Dalmatians
History
The
Dalmatian is indeed a very old breed having been one
of only five
breeds to be shown in Great Britain’s
second dog show in 1860. Records have been found to indicate
that Dalmatians had been used as coaching dogs since the
late 1600’s. However, it is not known the exact beginnings
of the breed. It’s commonly accepted that the breed
has it’s origins in Dalmatia which would have been
in the area of what is now known as Croatia, still referred
to as the Dalmatian Coast.
The Dalmatian is included in the Non-sporting group with
the American Kennel Club. Though the breed is most versatile
and has been used in many disciplines from coaching dogs,
guard dogs, military dogs, agility dogs, obedience dogs,
tracking dogs and hunting dogs. A Dalmatian is easily trained
and very happy to please if trained with firm but positive
methods. If forced a Dalmatian will resist and if repeated
too often he will get bored.
Dalmatians come
in two colors black & white and liver & white.
Black dogs will have black noses and eye trim while liver
will have brown noses and eye trim. Dalmatians are born
all white and receive their spots at about two weeks of
age. This is due to the actions of two separate genes.
The solid white gene stops pigment from showing in the
hair thus a Dalmatian is genetically a solid black or liver
dog with an overlay of white. The spots are formed by the
ticking gene which randomly allows some of the coat color
to show through.
The Dalmatian
has health problems that must be addressed. Dalmatians
can be deaf in either one ear (Unilateral hearing)
or both ears (Bilateral Deaf). As in many breeds this can
be found in conjunction with the solid white gene. Dalmatian
puppies should be tested when young approx 6 weeks with
the BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing which
will determine the puppies level of hearing. Another important
health problem in Dalmatians is bladder stones. All Dalmatians
have a recessive gene which causes a high level of uric
acid which can lead to the formation of urate crystals
which in turn band together to create stones. Proper diet
low in purines and the consumption of plenty of water to
flush the bladder can help prevent the actual formation
of stones. This is particularly a problem in male Dalmatians
due to the physiology of their urinary tract. Therefore,
owners of male Dalmatians should be observant to ensure
their boys haven’t developed a blockage. Also of
note it is recommended that male Dalmatians not be neutered
until the year of one age when their urinary tract has
reached maturity. Other health problems of the breed include
epilepsy, thyroid conditions and iris sphincter dysplasia.
One of the first
questions asked about Dalmatians is “Do
they shed?” the answer is a resounding YES! Their
coat will shed throughout the year. Though they are a short
hair you will still need to invest in a pet hair roller.
Frequent grooming will help but not get rid of the shedding
entirely.
The Dalmatian is a very versatile dog competing in many
performance venues as well as conformation. The Dalmatian
Club of America also offers road trials which enable Dalmatians
to go back to their roots of coach dog. As a pet the Dalmatian
is a fun loving family dog however, the owners should ensure
that enough exercise is offered as the breed does have
a high energy level due to being bred to trot alongside
horse drawn carriages for many miles a day. This has often
led to the accusations that Dalmatians are hyper. Given
adequate exercise and training a Dalmatians is a most cherished
family friend, loyal to family members and aloof to strangers.
Author:
Kimberly Richardson
Sources:
Treen, Alfred & Esmeralda,
The New Dalmatian
Nicholas, Anna Katherine, The Dalmatian
Links of note:
The Dalmatian Club of America www.thedca.org
The Dalmatian Directory www.dalmatiandirectory.com |
