Dalmatian Questions and Answers (FAQ)

What Does it Take to Own a Dalmatian? (Q&A)

Q. I have heard Dalmatians are hyper. Is this true?

A. Dalmatians are "high energy." Historically, they were bred to cover up to 25 miles per day accompanying the horse drawn carriage.They need regular exercise and mental stimulation to avoid building up excess energy that could be expressed through behaviors such as chewing, digging and barking. The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard depicts the breed in detail as set forth by the Dalmatian Club of America (DCA).

Q. Are Dalmatians bad with children?

A. Dalmatians do not have a monopoly on the potential to bite children. All dogs regardless of breed, should be socialized early with children rather than shielded so they will develop a healthy respect for them. By the same token, children should be taught to be respectful of all dogs and behave in a manner so as not to antagonize or push the dog's tolerance buttons. Kid-proof your dog, dog-proof your kid.

Q. Do Dalmatians bite?

A. As with any breed, Dalmatians have teeth and a brain the size of a walnut (husband's opinion). They also have a certain canine code by which they live. Certain lines should not be crossed such as: entering a yard where a dog lives without the owner present; leaning over the withers of a dog you do not know well (challenge of dominance); staring a dog directly in the eyes (also a challenge)...Dog behaviors have adapted to fit most of our domesticated flavors, however, much of their unique language remains intact and should be respected as well as learned. The more we observe and file on our dog's behavior, the more easily we can train as a team and facilitate learning.

Q. Are Dalmatians born deaf?

A. Dalmatians have a genetic propensity - due to the extreme piedbald gene - to develop deafness in one (unilateral hearing quality) or both ears. Hearing status is determined through the use of the Brain Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test by a veterinarian certified in this method of testing by the time pups are 6 weeks of age. All Dalmatians are born with the ability to develop hearing, but some will gradually lose their hearing by 8 weeks of age. The deafness gene has not been isolated to the point that breeders can select away from the problem. In the meantime many focus on breeding bilateral hearing quality Dalmatians and rely on the history of testing results in whole litters behind the pedigree. Bilaterally deaf Dals should NEVER be bred and some feel the same about uni's. There is also a higher incidence of deafness and blue eyed Dalmatians though the data leave much to be desired.

Q. What is a patch?

A. A patch is a solid silky mass of black or liver with brilliantly defined edges that is present at birth. Patches are commonly found on the ears, neck or tail. Years ago, rumors circulated about patches having heart complications and hence were recommmended for euthanization. This is absolutley not the case. Patched Dalmatians cannot be shown in AKC conformation classes.

Q. Do Dalmatian come in colors other than black and white?

A. Yes. Liver and white is an AKC accepted color and cotrary to ads depicting them as being rare, they are not. Non-standard coat colors are not permitted in the AKC conformation ring. Examples of non-standard coat colors are the blue (similar to Weimeraner coloration) spotted, lemon (yellow) spotted, tri-colored, and orange Dalmatian. There is evidence of brindle spotted as well as long haired Dalmatians which can be seen at Paisley Dalmatians .

Q. Where do I find a Dalmatian for my family?

A. Go to a reputable breeder and avoid the common impulsivity of patronizing pet stores. Your well meaning attempt to "save" the little Dal from the window creates a demand which is quickly filled by the supplier: puppy mills or back yard breeders. Petstores, puppy mills and back yard breeders have very little in the way of knowledge of the breed nor contracts protecting the dog as well as the new owner. Their animals are usually not as well cared for cared for as they skip genetic testing in favor of low overhead and maximizing profit. Many Petstores obtain their puppies from puppymills in which an estimated half die in transit to the storefront. Because petstore pups live in a crate 24/7 in the storefront, they are very difficult to housebreak once in their new home. Their feet have not nor will they likely touch grass during a very impressionable time when bladder and bowel control should be taught. This is just the beginning of a series of probable hurdles in owning a petstore pup.

A reputable breeder will ask you about your home life and how you will contain the dog just for starters. This is to match the best Dal with your lifestyle and also to see if this breed really fits your home. A reputable breeder is generally an upstanding character who shows and/or titles their dogs. They check for and apply to certify the sire and dam as being clear for hip and elbow dysplasia through a veterinarian and health registry called the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). Genetic evaluation is not limited to the BAER test, CERF eye exam and thyroid evaluation. Many breeders are adding testing clearances to their ever growing list and much to the chagrin of their already thin wallets. A reputable breeder will take back any dog they place with you for the rest of the dog's life regardless of the reason and backs the health of the pup or adult with a written contract.

Q. Where can I find a reputable breeder?

A. You can contact the Dalmatian Club of America for a breeder referral by location, regional clubs or e-mail me.

Q. Where can I adopt a Dalmatian?

A. You can adopt an retired show Dalmatian through a reputable breeder or through many of the Dalmatian rescue groups across the country. Check our rescue listing.

Q. Should I breed my Dalmatian?

A. This is a very common and natural musing of dog owners. Breeding responsibly, at best, is a financial and emotional drain on more than just one member in the human chain of command at home. Breeding should only be carried out by those who are well versed in the long list of genetics, responsibility and have had the mentorship of successful mentors. Breeding should be done only to improve or preserve an ideal specimen, of which tend to come about from years of hard work and dedication to the Dalmatian breed standard. The best calculated risk is one that protects you and your dog...spaying and neutering. Literally and figuratively, the problem with pet overpopulation comes about in an ass-backards manner...not from the reputable breeder.