The Dalmatian is an elegant. Very popular running dog from Croatia. The breed has a very characteristic appearance. Belongs to the most famous dog breeds in the world. The Dalmatian is recognized as an independent breed in the FCI and can be found in the FCI group 6 Running dogs, sweat dogs and related breeds, section 3 Related breeds. Without working test. With the standard number 153. It is a popular family dog. Social dog for almost every household.
Dalmatian in the profile
Origin and breed history
The Dalmatian can look back on quite a long history Look back. It is not exactly clear from which country the ancestors of the Dalmatian come from. For a long time, Italy and Spain were suspected as the origin, because there were pictures of dogs with the typical spotted Dalmatian pattern. However, it was not taken into consideration that although there is no dog breed today which has the Dalmatian typical spots on a white background, there used to be many more breeds with this particular spotting gene.
In the meantime, the experts ame that the Dalmatian comes from Croatia, but so far this could not be proven beyond doubt. With certainty can only be said that the English began the pure breeding of the Dalmatian according to a standard. The first standard for the Dalmatian was written in 1882 by the cynologist Vero Shaw. This was a great friend of the breed and was able to maintain its standard in the year 1890 as the official standard set for the Dalmatian Club, the "Dalmatian Club. Initially, the FCI used the name Dalmatian hunting dog, although its use as a hunting dog is controversial. Most of the evidence that the Dalmatian as a hound dog was used, originate from the old portraits, on which dotted dogs are seen, which tear straight game. However, since it is uncertain whether these dogs are really the ancestors of Dalmatians, their hunting use is also uncertain.
The English wanted the Dalmatian primarily as a social dog and as a carriage dog. The tradition of the carriage dog then continued in New York, where the Dalmatians were an indispensable addition to the Fire department. During an operation the dogs ran in front of the fire department team and with their barking kept the people out of the way. Due to the use in the fire department, the popularity of the beautiful dogs increased rapidly. At the latest after the Hollywood success "101 Dalmatians" the Dalmatian became a fashion dog. There were more and more breeders of the breed. Unfortunately, the health of the animals was often no longer taken into account and many owners wanted a dog as a status symbol and not as a loyal companion, which meant that they did not pay attention to the education of the animals and many dogs were given back when they caused problems.
Temperament& Character of the Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a friendly and very lively Dog. The animals have a lot of energy and want to run, play and have adventures together with their owners. That is why it is important to give the open-minded dog a good education at an early age. In addition to his bright nature, the Dalmatian is often a very sensitive dog that does not tolerate a hard hand, but rather needs a sovereign owner who offers him security and meets his needs.
In his family he is very affectionate and willing to learn. He gets along well with children, if he is accustomed to them at an early age or if the children are already a bit older. With strangers he is somewhat reserved but still always friendly and free from any kind of aggression. As a running dog it needs a lot of exercise and a dog sport can usefully complement his daily walks. Jogging, cycling or cycling companionship are also ideal for the Dalmatian as an activity. With enough mental and physical activity, the Dalmatian in the house is a very balanced and calm dog. He has no problems with other dogs and animals and can be kept in the city as well as in the country.
In itself, the Dalmatian is a easy to care dog, who likes to learn and loyally accompanies his owner, only his high running ability is often underestimated. If you know that you are getting a sporty dog that needs a lot of activity, you will be very happy with a Dalmatian.
What does a Dalmatian need? A Dalmatian needs exercise above all. Time together with his family. He is a very sociable dog and is happy to have dog buddies, also gets along well alone. For employment it is advisable to choose a dog sport, which is fun for the dog and its owner and provides for common experiences.
Appearance of the Dalmatian
The slender Dalmatian has spotted fur
The appearance of the Dalmatian is very characteristic. He has a slender and elegant appearance and with a short coat, which has the typical spotted pattern the Dalmatian has. Classic in this case are black spots on a white background, the spots are round or liver spotted and can be brown, orange or gray in addition to the color black. With a height at the withers of 56 to 62 cm for males and 54 to 60 cm for females, the Dalmatian is considered a large dog, with a weight of 27 to 32 kg for males and 24 to 29 kg for females, it has a slender and athletic body. The short coat of the Dalmatian lies close to the body. Should have a healthy shine. The Dalmatian is a low-maintenance breed, although the hair of the dog's coat can be very stubborn in fabrics of clothing and furniture.
What does a Dalmatian cost?
At a serious breeder, a Dalmatian with black spots usually costs between 1500 and 2000 euros. There are special colors, like orange or brown. The price can be quite higher.
Impressions of the dog breed
Education& Husbandry of the Dalmatian – What to keep in mind
The Dalmatian is a rather uncomplicated dog. Dalmatian quickly a calm. reliable family dog. The sensitive nature of Dalmatians must always be taken into account when training them, the dog should not be overburdened and should be trained with patience and positive reinforcement the training works also with beginners. By visiting a good dog school, even a beginner can do justice to a Dalmatian, but he must always remember that the Dalmatian is not a dog for the couch, he needs a lot of exercise.
A dog sport is advisable for the Dalmatian, besides a good education, because it allows him to let out excess energy with pleasure and in the house he is a calm and pleasant family dog. Since he has no aggression with other dogs or even people, usually the basic commands are enough for a harmonious coexistence. If you want to learn more with your Dalmatian, you can TrickDogging try. The clever Dalmatian enjoys tricks. Cooperation with their owners.
When raising the Dalmatian, attention should be paid to its sensitive nature Hunting instinct be respected, not every Dalmatian has a pronounced hunting instinct, but some representatives of the dog breed show hunting behavior. With a little training this can be easily managed. The dog binds itself strongly to its family and especially to his owner. Therefore, the Dalmatian is not a dog for kenneling and should always be kept indoors and in the family, yet he can well stay alone for a few hours a day. Even in the office he is a calm and friendly dog, which does not cause problems or disturb at work.
Are Dalmatians difficult to train?
With positive reinforcement and a lot of patience, the Dalmatian is easy to train, but he likes to exploit the weak points of his humans. Nevertheless, he is considered beginner-friendly and easy to train.
Nutrition of the Dalmatian
In the diet of the Dalmatian should be very careful to existing food allergies, because many representatives of the dog breed have Intolerances to grains or even certain meats. If there are no intolerances, feeding with wet or dry food depends on the owner. The Dalmatian copes well with both types of feeding. However, care should be taken to ensure that the agile dog first rests after feeding. This prevents gastric torsion, to which Dalmatians are unfortunately very susceptible.
Which dry food for Dalmatians?
It should be a high-quality food, which has a very high meat content and, if necessary. is considerate of existing allergies. Otherwise, it does not need a special food, because the Dalmatian is not prone to obesity, if he gets enough exercise.
Health – Life expectancy& common diseases
If it is a Dalmatian from a serious breeder, who pays very close attention to the health of his animals and a healthy diet and sufficient exercise, the Dalmatian can reach a high age and quite 14 to even 16 years grow old.
Unfortunately, the Dalmatian has a number of Hereditary diseases, affecting the health of the animal. Most of these diseases come from the basic white color of the Dalmatian coat. The color will be Color gene determined, which can cause deafness and other diseases. In addition, some Dalmatians suffer from the Dalmatian syndrome, which triggers hyperuricosuria. Problems with uric acid breakdown and thus bladder problems and kidney stones can be a burden on the dog. The risk of allergies and skin diseases is also very high in Dalmatians. Most of these gene defects can be excluded by the breeder with the choice of the parents. In the case of deafness, an early hearing test can provide clarity.
Many of the problems have arisen during the great fashion phase of the Dalmatian, at that time more and more dogs were bred to look good. However, not enough attention has been paid to the health of the animals. Now it is all the more important to only breed a puppy with a reputable breeder who has a heart for his animals and pays close attention to the health of the parents and the puppies. Neither cold nor heat will harm the active dog. Since his coat is very short and he has little undercoat, care should be taken not to jump into the water in winter. Otherwise he likes to be out even in wind and rain and enjoys the time outdoors.
Puppies should come from a reputable breeder
How old do Dalmatians become?
If it is a healthy Dalmatian that comes from a good breeding, it can reach a great age. Between 14 and 16 years the animals become on the average. There are single cases, a Dalmatian became even 19 years old.
Care of the Dalmatian
With a healthy Dalmatian the care very simple. Due to the short coat it is enough to brush the dog every few days. Ears should be checked regularly. If necessary, be cleaned with damp ear wipes for dogs. The claws may not be too long, whereby the agile dog, the claws usually runs off itself. Otherwise only worm control remains. Vaccinations at the vet. In order for the dog to cope well with grooming and visits to the vet, this should be trained at an early stage.
The short coat of the Dalmatian can be very stubborn when shedding, it gets stuck in upholstered furniture and any kind of fabric. Therefore, during the change of coat, the apartment should be regularly cleaned of hair.
Dalmatian – activities and training
Dalmatians have a great urge to move
The Dalmatian is a very fond of movement Dog. He needs long walks and preferably a dog sport, to be able to let off steam properly. The great urge to move must be daily walks to be exercised. This means that his owner must always allow for the necessary time. For people who prefer to spend their weekends on the couch, the Dalmatian is the wrong dog.
Since the Dalmatian is a slim and agile dog, he is suitable for almost any dog sport. Especially Agility, TrickDogging and lunging are perfect for the smart dog. Retrieving and searching, are also a lot of fun for the Dalmatian and can be used well for employment. Bicycling, jogging and riding are in the blood of the dogs.
Good to know: Special features of the Dalmatian
The Dalmatian has always been a very popular dog, appearing in various roles on television, the most famous role being in the Disney family film 101 Dalmatians. But also his use in the fire department made him a mascot of the rescuing unit. Especially in France, it is still a status symbol for the upper class. Is kept mainly for its beautiful coat.
But the Dalmatian is much more than just a beautiful ornament. He is a real companion and likes to do all kinds of things with his owner.
What is the name of the evil woman in 101 Dalmatians?
The name of the evil main character in the movie 101 Dalmatians is the rich fashion designer Cruella de Vil. The lady has taken it into her head to make a coat of spotted dalmatian fur and wants to steal the little puppies of the main characters for it.
Disadvantages of the Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a very friendly active dog breed, which brings hardly any disadvantages with it. The great urge to move should always be considered with these dogs, in addition, many Dalmatians are unfortunately ill, since with the breed not enough on the Health of the animals was respected.
Another disadvantage of the Dalmatian can be its sensitive nature its. Especially dog-inexperienced people it can happen that they deal too roughly with the four-legged friend and thus scare him quickly. For the education it needs therefore above all patience. Many positive confirmations.
Are Dalmatians dangerous?
No, the Dalmatian does not have any aggression, he tends rather to restraint, if one presses him. Towards people he is friendly and open, as well as with most conspecifics. Thus he is also a good second dog.
Does the Dalmatian suit me? Situations. Adapt lifestyles. As long as he keeps his Outlet and has a good relationship with his family, he is happy both in the city and in the countryside. He likes to cuddle with his humans, but he is by no means a couch potato and the purchase should therefore always be well considered.
For families and sporty singles the Dalmatian is a good companion. Seniors are rather unsuitable for keeping a Dalmatian, as they often cannot cope with the dog's urge to move around. Very athletic seniors who will be fit for a long time can still, with the support of family and friends, take up the challenge and give a Dalmatian a home.
Is a Dalmatian a family dog?
The Dalmatian is a very good family dog. Children should only be well prepared for the dog, and not get too rough when playing, because the Dalmatian is sensitive.