Top Mark Dals/Help List

What is a Dalmatian Like?

Dalmatians are 19 to 24 inches at the shoulders, weighing 40 to 65 pounds on the average. They are white with either black or liver (dark brown) spots. The hair is short and dense. Dalmatians do shed all year round. Dalmatians are very intelligent and usually eager to learn if trained with positive reinforcement. Most will "shut down" if negative methods are used. Dalmatians are versatile and excel in obedience, agility, tracking and road trials.

I hear a lot of people tell me that Dalmatians are "hyper". I tend to think Dalmatians are "highly energetic" and if the energy level is not let out constructively, the Dal will become destructive. When you look at what the Dal was originally bred to do, it all makes sense. Dals were originally bred to coach (run along) horse-drawn carriages all day long. They had to have stamina. So a Dal makes a wonderful running partner!

Health Issues in Dalmatians

There are certain health problems associated with every breed of purebred dog and with mixed breeds. Those of specific concern to Dalmatians are:

Deafness. Deafness run in the breed. I believe hearing stats are significantly better than when I first became involved in the breed due to the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Testing. Some dogs will hear unilaterally as well as you might run into the completely deaf puppy. A dog hearing unilaterally hears in only one ear. The dog will make a perfectly good companion dog; they will tend to lose their directionally hearing when hearing with just one ear - so make sure your dog can always see you! The Dalmatian Club of America does not endorse selling or giving away bilaterally deaf puppies. Always ask for hearing test results when visitng with a breeder.

Bladder Stones. The Dalmatian has a unique problem with processing purine-forming proteins, which may cause the formation of bladder stones. Dalmatians should be fed 20-24% protein commercial dog food or a diet that is low in purine forming proteins.

Tip for Success

1. Take the time to learn as much as possible about any breed you are considering. Members of the parent club of the breed you are considering will always be happy to answer any questions you might have.
2. Try to attend a few dog shows. You will see many breeds represented and be able to talk to breeders.
3. Always get a written contract from the breeder that outlines the responsibilities of both parties. Be prepared to supply references and feel free to ask the breeder for references.
4. Plan to take your new dog to the vet within 2 to 3 days of bringing them home for a thorough examination.
5. Plan to attend training classes. Observe the prospective classes before you register, so that you know you will be comfortable with the methods that will be used. Training classes helps with socialization!
6. Be sure to keep your dog safely confined in your yard. I recommend a fenced yard as this gives your dog an opportunity to run off his/her energy.
7. Most dogs want and need to be part of the family. Dalmatians are definitely this way. They love to be included in the family activities and usually are very good at whatever you're doing!