DALMATIAN INFORMATION STATION

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THE HISOTRY DALMATIANS TTHE DALMATIAN is easily recognized amongst dogs by his elegant carriage and distinctive spotted coat, and has as many points in his favour as spots. He is said to have originated from Dalmatia, but no-one is really sure of his origins. He is the dog for all reasons and his requirements are simple. A well balanced meal, a comfortable home, indoors or out, plenty of exercise, affection and understanding. AND most importantly human companionship. As he is a sensitive fellow he is easily ruined by harsh treatment, becoming introverted or taking to wandering if his affection and attention is not returned. Wonderfully evenly tempered, he enjoys children's rough play, tolerates the family cat, ( we have 5 cats and they are all best friends with our Dallys) and ignores a fight unless provoked. He is not by nature a barker, but will quietly guard his possessions, (the greatest being his family) from intruders. He is a marvelous companion, adapting quickly to different situations, and is a natural clown. He has been and still is in some cases a dog of the entertainment world, working on stage and with the circus. In America he is renowned as the Fire Department Dog, travelling with the fire engines, and as their mascot. Through the centuries he has been a hunting dog, a retriever, a sheepdog, a tracker, and a vermin dog, but above he is recognized as the CARRIAGE DOG. He has an uncanny affinity with horses, walking effortlessly under the horse and between his legs, and it was the fashion in the days of the horse drawn cart to have a Dalmatian or 2 running beneath or behind the carriage. His black or liver spotting is exclusive to the breed. He matures into a well balanced muscular dog, and stands aproximately 24 inches at the shoulder, (bitches are usually an inch or so shorter). His unique kidney system resembles that of a human and is susceptable to kidney stones. Having a short coat, the Dalmatian is easy to groom, and does not have a doggy odour. Even though his basic colour is white, he keeps himself remarkably clean and will sometimes wash himself like a cat in order to rid himself of dirt. His unusual SMILE is quite often mistaken for a snarl, until one sees the furiously wagging tail and the mischievious gleam in his eye. The main defects of the Dalmatian are mainly cosmetic, that is patches, incomplete eyerims or nose pigmentation, blue eye and tricolouration. His most serious problem is deafness, but if you buy a puppy from a reputable breeder he will have been constantly tested.

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The breed made most popular by the Disney classic "101 dalmatians" 101 things to know before owning a Dalmatian Dalmatians are VERY active. Poorly bred Dalmatians may be hyperactive. 2. Dalmatians are territorial. Poorly bred Dalmatians may be aggressive or fear-aggressive (bite or snap because they are afraid). 3. Dalmatians shed twice a year, six months in the spring and six months in the fall. 4. Dalmatians are family oriented and do not do well as back-yard or kennel dogs. 5. A Dalmatian that spends too much time left to his own devices may become a barker or a digger. 6. Dalmatians have a uric acid anomaly that may lead to the formation of urate stones. They do best on a lower protein, non-beef based food. Many owners feed lamb and rice foods. 7. Dalmatians can be deaf. Responsible breeders will have hearing tested the puppies as well as the parents. 8. A Dalmatian can be unilateral hearing, that is, normal hearing in one ear and deaf in the other. A unilateral Dalmatian is perfectly acceptable as a pet. 9. Dalmatians require early, motivational, consistent training. Puppy kindergarten and basic obedience are highly recommended. 10. Dalmatians can be independent thinkers and even when well-trained may occasionally offer a behavioral challenge. 11. Dalmatians require regular exercise so a fenced back-yard is an absolute necessity. 12. The activity level and size of a Dalmatian may not make it an ideal choice as a companion for toddlers. 13. In general, Dalmatians do well with older, well-behaved children. 14. Dalmatians are very intelligent and quick to figure out ways to get their own way. 15. Dalmatians require early socialization with a wide variety of people and dogs. Homes without children should borrow some for socialization purposes. Buying a puppy 16. Read items 1-15 several times. 17. Buy a puppy only from a reputable, responsible breeder. 18. Reputable breeders never sell through pet shops or any third party. 19. Reputable breeders will have proof of hearing testing on both parents and on the puppies. 20. Hearing testing, also called BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing requires highly specialized equipment and is usually done at a veterinary school or by a veterinary neurology specialist. (May not be available in all areas.) 21. Reputable breeders will have had the parents hips x-rayed and certified free of hip dysplasia (an often crippling malformation of the hip joint) by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or PennHip. Ask for copies of certification. 22. Some breeders also screen for eye problems, thyroid problems, etc. This indicates a very responsible breeder. 23. Responsible breeders require that pet puppies be spayed or neutered before registration papers are given. 24. Reputable breeders will supply the buyer with detailed information on caring for their new Dalmatian puppy. 25. Reputable breeders will interview the prospective buyer at length. 26. Reputable breeders are usually active in dog shows, obedience trials, therapy dog work, breed rescue, etc. 27. A reputable breeder will require you to notify her if you are unable to keep the puppy and will want to approve any new home. 28. Reputable breeders are always willing to take a puppy back if the owner cannot or will not care for it. This does not imply any return of money. 29. Reputable breeders will always be there to help you with a problem. 30. A puppy from a reputable breeder is usually not significantly more expensive than from a back-yard breeder. 31. Reputable breeders will have given the puppies all preliminary puppy vaccinations and will have had them checked by a vet. 32. Reputable breeders will be willing to answer your questions. 33. Reputable breeders will have demonstrated a long-term commitment to the breed. 34. Reputable breeders will be members of the Dalmatian Club of America, a regional Dalmatian club, or a local all-breed or obedience club. 35. A reputable breeder will outline all details of the sale in a written contract. 36. If you really want a Dalmatian but do not have time to go through puppyhood, consider an adult or a rescue Dalmatian. Caring for your Dalmatian 37. Take your puppy to the vet as soon as possible after purchase for a thorough exam. 38. Buy a crate for housebreaking and for confining the puppy when you are not able to supervise it. 39. Socialize your new puppy with a variety of people of all ages, sizes, and ethnic backgrounds. 40. Socialize your new puppy with a variety of other dogs. 41. Enroll your puppy in puppy kindergarten and then follow up with basic obedience. Statistics show that well-trained dogs are far less likely to be given up for adoption by their owners. 42. Check out the trainer carefully. A Dalmatian does best with motivational training that relies on praise, treats, and toys. 43. Dalmatians resent harsh training methods and may react negatively. 44. Take the time to housebreak your puppy correctly. 45. Carefully supervise young children when they are playing with the puppy. 46. Rough handling can damage a puppy physically and mentally. 47. Do not play games like tug-of-war that encourage growling or nipping. 48. Feed your puppy a premium quality puppy food not a generic. 49. Follow your breeder's advice on an acceptable brand of food. 50. Follow your breeder's advice on when to switch to an adult food. 51. Always confine your puppy in a securely fenced yard. 52. Always walk your puppy on lead. 53. Never allow your dog to eliminate on someone else's property. 54. Carry plastic bags to pick up any bowel movements. 55. Carry a pocket of treats for rewards. 56. Read some books on puppy training. 57. Spay or neuter your puppy at about six months of age. 58. In addition to being foolproof birth control, spaying and neutering have health benefits. 59. Never leave your dog out at night. 60. Never allow your dog's barking to annoy the neighbors. 61. Never allow your dog to run at large in the neighborhood. 62. Pick up dog droppings in your yard frequently. 63. Be sure your Dalmatian's shots are always up to date and that he has a county or city license. 64. Have your Dalmatian tattooed or microchipped for identification. 65. Make your Dalmatian a part of the family. 66. If you have a problem, contact the breeder or an experienced trainer. 67. Learn to trim your dogs nails and do so at least every other week. 68. Learn to brush your dog's teeth and do so several times a week. 69. Be sure your dog is on heartworm preventive. Breeding a Dalmatian 70. Unless you have a thorough knowledge of the Dalmatian, Don't Breed!!! 71. All dogs intended for breeding should be BAER hearing tested. 72. Breeding unilateral hearing dogs is not for novices. 73. All dogs intended for breeding should be certified free of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or PennHip. 74. All dogs intended for breeding should ideally be checked free of eye disorders, thyroid problems, etc. 75. All dogs intended for breeding should have a thorough vet exam including a full blood panel. 76. All dogs intended for breeding should be checked for brucellosis which can cause the bitch to abort and may render a male sterile. 77. Stone formers should not be bred. 78. Dogs intended for breeding should be evaluated by a knowledgeable, reputable Dalmatian breeder for structural faults. 79. Dogs that have a disqualifying fault under the AKC standard for the Dalmatian should not be bred. 80. Shy or aggressive dogs should not be bred. 81. Breeding will not calm down a hyperactive dog. It will make her/him worse. 82. Be prepared to keep perhaps 10 or 11 puppies until suitable homes can be found even if it takes a year. 83. A bitch is not always willing to be bred and may attack the stud dog or the people handling the breeding. 84. Be prepared to take at least a week off work to be with the bitch when she whelps and to supervise the puppies for at least the first five days. 85. Be prepared for the possibility of an emergency Caesarean section that may cost hundreds of dollars. 86. Puppies can be born dead or deformed. 87. A bitch can have difficulty whelping a puppy and may bite anyone who tries to help. 88. Be prepared for the possibility of a bitch who cannot or will not care for the puppies. You will have to be the substitute mother. 89. Be aware that a bitch can die in whelp. 90. If you want to breed so your children can see the "miracle of birth", you should also plan to explain to the children what happens to puppies when homes can't be found....they are put to death. Taking a casual, irresponsible atitude toward reproduction is not in the best interest of your child and is certainly not in the best interest of the puppies that will be produced. 91. Be prepared to spend hours socializing puppies, feeding puppies, cleaning puppies, and cleaning the puppies' living quarters. 92. Be prepared to euthanize deaf puppies. 93. You will not make money on a litter of puppies. If you do everything right you will be lucky to break even. 94. Novice breeders rarely have buyers waiting for their puppies and it may take a long time to sell all the puppies. 95. You are responsible for the puppies for the rest of their lives. If the owner cannot or will not keep a puppy, you must be willing to take it back. 96. Males that are used at stud may forget their housebreaking and "mark" your furniture. 97. Males that are used at stud may become more aggressive. 98. Males that are not neutered are far more likely to become escape artists. 99. Males that are not neutered are more prone to prostate problems. 100. The owner of the stud dog is just as responsible for the welfare of the puppies as is the owner of the bitch. Above all, 101. A Dalmatian deserves a responsible owner who realizes he/she is making a lifetime commitment to the welfare of the dog. Copyright 1996 - 2004 by Kathy McCoubrey. Permission to reprint is granted provided article is copied in its entirety and credit is given to the author.

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the Dalmatian is a symmetrical, muscular medium-sized dog with superior endurance. A picture of elegance, the Dalmatian has the lean, clean lines of the pointer, to which it may be related. It has a short, hard, dense coat of pure white with black or liver colored spots randomly splashed over it. The spots can be black, brown (liver), lemon, dark blue, tri colored, brindled, solid white (highly discouraged in show dogs), or sable. The feet are round with well-arched toes and the nails are either white or the same color as the spots. The nose can be either black, brown (liver), or blue or a dark gray that looks like black. The eyes are dark brown, amber, or blue, with an intelligent expression. The ears are soft, narrowing toward the point, carried with a slight upward curve. The more defined and well distributed the marking, the more valued the dog. Puppies are born completely white and the spots develop later. Temperament Dalmatians were bred to run under or along-side of horse-drawn carriages and therefore have an vast about of stamina and energy. They do not like to just sit around all day with nothing to do. They are playful, happy-go-lucky, extremely sensitive and loyal. The Dalmatian needs human companionship, without which it is likely to become depressed. For this reason they do not make good yard dogs. They have excellent memories and can remember for years any bad treatment it has had. The Dalmatian enjoys playing with children, but may be too rambunctious for toddlers. They get along well with other pets, but some may be aggressive with strange dogs; males often dislike other males. Somewhat high-strung, and can be timid without enough socialization. Quite intelligent, but can be willful. Generally does well with firm, consistent training. The Dalmatian is trainable to a high degree of obedience. They can be trained for defense and are good watchdogs. Dalmatians often have large litters, sometimes up to 15 pups. Some can be aggressive if not properly raised. Fifty percent of people who adopt a Dalmatian puppy do not keep them past the first year. Young Dalmatians are very energetic, however they do calm down after a few years and people who keep them long enough to get past their active stage tend to be very pleased. If you are thinking about adopting a Dalmatian puppy be sure you have the time and energy for them. If you are a very active person with room for the dog to run, a Dalmatian may be right for you. Height, Weight Height: Dogs 22-24 inches (50-60cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (50-55cm.) Weight: about 55 pounds (25 kg.) Health Problems Deafness affects 10-12% of Dalmatian puppies. Every Dalmatian puppy should be BAER-tested for deafness, and totally deaf puppies should be spayed or neutered. They should be checked as a puppy at about 6 weeks old. Deaf dogs are very difficult to raise and often become aggressive and snappish from fear. Urinary stones and skin allergies (especially to synthetic fibers in carpets and upholstery) are also sometimes inherited. Uric acid levels in Dalmatians are higher than in any other breed, sometimes causing urinary blockage. Veterinarians may recommend a low protein diet for this breed to prevent urinary tract problems. Living Conditions A Dalmatian is not an ideal dog for apartment dwellers unless it can be taken out for a brisk walk or run several times a day. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. This breed should not be kept outside in the cold. Exercise This is a very energetic dog with enormous stamina. They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs. In addition, it needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems. They love to run! Life Expectancy About 10-12 years Grooming The Dalmatian sheds profusely twice a year. It is a hardy, easy to keep breed, though frequent brushing is needed to cope with constant shedding. They do not have a doggy odor and are said to be clean and even avoid puddles. Bathe only when necessary. Origin There is total disagreement about the origin of this breed. Traces of it are found in Egyptian bas-reliefs and Hellenic friezes, so it certainly is an ancient breed. In 1700 a dog known as the Bengal pointer, similar to the Dalmatian, existed in England, calling into question the Dalmatians Yugoslavian origin. Some claim the Dalmatian is a Croatian breed. Efforts to have it recognized as an indigenous Croatian breed had been aggravated by this state of affairs, at least up until 1993, when the FCI did finally recognize the Croatian roots of the Dalmatian dog, although they continue to deny Croatia standard patronage rights over the breed. In the Middle Ages it was used as a hound. The breed became popular as a carriage dog in the 1800's. They trotted beside (and even among) the horses and then guarded the carriages and horses while the master was occupied elsewhere. It followed its master with exceptional reliability and hardiness, whether its master was on foot, on horseback, or in a carriage. The versatile Dalmatian has seen many uses, before and since, as a mascot for firemen, war sentinel, circus performer, vermin hunter, hound, shepherd and guard dog. Today, this beautiful breed is primarily a companion dog. Group Gun Dog, AKC Non-Sporting Recognition CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

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