Dalmatian
Modified: 30-11--0001 00:00:00
The Dalmatian is easily recognized by its white coat with (usually) black spots. "Liver" (brown) and "lemon" (yellow) types also exist, though they are very rare. In the USA Dalmatians are often known (and portrayed, for example in children's books), as firehouse dogs.
Appearance
Dalmatians are a well-muscled, midsized dog with high endurance. (They may have initially been used to run beside early horse drawn fire trucks). Their body type similar to the Pointer, to which it is related. The coat is short, dense, and fine. The ground colour is white with round, well-defined spots in either black or liver (brown). Lemon, orange, blue, tricolor, and brindle spots may also occur, but they are a disqualifying fault. Feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. The nails are white and/or the same colour as the spots. The nose is black or brown in liver-spotted dogs. The eyes are brown or blue, with an intelligent expression. The ears are thin, tapering toward the tip, set fairly high and carried close to the head
Puppies are born white and the spots develop later.
Temperament
As a result of their history as coach dogs, the breed is active and requires plenty of exercise. They are affectionate and seek constant companionship or they may fret. They are good with children, but because of their playfulness, they may not be well-suited for toddlers. Dalmatians are famed for their loyalty, good memories, and kindly natures.
Reputation
The Dalmatian's reputation as a firehouse dog comes from the last century fashionable use of the Dalmatian as a carriage dog, that is, a dog whose role was to run along, beside, and sometimes even under horse-drawn carriages (therefore also known as Spotted Coach-dog). Carriage dogs cleared the way in front of the carriage, and helped to control the horses when at a full run (such as for horse-drawn fire engines), and because they were attractive and eye-catching. This use might have transferred to horse-drawn fire engines although it is unclear why this link is made in the US and not other countries.
Their origins are as a generalized working dog. They were used for so many tasks - herding sheep, hunting in a pack, and working as a retriever and as a bird dog. They were never specialized into one particular area.
Origins
The breed was named in the 18th century after Dalmatia, though, they likely existed for centuries before it was so named. There is some evidence they originated before that in India, or that the breed in fact originated from the Norman introduction of the Talbot hunting dog.
Health
Some Dals have a tendency towards deafness, as is the case with many mostly white or all-white dogs. Information from Dalmatian clubs can usually address this issue for new owners.
Dalmatians, like humans, apes, and guinea pigs, lack an enzyme called uricase, which breaks down uric acid. Uric acid can build up in joints and cause gout or kidney stones. These conditions are most likely to occur in middle-aged males (Editor ? whether your dog drinks beer or not). Owners should be careful to limit the intake of purine by not feeding these dogs organ meats, so canned dogfood is usually not suitable for Dalmatians.
They are also famous from the novel and movies 101 Dalmations. Though increasing their popularity, likely this did the breed no favors as it caused a surge in popularity, when in fact this very active dog is only suited to very dedicated dog owners.
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