Dalmatian Info

Some points to consider:

-- Dals are very active and need a good amount of attention and exercise. If you do not like a dog following you around the house nor want to put in the time or effort to give them proper exercise please reconsider getting a Dalmatian.

-- Because of their short coat and lack of insulating body fat Dalmatians are inside dogs and need to be with the family for the vast majority of the time. If you want an outside-only dog please do not get a Dalmatian.

-- Dalmatians shed! It's not uncommon to have little black and white or liver and white hairs all over your clothes after you've been interacting with your Dal. Investing in a top of the line lint brush is highly recommended. :-) If you are fastidiously neat and tidy and can not stand the thought of anything getting on your clothes, furniture, etc. perhaps the Dalmatian is not the breed for you.

-- Take into consideration what the Dalmatian was originally bred for. In earlier times, when cars were not in existence and one of the main modes of transporatation was the horse-drawn carriage they were seen guarding the carriages as well being used as companions for the horses. They should never be trained as a protection nor a guard dog.

-- It is said that Dalmatians are not good with children. That is not true. Like any other animal some like kids, some don't. The majority of Dalmatians like children and even love them. They are, however, not recommended for children under the age of eight since they enjoy them so much and because they are so strong and exuberant they tend to knock the younginin the process. Please take that into consideration when looking for a pet for a toddler.

-- Dals are about as stubborn as most other breeds but they can try your patience at times. If you are a serious person maybe you should look elsewhere.

-- Healthwise, because of their white-based coat 8-10% of Dalmatians are born completely deaf. They can also develop a condition known as bladder stones. Other less common issues are: hip dysplasia, skin problems and allergies, hypothyroidism, and seizures.

A Little History:

by Maria Zorka
Copyright 1995-1997, Maria Zorka

Dalmatians have been a pure breed for a long time. Some even claim that Dalmatian figures are depicted in Egyptian pyramids. It is known that the Dalmatians travelled with the Gypsies throughout Europe. Thus, they developed a special relationship with horses, being able to calm their larger friends. When the British began to breed Dalmatians, they found the dogs useful as carriage dogs. The Dalmatians travelled under the axle or alongside the carriage, depending the dog's size. This beautifully decorated breed, with its large round spots, added flair and style to the nobleman's coach. When the gentleman and his guests would rest for the night at the traveller's Inn, the Dalmatians would keep the horses calm while guarding the possessions of the entire party.

Our first president, George Washington, raised Dalmatians. So did Benjamin Franklin, who was also a fireman. Other famous people who have owned Dalmatians are Arthur Fiedler, Glen Ford, Gloria Estafan, Richard Simmons and Eugene O'Neil.A beloved tribute to his dog "Blemie", in "The Last Will and Testament to an Extremely Distinguished Dog", was written by Eugene O'Neill about his Dalmatian.

When Dalmatians came to America, thanks, in part, to Ben Franklin, fire engines were horse drawn. Which dog would be the mascot as friend and courageous rescuer of animals and small children? Naturally, it was the Dalmatian. And what a handsome addition to the shiny red fire engine he was! When motorized vehicles were introduced and fire engines were no longer horse driven, Dalmatians remained the favorite mascots and friends of the firehouse.

Dalmatians have been noted in the "AKC Dog Book" as the "best all around dogs". Males and females are equally affectionate. The "Dally", who is good with children, shares his affection with the entire family. The Dalmatian is an excellent watch dog and companion. Very cat-like in cleanliness, he manages to keep his white coat clean with little effort.

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Copyright 1995-1997, Maria Zorka
Bell Ringer Dalmatians - est 1969