One of the most instantly recognisable dogs on the planet, the Dalmatian can make a wonderful addition to your home, though there are a few things you should know before getting one, or even one hundred and one of them. Let’s learn a little more about this iconic breed.
Origins
The dog takes its name from the region of Dalmatia, in what is now Croatia, and the earliest mention of this breed comes from way back in 1374. And while sources on their role in 14th century Dalmatian society are sparse, we know that they were used as both hunting dogs and even war dogs, and even to this day, these dogs have a very strong guardian instinct and are very protective of their families and their homes. It’s also worth remarking upon the excellent alternative names this dog has had over the years that include the Leopard Carriage Dog and the delightful Plum Pudding Dog.
Appearance
As mentioned, this must be among the most easily recognised animals on the planet. That white coat with black spots makes them instantly distinct and it’s impossible to confuse a Dalmatian for any other breed. Adult dogs stand typically between 50cm to 60cm tall on their rounded paws with arched toes, and they have a short to medium tail. And while we typically associate Dalmatians with their black spots, they can develop a number of other coloured spots, including yellow, orange, grey and brown. They have very short, fine and thick coats and due to not having oily coats, they are notorious for not having that “dog smell” that some people find off-putting.
Temperament
As well as being very protective dogs, Dalmatians are very energetic and often highly intelligent. That protective nature can make them quite standoffish with strange humans and they can display an outward aggression to other dogs that they don’t know. This distrust of the unknown usually means that they become extremely attached to their owners with whom they are typically very affectionate.
Exercise
The Dalmatian is not a dog for anyone who wants to only take their pet out for a short walk each day. These are hunting dogs that love to run and will need a bare minimum of two hours exercise every day to keep them from getting bored or putting on a belly (something that really isn’t good for this breed). What’s more, given their initial dislike and distrust of strange humans and dogs, a dog walker may not be a good solution if you find you don’t have the time to keep up this regimen. Be sure you can put in the hours with this pup before picking one up.
And like many dogs, Dalmatians need a little help looking after their teeth, so be sure to take a look at our range of dental chews to keep their chompers in tip-top condition.