Alt Names: Dalmatinac Country of Origin: Dalmatia (Croatia) More Pictures: Click for Gallery

History: The breed was named in the 18th century after Dalmatia. However, it is believed to have existed for possibly centuries before it was so named:

• 4000-year-old Greek art displays dogs that appear similar to the modern Dalmatian
• There is some evidence that it originated even before that in India
• The breed could have originated from the Norman introduction of the Talbot hunting dog whose image was the crest of the Talbot family, who came to Britain with the original Norman invasion.

Appearance: This popular breed of dog is a well-muscled, midsized dog with superior endurance. Known for its elegance, the Dalmatian has a body type similar to the Pointer, to which it may be related. The coat is short, dense, and fine. The ground color is white with round, well-defined spots in either black or liver (brown). Lemon, orange, blue, tricolor, and brindle spots can also occur, but they are a disqualifying fault according to the breed standard. The feet are round and compact with well-arched toes. The nails are either white and/or the same color as the spots. The nose is black in black-spotted dogs, and brown in liver-spotted. The eyes are brown or blue (a blue eye is a major fault in the UK, because of its link with hereditary deafness), with an intelligent expression. The ears are thin, tapering toward the tip, set fairly high and carried close to the head.

Puppies are born completely white and the spots develop later. Puppies can be born with patches, but patches are a disqualifying fault in the breed standard for show dogs.

Temperament: As a result of their history as coach dogs, the breed is very active and needs plenty of exercise. They are good with older children, but because of their energetic and playful nature, may not be suitable for toddlers and must be supervised if in the presence of young children. They are quite affectionate and need constant companionship or there is a risk they may become depressed. Like many intelligent dogs, they need to be kept stimulated or they may attack items lying around [especially those that smell like their owner(s)]. Dalmatians are famed for their loyalty, good memories, and kindly natures, but some male Dalmatians can be aggressive towards other male dogs.

Health: The breed is known to have spinal problems, due in part to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage. The risk of injury can be worsened by obesity, which places greater strain on the vertebrae. In order to prevent injury, it is recommended that Dachshunds be discouraged from jumping and taking stairs. It has become increasingly apparent that the occurrence and severity of these problems is largely hereditary, and responsible breeders are working to eliminate this characteristic in the breed.