Dalmatian Dog Breed Information
The Dalmatian is an energetic dog that was bred to
run. She will not do well in an apartment unless the
owner is a jogger or person able to allow her several
long, hard walks a day. A properly fenced in backyard
with a place to stay warm in winter and access to the
house and human companionship is ideal. Or, since she
seems to love horses, another ideal environment might
be a horse farm. She may not do well with younger children
due to her high activity and she may play too hard and
nip. As a reminder, never leave a young child unsupervised
with a puppy or dog. She can do well with other pets
as long as she is socialized early with them. They may
do poorly with other dogs or other dogs of the same
sex.
*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size
(two years old or older) of the male Dalmatian is 22
to 24 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder).
The female ranges from 20 to 22 inches to the withers
and either sex weighs somewhere from 50 to 55 pounds.
*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds
have certain inherited health problems associated with
that specific breed and the Dalmatian is no exception.
Be on the look out for inherited deafness (up to 10%
or more of Dalmatian puppies are born deaf and this
can make a puppy fearful and snappy), skin allergies,
cataracts, and urinary stones. This disease list is
an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also
be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian
for a complete list.
She should visit the veterinarian several times in the
first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as
an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for
shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and
on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for
check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog
sweets.
*Grooming. The Dalmatian coat is close fitting,
fine short and dense. She is a shedder, especially during
spring and fall. She should be brushed regularly to
minimize shedding. Brushing will help her maintain a
clean and healthy coat and help you keep a closer eye
on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with
her.
Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with
toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing
removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which
can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease.
Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth,
bad breath and other serious disease.
Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and
clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow
slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally
a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore
and competent instructions to accomplish this can be
found on the net.
*Life Span. The Dalmatian can live between 11
and 13 years with proper nutrition, medical care and
excellent living conditions.
*History. The Dalmatian comes from the former Yugoslavia.
The actual name Dalmatia is a region on the Adriatic
Sea. The Brisish po;ularized the breed using her as
a watchdog, shepherd, draft dog, bird dog, ratter, circus
performer etc. The most famous Dalmatians were in the
Disney movie, 101 Dalmatians. They were first registered
by the American Kennel Association in 1888.
Some Registries:
*Dalmation Club of America
*UKC United Kennel Club
*NKC National Kennel Club
*CKC Continental Kennel Club
*APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
*AKC American Kennel Club
*FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
*NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
*KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
*ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
*ACR = American Canine Registry
Litter Size: 8 to 10 Dalmatian puppies
Category: Non-Sporting
Terms To Describe: Alert, muscular, active, alert, intelligent,
fast, good endurance, stable, out going, loving, spirited,
*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
High obedience.
High intelligence.
Good watch dog.
Medium guard dog.
She keeps herself clean.
Very low dog odor.
She is considered a joggers dog.
She likes horses.
Takes obedience training well.
Good memory.
*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Can be a barker.
Does poorly in the cold.
Can get destructive if not permitted plenty of exercise.
Can be willful.
*Other Names Known By: Firehouse god, Carriage
Dog, Plum Pudding Dog
*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this
information may be correct for your dog. This information
is meant as a good faith guideline only.
About the Author
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website
developer for the popular pet site petpages.com
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