With its distinctive spotted pattern and lively nature, the Dalmatian is one of the most famous dog breeds in the world. Behind its striking appearance lies a sensitive, energetic dog with special needs.
The exact origin of the Dalmatian is still unclear today. The breed probably owes its name to the historical region of Dalmatia, which today belongs to Croatia. However, this has not been proven. Dogs with a similar appearance appeared in wall paintings as early as ancient Egypt. Over the centuries, the Dalmatian has been used in many roles. Among other things, it served as a companion dog for the upper classes, as a carriage dog, and as a herding and guard dog. In the 19th century, it finally became particularly popular in England, not least because of its role as a companion dog for firefighters. Its striking coat and balanced running style made it ideal for accompanying horse-drawn carriages through heavy traffic. The Dalmatian finally achieved cult status through literature and film. It has been known worldwide since "101 Dalmatians" at the latest.
The most striking feature of the Dalmatian is, of course, its white coat with black or dark brown spots. The spots are already visible in puppies, although they are very light at first. Only over time do they develop their final color and distribution.
Dalmatians are medium to large dog breeds. Females reach a shoulder height of about 54 to 59 centimeters, males about 56 to 61 centimeters. They have a muscular, athletic build and move elegantly. The ears lie close to the head. The tail is carried in a slight curve.
Their coat is short, dense, and easy to care for. It shines when well fed and groomed. Despite their short coat, Dalmatians shed relatively heavily. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair.
Dalmatians are considered very lively, friendly, and sensitive dogs. They form close bonds with their owners and only feel comfortable when they feel like part of the family. Their high intelligence makes them eager to learn, but they also need clear structures and consistent training.
The breed is known for its attentiveness and willingness to cooperate. At the same time, Dalmatians tend to be very alert. They will bark at unusual noises or movements, but are not considered aggressive or territorial.
They have a strong urge to move. Dalmatians have been bred for endurance over centuries and therefore need a lot of physical exercise. Long walks, jogging, or dog sports such as agility can help them burn off excess energy. Without sufficient exercise, they can quickly become unbalanced or even destructive.
Dalmatians have a genetic trait that can make them more prone to urinary stones. Therefore, a diet specifically tailored to the breed is important. You should ensure that your dog's diet has a carefully controlled purine content to support the proper functioning of the urinary system. Because of this characteristic, it is recommended that you check your dog's urine values regularly, either at your vet's office or at home using suitable test strips.
There are also special characteristics regarding hearing. Some Dalmatians are born deaf in one or both ears. Breeders take care to select parent animals with as little heredity of this trait as possible. Nevertheless, it may be advisable to have a BAER test (hearing test) carried out on puppies. Due to their intelligence, Dalmatians are able to learn a form of sign language. This allows them to cope well even with partial hearing loss and lead a relatively normal life.
Due to their pronounced urge to move, Dalmatians need not only physical but also mental stimulation. Intelligence games, trick training, or search games promote their concentration and balance.
A Dalmatian is not a dog for people who like to lie on the sofa for long periods of time. It needs plenty of time outdoors, regular exercise, and to be closely involved in your everyday life. If you enjoy being active outdoors, love going for walks, or want to try out sports with your dog, a Dalmatian could be a good fit for you.
The breed can also be suitable for families, provided that the children learn to treat the dog with respect. Dalmatians are considered child-friendly, playful, and loving, but they need clear rules and a calm environment to feel comfortable. It is important that you have enough time and patience for training. Dalmatians are sensitive and react strongly to the mood of their caregivers. A loud or hectic environment can make them feel insecure. Therefore, a family with small children is not recommended.
Training cats to be house-trained requires calmness and a little patience. Cats are often picky when it comes to their litter box. Here you will find valuable tips for house-training.
Anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease transmitted by domestic ticks. It occurs mainly in dogs, but also in horses, cats, sheep, goats, cattle, and humans. The infection causes acute fever, sometimes high. If left undiagnosed and untreated, recurrent episodes of the disease occur, with lameness and neurological disorders.
Many animals are already nervous before they even know they are going to the vet. Walking into the treatment room is then a huge problem. Dogs refuse to go in, want to run away, start whining or yelping. Cats are visibly stressed in their carriers. And they are usually very skeptical of veterinarians. Excitement is inevitable on all sides. But there is another way.
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Equine viral arteritis (EVA) in horses, donkeys, and zebras is also known as horse morse, red fever, or pink eye. The main carriers are infected stallions, which continuously excrete the virus in their semen. Due to the typical inflammation of the blood vessels, it was given the name equine arteritis virus (EAV). The disease is notifiable.
