Dalmatian 101: Their Story & All You Need to Know

The Dalmatian is a breed that is characterized by their loyal, playful, and intelligent nature. This breed thrives on human companionship. The Dalmatian is one of the most widely recognized breeds. After all those good looks cannot be ignored! They love to be with their humans and enjoy good exercise now and then. Their unique spotted coats can easily make them stand out in the crowd. With a squarish outline, Dalmatians are strong dogs that are also well balanced. If you are active or have a family that likes to go on long walks on excursions, then Dalmatians would thrive in your household.

The Story

Dalmatians are best known for the movie 101 Dalmatians. They are athletic dogs with sleek bodies. With a history that dates to hundreds of years, Dalmatians were earlier used as coach dogs. They were also used as firehouse dogs and circus performers. The movie 101 Dalmatians did much damage to this breed as many Dalmatians were bought right after the film was released and ended up in shelters. Though they did seem like charming dogs in the movie, they can go from gallant to goofy within minutes.

Originally, Dalmatians were developed as a breed to run alongside carriages. Their main work was to ward off highway men and add a touch of flare to the entire vehicle. It is because of this reason that Dalmatians have plenty of energy and an endless capacity for exercise. This is why they are ideal dogs for people who love to jog, skate, or go on long walks. Their need for exercise is such that if they do not get adequate exercise, they can develop serious behavioral problems.

For anyone who is thinking of getting a Dalmatian pet should bear in mind that they are highly intelligent dogs and need to be trained very early on in life. This is because early training helps in establishing the rules for behavior. They are headstrong dogs; therefore, training can be quite a game changer.

An important point to keep in mind is that Dalmatians do not respond well to harsh training methods. You must be gentle and loving towards them while training and offer them tons of rewards.

What’s a Dalmatian Breed Like?

Temperament

Since Dalmatians were bred to run and work, they are high energy dogs. The more they get to exercise, the happier they are. This breed has a high desire to please and this is why they are easy to train. Although it is crucial to remember that they do not respond well to harsh training.

Dalmatians are smart dogs and make great companions. They are perfect for a household where they can run, play, and stay involved in physical activity. As is required with every dog, Dalmatians require early socialization and exposure to develop into a well-rounded dog. All in all, they are loyal dogs and love being with children.

Features

Medium-sized, sturdy dogs, Dalmatians are known for their striking coats and black markings. They have short coats and are easy to groom. However, they need daily exercise to remain mentally stimulated and happy. If you invest in the early socialization of your Dalmatian, they will be friendly and accepting towards strangers and other animals. These intelligent dogs need training early on in life. Dalmatians thrive on human companionship and don’t do too well if left alone for long periods of time. They may even resort to destructive behaviour.

Colours

White coat with black spots.

Overall Health

Dalmatians are healthy dogs. Although, they are prone to certain health conditions such as,

• Hereditary deafness: Did you know that deafness is an inherited polygenic trait? Almost all Dalmatians can pass deafness in their bloodline. 8% of total Dalmatians are born deaf and about 22% can hear only from one ear. You can always opt for homemade hearing tests such as stomping on the floor or making a sudden loud noise. If you want to opt for more scientific methods, then you can go for the Brainstorm Auditory Evoked Response test. This is an extremely reliable test that helps you find out if your puppy is deaf.
• Skin allergies: A lot of Dalmatians are prone to skin allergies. They can either be food related, contact allergies or inhalant allergies. Food allergies can easily be treated by eliminating allergy-causing foods from their diets. Contact allergies can be treated by removing the cause of allergies such as a particular kind of cloth, bedding, etc. Inhalant allergies occur from inhaling dust, pollen etc. There is medication available for this kind of allergy.
• Urolithiasis: Dalmatians are born with a unique kind of urinary tract system which makes them prone to developing urinary tract stones. This is because the urine of Dalmatians contains uric acid instead of urea. The salts present in uric acid lead to the formation of stones. To avoid this, you must ensure that your Dalmatian drinks a lot of water throughout the day and is hydrated. You can also take them for regular vet checkups.

When to Visit the Vet?

It is crucial as a responsible pet parent to keep a close check on your Dalmatian's health. When your Dalmatian is in the puppy phase, you must be up to date with their vaccinations and schedule vet visits to keep track of their proper development.

If you notice your Dalmatian having trouble in passing urine or has fever, take them to the vet immediately. Other than these, preventive health checks every 4-6 months are highly recommended through online vet consultation as well as in-person vet consultation. 

Grooming

Dalmatians have low grooming needs, thanks to their short and dirt-repellant coats. They also do not have the typical ‘dog odour’. Since they have a white coat, they can get dirty easily and require a bath every couple of weeks. Always use a gentle shampoo and conditioner that does not strip the skin of its natural oils. It is better to get them groomed by a professional. 

There is one thing you need to be cautious about: Dalmatians shed throughout the year. Due to this, they need weekly brushing which helps in removing loose hair and prevents the house from getting dirty.

Caring For a Dalmatian

Dalmatians are active dogs who love running. They enjoy human company and will follow you around the house. They are not very good at being left alone. If left alone or ignored for longer periods of time, they may resort to destructive and anxiety-prone behavior.

If you are planning to bring home a Dalmatian, then make sure that you are able to give them lots of time and engage them in physical activities to keep them mentally stimulated. Since Dalmatians are prone to urine trouble, you should also always provide them with fresh water and keep them hydrated. 

 Also Read: Chihuahua 101: Their Story & All You Need to Know