Dalmatian Dog

Dalmatian

Dalmatian Characteristics: The lively and eager Dalmatian is a breed of large dog classified as a member of the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1888). The Dalmatian, is characterized by its distinctive black and white 'spotty dog' appearance with a smooth, wrinkle-free head and bright, clever expression. Other characteristics include round, medium sized, sparkling eyes; short, triangular shaped, dropped ears; a strong and muscular body, long, straight tail and an agile, fluid  gait. The temperament of the Dalmatian can be described as Energetic, Outgoing, Sensitive.

The coat type of the Dalmatian is described as short, fine, spotted coat in white & black, white & brown colors.  Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Dalmatian demonstrated the desired traits of a Herder and  and retrieving dog and is known by its nick name the "Carriage Dog". The origin of the Dalmatian dog breed was in Dalmatia (Croatia and Montenegro) where it was developed in the Ancient Times.

Fast Facts about the Dalmatian: The following facts provide fast information about the Dalmatian breed. Size: Large *** Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1888) *** Nick name: "Carriage Dog" *** Origin: Dalmatia *** Male Height: 22 - 24 inches (50 - 60 cm) *** Female Height: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm) *** Male Weight: 55+ pounds (25 kg) *** Female Weight: 55+ pounds (25 kg) *** Coat Type: short, fine, spotted coat *** Coat Colors: white & black, white & brown colors *** Dalmatian Litter Size: 6-9 puppies *** Health Problems: Skin allergies, Deafness *** Dalmatian Lifespan: 12-14 years *** Hypoallergenic: No

Dalmatian Breed Group and Dog Type - Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1888): The Dalmatian is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1888).

Other names for the Dalmatian: The Dalmatian is known by the nickname of the "Carriage Dog". Other names for this breed of dog include the Spotty Dog, Disney Dog, Dalmatiner, Spotted Coach Dog, Firehouse Dog and Plum Pudding Dog.

Origin of the names: The Dalmatian is so named from the place of its origins in Dalmatia, a region that is now part of Croatia and Montenegro, which was formerly part of Yugoslavia and prior to that time was an Austrian province.

Dalmatian History and Origin: The country of origin of the Dalmatian breed was in Dalmatia during the Ancient Times and is the world's most recognizable dog. The precise ancestry of the Dalmatian is unclear, however a spotted dog, the Cretan Hound, was used as a hunting dog by the Minoan civilization 4,000 years ago. The Minoans were based on the island of Crete and other Greek islands and had lasting contacts across the Mediterranean with Macedonia, Albania and Dalmatia. It is therefore quite feasible that the Minoans introduced their spotted Cretan Hound to Dalmatia and this was a likely ancestor of the Dalmatian dog.

There is also evidence that spotted dogs resembling the Dalmatian were used by the Ancient Egyptians. Images of these dogs have been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs, running alongside horses hunting the fallow deer. The ancient spotted dogs were then used by the Romans who took their dogs across the lands engulfed by the Roman Empire. The endurance and the strength of Dalmatian, and its experience of working with horses led to its use as a dog of war, especially with horse mounted forces. and a guard for livestock. Time passed, and the Dalmatian continued to be used in these activities.

Dalmatian History: It was hundreds of years before another role for the dog was found. Innovations and improved roads in England during the 17th century witnessed the rise in popularity of carriages with their new steel springs and glazing. The attributes of the Dalmatian made the breed a perfect choice as a carriage dog. The Dalmatian was trained to trot alongside horse-drawn carriages ready to protect travellers from robbers and highwaymen. The Dalmatians were usually owned by the wealthy merchants and nobles who favored the security the dogs offered and the ladies liked the elegant look of the breed.

The Dalmatian dogs were trained to attack the horses of thieves providing the occupants of the carriages time to respond to the actual robbers. At night the "carriage dogs" joined the horses in stables as guards and also killed any vermin. The Dalmatian was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s and by the 1870's the Dalmatian was used as a "fire-house dog" running alongside the horse-drawn fire engines and barking to alert people to clear the way for them. Some US fire stations still keep Dalmatians as mascots. The Dalmatian was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888.

Dalmatian Modern History: The modern history of the Dalmatian moved on and the breed is now used as an energetic family pet that enjoys an active lifestyle. To this day the Dalmatian still has a great affinity to horses.

Dalmatian History - The Budweiser Dog: The Dalmatian was also used as the early days of brewing to accompany beer wagons on their delivery rounds. In 1950's a Dalmatian was introduced by the Anheuser-Busch beer company as the emblem of the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Dalmatian History - 101 Dalmatians Movie: The 1961 cartoon Disney movie '101 Dalmatians' increased the popularity of the breed and follow-up movies have ensured this trend has continued. The Disney cartoon was based on a 1956 children's book by Dodie Smith and recounts how a litter of Dalmatians is kidnapped by the evil Cruella De Vil but are rescued by their parents, Pongo and Perdita.

Dalmatian History - Firehouse Dog (2007 Movie): The 20th Century Fox 2007 movie 'Firehouse Dog'  starring Josh Hutcherson, Bruce Greenwood is the story of Dewey, a dalamatian, who reaches his potential as a Firehouse dog.

Dalmatian Height: The Dalmatian breed is classified as a large sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 22 - 24 inches (50 - 60 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm).

Dalmatian Weight: Not surprisingly for a large sized dog, the weight of a Dalmatian male dog is 55+ pounds (25 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is 55+ pounds (25 kg).

Dalmatian Coat Type: The coat type is described as a short, fine, spotted coat. The Dalmatian is valued for more defined and well distributed spotted markings.

Dalmatian Coat Colors: The colors of the Dalmatian dog breed include white & black, white & brown (liver) colors.

Dalmatian Grooming - LOW Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Dalmatian are categorized as Low in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The limited dog grooming needs of the Dalmatian are therefore considered to be low maintenance, requiring limited attention to grooming with casual brushing and combing. Dog Grooming needs should also include bathing the Dalmatian on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the eyes, ears, nails and teeth.

Dalmatian Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 6-9 puppies. Dalmatian puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Dalmatian puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Dalmatian puppies are born pure
white, and the black or liver colored spots only start to appear when the puppy is about four weeks old.

Dalmatian Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Lively, Energetic, Outgoing, Sensitive and Eager.

Dalmatian Exercise Requirements - HIGH Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is high. The Dalmatian requires regular daily exercise consisting of approximately one to two hours each day. This large, powerful dog has an effortless, agile, fluid gait with strides of a moderate length and requires a brisk walking speed or jogging by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements.

Dalmatian Diet: A fully grown Dalmatian should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat.

Dalmatian Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Dalmatian breed include Skin allergies, Deafness . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Dalmatian dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No.

Dalmatian Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Dalmatian breed is 12-14 years.

Dalmatian Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Dalmatian breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Dalmatian names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Jinx *** Bruno *** Spike *** Spot *** Max *** Buddy *** Toby *** Gus *** Dylan *** Festus *** Rocky.

Dalmatian Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the Dalmatian girl dog. Our top choice of good female Dalmatian names are Roxy *** Hannah *** Princess *** Kishi *** Missy *** Zara *** Dixie *** Sugar *** Zara *** Bobbi *** Chloe.

Fast Facts about the Dalmatian: The following facts provide fast information about the Dalmatian breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Non Sporting Dog Group (AKC:1888) *** Size: Large *** Country of Origin: Dalmatia *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Dalmatian Height: 22 - 24 inches (50 - 60 cm) *** Male Dalmatian Weight: 55+ pounds (25 kg) *** Coat Type: short, fine, spotted coat *** Litter Size: 6-9 puppies *** Dalmatian Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Dalmatian Lifespan: 12-14 years ***

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