| Country of origin: | Croatia |
| Registries: | AKC, UKC, CKC |
| Occupation: | Carriage horse, companion |
| Size: | 19 to 23 in tall; 45 to 60 lbs |
| Longevity: | 11 to 14 years |
| Exercise: | Vigorous daily exercise; needs to run |
| Training: | Bright; hard to motivate; a challenge to train |
| Grooming: | Easy |
| Colors: | Liver, black |
One would imagine that such a distinctive dog would have a well-recorded history, but the origins of the Dalmatian are a matter of dispute. Greek friezes from over 4,000 years ago show similar dogs, but it may not have originated in Dalmatia, on the Adriatic coast and now part of Croatia. Instead there is ample evidence that the breed arrived there with traders from India. In 1700, a similar dog was known as the Bengal Pointer in England. Whatever its origins, the breed has worked as a hound, vermin catcher, bird dog, and herder, before it became famous as a carriage dog because of its unique willingness to walk or run beside carriages, clearing a way in populated areas. Today, it is a popular companion breed, in part due to its literary and cinematic fame, although owners must remember that the Dalmatian loves to run, and run, and run. Males are sometimes aggressive with other male dogs, and deafness affects some individuals of either sex.
Dog name synonyms: Coach Dog, Fire Dog, Carriage Dog, Dal
HISTORY¨
The Dalmatian’s white coat with black or brown spots makes him one of the most recognizable dogs. The origin of the coat pattern is not known and the origin of the breed itself is quite controversial.
Throughout the centuries, records of dogs resembling the Dalmatian have been found in various locations – frescos in Italy, paintings in Egyptian pharaoh’s graves, written records in Zadar. Regardless the fact that the breed originated in ancient Egypt, it derived its name from Dalmatia, a region in South Croatia. It is thought that the ancestors of the breed are some types of Pointers and the Spotted Great Dane.
The Dalmatian used to be a multipurpose dog. It has been a shepherd, a war dog, a sentinel, a retriever, a coach dog, a draft dog, a ratter, a trailer and a circus dog.
Today the Dalmatian is ‘’used’’ as a loving companion and is best known as the star of Walt Disney’s popular movie ‘’101 Dalmatians’’.
PERSONALITY
Since Dalmatians were bred to run under or alongside horse-drawn carriages they are energetic with a vast amount of stamina. Because of their high activity levels and exercise needs, Dalmatians hate staying at home, all alone, with nothing challenging to do.
Dalmatians make excellent watch dogs because they are loyal to their owner, quick to protect home and family and aloof with strangers.
Dalmatians are extremely sensitive. They are known for having especially good “memories” and are said to recall even small mistreatment for years.
All in all, Dalmatians are described as exceptionally intelligent and easy to learn, playful, extroverted and outgoing, friendly and social, hyperactive and creative dogs.
TRAITS
Dalmatians are distinctively spotted dog. It is an interesting fact that they are born as pure white puppies and their spots develop as they mature starting at two weeks of age. The white coat is short and glossy and the black or liver-brown markings should be well demarcated.
Dalmatians have strong and muscular body with symmetrical outline and immensely intelligent expression.
Males and females stand between 19-23’’ (48-58.5cm) tall. Weight ranges from 50-55Ib (23-25kg).
HANDLING
Dalmatians have a mind of their own and are often stubborn and willful. If the owner is passive and unable to establish pack leader role, they will use that on their advantage and do whatever they want.
Another problem with Dalmatians is that they get bored very easy. They are constantly looking for something to stimulate them, either physically or mentally. If the stimulation is not up to speed with their needs, they become destructive.
Dalmatians are good around horses and other small pets, but inter-male aggression can sometimes be a problem. They are not recommended for small children because they can be a bit too lively.
They are very prone to developing separation anxiety, and therefore should not be left home alone.
HEALTH
Dalmatians may suffer from minor health issues such as allergies, iris sphincter dysplasia, idiopathic epilepsy, generalized demodicosis, xanthomatosis, glaucoma and cataracts and major issues such as canine hyp dysplasia, deafness and urinary stones.
As a result of their spotted markings, around 30 percent of all Dalmatians are inflicted with deafness. The coat’s pattern leads to lack of melanocytes in the inner ear which results in loss of hearing. Around 34 percent of all male Dalmatians go on to form urinary calculi as they are unable to properly metabolise uric acid.
Dalmatians are prone to obesity, but if properly fed and exercised, their average lifespan is between 12 and 14 years.
In the 1800s, in Europe and especially in Britain, it was the fashion for the carriages of the aristocracy to have “coach dogs” running alongside. Although their original purpose was probably to protect the occupants against highwaymen, they undoubtedly served a decorative purpose, and Dalmatians were in demand because of their eye-catching coat. This wood engraving from 1807 shows the custom’s popularity in England.