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Dalmatian:

Whether you know them and love ‘em for their association with fire departments or for the Disney Movie, 101 Dalmatians, this breed of dog is characterized by its white coat and black spots.  Taken from the Croation province of Dalmatia, apparently this breed originated from there.

While the short, dense, and bright coat typically has black (or even brown) spots distributed through its body, this sporty dog is appropriate for active families.  This dog could be considered somewhat high maintenance, in that they like their attention!  

Overall, the dalmatian is loyal and active. They like to run, they like to stay active, and most of all they’re devoted. Actually years ago they began their association with firehouses since they would run in front of the fire department and clear the way.  As a muscular breed, this mid-sized dog has amazing endurance.  With a body type similar to the pointer, they’re known for round feet with well-arched toes.  The ears are thin and set fairly high up.  Nails are usually white or they have the same colors as the spots.  Interestingly enough as it relates to the spots, dalmatian puppies are born with a white coat and develop their spots later on.  Areas of color on the coat at birth are considered a patch; patches disqualify it from the standard of the breed. For instance, patches may result in mating with a non-dalmatian.  After about a week spots start to appear on the dalmatian and then they develop rapidly during the first few weeks.  In fact, spots further develop – in number and size – throughout the dog’s life.  Typically the spots are round and evenly distributed throughout the body; the size may vary. Whether they’re the size of a dime or to a silver dollar, they’re distinct to this particular breed. 

As for their size and weight, typically the weight may range from 45 to 70 pounds where the males weigh more than the females.  While they’re strong, they’re also huge shedders.  Dalmatians shed their short coats considerably more than other dogs.  Their hair will easily stick to clothing, furniture, and other fabrics.  Therefore, owners should be prepared for the never ending stream of dog hairs and people allergic to dogs should not consider this breed. 

Overall, dalmatians are incredibly swift runners. This means they have a lot of stamina and energy and thrive in a country-side environment. In a city dalmatians will not do well since they must be contained.  Since they’re playful, they interact well with children but not by nature; they need to be socialized with children while they’re still puppies and in turn, children need to be taught the correct way to play with this breed. After all, they’re loving and loyal but they’re also very powerful and may inadvertently injure a child while playing. 

Dalmatians require a lot of supervision especially around small children and since they crave being around people, they should be supervised anyway.  However, they need to be accustomed to their owners absence if they need to be left alone.  It’s a catch 22:  they want and need the attention of their owners but there’s as fine line to training dalmatians to also be self-sufficient in their owner’s absence.  Therefore, if they’re left alone in a basement or even a backyard, they don’t do well.  They yearn for human companionship so when going on vacation or out of the house for extended periods of time it’s best to ask a neighbor to watch your precious pooch.