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THE PURCHASE OF ANY BREED OF DOG IS NOT A DECISION TO BE UNDERTAKEN LIGHTLY. PLEASE DO NOT BUY A DALMATIAN SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU HAVE SEEN THE DISNEY FILM THE DALMATIAN This leaflet about the Dalmatian is written by "Dalmatianists" to provide you with some basic information about our very special breed. It is intended that you will understand some of the pleasures of owning this breed of dog, whilst including some of the problems which can arise - after all no breed is perfect! Overall, Dalmatians are usually intelligent, alert, loving companions who enjoy the company of their human owners. They are clean and relatively easy to train providing you are prepared to invest the time and attention which good training always requires. If you do not provide them with a consistent, loving environment which will keep the dog happy, then you may end up with a house and garden destroyed and an unhappy dog with whom you may not wish to share your life! History What is a Dalmatian? This spotted dog, either black spotted (the most commonly seen) or liver (brown) has been given many names Spotted Dick, the coach or carriage dog. You may remember him as the "spotty dog" in a childhood book, William Woodentop from BBC TV or from Disney's 101 Dalmatians cartoon. The Dalmatian's origin is unknown, though there are theories which place him in Asia, Europe and Africa. The breed certainly has ancient roots and there are engravings from ancient Egypt which show a Dalmatian-type dog running with Egyptian chariots. Dalmatians were also a favourite with Romanies in Europe and first written references calling this spotted dog a Dalmatian occur in the late 18th Century which found the breed in the Dalmatia region of Yugoslavia. Today's Dalmatian So what is today's Dalmatian really like? Physically, the dog is usually of medium size, around 22-24 inches to the shoulder. He or she has a short haired coat with a black or liver spotted flashy appearance. Dalmatians for pet homes, and for those who choose to show them, are usually lively energetic dogs, who like people and often love children, but require kind but firm discipline. They need daily exercise and contact with people and are not suitable for people who cannot provide them with either. Nor are they for the house-proud as they will often shed their coats year round - usually white hairs when you're wearing black or dark colours, and black/brown hairs when you're wearing light colours! Dralon or velvet upholstery is not quite the right furnishing fabric for this breed, who sometimes believe they are lap dogs! These are some points which will tell you a little more about this breed:- Size They are not small, so they need training in order that they come when called and do not rush up to strangers. Some Dalmatians are good at jumping up, so they need fenced in gardens. Stamina Athletic and extrovert, they need regular exercise with free running to burn off some energy, and afterwards a quiet place of their own to sleep in. Strength These dogs are usually quite strong physically, once again firm training is required. Smiling Dalmatians often love to smile (lifting their lips and showing some teeth). It may look a bit like a snarl, but be assured many Dalmatians do smile! Intelligent & Alert This dog has been used for a range of activities - retrieving and flushing game are two from the past, BUT today's dogs may enjoy agility or being a PAT dog (where the dog and owner visit sick and/or elderly people in hospitals or homes). They are often greedy and with their keen sense of smell and intelligence, they can become accomplished thieves! Showing is often an activity which the Dalmatian along with his or her owner may enjoy. Obedience or agility are other possible leisure activities. This breed sometimes suffers from congenital deafness, so be sure that, if you choose to buy a puppy, it can hear. Most reputable breeders will be able to confirm this. There is a tendency for some Dalmatians to suffer from mild skin conditions or kidney stones, which will not be apparent at the puppy stage. Purchasing a Dalmatian Whether you choose to show or just want a lively and active dog as a pet, be sure to consult a reputable breeder through one of the breed clubs in this country - The North of England Dalmatian Club, the oldest in the world; The British Dalmatian Club; The Dalmatian Club of Scotland; or the Northern Ireland Dalmatian Club. Currently, the Secretaries of the above Clubs are:-
As part of the Dalmatian Clubs' commitment to Dalmatian welfare we have Puppy Co-ordinators who will give you information on litters bred by Members or those sired by Members' dogs. We also have a Rescue Dog service which helps with Dalmatians who for a variety of reasons cannot continue to live with their owners. This is often because a marriage breakdown, human health problems, or financial difficulties, and so the Club attempts to re-home these, often older dogs, with suitable individuals or families. Details of Puppy Co-ordinators and/or Rescue are available through the Secretary. Most breeders are committed to the welfare of the breed and you should look for someone who has spent time with the puppies so that they are socialised. Breeders usually have one litter at a time as they are often show dog owners whose prime interest is in breeding a dog with a good temperament and fitting the Kennel Club Standard for the breed. You should expect to be interviewed as to whether You are the right type of person to live with a Dalmatian You may decide that you would like to show your puppy, and if the puppy is of sufficient show quality, your breeder will provide information and guidance in this area. Reputable breeders usually establish a relationship with you, which should support you and your Dalmatian through his/her lifetime. Therefore, you should contact your breeder in the first instance, should any problem arise. All Dalmatians, whether they are shown or not, thrive on being pets. All puppies are "pet" puppies and some may not be shown because they have blue eyes (which does not impair their vision in any way), patches of solid colour or spotting which is variable in size or colour. Clubs welcome all Dalmatian owners who genuinely care for their dogs and follow the Code of Conduct adopted by the recognised Dalmatian Clubs. Author: CCP Whilst this document has been produced in good faith, the North of England Dalmatian Club or its Committee cannot be held responsible for any error or omission it may contain. |