Dalmatian
Rocky and Denver from Recycled Canines Dalmatian Rescue
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Average Height(“‘s)
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Average Weight (#’s)
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Personality
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Coat
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Grooming
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Notes for owners
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21
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55
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Energetic and people orientated
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Short, dense and fine | Cat-like in cleanliness. Sheds often. |
Needs daily exercise – not just a walk. Consistent firm training. Needs quality time with its owner.
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One of the oldest breeds, the Dalmatian has remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Tradition suggests that these dogs come from Dalmatia, a region along the Adriatic Sea. Dalmatians have been war dogs, guard dogs, shepherds, bird dogs and retrievers. Its great retentive memory made it a star circus and stage performer. But his most famous role (job) is as a coaching dog following wagons, chariots, and other horse drawn vehicles including — fire trucks.
Dalmatians have the instinct for coaching bred, born and trained into them. This breed takes to horses like ducks to water. It has been known to lead, follow, or coach from under the axle.
Dalmatians do not look like any other breed. Its rounded spots of jet black or deep brown are unique. Puppies are born all with with a unique pattern of spots developing in the first weeks of life. The Dalmatian is strong-bodied, clean-cut and distinctive. This breed is quiet, but with a bark easily identifiable as play or purpose. They have a high protective instinct, able to defend and making an ideal guard dog.
They have a pleasant personality, eager to please. They love to run and jump so time and room for such exercise must be available. Good house dogs, and they crave owner attention. Left to its own devices it will get onto trouble.
8 to 12% of Dalmatians are born deaf. While such a handicap disallows the dog from the show ring, deaf dalmatians are easily trained to hand signals.
According to the AKC standards Dalmatians are distinctly spotted, poised, alert, strong, muscular and active. Capable of endurance and speed. They are medium-sized, standing under 23 inches at the withers. The head is in balance with the overall dog, with a long neck and powerful muzzle. Teeth must meet in a scissor bite.
Feet are an important part of the Dalmatian’s makeup. Both front and rear feet are round and compact with thick elastic pads and well arched toes. Flat feet are a major fault and disqualification. The coat of the Dalmatian is as important as its feet. The basic color is pure white. Spots are either black or liver colored, only. The spots themselves should be round and well-defined, in sizes from dime to half-dollar. Th spots should be pleasing to the eye and evenly distributed. Spots are usually smaller on the head, legs and tail.
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