Dalmatian

Coat & Grooming: Their coats are fine and short, but Dalmatians shed a lot. Regular brushing is critical – daily grooming sessions are a must. Since their coats have very little natural oil, the breed has almost no "dog smell". The short, stiff hairs from a Dalmatian can be very difficult to remove from upholstery or carpeting. It pays to invest in a good vacuum and stick to a strict grooming schedule.

Aside from their heavy shedding, Dalmatians can suffer from ear and eye problems. When you do your daily grooming, take a moment to inspect their ears, eyes, teeth, and nails for signs of inflammation or irritation. Don't let their nails get too long, and make sure their teeth get brushed on a regular basis to avoid common dental problems.

Coat length: Short

Grooming: Frequent

Shedding: Dalmatians are big shedders, and they do it year-round. If you prefer a pristine home without the obvious presence of pets, this breed isn't a good choice for you. If you are up for the challenge of owning a Dalmatian and keeping a clean house, it's worth spending money on proper dog grooming tools and a good vacuum. A high-quality dog brush and a daily grooming session are your best defense against the Dalmatian's prolific shedding.

Training: Dalmatians are intelligent and perceptive dogs, and they like to learn given the right approach and learning environment. Without the right guidance and training early in life, they can develop a stubborn attitude and an independent mind. Despite their sturdy frame, Dalmatians can be sensitive. They don't respond well to harsh training methods, so it's important to use positive reinforcement and lots of praise to keep them engaged in your lessons.

Barking: Understanding your dog: Dalmatians are not a terribly loud breed, but they do bark from time to time. Early socialization and obedience classes can help your Dalmatian develop a well-rounded personality. If your Dalmatian barks at every passing bird and car, it may be a sign of health or behavioral problems.

Temperament & Behavior: Dalmatians are calm and collected, and they make great family pets. Throughout history, the Dalmatian was prized for their unique looks and dignified presence. As carriage dogs, they helped to calm horses with their stoic bravery and endless working energy. Today, Dalmatians make good family pets, but they require a lot of exercise to stay healthy and happy. They have a loving and devoted attitude towards their family, and they aren't overly aggressive with strangers. Dalmatians are very intelligent and without the proper training, they can develop a stubborn streak.

Behavior with kids: Dalmatians are a great breed for families with children. They are very gentle and loving when it comes to children and members of their family. Since they are a sizeable breed, it's important to supervise small children and people unfamiliar with dog handling. Generally, they are very friendly and tolerant dogs.

Protection: Dalmatians were originally protection animals for long carriage rides, but they don't make great guard dogs these days. The breed is typically friendly and docile, and they don't bark much. If you're looking for a home security system, a Dalmatian is a poor choice. They are great companions, but they aren't very protective when it comes to strangers.

Life Span: On average, Dalmatians live to be about 13-15 years old.

Inherited health issues: Many conditions have been recognized in Dalmatians both at an increased frequency in the breed or through inheritance. The most commonly well-known of these conditions are congenital deafness and the propensity for forming urate crystals in the urine. Other conditions may include: truncal solar dermatitis, chronic hepatitis, cryptococcosis, caryngeal paralysis, polyneuropathy syndrome, cavitating leukodystrophy, ceroid lipofuscinosis, ocular dermoids, glaucoma, entropion and familial renal disease.

Preventive care: Routine veterinary care is critical for all dogs and your veterinarian is well trained to pick up on even subtle changes that can indicate larger health problems. Since congenital (inherited) deafness occurs relatively commonly in Dalmatians, all Dalmatian puppies should have a brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test performed at least 35 days after birth. Specialists in veterinary neurology most commonly perform this test for responsible breeders and provide certification for breeders to share with owners. Deaf dogs can become startled easily, which can lead to inadvertent aggressive behavior.

Prescription diets are available to manage the urate urinary crystals that Dalmatians are prone to developing. These diets have not been found to be necessary as a preventative measure in dogs that are currently unaffected by urate urinary crystals. With Dalmatians in particular, always monitor your dog for changes in urinary habits or water consumption and contact your veterinarian with any concerns.

Be sure to keep your Dalmatian at a lean and healthy body weight throughout life. The best way to manage this is to feed portion-controlled meals while avoiding excessive treats or table scraps.

Nutrition: Dalmatians can become overweight if over-fed or under-exercised, so be sure to monitor your dog's weight closely. Feed portion-controlled meals and avoid excessive quantities of treats or table scraps. If your Dalmatian is diagnosed with urate crystals in their urine, you may need to transition their diet to a prescription-based formula designed to decrease the formation of these crystals. If this diet change is needed, expect to feed this food for the duration of your Dalmatian's life.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Dalmatian is 1.5 - 2.5 cups

Energy Level: Frisky, energetic breed that is always ready for action

Exercise: If you aren't a fitness fanatic, it may be a struggle to get enough exercise for your Dalmatian. They have endless energy and abundant enthusiasm for running. Since they cut their teeth as working dogs, Dalmatians aren't afraid of heavy labor and long days in the fields. If you can't devote a lot of time to your Dalmatian, you might consider the services of a local dog walker to make sure your dog gets enough exercise. Without the right fitness regime, they quickly develop health and behavioral problems.

Climate: Dalmatians can survive in most climates, but they don't like to be in extremely hot or cold weather. If you live in a place with very hot summers or very cold winters, you need to make sure that your dog isn't overexposed to the elements. Some time in the shade with the water bowl or a winter coat can help a Dalmatian manage in extreme conditions.

Living space: Dalmatians are large dogs with abundant energy. They don't make good apartment dogs, and it's a bit cruel to leave them alone in a small space all day. If you live in a small apartment or condo unit, this probably isn't the dog for you.