Owner Guide - Know that dalmatians can suffer from deafness

Know that dalmatians can suffer from deafness and should be tested at six weeks of age, prior to purchase. Deaf dalmatians can be difficult to raise, as they snap and act aggressive. Dalmatians are also prone to urinary stones and skin allergies. Talk to the breeder to find out what type of screening has been done for these health problems.

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Owner Guide - Adopting dalmatian from a pet rescue organization

Consider adopting a dalmatian from a pet rescue organization. Be aware that because a dalmatian has a good memory, it will remember any former abuse it has suffered, and may not adapt easily to you or your family.

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Owner Guide - Observe the dalmatian's features

Observe the dalmatian's features. The body should be trim with clean lines, and the coat should be hard and white with black or brown spots (depending on if it is a black or liver dalmatian) that do not blend together.

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Owner Guide - Dalmatian is good dog for children or other pets

Pick a dalmatian if you have children or other pets. However, males don't always get along with other males. Keep in mind that this breed needs constant human affection and can actually get depressed if left alone.

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Owner Guide - Dalmatian have a lot of energy

Choose a dalmatian if you are prepared to run or walk it two or three times a day. They have a lot of energy and work well with runners and hikers.

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Owner Guide - Dalmatian needs to have backyard

Reconsider getting a dalmatian if you live in an apartment or plan to keep your dog indoors for long periods of time. Dalmatians are very active and need to have a good-sized backyard to run in.

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Dog care - Clean the ears regularly

Clean the ears regularly with an ear cleaner recommended for use on dogs. Use cotton swabs to remove any loose dirt and note any redness or inflammation to be looked at by a veterinarian.

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Dog care - Dry the dog completely after every bath

Dry the dog completely after every bath. Skin conditions can occur on a dog if it is not properly dried off after bathing. Check the Dalmatian’s skin condition both during bathing and drying. Any redness or flea dirt should be treated immediately or looked at by a veterinarian.

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Dog care - Bathe a Dalmatian no more than every 8 to 12 weeks

Bathe a Dalmatian no more than every 8 to 12 weeks unless a situation arises that warrants giving a bath sooner. Use a quality shampoo and conditioning treatment for best results. If a medicated shampoo is used, be sure to leave it on for the recommended time.

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Dog care - Go back to short walks and playtime at the park

Go back to short walks and playtime at the park for Dalmatians over 6-years-old. Hips can start to become sore after a very short period of play but, again, this breed will not stop until it is safely home.

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Dog care - Jog with a middle aged Dalmatian

Jog with a middle aged Dalmatian (3 to 6 years old) or engage in vigorous walking to give the dog a sense of accomplishment and companionship. Watch the dog closely because a Dalmatian will not give in to tiredness or pain until its owner is home safely and at rest.

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Dog care - Exercise a young Dalmatian

Exercise a young Dalmatian (under 18 months old) by playtime and short walks on soft surfaces. Dalmatians are eager to please and keep up with their masters, especially on long walks or runs. Sometimes they will run beyond what their young bodies can tolerate and will exhaust themselves.

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Dog care - Brush the Dalmatian puppy’s teeth everyday

Brush the Dalmatian puppy’s teeth on a regular basis, everyday if possible. For the best results, a quick brushing after every meal will keep your puppy’s teeth healthy and strong throughout its lifetime.

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Dog care - Provide fresh water for your puppy at all times

Provide fresh water for your puppy at all times. Puppies need to stay well hydrated to keep up their energy levels. The provision of fresh drinking water is almost as important as food for active puppies.

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Dog care - Split feedings into two sessions to prevent a build up of uric acids

Split feedings into two sessions to prevent a build up of uric acids. Any build up of uric acids in the Dalmatian’s system can lead to kidney stones or other medical problems.

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Dog care - Feed a Dalmatian puppy a diet low in purines

Feed a Dalmatian puppy a diet low in purines. Choose a dog food with ingredients of corn, wheat and rice, in that order. Chicken can be included, but not ever when listed as one of the first two ingredients.

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Owner guide - Know that dalmatians can suffer from deafness

Know that dalmatians can suffer from deafness and should be tested at six weeks of age, prior to purchase. Deaf dalmatians may be aggressive. Dalmatians are also prone to urinary stones and skin allergies. Talk to the breeder to find out what type of screening has been done for these health problems.

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Owner guide - Good temperature for Dalmatian

Remember that dalmatians do not do well in cold temperatures because of their sensitive skin. Bring them inside when it starts to get cold.

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Owner guide - Check for fleas and ticks

Check for fleas and ticks during the warmer months. Dalmatians seem to collect them.

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Owner guide - Trim your Dalmatian's nails

Trim Dalmatian's nails every two to three weeks.

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Owner guide - Groom your Dalmatian

Brush your dalmatian daily to handle all the excess shedding. However, dalmatians are usually quite clean and have virtually no doggy smell, so they require minimal bathing.

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Owner guide - Exercise your Dalmatian

Run or walk your dalmatian two or three times a day. Also make sure your dalmatian has access to a large backyard, so that he can remain as active as he likes. Avoid keeping him in the yard for too long, as the dalmatian needs to be around people.

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Owner guide - Train your dalmatian

Train your dalmatian at an early age. They are bursting with energy and enthusiasm, and they need to be taught control. Positive feedback works best with this breed, as they are prone to sulk.

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Owner guide - Socialize your dalmatian

Socialize your dalmatian with other dogs, cats and people, from an early age. They can be timid or hyper without proper socialization.

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Owner guide - Feed your dalmatian

Feed your dalmatian high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you want a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 22 percent on average, and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content should be 4 percent or less. Adult dalmatians eat 3 to 6 cups of food a day, in one or two servings. Puppies should have 2 cups a day, in three or four servings.

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Owner guide - Vaccinate your dalmatian

Vaccinate your dalmatian, and follow up with yearly booster vaccinations to maintain the dog's immunity to diseases. Worm your adult dog every three months, and consult your veterinarian about flea-control products.

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Owner guide - Dalmatian's behavior

Dalmatians are a sensitive and loyal breed, making them great watchdogs. However, while they are good with children, they may be too energetic for toddlers. They also require much human affection and a lot of exercise.

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DOG FAQ - Do dalmatians dogs have spots when they are born?

Dalmatians do not have spots when they are born. Their spots will come a few weeks after they are born.

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DOG FAQ - Why were dalmatians used as firefighter dogs?

Dalmatians were used as firefighter dogs because horses used to pull the cargo. Dalmatians and horses work very well together.

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DOG FAQ - How much is a Dalmatian?

You can expect to pay between $800 and $1,000 for a well-bred Dalmatian puppy. Usually show quality dogs cost more.

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DOG FAQ - Are dalmatians deaf?

An estimated one in 10 Dalmatians is hearing-impaired or deaf, which can make the dog temperamental.

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DOG FAQ - How do I go about adopting a Dalmatian?

If you are interested in one of our litters (or adult dogs), please contact us for a Puppy Questionnaire. We will email, fax, or mail it to you. Once you complete and return the questionnaire, we will want to talk with you. We are very particular about where our puppies go and like to discuss the information provided on your questionnaire. Our puppies and dogs are not sold on a first come, first serve basis. Our puppies go to the families we feel will make the best homes. Once pregnancy is confirmed, we ask for a deposit to make sure you are serious. Believe it or not, we have had people back out the week before their puppy was ready to go home. The deposit is usually $100 and applies to the adoption cost of your puppy. If you decide not to get a pup, the money is refunded once a new family is found for the puppy you decided not to adopt.

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DOG FAQ - How much does a Dalmatian puppy cost?

You can expect to pay between $800 and $1,000 for a well-bred "pet" Dalmatian puppy. Usually show quality dogs cost more. Remember the old saying you get what you pay for. When buying a Dalmatian or any dog for that matter, buy from a reputable breeder.

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DOG FAQ - Do Dalmatians make good family dogs?

Yes, Dalmatian can as long as they are properly trained and socialized. We are always a little concerned with toddlers and Dalmatians because the Dalmatian's tail never stops waging! It has been known to clear off a coffee table. It can also knock over an unsteady child. As with any dog, children should be taught to respect the dog and not pull on tails and ears! Never, NEVER leave a child unattended with any dog!

DOG FAQ - What is deafness in Dalmatians about?

Unfortunately about 8% of Dalmatian puppies are born bilaterally deaf (deaf in both ears). Deaf puppies do not normally make good pets. While some people have owned deaf dogs, the majority of people we have talked with said they would NEVER do it again. Another 22% of Dalmatian puppies are born unilaterally deaf (meaning they hear in only one ear). Unilaterally hearing puppies or unis as we call them, make wonderful pets but we do not believe they should be bred. Unis can hear but their directional hearing is compromised. Indoors most unis can compensate for the their lack of directional hearing because sound waves bounce off the walls of your home. Outdoors, in big open areas, they can hear the sound of your voice calling them, but would not be able to distinguish where the sound is coming from. By waving your arms when calling a uni outdoors, this problem is solved. Most people who own unis would not even know their dog had a hearing problem if the breeder had not told them! This is why hearing testing is so important in Dalmatians. Sometimes a uni can fool even the most experience breeder.

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DOG FAQ - How long do Dalmatians live?

The average life expectancy of a Dalmatian is 11-13 years. Some have lived as long as 15-16 years. We have a 15+ year old that rules the roost!

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DOG FAQ - Do Dalmatians shed?

Yes, they sure do! You won't see the spring and fall shed outs like in many other breeds. Instead, Dalmatians shed 24/7/365! The shedding can be minimized by regular brushing.

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DOG FAQ - How big do Dalmatians get?

A Dalmatian's height can range from 19" to 24" at the shoulder. Males are generally taller than females. Because of the height range, their weight can range from 35 pounds to 65 pounds. Dalmatian is a lean, muscular dog. We have had 20" girls that weigh 35 pounds and a 23 3/4+" boys that weigh 65 pounds.

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DOG FAQ - Do Dalmatians require obedience training?

They sure do! Dalmatians are very intelligent dogs and are happy to do whatever you ask of them. They also have a mind of their own and love to try to "out smart" their owner. Even if you already know how to train a dog, every puppy needs and deserves the socialization of a puppy kindergarten class and a basic obedience class. Training classes are also a great time to bond with your Dalmatian. We do not require you to enroll in puppy or obedience classes but we highly recommend it for a well socialized dog.

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DOG FAQ - Are Dalmatians hyper?

No, a well bred Dalmatian is not hyper! But, Dalmatians are a very active breed. They were originally bred to run 20-25 miles a day with a horse and carriage. This trait has stayed with them over the years. Because of this, Dalmatians do require a great deal of exercise especially younger Dalmatians. A fenced-in yard is a necessity for every Dalmatians. If you don't have a fenced-in yard, plan on walking/running/biking your Dalmatian a couple of miles each day! A Dalmatian that does not get enough exercise will get bored and may become destructive.

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DALMATIAN AND CHILDREN

The majority of Dalmatians like children and even love them. They are, however, not recommended for children under the age of eight since they enjoy them so much and because Dalmatians are so strong and exuberant they tend to knock the younginin the process. Please take that into consideration when looking for a pet for a toddler.

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TRAINING

Dalmatians are generally described as intelligent, independent and fairly dominant dogs. Intelligence does not equal ease of training - smart dogs often have their own agenda and require motivational, positive training from the owner. training.

Many people believe that Dalmatians are stupid, and untrainable. Nothing could be further from the truth. They learn quickly, but when it comes to basic obedience, their favourite question is "why"? Training needs to be approached with enthusiasm and an open mind. Dalmatians respond to positive rewards rather than negative reinforcement.

Trained Dalmatians are a joy and excel at competitive obedience and sports such as flyball. Dalmatians have a natural sense of pack hierarchy and this is important to note, since the Dalmatian will need to dominate if it does not know its pack leader. Therefore a Dalmatian needs to know its human family is its pack, lead by the family. This is very easy to teach humanely and the lesson lasts a lifetime.

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FEEDING

Feeding recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

When feeding your Dalmatian, it is important to keep in mind that dietary choices can affect the development of orthopedic diseases such as hip dysplasia and osteochondrosis. Recent research has also suggested that the electrolyte balance of the diet may also play a role in the development of hip dysplasia. Rations that had more balance between the positively and negatively charged elements in the diet were less likely to promote hip dysplasia in susceptible dogs.

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HEALTH INFORMATION

The life expectancy of the Dalmatian is around 11-14 years, and this breed has a range of health issues and disorders linked to it. This includes glaucoma, deafness, diabetes, gall stones, allergies, and seizures. The parents of the Dalmatian puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.

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TEMPERAMENT

Temperament of Dalmatian is an alert, active, and confident dog with plenty of energy and excellent skills when it comes to problem solving and obedience. Courageous, friendly, and outgoing, the Dalmatian is a dog that tends to bond closely with his owners, making him a great family pet, although h can be very strong willed, which may make him better suited to owners with some degree of experience in handling and training dogs.

These dignified dogs love a wide range of activities, and are sociable and dependable, but owners will need to provide plenty in terms of physical activity as well as mental stimulation, otherwise Dalmatian can get bored and this can lead to destructive behavior.

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GROOMING

The grooming requirements for the Dalmatian are not overly high, and regular brushing will help to get rid of dead hair and keep the coat looking good. The Dalmatian is a medium shedder, and tends to shed all year round, which means that he is not the ideal dog for those with allergies.

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COAT AND COLOR

The distinctive Dalmatian coat is lovely to touch, being short, satiny, and fine. The tops of their heads feel almost like velvet. The base color is white with well-defined dense black or deep brown (liver-colored) round spots that vary from dime size to half dollar size evenly distributed over the coat.

Expect to see smaller spots on the legs, head, and tail. Spotted ears add the perfect touch. (Where the Dalmatian's spots came from is a mystery. It's thought that they may have been caused by a mutation in the ticking gene.)
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GENERAL APPEARANCE

General Appearance : Most people know a Dalmatian right away because of his distinctive spotty coat. The Dalmatian has a muscular build, a keen and alert expression, and a handsome face.

His coat is close fitting, dense, and short, and the coloring is white with black or liver spotting all over the coat. The weight of the Dalmatian is around 45-70 pounds, and the height is around 19-25 inches.

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START TO KNOW

The Dalmatian is a distinctively spotted dog; poised and alert; strong, muscular, and active; free of shyness; intelligent in expression; symmetrical in outline; and without exaggeration or coarseness. The Dalmatian is capable of great endurance, combined with a fair amount of speed. (From the Standard)

While the breed has been used as a draft dog and a shepherd among other activities including hunting, its historic place as a coach dog stands preeminently in history. The Dalmatian lent distinction and dignity to any equipage, whether he trotted under the rear axle, under the front axle or assumed the difficult position under the pole between the wheeler and leaders.

In the United States one frequently used to catch glimpses of him riding on fire engines. The breed has become the traditional mascot of firemen. Many firehouses have their own beautiful Dalmatian.

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to our Dalmatian dog blog. Here you will learn about Dalmatian health care, any tips and you can find good experiences from many people who love Dalmatian.

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