Animals / Dogs

Dalmatian

History of occurrence

Although the most popular theory places the Dalmatian's beginnings in his namesake country, Dalmatia (part of Croatia), his actual origins are unknown. His history is a mysterious one, documented by pictures and paintings of spotted dogs strikingly similar to today's Dalmatian. There are pictures of spotted dogs following Pharaoh's chariots on the royal tombs of Egypt so it is possible the Dalmatian's heritage is more ancient than originally thought. No matter where his actual beginnings, he truly evolved into the dog he is today when he was adopted by the British. A spotted dog, popular in India, was introduced into Great Britain by the English aristocracy after their colonization of that country. His inborn love of horses, coupled with his handsome good looks, made him the first and only "Coach Dog". His function, however, was not simply ornamental. He also served as a guard dog for the coaches, protecting travelers' belongings at the frequent stops along the route.

General form

The Dalmatian should be a balanced, strong, muscular, active dog of good demeanor. Symmetrical in outline, free from coarseness and lumber, capable of great endurance with a fair amount of speed.

Отличительная особенность породы Dalmatian

Head

Head and Skull: the head should be of fair length, the skull flat, reasonably broad between the ears but refined, moderately well defined at the temples, i.e., exhibiting a moderate amount of stop; not in one straight line from nose to occiput bone. Entirely free from wrinkle. The muzzle should be long and powerful, never snipy, the lips clean, fitting the jaw moderately close. The nose in the black spotted variety should always be black, in the liver spotted variety always brown. Eyes: the eyes, set moderately well apart should be of medium size, round, bright and sparkling, with an intelligent expression, their colour, depending on the marking of the dog; dark in the black spotted, amber in the liver spotted. The rim round the eyes should be complete; black in the black spotted and liver brown in the liver spotted. Ears: the ears should be set on rather high, of moderate size, rather wide at the base, gradually tapering to a rounded point. Fine in texture, carried close to the head. The marking should be well broken up, preferably spotted. Mouth: the teeth should meet. The upper slightly overlapping the lower (scissor bite).

Body

Neck: the neck should be fairly long, nicely arched, light and tapering. Entirely free from throatiness. Body: the chest should not be too wide but deep and capacious with plenty of lung and heart room. The ribs well sprung, well defined wither, powerful level back, loins strong, clean and muscular, and slightly arched.

Paws

Forequarters: the shoulders should be moderately oblique, clean and muscular. Elbows close to the body. The forelegs perfectly straight with strong round bone down to the feet, with a slight spring at the pastern joint. Hindquarters: rounded, muscles clean with well developed second thigh, good turn of stifle and hocks well defined. Feet: round, compact, with well arched toes (cat feet) and round tough elastic pads. Nails black or white in the black spotted variety, in the liver spotted - brown or white.

Tail

In length reaching approximately to the hocks. Strong at the insertion gradually tapering towards the end, it should not be inserted too low or too high, be free from coarseness and carried with a slight upward curve, never curled. Preferably spotted.

Wool

The coat is short, dense, fine and close fitting. A correct Dalmatian coat is glossy and sleek.

Movement

The Dalmatian should have great freedom of movement. A smooth, powerful rhythmic action with a long stride. Viewed from behind, the legs should move in parallel the hindlegs tracking the fore. A short stride and paddling action is incorrect.

Size

Height: Dogs — 58.4-61 cm. Bitches — 55.9-58.4 cm.

Character

The Dalmatian is a lively, active dog with plenty of stamina. It is a sensitive and loyal dog breed which bonds very closely with its owner. Friendly and playful, it can also be prone to behaviour problems if not provided with enough exercise and mental stimulation. It adapts easily to new places and responds well to all types of training.

Maintenance care

The Dalmatian needs a lot of regular exercise and attention. It needs more than a short walk on leash; it makes a good jogging companion. It can also have its needs met with vigorous games and runs. Although the Dal can live outside in temperate or warm climates, it needs shelter, soft bedding and, most of all, companionship. Thus, it is best allowed to live in the house and play in the yard. The coat needs only minimal care, but more frequent brushing will help remove dead hair. Lifespan — 12-14 years.

Dignity

Has a short easy-to-brush coat. Thrives on vigorous exercise and interactive family activities. Usually polite with everyone.

Difficulty keeping

Vigorous exercise requirements. Rowdiness and exuberant jumping, especially when young or not exercised enough. Destructiveness and barking when left alone too much. Aggression or fearfulness in some lines, or when not socialized enough. Stubborness, requiring a confident owner who can take charge. Constant shedding — 365 days a year! Serious health issues.

Diseases

The Dalmatian may suffer from minor health concerns like hypothyroidism, allergies, iris sphincter dysplasia, seizures, and major issues like deafness and urinary stones. Some may also be prone to canine hip dysplasia (CHD) or the formation of urinary calculi, as it cannot break down uric acid. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hearing, thyroid, eye, and hip exams.
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