Friday, March 20, 2015

Breed Focus: Dalmatian

Dalmatian's have a very distinct look. (Image Source)
Dalmatians are a breed many people recognize due to their spotted coat. They shot to popularity in recent years thanks to Disney’s 101 Dalmatians animated film. They were originally bred for their energy and protective nature as they would guard wealthy people and their carriages along the highway. Many of us may also associated them with fire engines. They were also used to clear the path for the horse drawn fire engines as they traveled to their destination.
 
This is a breed that NEEDS a job! (Image Source)
There are many things to consider prior to bringing a Dalmatian into your home. The first is that they are a VERY energetic breed and will needs lots of exercise. They will find alternative ways to entertain themselves that most owners may not appreciate. They will also need a large amount of socialization, as they tend to be more reserved and protective. Overtime this can change into aggression if not properly socialized.
 
That is a whole lot of spots and a whole lot of cute! (Image Source)
As far as health concerns go, the Dalmatian is a fairly sturdy, medium sized dog. There is a hereditary link for deafness in this breed. There are also certain bladder stones that are more prevalent in Dalmatians than other breeds. Unfortunately this may not always be detectable in growing puppies so researching your breeder offers you the best chance of minimizing the risk to your future pet.
If you lead a very active lifestyle and would like some canine companionship, this could be the right breed for you. They may require a little more training in the beginning but will make an excellent jogging or hiking partner that will match most people’s stamina. For more information on Dalmatians please visit the following websites here and here

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