More About The Breed

ABOUT THE DALMATIAN

The Dalmatians eye-catching spots of black or liver are one of the most distinctive coats in the animal kingdom. Beneath the spots is a graceful, elegantly proportioned trotting dog. Dalmatians are muscular, built to go the distance. The powerful hindquarters provide the drive behind the smooth, effortless gait.
The Dalmatian was originally bred as a hunting dog, it was also used as a carriage dog and also known as fire dogs in its early days, while firefighters were still using horse-drawn carriages. Dalmatians are dependable ‘alert’ dogs, giving you warning before the incident can occur.
Dalmatians are great companions. Affectionate, loyal and loving house dogs. They are strong, active athletes with great stamina—a wonderful partner for runners and hikers.

NUTRITION

A high quality raw fed diet is preferred for the Dalmatian breed. Your Dalmatian will thrive on a high protein and low purine balance diet.
Treats can be an important part of training your dog, however feeding too much can cause obesity.
Avoid giving table scraps and especially cooked bones and food that contain high fat content.
Learn about what human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Check with your Breeder if you have any concerns about your dogs diet or weight.

GROOMING

The Dalmatians coat is a thing of beauty with its coloured spots on a sparkling white background, it doesn’t take much work to keep it in good condition. Occasional baths and weekly brushing with a horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb to pull away dead hairs will keep your Dalmatian looking his best. Please keep in mind, the Dalmatian sheds hair all year round.
Ensure their nails are trimmed on a regular basis, at least every 2-4 weeks. Along with regular ear cleaning. Either your Breeder or Veterinarian can suggest a good routine and cleaning materials and will show you how to care for them.

EXERCISE

All Dalmatians need regular exercise to stay fit and happy. This exercise can consist of chasing a ball tossed across the backyard, running alongside a biking or jogging owner, taking a swim at the beach, nice long hike through the woods or even mental stimulation training.
Since a puppy’s bones and joints are not at their mature strength until two years of age, be wary of strenuously exercising the dog before then.
Dalmatians can be very high-energy dogs and can easily get into mischief if they don’t have enough opportunity for physical and mental exercise.

TRAINING

It is very important that you expose your puppy to as many new and unusual but pleasant situations as possible as part of their training. Once they are confident and understand that new places and people are nothing to be afraid of, it will make life much happier and easier for both puppy and owner.
The puppy should be taught to behave from the very beginning - in saying this Dalmatians can be very sensitive, so positive, reward-based training is a must.
Early socialisation and puppy training classes will help to ensure that your Dalmatian grows into a well-adjusted, well-mannered companion.

HEALTH

If your Dalmatian came from a reputable breeder, you will have a record of all required health testing provided.
Deafness is health risk within the breed and responsible breeders will complete the BAER testing on both parents and will have entire litters tested to be certain that all can hear. A unilaterally hearing dog (deaf in one ear) can usually lead a fairly normal life, a bilaterally (both sides) deaf dog often cannot and will require special considerations.
Bladder or kidney stones can occasionally develop in Dalmatians. However, if provided the correct diet, this can be avoided.