Dalmatian-Breed, Health Information You must know

The Dalmatian is a large-sized well-known dog breed. It is most famous for its unique white coat spotted with black or brown markings in its body. Besides using as a carriage dog, this dog breed is very active and was once used to run with horses. That’s why the Dalmatian is most suitable for dog lovers to give them attention and exercise time.

History and Background of Dalmatian

Besides the recognition as a Croatia origin by FCI, the source of the Dalmatian’s coat pattern is unknown. It is one of the most interesting patterned dog breeds. The spotted dogs travel from the nomadic bands of Romanise, sometimes called gypsies. Dalmatian name obtained during its stay in Dalmatia.

It seems that the ancestors of the Dalmatian may be Great Dane. Meanwhile, it didn’t get right. Dalmatia, a southern region in Croatia, derives the name of the dog breed. Even the Dalmatian breed’s original function is obscure, but Dalmatians have utilized for more than one role. From history, this dog breed has been a shepherd, a war dog, a sentinel, a retriever, a draft dog, a ratter, a trailer, a bird dog, a circus dog, and a coaching dog.

The Dalmatian served as a coach dog in England, fulfilling both functional roles such as protecting horses from marauding dogs and aesthetics. The dogs run in front, alongside, or below the coach to clear the horses’ path. In the United States, this dog breed gets a different carrier i.e., firehouse dog, where he worked as a coach dog of a horse-drawn fire engine.

Dalmatian dog breed

Physical Characteristics of Dalmatian

With a short and shiny coat, the Dalmatian has an intelligent and alert expression. Its distinctive spots are a well-regarded unique feature. However, stable patches are not encouraged in this breed standard, but an abstract aesthetic is ideal for this type of dog breed. Also, the Dalmatian has an athletic build along with strong bones and a square-proportioned body. This body structure gives it endurance, steady, and effortless footpace. The color of a Dalmatian is pure white with dense black spots and liver brown spots.

Size of Dalmatian

The weight of male Dalmatian and female Dalmatians ranges from 48 to 55 pounds and stands between 19 and 25 inches tall. Generally, male Dalmatian is always larger than the female one.

Personality of Dalmatian

Dalmatian is a high energy dog along with its endless capacity for exercising. This eager and playful companion is also known to roam around and is capable of running for miles. Dalmatian loves attention and has a strong desire to please. That’s why he can easily be trained with a positive vibe like food reward, play, and praise. Though the Dalmatian is reserved towards unknown people and acts scrappy in front of strange dogs, it is right around horses. Dalmatians are also too lively and active for a young child. He has a smart sense of humor, and he tries his best to cheer up your mood. Dalmatian can be an excellent watchdog for his alert and interest in everything.

Grooming

The Dalmatian is a very active dog that needs a long run-up, as a short walk is not sufficient for this dog breed. Besides running and playing physical games, Dalmatian required to keep its fitness. It can be a great, jogging partner. Frequent brushing removes dead hair; else, the Dalmatian’s coat doesn’t need much care. To keep Dalmatian happy, provide soft bedding, a shelter, more love, and all-time companionship. The Dalmatian can live both indoor and outdoor, only in temperate and warm climates.

Dalmatian dog breeds and information

Feeding of Dalmatian

Dalmatians need to feed 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food daily, dividing into two meals. However, the adult dog eats as per his requirement.

Health

The Dalmatian has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. He suffers from minor as well as significant health issues. The Dalmatian has to face small health concerns such as allergies, iris sphincter dysplasia, hypothyroidism, seizures, and significant health issues like deafness and urinary stones. To identify these issues, a veterinarian should examine hearing, thyroid, eye, and hip functions. Almost 22% to 24% of Dalmatians are born with a problem of hearing from a single ear. In Urolithiasis, a stone is formed, which called “Urethra” if its size is large. Otherwise, it is called “Gravel.”

  • Heredity deafness – it is inherited polygenic trait. This presents in almost every Dalmatian’s blood. So that 8% of Dalmatian puppies born with complete deafness and 22% to 24% born with single ear deafness. The only solution is BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test. But this is not available everywhere.
  • Urolithiasis – Dalmatian is the only breed having a separate urinary tract system. Sometimes it causes the formation of stone in urinary tract system. Instead of urea, Dalmatian’s urine contains uric acid. And the stone are formed from the salt inside this acid. Dalmatian should drink adequate amount of water in a time gap along with food to avoid this health problem.
  • Iris Sphincter Dysplasia – It is an inherited ocular disorder. It causes poor night vision, sensitivity to bright light and cataract. The treatment is still in processing.
  • Hip Dysplasia – It is a heritable condition. In this situation, femur does not fit snugly in the pelvic socket of hip joint. This results pain and lameness on rear legs for this dog breeds.
  • Skin Allergies – It is common heath problem that faced by Dalmatian dog breed. There are three types of allergies such as food-based allergies, contain allergies, and inhalant allergies. Contain allergies caused by topical substances like breeding, dog shampoos, and flea powders etc. Inhalant allergies caused by allergens of airborne from dust, pollen and mildew.

To identify these issues, a veterinarian has to conduct eye, hip, and thyroid exams on this dog breed and also tests for osteochondrodysplasic.

Dalmatians with families:

The energetic and playful character of a Dalmatian breed separates it from other dogs. They love to be with families and crave attention. Even with kids, they share similar behaviour. As a sturdy breed, they can easily control the roughness of small kids. If you have small babies at home, this dog can be a good choice since they are surprisingly quiet.

These dogs are very cautious. However, if trained well, they can show affectionate behaviour towards strangers. Being a social breed, they respond to new people warmly. They are also not bothered if there is another pet at home. Since these dogs are active indoors, they might need bigger space to reside. However, they can suit the apartment-style living, provided they get your available time and are trained to live that way from a young age.

In all, this breed has all the positive characteristics for becoming a perfect family dog. Also, they are very family-oriented. So, if you think of owning this breed, make sure you stay at home for a considerable amount of time.

Conclusion

So, this is all about one of the best dog breeds in India – Dalmatian. With this comprehensive information, we try to provide you with basic knowledge about Dalmatian dog. Finally, if you like our article and efforts behind it, please share this post with your lovable persons. If you want to know anything, then feel free to comment below.


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