Height: 56 - 61 cm (22 - 24 inches)
Weight: 23 - 25 kg (51 - 55 lb)
Life Span: 12 years
Grooming: Easy
Exercise: Very Demanding
Feeding: Medium
Temperament: Outgoing & friendly
Country of Origin: Croatia
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Physical Characteristics:
General Appearance: Muscular, spotted and extremely active.
Color: White, spotted with black or liver markings.
Coat: Short, hard, glossy and dense.
Tail: Thick, tapering, slightly curved and carried horizontally.
Ears: Average length, set high and hanging.
Body: Strong body with a deep chest. The legs are muscular and the shoulders are moderately laid back. The back is level and strong.
Temperament:
Dalmatians are high-spirited, clever, sensitive and affectionate. These dogs are very smart, and respond well to training and excessive praise. Dalmatians make excellent pets with their friendly nature and need for close companionship. This breed gets along with children, please keep in mind that they are very active and boisterous which means they are not always ideal for small children unless supervised. They make great watchdogs and tend to get along with existing household pets.
Grooming:
Minimal grooming is required with the Dalmatians short coat. They shed very little hair and a rubber glove can be used to remove loose hairs during this time.
Exercise:
Dalmatians love to run and NEVER seem to slow down even as they grow older. They suit active owners, as they need plenty of regular exercise.
History:
Spotted dogs of the Dalmatian can be traced back as early as 1250 BC in the Middle East. It is believed that this breed made its way to Europe with the Roman gypsies during the 14th century and arrived in Britain around the 15th century.
Additional Comments:
Dalmatians are born white and acquire their spots later. It is not uncommon that a Dalmatian puppy is born deaf, so it is important to check their hearing before adopting one.
