Group: Non-sports

Weight: 40-60 pounds

Height: 19-23 inches

General description

The Dalmatian is a very old breed and these dogs are believed to originate from a section called Dalmatia in Yugoslavia. Their endurance, size, and watchdog ability made them the preferred breed of the English upper classes. In the 1800s, the Dalmatian was more often used as guard dogs and horse and carriage dogs. They protected the contents of the carriage by running alongside them. Dalmatians were ideal for this as they are very loyal dogs with a lot of stamina. This breed was also used to guard the camps of American soldiers during World War I and World War II. The Dalmatian is most often used as a fire dog.

Temper

The Dalmatian is very sociable and loves human attention. They are very receptive and will not do well when left alone for long periods of time. If they become lonely or bored to death, they will become miserable and destructive. The Dalmatian is not recommended for homes with young children, as they are quite lively. They will naturally get along with other household pets they have been raised with, but will show hostility towards dogs they are not familiar with. This breed is wary of strangers and makes a brilliant watchdog. The Dalmatian will only bark when absolutely necessary.

Careful

The Dalmatian requires daily brushing with a firm bristle brush to reduce shedding. More attention should be paid to the coat during the heavier shedding seasons. Dalmatians should only be bathed when deemed necessary, and a mild shampoo is recommended to protect the coat and skin. These dogs will not do well in extreme weather conditions and are likely to have problems with ticks and fleas.

Training

Dalmatians should not be trained using negative reinforcement. Although these dogs have an even temperament, they can become upset when punished or verbally mistreated. Keep teaching your dog through positive reinforcement until he learns the instructions. Puppies are easier to train, but adult dogs can still be trained with some stamina and consistency.

Health problems

Dalmatians struggle with two major health issues, and these are deafness and kidney stones. These problems are really due to genetics and pure breeding, and sometimes age as well. It is recommended 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’s not very common in most Dalmatians. Allergies and skin rashes can also arise if a flea or tick bites your dog.