Dog Breeds: Dalmatian

Dog Breeds: Dalmatian: With a sweet disposition especially towards children this loyal dog doesn't handle being solitary very well and does best in homes where there are always people or other dogs around to interact with.
Though the male has a tendency to fight with other dogs this can be mostly overcome with training and good control. The Dalmatian needs good daily exercise and does best if you have a large yard. Will be happy sleeping on the floor or on a bed. This breed was intended for use as a "carriage dog" and as such would run besides their master's carriages to protect them and the horses pulling the carriages. Largely due to the Dalmatian's leading roles in recent movies and cartoons this breed has become widely popular.

Questions and answers
Q: I really want to get a Dalmatian but I am out of the house about five hours in the day. Do you suggest I get two Dalmatians so they can keep each other company?
A: If you do not have someone available in your house twenty-four hours a day, you should not consider getting a Dalmatian, and much less two. This breed does not handle being left alone well and having two of them would only result in two very sad dogs. Dalmatians also need a lot of exercise and time to be trained otherwise they become frustrated and bored and most likely they will let it out by destroying your house.

Unique Needs: Needs a regular brushing and bathing to keep its coat clean, shiny and to get rid of dead hairs. Has a tendency to become overweight.

Temperament: Is in no way a calm quiet breed and therefore doesn't do well with senior citizens or lazy people. Loves to be loved and is ideal for lively families with children. Dalmatians do best if they live in a house with a large yard. Should not be made to live alone as it suffers when it doesn't have other animals or people to play with and interact with. Does well with other domestic animals, especially horses.

Genetic Defects: Deafness: A hereditary problem in Dalmatians. As soon as the dog is five weeks old, you can run a test in order to detect it. This problem can happen in one or both ears. Make sure to examine them before considering using them as reproducers.

Average Height:

• Males: 58 to 60 centimeters
• Females: 56 to 58 centimeters