isn't getting into trouble.

Usually, Dalmatians get along with other family pets. They especially love horses as evidenced by many pictures of them riding on horse drawn wagons of all types.

Most of the time your pet Dalmatian will be polite and well-mannered, but can have occasional lapses.

If you like to run, jog, or walk, your pet Dalmatian will be happy to go along with you.

Dalmatians are handsome dogs. Their black or liver spotted white coats will make them stand out from the rest of the canines.

Cons:

This breed sheds all year long even though their coat is short and sleek. They should be brushed often.

If you leave your pet Dalmatian alone to entertain itself, it can get into mischief, like digging holes, for instance. Try not to leave your pet alone if you can help it. It might be a good idea to crate it when you have to leave it home.

It takes Dalmatians longer than some other breeds to reach their full maturity. Often they are not truly adults until four or five years old..

If it is cold outside, your pet Dalmatian is not going to be happy. They have short coats, so the cold weather can be really uncomfortable for them.

They need lots of activities. Toys, balls, and chew toys are some good choices to help keep your pet busy.

Dalmatians have been wrongly accused of not being smart. This is not true as they are really an intelligent breed. Because of this, they need patience, consistency, strength of resolve, and unwavering leadership. They want to do the right thing to please their families, so members of the family must take the lead.

Your pet Dalmatian will need to have regular veterinary visits as they can develop diseases and disorders such as Skin Allergies, Hip Problems, Bladder Stones and Arthritis.

Deafness is a real problem with Dalmatians. It's estimated that up 12% of all them are born deaf. Many of them are deaf in one ear which they can learn to compensate for but the totally deaf ones should not be selected to be your pet.

Because the Dalmatian is such a beautiful dog and because they have been popularized in movies like 101 Dalmatians, some families have decided to purchase Dalmatians without understanding the unique needs of this breed. It's not a good idea to get puppy from a pet store as they likely came from a "puppy breeding mill" and won't have the proper background to be easily trained. At times you can find a full grown dog that has already been trained. This will save you a lot of time and possible heartaches.

Many times a family will give up on training their pet and either abandon them or send them to the pound. Some of these may turn out to be trainable if you have lots of patience. If you don't have the time and patience to devote to a Dalmatian it's probably a good idea to choose a different breed of dog.

If you select a Dalmatian from a reputable kennel and properly train it you will find they are smart, obedient and loving. It is important to remember that not only does the pet need to have the proper training, so do the pet's owners. When the owners are fully aware of how to train their pets, the families and their pet Dalmatians will be perfect matches.

Dalmatians Dalmatian Club of America

Diet For The Aging Dalmatian

As they age, their metabolism slows and must be accounted for. If maintenance rations are fed in the same amounts while metabolism is slowing, weight gain may result. Obesity is the last thing a dog owner wants for his Dalmatian, since it increases his risk of several other health-related problems.

As pets age, most of their organs do not function as well. The digestive system, the liver, pancreas and gallbladder are not functioning at peak effect. The intestines have more difficulty extracting all the nutrients from the food consumed. A gradual decline in kidney function is considered a normal part of aging.

Elderly dogs need to be treated as individuals. While some benefit from the nutrition found in "senior" diets, others might do better on the highly digestible puppy and super-premium diets. The latter diet provide an excellent blend of digestibility and amino acid content, though many are high in salt and phosphorus than the older pet really needs. Older Dalmations have specific needs. Their joints often become weak and painful, and medication is needed for comfort. They sometimes have circulation problems, and tumors can be common, also eyesight and hearing can become weaker or fail.

Unsprayed females can be subject to mammary tumors, uterine infection and other diseases.

Un-neutered males could sometimes suffer from prostatic cancer. Older dogs should be seen by the Vet regularly for tests and physical examinations, so any

problems that need attention are dealt with early.

Older dogs are also more prone to developing arthritis and therefore it is important not to over feed them since obesity puts added stress on the joints. For Dalmatians with joint pain, supplementing the diet with fatty acid combinations containing cislinoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid can be quite beneficial.

Exercise should be continued but should be reduced to shorter treks that are repeated often if the dog desires, but take care not to tire your elderly dog, or exercise if the weather Is too hot or on excessively cold days. Always give your ageing Dal a warm and soft place to sleep.