Dalmatians are a universally loved dog breed, from their incarnations in Disney to being the mascot of many U.S firehouses. It is hard not to love these sweet, spotted hounds.
Basic Stats
Height- 56-61 cm
Weight- 15-32 kg
Size- Medium
Coat- Short, fine and dense
Lifespan- 13-16 years
Exercise needs- At least 2 hours per day
Personality
Dalmatians are extremely energetic and playful dogs. They are also known to be pretty sensitive. They are incredibly loyal so they form a very tight bond with their family and are generally very good with kids too. However, some experts caution that due to their very excitable and energetic nature they may not be an ideal breed for families with very young children.
This breed is also very intelligent and highly trainable. Socially speaking, Dalmatians can be quite reserved with strangers and aggressive towards other dogs. If not well socialised they can be either timid or a bit highly strung with new dogs and people.
Human companionship is something Dalmatians require to thrive. If left alone for too long they might start to pout or sulk. They may even become destructive if they start to feel lonely. Therefore, Dalmatians as a breed are better suited for someone who spends time at home and has plenty of time to dedicate to a pet.
They are also known for having excellent memories
Origin of Dalmatian dog breed
When you see a Dalmatian the first thing that comes to mind is probably Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.
It is not known for definite where the breed originated from. However, the name presumably originates from Dalmatia, a coastal area of Austria. The breed became popular in the 1800s when they were used to protect horses and carriages from threats along the road.
Throughout history they have also been used as hunting dogs although these days they are primarily a companion animal.
Exercise & nutrition
Dalmatians are one of the higher energy dog breeds and need a lot of exercise to work off some of this energy. Due to their desire to run and play so much they probably aren’t suited to people living in apartments and flats. However this could still work so long as owners are committed to long walks and runs everyday.
Dog breeds that require this amount of exercise and energy expenditure tend to become disobedient and badly behaved if they don’t meet their exercise needs.
In terms of nutritional needs, Dalmatians tend to be more complicated than other dog breeds, usually needing to adhere to a low purine diet as they are prone to bladder stones. Therefore this dog breed tends to do better with a moderate but high quality protein, high complex carbohydrates and low fat diet. Complex carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits and low purine vegetables. It is also recommended to watch their salt intake.
Grooming a Dalmatian
Their coats are generally pretty short which means keeping a Dalmatian well groomed is easier than some dog breeds. Maintain their coat with a simple brushing routine. They will sometimes require a full shampoo and wash but overuse of products results in a loss of coat oils making their hair seem dull. Sometimes just wash them with only water before drying them off with a towel.
Do you have a Dalmatian?
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