BREED:Dalmatian
TEMPERAMENT: Boisterous and active
LIFESPAN: 12-14 years
RECOMMENDED FOR: Families and active people
DUMPAGE RATE: Low
MAINTENANCE: Low

History

Dalmatians are believed to have originated from Dalmatia in Yugoslavia, but there is no evidence supporting this claim. The earliest painting of a spotted dog in the tombs of Thebes (3000BC) depicts it running alongside an Egyptian chariot. It is claimed that Dalmatians were popular with ancient Romani gypsies who travelled widely and introduced the spotted dog to Africa, Asia and Europe. In the 18th and 19th centuries the Dalmatian was used for protection and decoration of the carriages of the English aristocracy. They were also used as a firehouse dog, using their intelligence and bravery to help firemen. More recently, Dalmatians have increased in popularity and attracted attention after the success of the Disney film 101 Dalmatians.

Appearance

Dalmatians range in height from 58-60cm (23-24") and weigh 25-28kg (55-62lb) for the males while bitches are slightly smaller, with height ranging from 56-58cm (22-23") and weigh about 23-25kg (50-55lb). Dalmatians can have black spots on white or brown spots (liver and white). They are born white and the coloured spots develop at around two to three weeks and noses darken at about three months of age. The spots continue to develop with age usually up to two or three months. The spots should be round, clearly defined and not overlapping.

Temperament

Dalmatians are loyal and loving companions and are eager to please their owners. They are powerful, active and boisterous dogs that do need discipline. Dalmatians have a stable, outgoing nature which suits an active family. Breeders suggest male dogs are stronger than females, which are usually more timid.

Health and lifespan

The white coats of Dalmatians can sunburn. The more pigment on susceptible areas like the nose, ears and eye rims the better the protection.

Deafness may be a problem in the breed and this will usually show up in puppies by about four weeks of age. People considering buying a Dalmatian puppy should deal with a reputable breeder and always have the dog's hearing checked.

Dalmatians may have problems with their kidneys, with bladder stones called urate crystals in the bladder. This problem is more likely to occur in males than females and can be avoided by encouraging the dogs to drink plenty of water.

Other minor problems reported by breeders included tail splitting and allergies. In particular paspalum grass can cause allergies.

Dalmatians live for between 12-14 years.

Feeding

Breeders warn against overfeeding Dalmatians and suggest a balanced diet of vegetables and dry food.

Breeding and costs

Dalmatians have large litters of between eight to ten puppies and they whelp easily. Dalmatians range in price from $250 for a pet up to $600 plus for a show quality dog.

Housepet potential and trainability

Dalmatians are good dogs indoors but potential owners need to be aware they are large dogs and need obedience training to keep them under control. Training Dalmatians from a young age is beneficial and they have an average working dog intelligence.

Space and exercise

Most Dalmatians find an average to large backyard adequate, but they do need a morning and evening walk to burn off energy and improve the dog's mental well-being. Breeders warn Dalmatians have little road sense and need a well fenced backyard.

Grooming

Daily wiping with a rubber glove will remove most loose hairs and a fortnightly bath is adequate.

Ideal owner

Dalmatians are ideal for athletic people, runners, joggers and young families, they are considered good family pets.

National contacts

To find up-to-date contacts for breeders, contact the following organisations.
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au

Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: info@dogsnsw.org.au
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872

Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: office@dogsvictoria.org.au
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599

Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: info@dogsact.org.au
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 - Fax: (02) 6241 1129.

Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: k9@dogswest.com
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190

Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: dogsqld@powerup.com.au
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864

Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: tca@iprimus.com.au
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844

Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: naca3@bigpond.com
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409
The Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC)
www.ankc.org.au

Dogs NSW
http://www.dogsnsw.org.au/breeders-directory
Email: info@dogsnsw.org.au
Phone: 1300 728 022 (NSW only) or (02) 9834 3022
Fax: (02) 9834 3872

Dogs Victoria
http://www.vca.org.au
Email: office@dogsvictoria.org.au
Phone: (03) 9788 2500
Fax: (03) 9788 2599

Dogs ACT
http://www.actca.asn.au
Email: info@dogsact.org.au
Phone: (02) 6241 4404 - Fax: (02) 6241 1129.

Dogs West
http://www.cawa.asn.au
Email: k9@dogswest.com
Phone: (08) 9455 1188
Fax: (08) 9455 1190

Dogs SA
http://dogssa.com.au
Phone: (08) 8349 4797

Canine Control Council of Queensland
http://www.cccq.org.au
Email: dogsqld@powerup.com.au
Phone: (07) 3252 2661
Fax: (07) 3252 3864

Tasmanian Canine Association
http://www.tasdogs.com
Email: tca@iprimus.com.au
Phone: (03) 6272 9443
Fax: (03) 6273 0844

Dogs NT
http://www.territorydogworld.com
Email: naca3@bigpond.com
Phone: (08) 8984 3570
Fax: (08) 8984 3409

Copyright CTC Productions 2006