Dalmatian Pups Facts and Health Problems Information
The Dalmatian is one of the easiest dogs to spot. You can see it everywhere in popular culture, from riding on fire trucks in children’s books to the popular Disney cartoons and more. Just like they do in the movies, these dogs are very capable of getting into a lot of mischief, but causing more happiness than harm. History A member of the Non-Sporting Group in the AKC, these dogs arrived from England in the 1700s. Noblemen used to use these dogs to guard their coaches, which they were perfectly suited for because Dalmatians get along great with horses. Their agreeable relationship with horses is actually how their connection to fire stations began. Back when the horses used to being the water wagons, Dalmatians went along for the ride. By the time fire engines replaced the horses, many Dalmatians had already made their way into the hearts of the firefighters and a tradition was born. Appearance The Dalmatian is muscular, but not bulky or stocky and stands at 19 to 24 inches tall. Weighing 45 to 65 pounds, their eyes can be brown or blue or even a combination of the two colors. They have a powerful tail and a sleek coat that is white with black or brown-colored spot markings. New puppies do not have any spots, but as they age, their spots appear. Characteristics Dalmatians have a lot of energy and can struggle with separation anxiety. You will need to plan on taking your puppy or dog on frequent jogs or long walks to burn off the extra energy he might not burn off in the yard by himself. Dalmatians are probably not the best choice for the inexperienced dog owner. With their high energy and propensity towards hyperactive behavior, these dogs can seem difficult to control. They can also be stubborn and hard-headed. You will need to attend puppy obedience classes and socialize the Dalmatian at an early age since many Dalmatian puppies are fearful of other animals and people that they do not know. Health Problems and Grooming Information Because they burn so many calories, Dalmatians love to eat and can eat a lot of food! You will also need to check with the vet for the best formula and nutrition for them. In addition, vitamin supplements can be a good idea for this breed to reduce the risk of kidney or bladder stones. They can also suffer from deafness, hip dysplasia and allergies. Dalmatians do not need a lot of grooming. A simple weekly brush will suffice to remove loose hair and dirt. They can be heavy shedders, so it’s important to make sure you don’t skip weeks! Dalmatians are one-of-a-kind dogs that enjoy a lively lifestyle and have a great personality. They will be attached to you and you will love the look of this beautiful dog near you for years to come. More Dog Breed Articles: |