• Size

Representatives of both genders of the breed stand around 70-76 centimeters in height. As for other physical data, their length ranges from 79 to 84 centimeters.

• Weight 

Individual cases of Dalmatian weight vary according to genetics, diet, and health status. But still, as a rule, adult representatives of the breed weigh from 20 to 32 kilograms.

• Lifespan 

A Dalmatian’s life expectancy ranges from 11 to 15 years and is roughly equivalent to a human lifespan of 72-93 years. Yet, remember, these figures are only conditional, and the life longing of your important family members depends on a healthy lifestyle and a harmonious living environment.

• Fur

Dalmatians are born with pure white fur, and their iconic spots gradually develop as they grow older. An adult Dalmatian’s distinct markings are mostly black or brown. Dalmatian fur isn’t only beautiful, but also easy to care for – Representatives of the breed only need brushing once a week. 

Considering they have little or no specific odor characteristic of companion animals, Dalmatians are fairly neat dogs. With regular brushing, they only require to be washed 3-4 times a year. Frequent bathing may lead the skin to become dry and flaky.

With a friendly nature, Dalmatians usually prefer being around people. Their boundless energy and devotion to adventure make them perfect companions for those who love to walk, run, or hike. On the contrary, some representatives of the breed may be reserved and even somewhat aggressive towards strangers or other companion animals. 

To avoid this hardship, it’s crucial that your puppy meets as many people as possible in a variety of situations. Helping your dog understand that new places and people aren’t a threat will not only enhance its quality of life but also make your time together more enjoyable.

It’s important to teach our furry friend good manners from an early age as a puppy. Yet, remember, due to their sensitive nature, Dalmatians only respond effectively to reward-based training. These important family members are intelligent and learn quickly, nevertheless, they may show independence or stubbornness in certain situations. With proper training, these smart canines make excellent watchdogs.

Living with a Dalmatian with insufficient physical activity is quite difficult. All Dalmatians need regular exercise to stay fit and happy. Ideally, we should devote one to three hours a day to their training, or even more if we have the opportunity. A Dalmatian with insufficient physical activity may develop signs of depression or even destructive behavior.

Energetic and cheerful Dalmatian is an attentive dog, displaying particular care when interacting with children. However, the breed’s high energy levels can sometimes make it too lively for kids. To avoid unpleasant consequences, we need to take precautions and observe the relationship between children and Dalmatians.

Congenital Hearing Problems

The gene responsible for white fur is often linked to the gene for deafness, and that’s the reason why hearing problems are most common in white-colored companion animals. Hearing difficulties may be congenital or develop later due to factors such as old age or ear infections. Hearing loss significantly affects the quality of life of a companion animal and often requires adjustments in training and communication methods.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia refers to partial or complete loss of the hip joint. Hip dysplasia can cause bone wear and tear and pain associated with this process. Most companion animals suffer from hip dysplasia from birth. If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, you can easily correct the issue. In other cases, surgery may be needed to reposition the bones. 

Although genetics play an important role in the development of the disease, maintaining a healthy weight is especially important to reduce stress on the joints.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disease of the central nervous system, which causes disturbances in the activity of nerve cells in the brain. An epileptic episode usually lasts a few seconds or minutes. Remember, veterinary engagement and timely initiation of medical treatment are the best ways to manage the disease.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease in companion animals. This is an inflammatory process developed due to an overactive immune response to allergens. Atopic dermatitis causes skin inflammation, redness, and itching. The symptoms of atopic dermatitis are often similar to those caused by other skin conditions, which is why it’s important to have the diagnosis made by a veterinarian.

If you aim to feed your Dalmatian puppy as exactly needed, give preference to a completely balanced food. High-quality puppy food for large breeds will enrich your companion animal with vitamins and minerals necessary for proper growth and development. 

Between 6 weeks and 3 months, once the puppy begins eating solid food, it’s best to feed it small, frequent portions. Typically, 4 meals a day are recommended during this stage. As the puppy grows, from 3 to 6 months, you can gradually reduce the feeding frequency to 3 meals a day.

Moving forward, make the transition from puppy food to adult dog food gradually and likewise give preference to premium quality dry food for adult dogs. To maintain a healthy weight, food portions should match your companion animal’s activity level. Therefore, always follow the instructions on the food packaging and consult a nutritionist for individual recommendations. 

For competent nutrition, learn which human foods are safe for dogs and always avoid feeding your furry friend cooked bones. Bone fragments can damage the Dalmatian’s internal organs and even cause death.

The exact origin of the Dalmatian is somewhat unknown. However, it’s believed that the breed was bred in the historical region of Dalmatia (present-day Croatia). They are believed to be descendants of the Pointer. Dalmatians spread from Croatia to Britain. Here, spotted companion animals like the Dalmatian were called Talbot Dogs. They were used to accompany the chariot and protect both passengers and cargo. In 1791, the English author Thomas Bewick initially used the term “Dalmatian” to refer to the breed.

In the 1800s, the breed became a status symbol of nobility. The Dalmatian was also a favorite companion animal of gypsy people. During their wanderings in Europe, representatives of the breed followed the nomadics step by step. Later, the Dalmatian became synonymous with the fire service, especially in the United States, where they are still the brigade’s official mascot. 

In 1961, the famous Disney animation “101 Dalmatians” further increased the affection for the breed. Famous writer Dodie Smith got the idea to create “101 Dalmatians” in 1956 when a friend saw her with a companion Dalmatian and remarked that its fur pattern would make a great coat.