The Dalmatian has been used in a variety of roles over the years. The dog has been used to hunt, rat, war dog, circus dog, chariot dog, fire dog, agility field dog, backpacking dog, and family pet. The breed is most famous for being a chariot dog and a fire dog. They get along very well with horses and being strong, athletic, and of great endurance, it became natural for them to accompany carriages. In addition, they are good watchdogs, so they were useful for fire trucks to protect horses and the fire station, while the firefighter was fighting the fire. These traits are still seen today. They are very loyal to the family and enjoy an active family that will play with them. They are not prone to barking a lot, unless there is a good reason. Your Dalmatian needs daily exercise and activity to keep him happy and busy. He is an intelligent dog that likes to play and be active. Dalmatians can be easily trained with lots of positive reinforcement. always and enjoy the treats as a reward.
If you are considering a Dalmatian, there are two typical health problems for the breed. The most common problem is hereditary deafness in the breed. Statistics vary, but nearly 10% are totally deaf at birth and 25-30% are deaf in one ear. This can make training a challenge! In an effort to eliminate this problem, breeders are encouraged to euthanize deaf puppies. The other common health problem in Dalmatians is urinary stones. The urinary tract is unique to the breed and owners should limit the amount of protein in the diet to help decrease stone formation. In addition, the dog must have fresh water at all times. It is also recommended that the dog not go for long periods of time without being able to urinate. Therefore, they may not be the best option for a single inhabitant of an apartment. The breed is considered a healthy breed, with a lifespan of 10 to 13 years.
The Dalmatian is an athletic and energetic dog that requires regular exercise and loves to play. They are considered a large breed, standing around 19 to 24 inches tall and weighing 45 to 55 pounds. They like to be active and play, they make a great watchdog, and they like children and other pets, including cats! One consideration is that they moved throughout the year! This means that brushing is a one-year proposal and consideration. The fur naturally repels dirt and water, so they are easy to keep clean and only require baths a few times a year. Dalmatians do not develop the typical “dog smell” of some other breeds. Grooming mainly consists of trimming the nails, brushing the teeth, brushing the fur a couple of times a week, and checking the ears.