About The Breed

If you think a distinctive appearance, energetic personality and unwavering loyalty make for a great canine pet, a Dalmatian could be the perfect dog breed for your family. The Dalmatian is an old breed, so old, in fact, that no one knows for sure where or when the Dalmatian's distinctive spots first developed. We do know that Dalmatians are valuable working dogs. They have a long association with firefighting, but before that, they were popular carriage dogs. They'd run alongside the carriages of wealthy English lords, calming the horses and standing guard. Back when fire trucks were horse powered, hiring a few Dalmatians to help control and relax horses reluctant to approach burning buildings must have seemed like a perfect pairing of brains and brawn. It didn't hurt that Dalmatians have a great deal of stamina and are powerful, agile runners in their own right.

Although Dalmatians are probably most famous as firehouse mascots, they're good overall canine workers who've assisted man in lots of ways over the centuries. They've been used as hunting dogs, (Yes dalmatians make amazing hunting dogs, and dalmatians can also make good duck retrieving dogs) retrievers and guard dogs during wartime. Being able to perform widely different tasks and do them well requires dedication and intelligence. It also takes a willing temperament and an ingrained desire to please.

Dalmatians make good family dogs in many circumstances, but like all dog breeds, they have strengths and weaknesses. Dalmatians are intelligent, playful, active, protective, gentle, social and relatively non-aggressive. They're patient and generally good with children, too. 

Dalmatian’s do require regular  grooming, however should not be bathed very often. Bathing your Dalmatian to often can cause skin irritation.   Selecting the correct products to match your pet’s skin and coat is essential to achieve optimal results. We recommend the lifes Abundance dog shampoo. And this is what we use on all our dogs and puppies. Dals DO Shed, as do all smooth-coated breeds. Dal hair is stiff and abundant and will work its way into fabric. Although it's easy to sweep or vacuum, Dal hair is hard to brush off. If you're bothered by dog hair, the need to groom a dog regularly, or the necessity of extra sweeping or vacuuming, you'll probably be unhappy with a Dalmatian. Shedding is heaviest in the spring and fall, but there are some loose hairs year around. Also, if there are allergies in your family, a shedding breed like the Dalmatian can be a serious problem.

Before bathing your Dalmatian, it is recommended to go over the dog’s entire body with a high velocity dryer in order loosen any dirt and dander from the skin and remove any excess loose coat.  Lightly card the coat to help accelerate shedding.  Once you have selected the best products for your Dalmatian, it is bath time!

Prep work is the foundation of all grooming.  Prep work includes ear cleaning, nail trimming, anal glands, and proper dental hygiene.  Mastering these skills sets the professional pet stylist apart from the rest.  Prep work should be done before every bathing and grooming appointment.  All dogs need to have their ears checked and cleaned on a regular basis.  Proper nail care is also very important.  Long, unsightly nails are uncomfortable for the dog, as well as anyone they might jump on.  Long nails also compromise the shape of the foot.  Trimming the pads of the foot helps give the dog good traction on different surfaces, and can minimize the amount of dirt the dog tracks into the house.  It also affords the opportunity to treat and condition the paws from cracks and abrasions.  Anal glands should also be checked and expressed if they are full.  Some caring pet owners prefer to have the anal glands done by their veterinarian. Good dental hygiene is essential for a healthy pet as well.

We recommend purchasing the lifes Abundance ear care cleaner. For sore or cracked paws we recommend “paw balm” 

Though they no longer get their exercise running alongside carriages, The Kennel Club recommends 2 hours of exercise per day for Dalmatians. They are active, strong dogs who are well suited for life in the country where there’s loads of space to run and play. While you might not have your own dog agility equipment to hand, joining an agility class can be a great way to help Dalmatians let off steam (and can be combined with obedience training - more on that below). If you’re an apartment owner then we recommend going on walks with your Dalmatian, or to dog parks to help get out some of the Dalmatian zoomies. Treadmills can be a great way of getting your dog exercise as well. 

With all dogs,  Dalmatians need mental stimulation as well, we recommend buying some toys on amazon which require your dog to work for their treats/ rewards. 

Dalmatians are wonderful with kids and mine personally love to play and chase around the children in the yard/ farm. They make wonderful kid and family dogs and tend to be children’s best friend! 

Dalmatians are a stubborn breed, but are highly food motivated. Puppy classes/ basic obedience training is very important for your dog. Your dog will learn social skills, focus, basic commands, and a professional trainer can better understand what your dog lacks, and what their strong suite is. Potty training can be difficult due to the fact Dalmatians need water constantly, however it is recommended you take your puppy out every 20-60 minutes. Crate training is very important to teach at a young age, he/she may cry and whine the first few nights but it’s very important to crate train your puppy. It’s recommended that you start during the day with 20 minutes at a time every couple hours. Never us the kennel/crate as a punishment. Dalmatians are very intelligent and negative encounters will stick with them more then a positive one. We never recommend to punish your puppy by spanking, or swatting him/her. This can also cause a fearful dog and lead to issues into adulthood as well as teach your puppy to hide from you when they have to go potty. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train a Dalmatian. Dalmatians are clowns at times! And it’s best to have a good sense of humor if you own one! 

All and all Dals are intelligent companions they are VERY affectionate, excellent family dogs if raised properly, clean in the house, have very little doggy odor, and are generally quite easy to house-train. They are not normally barkers, but are good watchdogs. They are easy-keepers, not expensive to feed, generally healthy, and easy to keep neat and clean. They love to ride in the car, run with horses, bikes or joggers and often love to swim. They have a lot of energy, endless enthusiasm, and will play with the kids for hours. They can be taught to hunt game birds and make excellent ratters. Most Dals are quite sensitive to human moods, and will do their best to cheer up gloomy human friends. They can be great fun for the entire family, but they don't just "grow up" that way. It takes time, patience, consistency and a firm commitment to raise any dog properly.

When Dalmatians are left alone too much or improperly socialized, their impressive intelligence can lead to digging, scratching and chewing so I do always recommend (at least at first) to walk your dal before you leave for the day, and crate training is vastly important. However my favorite solution is to take your pup to doggy daycare when your not home.
The Dalmatian is one breed that really benefits from time and patient instruction. This dog can rise to almost any challenge if given affection and a learning, loving environment.

Obesity - Most Dalmatians love to eat. If they're getting plenty of exercise, this won't be a problem, but for older dogs, a big appetite can lead to weight gain and many of the health problems that plague overweight humans. It’s important to keep your dalmatian at a healthy weight and feeding the best food for your dog. 

Shedding - Don't let a Dalmatian's short hair fool you, short-haired dogs shed just like long-haired dogs, and Dalmatians shed all year long. 

Hyperactivity - Vigorous, social dogs like Dalmatians are happiest when part of an active family. Dalmatians are so active, in fact, that they make a great farm dog or family dog with small children. 

1) They are extremely smart, you can train your dal to do almost anything! 

2) They are very versatile, I see many Dals who are nanny dogs, farm dogs, hunting dogs, service dogs, dock diving dogs, used for various games and sports as well!   
3) They will always be happy to see you when you get home, whether you’re greeted  with a wagging tail or the famous Dalmatian smile, your dal will always always be thrilled to see you when your home.
4) They are Great family dogs, i have never had a Dalmatian who doesn’t love my kids more then me. and by that I mean they would rather be next to the kids then following me around, or if the kids are outside and my dal is inside they will cry to be with the kids.

5) They make AMAZING nanny dogs 

6) They are very protective over their family, home and property. 

7) They are extremely social when greeted properly. 

Dalmatians are fairly easy to train and exceptionally smart dogs. They pick up on potty training faster then any dog I have ever owned. They are easy to train to do certain tasks and make amazing emotional and physical support animals. Dalmatians benefit and learning BETTER with positive reinforcement instead of negative corrections. Instead of correcting negative behavior majorly reward good behavior. They are extremely stubborn and can be hard headed but most Dalmatians are very eager to be rewarded. I often refer to mine as “Kings and queens” as this is primarily the personality they have.