Dalmatian

Origin & history

The Dalmatian''s deep history is uncertain, but the breed as we know it became established in the nineteenth century and takes its name from Dalmatia on the Adriatic coast, in modern Croatia. Its defining role was as a coach or carriage dog, running alongside or beneath horse-drawn carriages to guard them and the occupants, clear the way and keep the horses company. That same affinity with horses led to the breed becoming a fixture in horse-drawn fire brigades, especially in the United States, which is the source of the enduring firehouse association. Dalmatians have also worked as guard dogs, ratters and circus performers, the latter showing off their trainability. Two Disney films sent their popularity soaring and, sadly, into the hands of many unsuitable owners. They are well established in Australia, both in the show ring and as active family dogs.

Temperament

Dalmatians are friendly, exuberant and deeply attached to their people, thriving on inclusion and company. They are typically good with children and enjoy boisterous play, though their energy and strength mean supervision around small kids is sensible. Raised with other dogs and household pets they usually get along well, helped by early socialisation. Many are pleasantly sociable with strangers, while some are more reserved and watchful, and they will alert you to visitors. They are intelligent and trainable but also independent and easily bored, so they need engaging, reward-based training and firm, consistent boundaries from the start. A Dalmatian that is left alone too much or denied enough exercise will channel its energy into barking, chewing and general mischief. Mental stimulation matters as much as physical exercise for this clever, busy breed.

Appearance

A medium-to-large, athletic dog of clean and balanced outline, standing roughly 54 to 61 cm at the shoulder and weighing about 23 to 32 kg. The build is muscular but never heavy, made for endurance and a free, far-reaching trot. The coat is short, dense and sleek. Puppies are born pure white and the spots develop over the first few weeks. Spots are either dense black or liver brown on a clean white ground, ideally round, well defined and evenly distributed. The head is fairly long, the eyes are round and bright, matching the spot colour, and the ears are set high and carried close to the head, usually spotted.

Suitability

This is a dog for active people with room to move, best suited to a house with a secure yard and an owner who runs, cycles, hikes or competes in dog sport. Apartment life rarely works unless the owner is exceptionally committed to daily exercise. They are not an ideal first dog for someone underestimating the exercise and training commitment, though an energetic, dedicated novice can do well with guidance. Dalmatians strongly dislike being left alone for long stretches and need to live indoors as part of the family. In the Australian climate the short coat offers little protection, so provide shade and water, avoid hard exercise in the heat of the day through summer, and remember that white-coated dogs and pink skin can sunburn.

Health

Dalmatians generally live about 11 to 14 years. Two issues are central to the breed. The first is congenital deafness, which is markedly more common in Dalmatians than in most breeds and can affect one or both ears; responsible breeders BAER-test every puppy and are open about the results, and bilaterally deaf pups should not be bred from. The second is their unusual uric acid metabolism, which predisposes them to urate bladder stones, particularly in males. A DNA test for the high-risk gene exists and good breeders use it, while owners help by feeding appropriately and ensuring constant access to water and frequent toileting. The breed can also be prone to skin allergies and atopy. When buying, insist on BAER hearing results and ask the breeder about urinary stones and skin in their lines.