7 Unique Characteristics of A Dalmatian Dog

Unique characteristics of Dalamatian dogs

If one happens to see a marvellous dog with dark black spots all over its alluring body, then it is going to be none other than the super affectionate breed that is the Dalmatian. This dog, with a medium-size body, can give a tour of beauty to the eyes of the spectator. The dark black liver spotted coat is unique and one of its kind. These dogs were basically used as carriage dogs in the early days. An insanely popular breed, Dalmatian is preferred as a family pet. The dog enthusiasts keep Dalmatian dogs for kennel club competitions, where they perform amazingly.

Introduction: Let’s see what’s so special about the Dalmatians?

This dog is blessed with a very well-defined body and has immense stamina and endurance. This stamina and endurance is the actual reason for their well-defined and medium sized body. Having talked about the body, it is time to jump onto the height. A fully grown Dalmatian dog can attain a height of almost 19-23 inches. The males are slightly larger than females in this case also.

Dalmatian height

According to the Kennel Club of the UK, a Dalmatian’s height can reach up to 24 inches. This does not pose a problem. The issue sprouts in case of the body. The body outline should be square shaped when viewed from sideways. The length of the body from the forechest till the buttocks is similar to the tallness at the withers. The shoulders of this dog are pretty laid back and the stifle is a bit bent. Talking about the hocks, they are also well-let-down.

Dalmatian body features

The Dalmatians walk with the feet that are round with toes which are well-arched. The nails of a Dalmatian dog are either white or of the same colour as that of the spots on their body. It has thin ears which lie close to the head and are tapered towards the tip. The ears of a Dalmatian are set pretty high on its forehead. A thing to note is that you might not be able to recognize this breed at the time of birth as the spots are light in colour at that time; the spots might be brown or there might be no spots at all.

dalmatian eyes

They have either brown eyes or bluish, amber eyes. Rarely, some dogs can also have one blue eye and one brown, and other rare combinations.

Spectacularly Spotted Coat

dalmatian pup

If one talks about the beauty of a Dalmatian, it lies in the elegant liver spotted coat of the dog. As quoted earlier, they might be born with no or lighter spots, but after a period of almost 3 to 4 weeks from birth, the spots turn more prominent. It takes about a month to grow proper spots; moreover, the spots keep growing throughout their entire life, but at a much slower rate than the initial few months. The spots, generally, have a size of 30 to 60 mm and are coloured either in black or brown on a lush white background. One might also happen to witness some rare coloured spots like blue-greyish, mosaic, tri-coloured, orange, or even lemon. The area of the patches is not defined particularly, they can be found in any part of the body with no particular pattern as such. Mostly they can be seen on the forehead and ears.

Dalmatian spots present mostly on head and ears

The properties of the Dalmatian dog’s coat are that it is short, dense, and fine. This does not mean that they do not possess longer coats; however, the ones with longer coats are not acceptable according to the standards. The advantage that the Dalmatians with longer coats have is that they shed lesser than the other ones. If a Dalmatian is kept as a pet, then the family should develop a habit of seeing linens and clothes decorated with the stiff hair; and their hair are stubborn and cannot be removed easily from the linens and the clothes.

Dalmatian Dog

The remedy to this is weekly grooming with the hound mitt or curry. Remember, it is not a permanent solution since shedding is natural and cannot be prevented completely. This breed is comparatively clean as compared to the other breeds as the oil in their coats is less. Hence, they do not smell that crazy.

History: how did the Dalmatians come into existence?

Dalmatian history

The history of this dog happens to be complicated and there are many anecdotes that cite the historical account of this breed. Above all, the FCI has recognized Croatia as this dog’s motherland. Though there are some bits and papers that can be gathered to fetch history.

The main sketches of the canine have been found in Croatia: a special stepped area painting in Veli Lošinj dating to 1600–1630, and a fresco in Zaostrog. The first reported portraits of the Dalmatian (Croatian: Dalmatinski pas, Dalmatiner, Dalmatinac) date back to the mid-eighteenth century and the files of the Archdiocese of Đakovo, where the pup was referenced and depicted as Canis Dalmaticus in the congregation records from 1719 by Bishop Petar Bakić and after that again by chapel accounts of Andreas Keczkeméty in 1739.

Dalmatian on Croatian Stamp

Dalmatian on Croatian Stamp

In 1771, Thomas Pennant mentioned about the breed in his book Synopsis of Quadrupeds, quoting that the source of the breed from Dalmatia, he referred to it as Dalmatian. The book by Thomas Bewick, A General History of Quadrupeds, distributed in 1790 points to the breed as Dalmatian or Coach Dog.

It was during the Regency period that the value of these dogs was really realized among the population and these dogs became a status symbol. They were then seen running alongside the horse carriages, and the money value of these fancy and spotted dogs started touching the sky. This happened to be the reason that these dogs earned the sobriquet of “the spotted coach dog.” These dogs also posed to be good guards at the stables at nights then.

Dalmatian used to run along with horse carriages

Dalmatian used to run along horse carriages

One can say that this breed was brought up predominantly in England. The main informal standard for the breed was presented by an Englishman Vero Shaw in 1882. In 1890, with the development of the primary Dalmatian Club in England, the standard ended up authority. When the dog with extraordinary spots was presented in front of the country for the very first time in 1862, people called it the guard dog, and companion to the Dalmatian nomads. Its unique marking became the topic for writers in older times. Its coat was widely distributed over Europe in 1920.

Dalmatians are family dogs

This is all that this breed went through for its recognition and to earn the epithet of a popular family dog.

Health is Wealth

Dalmatian health

As mentioned above, this breed is a relatively clean breed, and, so, it is easy to pet this breed. But, then, like other fellow breeds, this breed also has the tendency to catch up certain types of diseases; some of them are deafness, urinary stones, and certain kinds of allergies. Deafness is such a common disease that the reputable breeders make sure that they have their puppies tested on the status of proper hearing. This dog can make your life good and happy for about 11 to 13 years; although, some can survive for as long as 15 to 16 years. A point to mark is that these dogs, at the further stage of their life, i.e., in their late teens, can be expected to suffer from Arthritic conditions and bone spur. The vets are always there to help. So, there is not much to be worried about.\

Grooming and food

Weekly grooming is demanded by the dog; however, not much fancy stuff is what it asks for. Talking about the diet, a good quality dog food appropriate for the dog according to its age should be given. Good quality food is preferred as it incorporates all the vital nutrients for a dog’s health.

7 Unique Characteristics of Dalmatian Dogs

1. All about Friendliness

They can earn as many points for their friendly and easy-to-mix-up nature as much as they earn for their spots. A family that pets them will not regret their decision even once. This dog becomes a member of the family and has an incredibly comfortable behaviour. If it is about the kinds that you are thinking and holding back from keeping a Dalmatian dog as a pet then here is a piece of information. No need to have those second thoughts.

This dog will take care of the kid like a guardian. This dog will not pose any hassles if taken to the park or when there are other dogs around. The situation will be completely opposite to what one might imagine. They can befriend the other dogs too in the blink of an eye. This dog is not one of those who turns the house upside down upon seeing a stranger at the door; however, they easily befriend the strangers too. It is a dog who will swell up the chest with pride and will not leave a single chance to flush lots of love in one’s life.

2. Health is the True Wealth

Dalmatian health is true wealth

This dog is not the one who will make you drive frequently to the veterinary hospital. They are easy to pet and do not require any funds for their health. Good points can be given to them when it comes to general health. Not much grooming is also required for this sweet dog. Though, they shed pretty stiff hair that will be found nearly everywhere in the house. They have a tendency to gain weight. It really depends on their diet. Since they are blessed with high energy levels, they need to utilize this energy. The only option is a regular exercise of slightly higher intensity. The energy levels ask for this or the energy might turn the other way around and turn negative of this breed.

3. Potential for Playfulness

This has already been recorded that this dog is real-time friendly in nature, and that makes it fabulously playful. They adore going to the parks for exercise and playing. Kids can make them their regular game partners. This also helps the breed keep its body fit.

4. An All-Purpose dog

Dalmatian are all-pupose dogs

Being an incredibly versatile breed, this dog is used for multiple purposes and this has been practised over the years. They are capable of donning hounds and are utilized as birding hounds, trail dogs, pig seekers, and retrievers. Furthermore, on account of a great memory and fascinating coat, the pooches make great entertainers on the stage and in the bazaar.

5. Firedogs is their Key Role

Dalmatians are firedogs

Dalmatians have numerous gifts offered by the Mother Nature, however, for their aptitudes, they are best referred to as training hounds. The canines coexist broadly with ponies, making them the perfect pooch to keep running close by carriages.

Dalmatian and Horse

The accommodating Dalmatians deter stray puppies, protected the mentor at stops, and above all, keep the ponies quiet. Ponies are often touchy around the flame, yet the Dalmatian dogs keep them away; similar was the case in early days. Their unmistakable highlights, likewise, make them an incredible mascot; so, you can, at present, discover the pooches riding in current fire engines today. As a reward, they’re additionally phenomenal ratters and keep firehouses bug free.

6. No One when Born!

Dalmatian Birth

In spite of being shrouded in spots in adulthood, young doggies are conceived snow white. Little guys, for most of the part, don’t develop their trademark spots until around about a month. This news may come as a shock as it straightforwardly refutes what the Disney motion picture 101 Dalmatians may have proposed!

A Still from Disney's 101 Dalmatian

A Still from Disney’s 101 Dalmatian

7. Deafness is an Issue

Dalmatians have a hearing issue

In the event that your Dalmatian is by all accounts disregarding you, it could be a possibility that it can’t hear you. Around 30 per cent of Dalmatian dogs are prone to deafness because of their spotted markings. Rearing canines with this coat can cause an absence of developing melanocytes (melanin delivering cells) in the internal ear. Without these, a need for a hearing aid can arise in puppies. Pooches with bigger patches of dark are less inclined towards deafness.

Having listed every piece of information, right from the major to minor, as well as all the key point of this super energetic dog, now, the isle of Dalmatian knowledge has been walked completely and perfectly. Treat your Dalmatian with positive reinforcement and give it as much exercise as possible. This will result in making it an adorable Dalmatian which has been a proven fact.

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