Dalmatian: character, attitude and careThe cheerful spotted Dalmatian is really something special! Learn here everything about attitude, care, character and education of the spotted animal.
The Dalmatian is not only special because of its spots. ©DoraZett/iStock
The Dalmatian underlines like no other dog that uniqueness can make famous. At least since the worldwide success of the animated film "101 Dalmatians", the dog breed with the striking fur belongs to the most famous dogs ever.
But the spotted dogs are not only pretty to look at from the outside, but they are also characterized by a very friendly, cuddly, loyal and lively nature with a lot of power and great self-confidence.
In our breed portrait guide you will learn everything about the Dalmatian, from its beautiful appearance and its history to an optimal attitude, care and education.
– Reitherman, Wolfgang (director)
What does a Dalmatian look like?
The Dalmatian is a very special dog. This is partly due to its coat, and partly due to its elegant body.
How big is a Dalmatian?
Who has such beautiful spots, may also grow up. Males reach a height at withers between 56 cm and 62 cm and females between 54 cm and 60 cm.
How heavy is a Dalmatian?
Despite its size, the breed is relatively light. On average, males weigh between 27 kg and 32 kg and females between 24 kg and 29 kg.
The coat
The most striking feature of the Dalmatian is clearly his coat. White with black or brown spots it clearly stands out in the dog world, because no other dog breed can show such a coat pattern.
The puppies, usually born pure white, begin to show the first dark spots after 10 to 14 days of age. The spots change and multiply until the dog is about one year old.
The coat is short and dense, without undercoat and shiny with proper nutrition and care (s. u.).
The physique
But not only the coat, but also the physique is very noticeable in the dogs. The body is slender and athletic with a straight back line and muscular shoulder blades. The trunk area and neck are long and narrow.
The head
The head and the muzzle are also characterized by a narrow definition.
The floppy ears are set high and rounded. The eyes round and either dark brown or amber in color.
Changes in appearance
Dalmatians are probably one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Reports and descriptions of the Dalmatian with its dark spots go up to the 14. The origin of the Dalmatian dates back to the nineteenth century and the dog does not seem to have changed much in appearance since then.
How old does a Dalmatian become?
The breed belongs to the healthy and robust dog breeds, so that the dogs usually live between 12 and 14 years, although even a proud age of up to 16 years is not uncommon.
What character or. What is the nature of the Dalmatian?
The makers of the cartoon starring 101 dogs had their reasons for choosing the Dalmatian of all dogs. The dog breed is basically characterized by a friendly, affectionate and harmony-seeking disposition. Quarrels and strictness he does not like at all, rather he reacts very well to praise and confirmation.
He loves to live with his family and would like to be present everywhere and at all times when his humans are doing something.
At the same time the dog is self-confident, intelligent and has his own head. If he is not shown loving but clear limits from the beginning, the Dalmatian can become a little rascal who wants to experience his own adventures.
The Dalmatian as a sportsman
The dog breed is very active and sporty. Whether cycling, jogging, riding or hiking, you can take the hardworking runner everywhere, because the dog loves outdoor activities and games more than anything else.
The Dalmatian has by nature a light to medium hunting instinct, which can be redirected very well through education and games such as retrieving. Aggressiveness towards people. Other dogs are strangers to him. Instead, the Dalmatian is mostly limited to restraint, suspicion and vigilance. But he also thaws out quite quickly. Especially if you lure him with a treat from the reserve.
The Dalmatian is a very athletic dog. He loves the movement together with his humans. ©Iren_Key/iStock
Where does the Dalmatian come from?
The beautiful ones like to wrap themselves in secrets and it is the same with the Dalmatians. The dog breed with the spots is probably one of the oldest in the world and the first reports and descriptions about the dog can be traced back to the 14th century. The Dalmatian coat can be traced back to the 13th century and allegedly even to the time of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. At the same time about the origins. Origin of the Dalmatian less known than about other dog breeds. Instead there are many theories and conjectures. For some enthusiasts, the origin of the Dalmatian lies in the Croatian region of Dalmatia, other theories speak of England, Italy or even northern India as the dogs' area of origin.
Also about the actual tasks of the Dalmatian is only little known. It is amed that he was used, among other things, as a companion dog for carriages and riders, which is supported by his characteristic as an enthusiastic runner. Other theories see him as a hunting or farm dog, as a circus dog or simply as a social dog.
It is proven that the Dalmatian was used in America as a "fire dog", which ran in front of fire engines and barked loudly as a "living siren" to warn other road users. Even today the dog is one of the mascots of some American fire departments.
Dalmatian: The correct attitude
The Dalmatian's urge to move is enormous and accordingly you should generously accommodate the dog as far as exercise and sporting activities are concerned.
Several at least one-hour walks a day plus additional exercises, intelligence games or other meaningful occupations go without saying. Include the dog in your own sporting activities. It is also best to register with various clubs for dog sports.
If the dogs are given a physical and mental occupation that keeps them busy, they are generally calm within the apartment or house and are content with less space, such as in an apartment in the city. An own garden is for the Dalmatian but of course like for any other dog breed an enormous plus point.