Dalmatian Dog Behavior, Breeding, Feeding, Care and Health

The Dalmatian dog is a kind of a special breed with its unique black or liver spotted coat. Besides the spotted coat like that of a leopard, it’s also very active and energetic.
Its dignified and calm nature made it a family pet and a good watchdog and the breed has won many kennel club competitions.
The Dalmatian breed was developed to protect horses and coaches, and also as a carriage dog in their earlier days but it’s used much more than that now like other dog breed.
The Dalmatian dog popular varieties are black and white, blue and lemon. It usually have the white color as background with black spots on it. The coats appear few days after birth and become bigger and darker as they grow.
Some Dalmatians also have multiple colors similar to rainbow, making many people asking if truly rainbow dalmatian dogs are real thing that exist or fake.
Actually, the famous rainbow Dal may not have the complete rainbow color but can be likened to rainbow.
This breed can be about 19-24 inches long at the shoulder, the female weighs about 38 to 50 lbs while the male Dal is about 45-70 pounds.
Its beautiful spots of black or liver embellish is one of the most distinctive coats in the animal kingdom.
Dalmatian dog breed
Dals are muscular and sensitive, and the powerful hindquarters give a smooth and powerful pace while moving.
Dal temperament is not suitable for every person.
With their extremely high energy, they are strong and super active and are a great companion for people who jog, skate, or bicycle.
With the ideal partners, Dals are loyal, friendly, lovable house dogs. Positive reinforcement like food rewards, praise, play helps for easy training of Dals.
They are excellent watchdogs because of their aloof nature to strangers and alertness and curiosity to everything happening in surrounding.
Early socialization is a must for young Dals to other dogs, cats and other small pets, children, and adults so that they can learn acceptable behaviors.
Deafness is somehow inherent in this breed. Nearly 8% of Dalmatians are born completely deaf, and 22 to 24% are born with hearing in only one ear.
Dalmatians dogs are extremely intelligent and do not respond to harsh training. Dalmatians make great hiking and backpacking companions.

Breeding

The breeding is a long time-consuming process followed by different steps.
A strong financial and emotional commitment is required to understand the breed, find a proper partner, stud service, very high-quality dog & puppy food, crates, blankets, bottles, droppers, medication, etc.
In US, there are many breeders in Michigan,  Texas, California, Florida, just to mention a few, and you can get the dalmatian dog for sale in any dog store near you in America.
Before you start breeding, the Dals must be examined for genetic check-ups to prevent any chromosomal anomalies.
The female breed must be 8-9 months old (though suggested age is 18 months) for pregnancy.
The dals must be fed a well-balanced, high-quality diet during pregnancy and extra care must be taken because Dals produce 20 times more uric acid than other breeds.
After the puppies are born, both mother and puppies must be treated extremely well and introduced to medication if required.

How to Feed Dalmatian dog

Dalmatians have a urinary system unique in the dog world, and they require a few special treatments to prevent medical complications.
They must not be given a diet that is extremely high in protein, and enough fresh water must be always provided.
A high-quality dog food 1.5 to 2 cups a day, divided into two meals is appropriate for Dalmatian’s nutrition.
Cooked bones and food with high fat must not be served to Dals.
An expert opinion is required to prepare a balanced diet according to the weight of the dog.
Dalmatians should also be given ample opportunity to relieve themselves frequently to keep their urinary system flushed.

Care and Health Issues

To maintain the beautiful coat of the Dals, occasional baths and weekly brushing with a horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb to pull away dead hairs is perfect.
The nails must be trimmed at least monthly. As their ears flop down, Dalmatians should be taken to the vet periodically.
Because they are highly energetic, all Dalmatians should go through a regular exercise to stay fit and happy.
This exercise can be chasing a ball tossed across the backyard, running alongside a biking or jogging owner, etc.  But Dalmatians can be very sensitive, so a reward-based training is required.
A right combination of exercise, discipline, and love make a wonderful family pet.
Dalmatians may suffer from hereditary deafness, Urolithiasis, Skin allergies, Hip dysplasia, and Iris Sphincter Dysplasia.
Proper medication and care may prevent and cure diseases.

Buying the Dal dog breed

Dalmatian dogs are not only popular in the US, there are also breeders in Canada, UK, SA, Egypt, Australia,  and also India, especially in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Delhi.
You can choose to buy from the popular pet/dog store where you’ll be able to get more facts about the dogs and compare with other Dal puppy offer before making purchase.