Dalmatians: 7 surprising facts about the dog breed
As the only pure spotted dog breed, Dalmatians are creatures full of fascination. But how much do you really about the firehouse mascot made famous through the Disney movie? Here’s are fascinating facts about the unusual dog breed.
- General attributes
- Height- Males=20-23 in.
Female=19-22 in.
- Weight- 45-70 lbs.
- Coat- Short, flat white background with black spots
- Classification- Non-sporting (AKC), Companion Dog(UKC)
- Life expectancy- 12-14 years
- The breed origins are still unknown
Original, the Dalmatian dog was believed to have been imported to the UK in the 18th Century through Dalmatia- a region to the east of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. However, the ancestry of the dog breed seems to go further in history with Egyptian tomb murals showing a Dalmatian-like hound with spots all over its body. Still, the dotted appearance in history makes the origins of the Dalmatian a matter of intrigue for all of us.
- Dalmatians are born all white
Perhaps most surprisingly Dalmatian puppies are all white at birth. The spots will only start appearing after the pup is 14 days old. Depending on the dog, Dalmatians should expect to develop either black, deep brown, dark blue, tri-colored or with lime-colored.
- They are quite energetic
Dalmatians are also known to be active dogs with different occupations in history. If the dog does not get its exercise and playtime, a Dalmatian can end up becoming rambunctious and bored, leading to destructive behavior such as excessive barking or destructive chewing. Therefore, pet parents to Dalmatians should always keep the animal in check with regular exercise and avoid the potential of the dog making a shamble of the house or yard.
- Serious health problems
Several health conditions also plague the breed. For instance, 30% of Dalmatian dogs are born deaf and genetic testing is necessary to establish this in puppies. The breed’s unusual urinary system is also prone to urinary stones that can be life-threatening especially for male Dalmatians. Skin allergies are another condition persistent with having these great canines.
Adopting a Dalmatian
Unfortunately, the Disney movie did not do Dalmatians any justice since it has become a fad dog breed. Anyone looking for a perfect Dalmatian would need to shop carefully through the breeders, kennel clubs or rescue centers with the dog breed up for sale or adoption. Be sure to confirm that the Dalmatian is not a cross breed with erratic behavior.
SOURCES: Live Science, Retriever Man, DVM 360, Psychology Today
COPYRIGHT: Local Value
