The Dalmatian, although named for the Dalmatia coast on the eastern shore
of the Adriatic Sea, probably originated in India and was brought into Europe
as early as 2000 B.C. The Dalmatian has been used for many tasks including
cart pulling, border patrols, hunting, retrieving, circus performers, but
are best known as carriage dogs in Great Britain. They would often move
ahead of the carriage to clear the way in populated regions. They were adopted
by fire departments in the 1800s for their ability to work with horses as
the dogs ran behind the horses under the axles of the firewagons.
Dalmatians are congenial with a great deal of strength and stamina. They
are outgoing and friendly with a courteous, gentlemanly demeanor but are
also a very determined dog. They are fast, strong, and intelligent with
a great deal of endurance thus they need owners who understand their need
for exercise and activity.
The Dalmatian head is flat and broad between the ears. It is wrinkle-free.
The eyes are round, bright, and set wide apart. Eye color ranges through
shades of brown and blue. The bite should be scissor. The ears are of moderate
size, set high on the head, then lying alongside the side of the head ending
at the bottom of the cheek where they taper to a rounded tip. The neck is
long and arched. The legs are straight and the chest is deep but not too
wide with a good spring of ribs. Due to their role of moving alongside horse-drawn
vehicles for long periods of time, the Dal's motion must be steady and effortless.
As their speed increases, they tend toward single tracking. The back is
moderately long with a level topline. The tail, which reaches to the hock,
tapers to the tip and is carried in a slightly upward curve. The feet are
compact with well-arched toes. Dalmatian coats are short, dense and glossy.
The base coat is white with clearly defined round spots which are either
black or liver in color. They are to be between the size of a half-dollar
to a dime. The Dalmatian stands between 19 and 23 inches in height. Many
people feel that maintenance of this height is important so the dog can
run under the axles of carriages without injury. Their weight averages between
50 and 55 pounds.
Name withheld by request of Port Matilda, Pennsylvania writes:
Dalmatians are not for beginners.
We found Sparky at the SPCA, covered with red blotches and thought he
was at least two years old because of his size. He licked my fingers through
the wires and won us over. It turns out that he was only six months old
and already 65 pounds. The attendant tried to convince us not to adopt him
and said he was a nervous wetter and that Dalmatians are stubborn. He also
told me that Sparky had been there for a month and he would be put down
the next day. We found out from the vet he had systemic mange and over the
next year battled this disease which eventually was cured. Sparky is the
biggest Dalmatian we ever saw and he is now 100 pounds. We had some submission
issues with him which we have not seen in other dogs - this was cured with
obedience training, consistency, firmness and forcing him into submissive
positions (hard when he is so big). He was not a nervous wetter. We think
he was the bully of his litter because of his overbearing manner.
Every summer, allergies bother him as well as the Dalmatian who lives across
the street who loses her hair every year. Dalmatians are prone to skin problems.
Treatment means lots of special baths and medicine. What I love about him,
now seven, is that he is very devoted to us, is wonderful around children,
does not roam (a real homebody in fact), plays well with other dogs (after
trying to establish pecking order) and is a great footrest for when I am
studying. He also gives lots of kisses. He is useless as a guard dog - welcoming
everyone to our home. We never had problems with chewing or housebreaking.
He is stubborn - learns only what he wants to learn, and appears to be stupid
until he opens the gate on the porch and also the door to come in.
I would not recommend this breed to a family who has never had a dog because
of the submission issues which our vet, who also has one, says is common
in the breed, and also the skin problems which can lead to substantial vet
bills. If submission issues are not dealt with, a dog can become aggressive
and dangerous. In my opinion, a certain dog savvy is required for this breed.
I am glad I had the experience of many dogs before adopting him.
flashptdls@aol.com of Georgia writes on 3/4/01:
An adventure.
As a breeder, exhibitor and enthusiast of Dalmatians, my observations are
as follows: The well bred Dalmatian should be dismissed when seeking a Dal
for a companion. In rescue we find a pandora's box of unknowns that often
leave the adoptee with a sense of uncertainty with regards to health and
temperament. While Dalmatians are in need of homes from back yard breeders
trying to earn a buck of the back of the pups they produce, logic and experience
have both proven there are not enough homes. The breed is extremely intelligent,
very protective and males tend to be more protective overall than females.
Having a high chase drive can trigger a tricky situation in homes where
the Dal is not well socialized or introduced properly to the antics of small
children.This seems to be more upsetting to males than females. Most problems
in males occur around puberty when the male may try to challenge the lead
human. Neutering can curtail or thwart these efforts and the importance
of obedience training is paramount in either sex. Conversly, females have
propensity to mood swings and false pregnancies when unspayed. They tend
to be silly and even prissy. Mine have jumped over puddles and avoid mud
whereas the males like to roll in the mud. The breed is able to outhink
most novice owner and may not make a suitable choice for humans who are
lethargic, sedentary or asleep on their feet. The Dalmatian is a dog of
high intelligence which can turn to a brilliant madness when left idle.
One of the most common reasons for Dalmatian surrender is the lack of shared
interest in their fascination with just about everything. The Dal can find
great joy in chasing a single snowflake or a lowly spider making his way
across the dining room table. They delight in same breed play to the point
where one cannot tell one bookend from the other. he intermingling of spots
and sometimes ferocity of folly can make it hard to determine at which point
the owner must say, "somebody is going to get hurt!" Overall,
know what you are getting and be ready for the adventure. If one thinks
of the Dalmatian as a silent, yet contributing partner, they have a great
marriage in species.
Rachelportune@yahoo.com of the U.S. writes on 12/30/00:
Wonderful spotted friend.
My two best friends are defendly my two live spotted dalmatian. Out of the
show ring they are my family. They go hiking, swimming, camping and everything
with me. They are the prefect breed. Any one with an active life that loves
to hike and camp they should should own a Dalmatian. They are a funny, active
breed that will make you laugh when you are having a bad day.
qcspot@yahoo.com of Ohio writes on 6/16/00:
Very loyal and family oriented dogs, true velcro.
I have had many breeds of dogs and now have a Dalamatian. I have never had
a dog so smart and loving, he wants to have you involved in his play and
to be with you every minute of the day. They live up to the name velcro
dogs. They are so smart they learn tricks in minutes not days. They are
no more hyper then any other dog just that they almost demand that you be
included in their play time. I have never had a dog that makes us laugh
so much in my life. They seem to live to please you. I will never have anything
else but a Dal forever.
Name withheld by request of Auburn, WA writes on 4/1/00:
A very charming and loyal companion.
Dalmatians have a tendence to stay attached to you. They have a great personality
and love to be around people.
biancam85@telstra.easymail.com.au of Australia writes on 3/27/00:
The most loving breed.
Dalmatians are very active, so they need a lot of exersice, they can
be a little bit ratty with close family members (play biting) but will not
bite or intensionally injure a visitor or friend. They are loving and kind,
and will gladly give you a big hug and kiss (even if you don't want it)
MRice1165@aol.com of the US writes on 1/2/00:
Dals are truly wonderful, loyal, and affectionate companions!
To be owned by a Dalmatian is truly a wonderful experience. They are a very
loyal, very energetic, and very entertaining breed of dog. They do need
daily exercise to expend their abundant energy as they were bred for endurance.
They make excellent guardians of their family due to their alertness. They
are very intelligent and obedience is a must! They are very quick learners...
maybe a little stubborn at times ... but tend to do very well in agility,
obedience, and tracking. They do require a firm but gentle hand to guide
them. I now have two Dals...beginning with my first one 10 yrs ago. They
have been my best friends. I've laughed so much at them as well as with
them. They are true comedians! They are affectionately referred to as "velcro"
dogs as they do love to be with their people. They don't do well being alone
for long periods of time, nor do they do well as outside dogs. It is true
that they do shed alot, but daily grooming keeps it down somewhat. To me
the hair is worth it! Please do your homework, though, before making an
investment in any breed of dog, for it should be a permanent investment
for the family, not an expendable one. With any breed there are certain
health problems one should be aware of and be ready to accept. If purchasing
a dal, there are many wonderful reputable breeders who really make it their
goal to produce for the betterment of the breed. Rescue can be a wonderful
option also, but perhaps a better option for experienced Dal owners. There
are many wonderful dals up for adoption. In summary, my two Dals are one
of the great things in my life. I can't imagine not owning (or being owned!)
by a Dalmatian!
apotter@llion.org of Phillipsburg, MO writes on 12/25/99:
My Dalmatian is not just a dog.
My Dalmatian is part of the family. I remember when my daughter was teething,
she was sitting with my dog, petting him. I was across the room watching
them then, I saw her grab his ear and put it in her mouth and before I could
say anything or get across the room it was too late she had bitten him.
Without whimpering, sniping, or growling he gently scooted out of her way
not to knock her over and quitely went into the other room. To me a dog
that would tolerate that is a true companion. He was 14 years old this past
September and still a gentleman.
mccronel@us.ibm.com of Port Crane, NY writes on 10/22/99:
Breathtaking dog!
My two Dalmatains are my constant companions. I participate with them in
obedience, agility, tracking and road trial training. They certainly are
show stoppers in more ways than one. First because of their unique coat
color and second because of their antics! Dalmatians have a sense of humor
and even the best laid plans and months of training do not mean that the
Dal will do what it is you think they should do. In the obedience ring I
have had my Dal run to retrieve the dumb bell, stop and look at the crowd
and then decide not to retrive. As my Dal returned to me without the dumb
bell and looked at my shocked expression, and without another command, she
immediately returned over the jump and got the dumb bell. It certainly was
a breathtaking expereince and everyone at the show stopped to watch!
cbullard@earthlink.net of Oklahoma City, OK writes on 10/10/99:
Great dog for active dog lovers.
Dals are a wonderful breed for an active dog lover who wants a dog to completely
share their life with. They need to be an inside dog as they will pine away
for human companionship and may get destructive if left alone outside. They
do very well in obedience when positive rewards are given, but are very
sentative so a strong correction type of training will turn them off and
make them appear stubborn. They can be strong willed and should be obedience
trained. Daily exercise is very important as they were bred to run with
coaches. They usually do well with other dogs and cats and children over
5. May be too rambunctious for very young children, though not always.I
am totally in love with this breed.
Sesby6@aol.com of Massachusetts writes on 10/10/99:
Dalmatians are loving, loyal dogs who are demonstratively affectionate,
intelligent and love to be with their people.
Dalmatians are not just visually unique but but also very charismatic. They
have personality and an outgoing affectionate nature. Dalmatians are intelligent
and enormous fun. They have been called "the Clowns of the Dog World"
because they really are entertainers.
Because of their boundless energy they need exercise. They were known as
Coaching Dogs bred to run with carriages and firewagons. They still have
a prancing gait and are great in agility games. They are not a breed to
be ignored or left alone for unreasonable amounts of time. They thrive on
human companionship, they enjoy being where ever their people are. They
can be quiet companions as well, content to lay at your feet as long as
they are close by the family. They are good watch dogs with a sharp bark
to alert their master that a visitor has arrived...and they are known for
their exuberant greetings.
I have lived with Dalmatians my whole life and cannot imagine my world with
out them. Obtaining a Dal bred for temperment and health by a reputable
breeder is the best option for a new owner. Because of the popularity of
the Dal, made famous by Disney, many poor breedings by unknowledgeable people
have produced puppies with problems including poor temperments and increased
incidents of deafness. Research is important when choosing a family pet.
A healthy, happy, prancing Dalmatian is a wonderful addition to the right
family.