The Dalmatian is one of the most recognizable breeds known by most everyone from age two and up due to the association with firehouses, the famous Budweiser wagon and Disney’s classic movie 101 Dalmatians. 

 The Dalmatian is indeed a very old breed having been one of only five breeds to be shown in Great Britain’s second dog show in 1860.  Records have been found to indicate that Dalmatians had been used as coaching dogs since the late 1600’s.  However, it is not known the exact beginnings of the breed.  It’s commonly accepted that the breed has it’s origins in Dalmatia which would have been in the area of what is now known as Croatia,   still referred to as the Dalmatian Coast. 

 The Dalmatian is included in the Non-sporting group with the American Kennel Club.   Though the breed is most versatile and has been used in many disciplines from coaching dogs, guard dogs, military dogs, agility dogs, obedience dogs, tracking dogs and hunting dogs.  A Dalmatian is easily trained and very happy to please if trained with firm but positive methods.  If forced a Dalmatian will resist and if repeated too often he will get bored.

 Dalmatians come in two colors black & white and liver & white.  Black dogs will have black noses and eye trim while liver will have brown noses and eye trim.  Dalmatians are born all white and receive their spots at about two weeks of age.  This is due to the actions of two separate genes.  The solid white gene stops pigment from showing in the hair thus a Dalmatian is genetically a solid black or liver dog with an overlay of white.  The spots are formed by the ticking gene which randomly allows some of the coat color to show through.

 The Dalmatian has health problems that must be addressed.  Dalmatians can be deaf in either one ear (Unilateral hearing) or both ears (Bilateral Deaf).  As in many breeds this can be found in conjunction with the solid white gene.  Dalmatian puppies should be tested when young approx 6 weeks with the BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing which will determine the puppies level of hearing.  Another important health problem in Dalmatians is bladder stones.  All Dalmatians have a recessive gene which causes a high level of uric acid which can lead to the formation of urate crystals which in turn band together to create stones.  Proper diet low in purines and the consumption of plenty of water to flush the bladder can help prevent the actual formation of stones.  This is particularly a problem in male Dalmatians due to the physiology of their urinary tract.  Therefore, owners of male Dalmatians should be observant to ensure their boys haven’t developed a blockage.  Also of note it is recommended that male Dalmatians not be neutered until the year of one age when their urinary tract has reached maturity.  Other health problems of the breed include epilepsy, thyroid conditions and iris sphincter dysplasia.

 One of the first questions asked about Dalmatians is “Do they shed?” the answer is a resounding YES!  Their coat will shed throughout the year.  Though they are a short hair you will still need to invest in a pet hair roller.  Frequent grooming will help but not get rid of the shedding entirely.

The Dalmatian is a very versatile dog competing in many performance venues as well as conformation.  The Dalmatian Club of America also offers road trials which enable Dalmatians to go back to their roots of coach dog.  As a pet the Dalmatian is a fun loving family dog however, the owners should ensure that enough exercise is offered as the breed does have a high energy level due to being bred to trot alongside horse drawn carriages for many miles a day.   This has often led to the accusations that Dalmatians are hyper.   Given adequate exercise and training a Dalmatians is a most cherished family friend.