Dalmatian

The Dalmatian (Croatian: Dalmatinac or Dalmatiner) is a breed of dog whose roots are traced to Dalmatia, a region of Croatia. It is noted for its white coat with either black or liver spots.

Body

This popular breed of dog is a well-muscled, mid-sized, elegant dog with excellent endurance and stamina. The Dalmatian is slightly longer than tall according to the European (FCI) standard. The American Kennel Club standard states that the dog should be more square, as long from forechest to buttocks as it is tall at the withers. Shoulder should be well laid back and rear angulation should match the front with the stifle well-bent indicating good angulation in the rear. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. The nails are white and/or the same color as the spots. The ears are thin, tapering toward the tip, set fairly high and carried close to the head.

Size

The breed standard for Dalmatians varies slightly from country to country, with the FCI allowing a larger dog than does the AKC. In general, the height for the Dalmatian is between 19 and 24 inches (48.5 and 61.5cm) at the withers and the weight is from 35 to 70 lbs (16 to 32 kgs) fully grown. Males are usually larger than females.

Coat

The Dalmatian coat is short, fine, and dense. Dalmatians shed considerably, and shed year-round. The short, stiff hairs shed by Dalmatians will weave their way into clothing, upholstery and nearly any other kind of fabric. While consistent grooming with a hound mitt or curry can lessen the amount of hair that Dalmatians shed, nothing can completely prevent the shedding.

Occasionally, smooth-coated Dalmatians will produce long-coated offspring who shed less often. These dogs are still purebred Dalmatians but cannot be shown.

Colouring

Dalmatian puppies are born white, and their spots come in gradually over the period of a couple of weeks.

The most common colours for Dalmatians are black or liver spotted on a white background. Other spotting colors, though not permitted for showing, and rare, are blue (a blue-grayish color), orange or lemon (dark to pale yellow), brindle, mosaic, and tri-colored (with tan spotting on the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and chest).

Patches often occur in the breed and are a disqualification in the show ring. Patches are present at birth, and consist of a solid color. Patches can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the head and ears. Patches are not to be confused with heavily spotted areas on a dog, however. Spots should be in size of a quarter to half-dollar.

Eye colour in Dalmatians is brown, amber, or blue. Dalmatians may have one blue eye and one brown eye. While blue eyes are accepted by the AKC, blue eyes are regarded as a fault in many kennel clubs. The CKC faults any eye color other than black, brown or amber, and the Kennel Club (UK) allows only dark eyes in black-spotted dogs, and amber eyes in liver-spotted dogs.

Temperament

The Dalmatian is incredibly loyal and active. Usually good with other pets, notably horses, dalmatians make an excellent addition to a family that already has animals of any kind. Dalmatians are a rather active breed, and strongly dislike lazing around with nothing to do, however they will be thrilled to go for walks, or runs, and play with an active owner. Dalmatians are known for their loyal nature and thrive on human companionship. Dalmatians are occasionaly known to have a stubborn streak, but are revered for their excellent memories. Dalmations need to be handled and socialized from a young age to prevent timidity, which if not adressed properly may result in aggression out of fear. Though this is rare, it is universal that dalmatians need love and companionship from a young age. If given exercise, love, training, and socialization a dalmatian will be tirelessly loyal and affectionate.

Uses

The dalmatian is very powerful, but high-strung and potentially difficult to train. Its boundless energy makes it great for a rescue dog, or an athletic partner, or active family member.