The Dalmatian (Croatian: Dalmatinac) is a breed of dog whose roots are often said to trace back to Dalmatia, a region of Croatia where the first illustrations of dog have been found. It is noted for its white coat with either black or brown spots.
Appearance
Body
This popular breed of dog is a well-muscled, mid-sized, elegant dog with excellent endurance and stamina. The Dalmatian is slightly longer than tall according to the European (FCI) standard. The American Kennel Club standard states that the dog should be more square, as long from forechest to buttocks as it is tall at the withers. Shoulder should be well laid back and rear angulation should match the front with the stifle well-bent indicating good angulation in the rear. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. The nails are white and/or the same color as the spots. The ears are thin, tapering toward the tip, set fairly high and carried close to the head.
Size
The breed standard for Dalmatians varies slightly from country to country, with the FCI allowing a larger dog than does the AKC. In general, the height for the Dalmatian is between 19 and 24 inches (48 and 61 cm) at the withers and the weight is from 35 to 70 pounds (16 to 32 kg) fully grown. Males are usually larger than females.
Coat
The Dalmatian coat is short, fine, and dense. Dalmatians shed considerably, and shed year-round. The short, stiff hairs shed by Dalmatians will weave their way into clothing, upholstery and nearly any other kind of fabric. While consistent grooming with a hound mitt or curry can lessen the amount of hair that Dalmatians shed, nothing can completely prevent the shedding.
Occasionally, smooth-coated Dalmatians will produce long-coated offspring which shed less often. These dogs are still purebred Dalmatians but cannot be shown.
Coloring
Dalmatian puppies are born white, and their spots come in gradually over the period of a couple of weeks.
The most common colours for Dalmatians are black or brown spotted on a white background. Other spotting colors, although rare and not permitted for showing, include blue (a blue-grayish color), orange or lemon (dark to pale yellow), brindle, mosaic, and tri-colored (with tan spotting on the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and chest).
Patches often occur in the breed and are a disqualification in the show ring. Patches are present at birth, and consist of a solid color. Patches can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the head and ears. Patches are not to be confused with heavily spotted areas on a dog, however. Spots should be in size of a quarter to half-dollar.
Eye colour in Dalmatians is brown, amber, or blue. Dalmatians may have one blue eye and one brown eye. While blue eyes are accepted by the AKC, blue eyes are regarded as a fault in many kennel clubs. The CKC faults any eye color other than black, brown or amber,and the Kennel Club (UK) allows only dark eyes in black-spotted dogs, and amber eyes in liver-spotted dogs.
Temperament
The Dalmatian is usually an incredibly loyal and active dog. Usually good with other pets, notably horses, dalmatians make an excellent addition to a family that already has animals of any kind. Dalmatians are an active breed and do not do well being left alone for long periods of time; however they will be thrilled to go for walks, or runs, and play with an active owner. They also enjoy lots of affection indoors. Dalmatians are known for their loyal nature and thrive on human companionship. Dalmatians are occasionally known to have a stubborn streak, but are revered for their excellent memories. Dalmatians have a real need for love and companionship from a young age and do best living as part of a family. If given exercise, love, and training a Dalmatian will be tirelessly loyal and affectionate.
Some dalmatians, if not exercised properly or if cooped up, can become aggressive. In most cases they tend to bark, even if it is just for play.
Uses
The dalmatian is very powerful, but very sensitive and needs training with kindness and consistency - not force. Its boundless energy makes it great for a rescue dog, or an athletic partner, or active family member.
Appearance
Body
This popular breed of dog is a well-muscled, mid-sized, elegant dog with excellent endurance and stamina. The Dalmatian is slightly longer than tall according to the European (FCI) standard. The American Kennel Club standard states that the dog should be more square, as long from forechest to buttocks as it is tall at the withers. Shoulder should be well laid back and rear angulation should match the front with the stifle well-bent indicating good angulation in the rear. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. The nails are white and/or the same color as the spots. The ears are thin, tapering toward the tip, set fairly high and carried close to the head.
Size
The breed standard for Dalmatians varies slightly from country to country, with the FCI allowing a larger dog than does the AKC. In general, the height for the Dalmatian is between 19 and 24 inches (48 and 61 cm) at the withers and the weight is from 35 to 70 pounds (16 to 32 kg) fully grown. Males are usually larger than females.
Coat
The Dalmatian coat is short, fine, and dense. Dalmatians shed considerably, and shed year-round. The short, stiff hairs shed by Dalmatians will weave their way into clothing, upholstery and nearly any other kind of fabric. While consistent grooming with a hound mitt or curry can lessen the amount of hair that Dalmatians shed, nothing can completely prevent the shedding.
Occasionally, smooth-coated Dalmatians will produce long-coated offspring which shed less often. These dogs are still purebred Dalmatians but cannot be shown.
Coloring
Dalmatian puppies are born white, and their spots come in gradually over the period of a couple of weeks.
The most common colours for Dalmatians are black or brown spotted on a white background. Other spotting colors, although rare and not permitted for showing, include blue (a blue-grayish color), orange or lemon (dark to pale yellow), brindle, mosaic, and tri-colored (with tan spotting on the eyebrows, cheeks, legs, and chest).
Patches often occur in the breed and are a disqualification in the show ring. Patches are present at birth, and consist of a solid color. Patches can appear anywhere on the body, but are most common on the head and ears. Patches are not to be confused with heavily spotted areas on a dog, however. Spots should be in size of a quarter to half-dollar.
Eye colour in Dalmatians is brown, amber, or blue. Dalmatians may have one blue eye and one brown eye. While blue eyes are accepted by the AKC, blue eyes are regarded as a fault in many kennel clubs. The CKC faults any eye color other than black, brown or amber,and the Kennel Club (UK) allows only dark eyes in black-spotted dogs, and amber eyes in liver-spotted dogs.
Temperament
The Dalmatian is usually an incredibly loyal and active dog. Usually good with other pets, notably horses, dalmatians make an excellent addition to a family that already has animals of any kind. Dalmatians are an active breed and do not do well being left alone for long periods of time; however they will be thrilled to go for walks, or runs, and play with an active owner. They also enjoy lots of affection indoors. Dalmatians are known for their loyal nature and thrive on human companionship. Dalmatians are occasionally known to have a stubborn streak, but are revered for their excellent memories. Dalmatians have a real need for love and companionship from a young age and do best living as part of a family. If given exercise, love, and training a Dalmatian will be tirelessly loyal and affectionate.
Some dalmatians, if not exercised properly or if cooped up, can become aggressive. In most cases they tend to bark, even if it is just for play.
Uses
The dalmatian is very powerful, but very sensitive and needs training with kindness and consistency - not force. Its boundless energy makes it great for a rescue dog, or an athletic partner, or active family member.