I wonder what the Dalmatian dog breed is? Did you really like the photos of its representatives and sunk into the soul? Then this article is for you. Now we will talk about this breed. Dalmatians are very active, lively and intelligent dogs. They have excellent working qualities, thanks to which these dogs are good defenders and companions. Want to know in more detail what the Dalmatians are? Interested in breed description? Then read our article.
Dalmatian: breed history
Now we will talk about where this breed came from. So who are the Dalmatians? Description of the breed should begin with the history of its occurrence.
It is impossible to say exactly how the Dalmatians appeared. One gets the impression that they have always been. Although some researchers find the Dalmatians to be similar to the dogs depicted in ancient Egyptian bas-reliefs. Of course, this does not give the right to speak unequivocally about the origins of the breed. The “official” homeland of these dogs is Dalmatia. What is this place? This area is on the territory of present-day Montenegro and Croatia, which is located in the north-west of the Balkan Peninsula. Although there is no evidence for this hypothesis of the appearance of such a dog.
There is another theory of their origin. Some suggest that the Dalmatians came from Italy and were originally hounds.
Dogs with black spots were also found in ancient Greek drawings. People often associate their images with current Dalmatians. In later figures, the appearance of the spotted dogs changed.
For example, in the Middle Ages, according to information known to us, there were dogs of a similar color, but similar in type to dog-like. Their purpose is escort, as well as carriage protection.
This obligation required the dogs, in addition to endurance, minimal vulnerability, which was the reason for the procedure for stopping the ears. Of course, the appearance of those dogs was quite peculiar and did not coincide with the current image, but they have one thing in common - the ability to move a wide, sweeping trot for a long time and at a great pace.
Do you know what connects the current Dalmatians with "carriage" dogs? Friendly communication with horses.
As a matter of fact, it is unknown, but it has historically developed that Britain became the trendsetter for this breed.
The appearance of such dogs
What are Dalmatians? Description of the breed and appearance of these dogs, we will start with the head.
The head of the Dalmatian is proportional to the body of the dog, the skin is tightly stretched. The eyes are round, medium in size, not convex. Look attentive, lively. Eye color is blue or brown. The ears are medium sized, soft, thin, wide at the base, tapering towards the end. High set, tip rounded and lowered down. The length of the skull and the length of the muzzle are approximately the same. The nose is either brown or black. Scissor bite. Lips tight, dry.
The neck of the Dalmatian is long, beautifully curved. Chest of medium width, deep. The back is strong and even. The loin is slightly convex, muscular, and short. The tail at the base is thick at the Dalmatian, and towards the end it narrows.
The shoulders are muscular and even. The bones are strong and the legs are straight. Paw pads are thick, fingers are bent. Claws can be either white or black.
The coat is smooth, short, thick, tight-fitting, shiny. The color is white, with distinct spots (round) of dark brown or black. Marks should not be any other shade. The spots are evenly distributed throughout the body, and may vary in size. On the body, as a rule, they are larger than on the tail, head and legs. A sign of disqualification of a representative of the breed is a three-color color.
A Dalmatian is a dog with a strong, muscular symmetrical body. She is very smart and hardy. The height at the withers averages 52 cm. If the dog is above 61, then it will be disqualified.
Description of the representatives we have compiled. Now let's talk about the disposition of the Dalmatians.
The nature of the breed and behavior
The Dalmatian is a funny and mischievous dog who loves to play both with his brothers and with children or adults. Such a dog wants to be in the spotlight. Dalmatians very often begin to claim the role of the main child. If this is not allowed to him, then he is ready to take another place, the one indicated by the owner.
When such a dog does not lead an active life, he is sad, offended by everyone, like a child who lacks the attention and care of his peers. His beautiful, gentle nature naturally turns into harmful and rebellious.
The Dalmatian dog breed has a calm disposition. Its representatives are reserved to strangers. These dogs do not come into contact with every person they come across. They are very attached to the owner and family. For children, such a dog will become a real nanny. He will protect babies from strangers.
For centuries, the Dalmatian dog breed has been bred for hunting, in addition, it has pronounced innate qualities of a watchman. Dalmatians bark not very often, but if something suspicious appears on the horizon, they will let you know.
Usually in an apartment such a dog feels like a master, sometimes it does not tolerate the presence of other dogs. On walks, the breed representative is very calm and friendly. Does not tolerate aggressive and barking dogs.
The Dalmatian, of course, has a very kind disposition, but if the owner is in danger, the dog becomes fearless and courageous. He will undoubtedly enter the battle with the enemy, and it doesn’t matter whether he is a person or an animal. Dimensions also do not matter, anyway, the dog will protect it with all the forces of the owner. A Dalmatian makes a great friend who, if necessary, can intervene for the owner. Such a dog loves long walks, loves to run, as well as search the territory.
Needs constant communication with people, especially with the owner and family members. When the Dalmatian is left alone, he begins to get very bored, perhaps even nervous.
If it is bad to raise such a dog, for example, punish or encourage for the same action, then she will have aggression. A dog can even become nervous and dangerous. Permanent punishment for no reason also should not be present, otherwise his character will break down and he will become unsuitable for service as a watchman, as he will not react to strangers in any way.
Caring for Dalmatians: Important Aspects
Dogs of this breed are not particularly demanding care. To get rid of dead hair and maintain a well-groomed appearance, you need to regularly comb the dog. Shedding among Dalmatians is not strong, but occurs throughout the year.
These dogs are clean and odorless.
Need long walks and great physical exertion.
Feeding: advice for owners of spotted four-legged friends
You need to feed at the same time. Serving size and number of meals depends on the age of the dog. If you feed with natural food, then give mainly raw lean meat. Do not use salt, pepper and other seasonings. Sweets and smoked meats are forbidden to Dalmatians, as well as to other thoroughbred dogs.
Forbidden food
Also, do not give them:
- sausages;
- fat meat;
- raw river fish.
The diet of these dogs, in addition to meat, should include:
- sea fish;
- cottage cheese (low-fat);
- vegetables (cabbage, cucumbers and others);
- porridge (buckwheat, oat and rice).
You also need to give your dog special vitamins and mineral supplements. Constantly in the bowl the dog should have fresh water.
You can feed the Dalmatians with finished premium feeds. When choosing a food, be sure to consult your veterinarian, as some products may cause an allergic reaction.
Breed diseases
The most common diseases of Dalmatians:
- cataract;
- atopy;
- bloating;
- progressive retinal atrophy;
- demodicosis;
- hip dysplasia;
- pannus;
- subdermatitis;
- urolithiasis disease;
- entropy;
- polyneuropathy;
- glaucoma;
- distichiasis;
- congenital deafness.
What do the owners think?
Best of all, owners of spotted dogs can tell you what the Dalmatian breed is. Reviews about it are almost all positive. The only thing that the owners notice is that these magnificent dogs need great physical exertion, without them they become uncontrollable.
In addition, the first 7 months of the puppy’s life in your house must be dealt with as much as possible, only so, the owners say, you will be able to properly educate the dog. But they also add that the Dalmatian breed has a large number of positive qualities, the photos of which you can see in our article. Such dogs are distinguished by great mental abilities, stamina and good character.
Interesting remark about the marvelous breed
What breed of dog is similar to a Dalmatian? If we talk about external data, then this is the Great Dane (photo above). Representatives of this breed have exactly the same spotty color as the Dalmatians. But its dimensions are larger. The height at the withers of the female dog is at least 72 cm, and the Dalmatian is not more than 55 cm.
What other breed resembles a Dalmatian? Rhodesian Ridgeback. The differences are that the representatives of this breed have no spots, and their color is not white with black spots, but red.
Little conclusion
Now you know who the Dalmatians are. We have provided you with a detailed description of the breed. In addition, we named dogs that look like a spotted playful quarterback. We hope that it is clear to you what character the representatives of this breed have, and also you understand how the Dalmatians should eat. Characteristics of the breed - this is what the future owner of the dog should know. After all, this is the only way to understand what will grow out of a little puppy. Good luck with your choice and upbringing.