The dalmatian is a mysteriously ancient breed. It was bred for several centuries for the purpose of guarding horses and owners as carriage dogs. Nowadays, it has the potential to be a wonderful family pet for discerning owners who understand how to give a dalmatian the care that it needs. Whether you’re thinking about getting a puppy or hoping to support an older furry friend, brush up on the information below to make sure that your dalmatian is living its best life.
Personality
The status of the Dalmatian as a working dog is a testament to their intelligence. Although this makes them highly trainable, they are prone to stubbornness as a more dominant breed. To be trained successfully, they’ll need consistent positive reinforcement with a firm approach. If you’re finding it tough to train your dalmatian, seek the help of a training professional.
Their intelligence also means that your dalmatian will get bored extremely easily and may need a lot of company and mental stimulation to keep them in check. This breed mustn’t be left alone for too long, as they have destructive tendencies when frustrated. Likewise, dalmatians often suffer from separation anxiety and are best suited to a household where at least one person is at home throughout the day.
Grooming
Dalmatians famously shed – a lot! Their shedding isn’t seasonal, so they need to be brushed three or four times a week to maintain a healthy coat and limit some of the fallout.
Due to their velvety fur type, this breed will need a bath more often than others. Wash them once a month to reduce the chances of skin irritation and allergies.
Health
When purchasing a puppy, ask for the relevant DNA test results to check for common hereditary ailments in the breed. Dalmatians are particularly prone to congenital deafness, caused by a lack of melanin in the ears, so a puppy hearing test is recommended by The Kennel Club.
This breed is also prone to hip dysplasia and the breeding dogs should have been tested for this prior to producing a litter, if the breeder is reputable.
However, even with comprehensive testing, it’s impossible to predict all the health problems that your dalmatian may face in their lives. On top of being worried about your fur baby, unexpected vet bills can be costly. If the worst should happen and you’re struggling to pay for essential treatments, you could consider payday loan alternatives to access the essential funds you’ll need. Before taking out credit, always consider your financial situation carefully.
Exercise and socializing
With lots of stamina and a muscular build, dalmatians are built to run. You’ll need to commit to around two hours of dog-walking a day, making them an ideal canine companion for an active owner.
As a breed which tends to be anxious and shy, give them plenty of opportunities to meet new people and other dogs to reduce the chances of fear-based aggression.
A dalmatian can live for more than 12 years when looked after correctly; care for your dog properly and you’ll have a family member for a long time to come.
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