Dalmatian

The great Disney fame of the Dalmatian has in many ways contributed to the dog’s world wide popularity, and unfortunately, it has also made many people blind to a number of inevitable inconveniences of being a Dalmatian owner. Interaction with a Dalmatian puppy is a great fun, but these dogs grow rapidly, and without due training and socialization, they are likely to develop serious behavior problems. All would-be Dalmatian owners must be prepared to bear a great workload, as it can be much harder with Dalmatians than with many other breeds of dogs.

The Dalmatian is a medium-sized (20-24 inches high at the withers) and very athletic dog. He is famous for his unique coloring – numerous spots of black or liver splashed sporadically over the white coat and all over the body. Dalmatians are naturally active and intelligent. In olden times, these dogs used to accompany horse riders and guard horse-driven carriages. Not infrequently, Dalmatians had to travel long distances this way, which required tremendous physical potential. The capability of withstanding significant physical work is well intact in the today’s Dalmatian.

Dalmatians are fast-growing and sometimes hyperactive dogs. They mature physically a little earlier than they do mentally, and some young dogs that have already become large and strong display puerile actions. Poor socialization and lack of interaction will aggravate this problem, and it will be much more difficult to correct later. By nature, Dalmatians are sociable and intelligent dogs, and some common misbehaviors are quite easy to deal with if noticed and corrected in due time and through acceptable methods.

Although Dalmatians shed heavily twice a year, they are short-coated and therefore easy to care for. They do not have the doggy odor, and can keep themselves clean. Dalmatians are sensitive to cold, and they are best suited for apartment life. However, they should not be confined inside for a long time, as they need daily jogging and playing. These dogs require space, and they like it when there is space in the house. Dalmatians are naturally alert, and they do not tend to greet every visitor. These dogs have a strong protective instinct, and they can be suspicious around strangers. Some dogs become overprotective, posing pretty much trouble for their masters with relatives and guests. This is one of the reasons why nearly 50% of Dalmatian owners give up their dogs after a while.

The Dalmatian breed has a relatively high occurrence of hereditary disorders. Deafness and urinary tract problems are the most common ones. Statistically, one out of every ten puppies is born deaf. All puppies must be tested for deafness at around 6 weeks old. Dalmatians are susceptible to urine stones – a very painful and potentially dangerous condition, which may lead to urinary obstruction, uremia and death. In order to avoid urinary dysfunction, it is recommended to place Dalmatians on low protein diet. The Dalmatian’s life span averages 10-12 years.