Dalmatian

Vital Statistics:

Place of Origin: Croatia

Group: Sporting dog, Gun dog

Height: males 22-24 in., females 20-22 in.

Weight: 55 lbs.

Life span: 12-14 yrs.

Trainability: moderate

Good with children: yes, but supervise with toddlers

Good with other pets: yes with early socialization

The Dalmatian is an ancient breed, even found in Egyptian bas-relief and Hellenic friezes. There is a question as to the Dalmatian’s origin, is it Yugoslavia, Croatia or England? It doesn’t matter, it’s just such an elegant looking dog.

What does the Dalmatian look like?

The Dalmatian is 20-24 inches tall and about 55 lbs. The coat is short and hard and since it sheds a lot, should be brushed often. Ears are soft and carried against the head. Eyes are black, brown, blue or yellowish with a loving expression. The coat colors are a base coat of white with black, brown, yellowish, or dark blue spots. Puppies are born white, but soon acquire their spots.

What is the Dalmatian’s temperament?

This is a dog with a long memory and will remember for years if it is treated badly. The Dalmatian is extremely sensitive and needs human companionship to avoid melancholia. The Dalmatian loves children and enjoys romping with them. It can be aggressive with strange dogs and should be socialized early. If Dalmatians are not trained with a firm, consistent but gentle hand they can have behavior problems such as undue nervousness. The Dalmatian needs lots of activity and loves attention.

What are the Dalmatian’s uses?

The Dalmatian was a carriage dog in the 1800s, running alongside the carriage and then guarding the carriage and horses when standing still. Check a fire engine as it passes by and you might see a Dalamatian riding high. They are known as mascots of firemen. And of course, they are actors too, remember “101 Dalmatians”? They have been used as shepherds as well. These days the Dalmatian is a great companion dog.

Possible Health Issues

About 12% of Dalmatians are born deaf, those with blue eyes being more prone to deafness. Urinary tract stones, allergies, eye problems, laryngeal paralysis