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Although the most popular theory places the Dalmatian's beginnings in his namesake country, Dalmatia, his actual origins are unknown. His history is a mysterious one, documented by pictures and paintings of spotted dogs strikingly similar to today's Dalmatian. There are pictures of spotted dogs following Pharaoh's chariots on the royal tombs of Egypt so it is possible the Dalmatian's heritage is more ancient than originally thought. No matter where his actual beginnings, he truly evolved into the dog he is today when he was adopted by the British. A spotted dog, popular in India, was introduced into Great Britain by the English aristocracy after their colonization of that country. His inborn love of horses, coupled with his handsome good looks, made him the first and only "Coach Dog". His function, however, was not simply ornamental. He also served as a guard dog for the coaches, protecting travelers' belongings at the frequent stops along the route. It was inevitable that the English would bring the Dalmatian to America when they migrated to the New World. It is a known fact that our illustrious first President, George Washington, kept and bred Dalmatians. Before long, the
Dal made the natural transition from coaching to running with the horse-drawn
fire wagons, giving him another label uniquely his own, "The Fire House Dog". He
functioned as more than just a mascot by running ahead of the fire wagons,
barking and clearing the way, thus serving as the original "siren".
Unfortunately, his tenure in this position was short-lived and eventually phased
out due to the introduction of Henry Ford's automotive engine. However, he
established himself so securely in this position that even today, 100 years
later, the Dal is still traditionally known as the companion to all
firefighters. Although the Dalmatian is no longer a member of the working class,
he has had the privilege of having served in several truly distinctive
capacities. Today, he performs possibly his most valuable service of all, that
of friend and companion to all those fortunate enough to make his acquaintance.
The Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog, averaging 22" to 24" tall at the shoulder and weighing approximately 50 - 65 pounds. He is most noted for his distinctively spotted coat, which occurs in two colors, black or a chocolate brown, properly termed as "liver". Either color is equally correct and, therefore, simply becomes a matter of personal preference. Originally bred as a coach dog, he is an active dog, capable of great endurance. His heritage also includes a protectiveness that extends to all of his possessions, including his family. The Dalmatian is an affectionate dog with a boisterous personality although this behavior is typically reserved for "his" people. With strangers, he presents a dignified and restrained manner until you have passed his inspection and been accepted into his fold. Some Dalmatians "smile" by baring their front teeth. To the uninitiated, this may appear as aggressive behavior if the rest of the dog's body language is not taken into consideration. The Dal is a high-spirited and energetic dog and, although excellent with children, may be too much for little ones to handle. This obstacle can be overcome by obedience training for the dog and, equally important, teaching the child respect for the dog as another living creature with feelings and needs of its own. It should be
remembered that the Dal is not a kennel breed. While basically a hardy specimen,
with his short coat, he is not adapted to living an outdoors existence on a
permanent basis. Most importantly, he is people-oriented and will do best in a
home situation. His primary concern is to be with and please his people and,
therefore, usually adapts to any type of environment, from farm living to
midtown apartments. Your primary concern is that he receive the exercise and
attention he requires and deserves. You will be repaid one hundred fold with his
love and devotion.
No breed is perfect and, unfortunately, Dalmatians are afflicted with three primary, genetic, health problems: deafness, high uric acid levels, and skin and coat problems. Deafness has long been a heartbreaking problem and breeders have dedicated themselves to its eradication. Modern science has recently provided us with another tool that can assist us in our quest to eliminate this defect. It was previously unknown that dogs could be deaf in one ear and the gene for this problem was inadvertently carried on by breeding these "unilaterally" hearing dogs. Now, however, BAER (Brain Stem Auditory Evoked Response) testing is done on all puppies produced by ethical breeders in an attempt to determine which puppies hear and to what degree. With this test, it can be determined if sound from one, both, or neither ear is, in fact, reaching the brain. Any puppies discovered to be totally deaf are humanely euthanized by a veterinarian. As cruel as this may seem, this is truly the kindest thing to be done for a deaf dog. This will prevent a life of danger and frustration for the dog. Many deaf dogs are killed if they get loose and then cannot hear oncoming traffic and others become so timid and fearful they must be put to sleep eventually. The second inherent problem in the breed is high uric acid levels. This should not be confused with renal failure or incontinence which can occur in any breed. The most prevalent consequence of this condition is the formation of bladder or kidney stones which, because of his anatomy, are more prone to cause problems in the male. Corrective diets and medications have proven useful in combating this problem and research is ongoing. Some Dalmatians may experience coat problems which can manifest themselves as redness, itching and irritation, and/or a loss of hair. This problem appears to be of an allergic nature and symptomatic flare-ups are more apt to occur during the summer months when pollen and dust levels are at their highest. As this tends to be an inherited sensitivity, when looking for a puppy, it is wise to view the parents and inquire about possible skin reactions in the bloodline. Overall, the Dalmatian is an exceedingly robust animal. Most Dals live a long and active life, with few complications due to illness or disease. Although incidents can occur with any individual, there have been only infrequent occurrences of hip dysplasia, epilepsy, or eye anomalies in the breed as a whole.
As previously stated, the Dalmatian is basically a sound animal and little is required to keep him in good health. However, it is an owner's responsibility to see that his good health is preserved by ensuring regular and appropriate care. MedicalIt is essential to provide a dog with the proper veterinary care in order for him to achieve and maintain optimum health. Vaccinations rank as the single most important item in a dog's health maintenance program. Puppies are the most susceptible to disease, but it is imperative to maintain inoculations on a current basis for dogs of all ages. Heartworm infestations are rising dramatically around the country and all dogs should be tested for the presence of these parasites. Once tested clear, your dog can then begin the preventive that will protect him from this fatal disease. As breeding should only be done in an attempt to continue or improve quality, it should not be undertaken lightly nor with substandard animals. Any animals not destined to participate in a breeding program should be spayed or neutered. Not only will this prevent an accidental pregnancy, but the animals themselves will be happier and healthier as a result of this procedure. Males will be calmer and less inclined to roam and the problems associated with bitches in season will be eliminated. The end result is a pet content to concentrate his now platonic affections upon his owner and not upon other members of his species. Additionally, the chance of the development of mammary or testicular tumors is reduced to virtually zero.
Because of his "wash and wear" coat, grooming the Dalmatian may not seem to be an aspect for serious consideration. There are, however, some basic procedures that should be observed to insure a happy, healthy animal. It is said that a Dalmatian sheds only two times a year - morning and night! This may seem an overstatement, but the one aspect of a Dal that comes as more of a surprise than any other to a new owner is the volume of shedding he can do. Regular grooming with a rubber curry brush will alleviate this problem. As an added bonus, the relationship with your pet will be enhanced as a result of the time spent together in a pleasurable pursuit. Medical science has proven that stroking or petting a dog substantially reduces stress in people, so grooming can prove to be a mutually beneficial experience for both parties. Another item to be considered in grooming is the need to keep toenails trimmed on a regular basis. Overly long nails can cause a dog to rock back on his feet in order to move. This unnatural position can cause discomfort and, in some instances for the elderly pet, severe pain as they try to accommodate arthritic joints. Some dog owners also insist on dental care for their pets and go about it by regularly "brushing" their teeth for them. It should be emphasized that human toothpaste is inappropriate for canine dental hygiene and many owners use baking soda for cleaning teeth. Furthermore, there are dental products currently on the market specifically designed for dogs which may be obtained from a veterinarian. An annual examination and cleaning by a veterinarian is also recommended.
The Dalmatian has a long history as a coach dog who is naturally energetic and requires daily exercise. A fenced yard or kennel run is strongly recommended for your Dal to receive the exercise he needs and also to help protect him from the dangers of traffic, injury or disease from other animals, and theft. Traffic poses a particular danger to Dals because of their natural "coaching" instinct. It is a tendency of many Dals to transfer this instinct to automobiles, thereby putting themselves in danger of being run over.
Bred as a working dog with the ability to think on his own, training is an essential element in producing a well-adjusted, socially acceptable Dalmatian. Puppies are constantly learning and you can take advantage of this fact by beginning training the day you bring your dog home.
We advocate crate training
for all Dalmatians. Many people are vehemently opposed to crates, feeling it is
cruel to put their dog in a "cage". These people mistakenly attribute human
emotions to their dogs and equate the "cage" with "prison". Dogs are den animals
and a dog properly introduced to his crate will consider it as his home and a
place to retire to when his world becomes too hectic. Anyone who has lived with
a dog will recognize this facet of their personality in their desire to seek
refuge under tables and beds. Crates can also prove invaluable in housebreaking.
Dogs are fastidious by nature and will not soil their sleeping area. A dog who
views his crate in this light will learn to wait to eliminate, thereby
facilitating the housebreaking process.
Obedience stresses the behaviors essential for a well-mannered dog. In basic obedience, the dog will learn to heel, come when called, and to remain in a sitting or reclining position. Once these exercises are mastered and should you wish a challenge, you can proceed to more advanced degrees of training. In addition, The American Kennel Club offers Obedience Trials where you and your dog can compete on various levels to earn obedience titles. This can be extremely rewarding and we recommend it for those of you with a competitive nature. Regardless of
whether you intend to pursue an obedience career with your dog or not, we cannot
emphasize enough the need for a well-trained Dalmatian. They are intelligent,
independent dogs and, in order to maintain your position as "Top Dog" with them,
you must earn their respect. Obedience training is an excellent method by which
you can secure the "alpha" position with your dog. Additionally, this will
provide him with a purpose in his life, thus making for a happy, fulfilled
animal.
If you have decided to acquire a Dalmatian, it is best to view as many litters of puppies as possible to observe the differences in appearance and temperament. You must also decide if you wish a "show" or "companion" dog as these dogs will differ not only in appearance but cost as well. If you wish to show your Dalmatian, it is advised that you carefully review the Dalmatian Standard to understand the technical points, faults, and disqualifications. You should next attend several dog shows and meet the exhibitors and breeders with dogs that appeal to you. At this point, it is recommended that you visit kennels to view the conditions and environment from which your puppy will come - not everything is hereditary! Should a companion animal suit your needs, you may find a "patched" puppy an option to be considered. A patch is a solid mass of color most often found on the head of the dog. Patching in Dalmatians is the most frequently seen disqualifying fault for the show ring. A patch is strictly a cosmetic flaw and any puppy displaying this imperfection, although prohibited from showing, is general as sound and healthy a specimen as his "champion" littermates. In fact, many people find the patch adds an endearing quality to a puppy's expression and actually prefer it on their dogs. The single most important factor to consider when purchasing your dog is temperament. No matter how pretty he is, you will have to live with this individual for the next ten to fifteen years. It is more pleasurable (and isn't that the whole purpose for having a dog?) to live with a calm, even-tempered animal than a neurotic dog. In light of the foregoing, it should be obvious that the kind of dog you want will not be found in a pet store, nor through the uneducated seller who has spent little or no time becoming knowledgeable about the breed, or dogs in general. These puppies are merely merchandise to the broker who provides them to the store, or as a quick source of income to the "make a quick buck" seller. The broker who sells to a pet store typically gives the litter minimal veterinary care as this is an expense that will reduce the broker's profit margin, and this may very well be the case with the home-based producer. Tragically, they will then be wrenched from their mothers and siblings at a very early age in order to get them to "market" at the most appealing age of six to eight weeks. Socialization is virtually nonexistent, producing psychological problems that may be irreversible. No care or thought is given to producing a healthy, well adjusted, quality dog by either source, and we do not recommend obtaining your new pet from either one. It is the wisest choice to procure your puppy, your companion, from a reputable breeder who has the best interests of his puppies at heart. Most conscientious breeders are extremely interested in the welfare of their puppies and follow up as to how they have settled into their new homes. They are generally more than happy to assist in this transition by answering questions and offering any advice necessary. For the novice owner, the breeder's knowledge, experience, and expertise on their breed, often acquired over many, many years, can prove to be an invaluable wealth of information. Additionally, in many instances, the sale of a puppy has proven to be the beginning of a lifelong friendship between breeder and buyer. Finally, and most importantly, you will be rewarded for your time and research with a happy, healthy, well-adjusted pet you can be proud of. We, the members of the Dalmatian Club of Greater Indianapolis, Inc., wish you well should you decide to include a Dalmatian as a member of your family. If we can be of any assistance or answer further questions you may have, we encourage you to contact one of our members and attend one of our monthly meetings. We'd love to have you join us!
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