Dalmatian
A dog that loves attention, Dalmatian is a breed which is cut-out for families who are looking for companion dogs. These dogs are curious of everything around them and therefore is an excellent watchdog as well.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
varies
24-32 kg
10-13 years
Croatia
pure
non-sporting
Characteristics of the Dalmatian
Dalmatian are dogs who are born to run and hold an endless capacity for exercise. Also, these dogs simply love attention and will do anything to make their owners happy. Even though they are intelligent dogs, you can boost their learning capacity by rewarding them with treats from time to time. When it comes to their behaviour, they are friendlier to everyone though you need to socialise them at puppyhood itself. As they are interested in everything which is going around them, they can be watchdogs who will alert you at the moment they see something suspicious.
Coat
The Dalmatian's coat is its signature. They are pure white, without variations, and with black or liver-colored (dark brown) spots and rounded shape all over the body. The hairs are short and hard, but at the same time they are smooth and shiny. Dalmatian puppies are born all white, the spots start to appear from the second week of life. The bad news is that they shed a lot! You can, and should, brush it frequently to remove dead hairs before they fall out in order to reduce their shedding problem. A slicker brush would be ideal for Dalmatian as it effectively removes the dead hair and grime from their coat. There is no need to bathe them often if you are regular with grooming, Too much bathing can strip off the essential oils from their skin that keep their skin shiny. On occasional bathing, try to use shampoos and conditioners which will help in keeping their skin soft and shiny.
Pet Profile
Best Dog Food For Dalmatian
Doesn't matter if it is a kibble diet or a mixed diet, a Dalmatian should get the right amount of nutrients from your daily food intake. Even though many owners like to tweak with the type of food their dog eats, the amount remains the same anyhow. First and foremost, Protein should be the primary focus as a nutrient as Dalmatians are an active dog breed. They would need around 20% of protein level in order to maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. Dalmatians also need good amount of fats as they are one of the best sources of energy to keep these dogs healthy. Fats are also helpful in keeping their skin healthy as well as shiny. Essential minerals like Calcium and Phosphorus also go a long way in keeping their bones and teeth strong and healthy. These minerals can be provided to your dogs by feeding them foods like Whole Meat, Vegetable and OIl in diets. When it comes to the amount of foods, puppies can be given 3 to 4 meals a day whereas adult Dalmatians only need 2 meals per day.
Grooming Your Dalmatian
Dalmatian are dogs who require regular grooming from their owners. Even though they can be bathed less frequently, they do regular brushing every now and then. The main reason for this being their constant shedding which can happen throughout the year. It is suggested to owners to use a rubber brush as it is ideal to clean their short hair. Running over the brush regularly over their hair can reduce the problem of hairfall and danders significantly. When it comes to bathing, it is advised to wash them once every two weeks. While bathing them, owners should go over the dog's entire body as it helps to loosen dirt and grease from the skin. In order to keep Dalmatian's coat in supple condition, consider using good shampoos and conditioners that restores the natural sheen of their skin.
Taking Care of a Dalmatian
As you can see from the previous topics, the main care you must have if you want to have a Dalmatian is to keep him always active. He needs long walks every day and periods of intense activity with games, play, interaction and stimulation. Therefore, they are not suitable for living in small spaces, even if they perform outdoor activities daily. They are big dogs and this buildup of energy doesn't go well with tight spaces. Dalmatians, despite shed fur, do not require too much care with their appearance. They need regular brushing and bathing only when necessary. In general, they are very hygienic and do not easily smell bad. Although they love open spaces, they are attached to tutors and like to sleep close to people. They do not do well with long periods left alone, this can cause behavior problems such as destroying furniture and objects.
History of Dalmatians
The Dalmatian is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world due to its characteristic physical appearance. And also, of course, in 1961 the release of the Disney classic “101 Dalmatians” made these puppies even more notoriety. Although everyone knows the story of the film, the origin of the race is uncertain. The name comes from the region of Dalmatia in Croatia, where there are traces of the breed. However, other older evidence that the race already existed have been found. For example, in Egypt they found tomb paintings that closely resembled Dalmatian features. Also, drawings inside a chapel in Italy dating from the 1360s depicted spotted dogs, similar to the Dalmatians we know today. In 1888 the breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club.