Dalmatians, or as they are also called, Dalmatians, are an amazing breed. The combination of an attractive appearance with an almost ideal character is captivating. Naturally smart, sociable and cheerful, the dog is perfect for families with children over 5-6 years old, and for single people who need trusted friend. The dog gets along well in a home environment, gets along well with other pets, and quickly becomes attached to the owner and his family.

Dalmatians are very impressionable and emotional dogs. They are truly offended when they are scolded, and rejoice when they are praised. Dalmatians perfectly sense the mood of their owner and understand a person perfectly. And if the dog himself is overwhelmed with feelings, he can even say so in his dog language. Under certain circumstances, the Dalmatian easily changes his voice and produces sounds of different timbre: grunting, mooing, yawning, etc., thus expressing joy, anger, resentment, desire or unwillingness of something.

The behavior of a Dalmatian is determined by its upbringing. In this matter, it is advisable to adhere to the golden mean: not to be excessively soft or cruel. All family members must be unanimous and consistent in their approach to education: if one allows and the other prohibits, nothing will come of it.

By temperament type, the Dalmatian is sanguine: active, energetic, sociable, at the same time balanced and rather reserved towards strangers. The dog is not at all prone to aggression, but if the owner is in danger, he will show all his courage and fearlessness. This is an excellent guard and protector.

Modern city dog

The Dalmatian is the ideal solution for a person leading an active lifestyle; he is a cheerful companion, a loyal and reliable friend. The dog is perfect for urban living conditions, if you provide him with daily walks, does not require painstaking care, but, like any pet, he needs attention and care. This dog will cheer you up at the end of a hard working day and will not let you oversleep on your way to work. She will love and respect you and her emotions will always be sincere.

Acting

It's a rare dog that has such acting skills. Just imagine: the dog is so smart that it can seem stupid! He also knows how to pretend to be deaf, offended or hungry if he wants. One can only envy his ingenuity. This cunning man is even able to manipulate the owner, achieving his goal. It’s hard to resist such a smart and handsome guy! Dalmatians easily recognize situations when the owner is unsure of his actions and fully demonstrate his acting talent.

Smile, sir!

An interesting feature of the Dalmatian is the ability to smile, while showing snow-white teeth. He often uses his irresistible smile for personal gain. For example, as soon as the guilty Dalmatian wags his tail, bows his head and smiles sweetly in response to your scolding, the situation changes in reverse side: you are completely smitten, and the rogue is pleased with himself. Well, is it possible to shout at such a cutie?

Man is a dog's friend...

The Dalmatian is called a companion dog. It is not simple a pet, but a full member of the family. Dalmatians are very attached to people and need constant communication. Their behavior can be compared to the behavior of a child: lack of communication affects their character: the spotted miracle will be mischievous and mischievous. But if the dog is happy, comfortable and cozy, you will not find a more flexible creature!

Dalmatians are very sensitive and emotional. The mental characteristics of this dog require an owner who is smart, balanced, logical in his actions, loving and understanding. The owner's mistakes in upbringing are manifested in the dog's behavior: it becomes aggressive, nervous, and uncontrollable. It is especially important for a naturally intelligent Dalmatian to get into good hands. The dog communicates with people like a human being and demands the same attitude towards himself. This is a dog with a sense of self-esteem that will not tolerate familiarity or bullying. Contrary to popular belief about a dog's unconditional love and forgiveness, the Dalmatian is quite vindictive. It is extremely important for him to achieve mutual understanding with the person.

When raising such a dog, you cannot “break” its character; it is necessary to interest it and teach it, especially since Dalmatians learn quickly, easily and willingly. Animals of this breed need to develop their intellectual abilities.

Due to the Dalmatian's temperament, it is not advisable to have a Dalmatian in a home where there are children under 5-6 years old. An energetic dog will certainly not cause great harm baby, but may accidentally push the child or even scare him with his active games. But for older children Dalmatians - perfect friends. With such a dog you can frolic and have fun as long as you like. A hardy and active dog will become a wonderful companion for walks, will happily play ball or frisbee. Outdoor games and sports are the calling of the Dalmatian. The dog also copes well with the role of a guard. She will never hurt a child and will protect him if anything happens.

If you decide to get a Dalmatian, be sure to take into account the dog’s character and temperament and how they suit your lifestyle! And remember: the perfect dog only comes from the perfect owner.

a brief description of

Aggressiveness Upbringing Training Intelligence Shedding Behavior with children Watchman Security guard Difficult to care for Endurance in the cold Endurance in the heat

Today the Dalmatian is a companion dog. He is treated as a friend of the family, especially children. After the release of the film “101 Dalmatians” in 1996, the breed experienced a peak in popularity that has not subsided to this day. Every third child dreams of being his friend white dog with black or brown spots.

Throughout their history, Dalmatians have been used to perform a huge number of tasks like no other breed. In ancient times they hunted big game. They served as Turkish fighting dogs during the Battle of Vienna in 1683. The Americans used them for security. In 1986, after an earthquake in Mexico, Dalmatians saved people, which neither people, nor equipment, nor dogs of other breeds could do. Until now, in some countries, the Dalmatian is a fireman, security guard, watchman. But best of all, he, of course, copes with the task - to be a devoted, active and cheerful companion of his owner.

The breed belongs to group 6 “Hounds, bloodhounds and related breeds” in the ICF classification, to section 3 “Related breeds”.

The Dalmatian dog is an ancient breed. This is evidenced by archaeological excavations: in Austria, in the ashes of sacrificial fires dating back to approximately the 2nd-3rd millennium BC (end of the Bronze Age), the remains of a dog were found, the structure of the skull of which is very similar to the skull of modern hounds, especially the Dalmatian. Experts have proven that the exterior of the ancient “ash” dogs is very similar to the appearance of hounds: such body sizes, hanging ears.

Interesting! The term “ash” or “ash” dog refers to a group of animal remains found in ashes in the territory from the Amur to Austria.

The most popular version of the origin of the Dalmatian says that the breed was formed in the territories of modern Croatia and Montenegro and the former Yugoslavia. The word "Dalmatian" comes from the name historical region Dalmatia. This version claims to be the most reliable, since a dog of this breed was depicted on the coats of arms of the Yugoslav princes. In documents from 1737 that have survived to the present day from the archives of one of the bishoprics, there is mention of the breeding of large white dogs with black spots, and that they were used for hunting.

However, there are other versions that are also supported by strong arguments:

1. Version 1. India is considered the homeland of Dalmatians. In Indian epics there are more than once references to a white dog with black spots. But how did dogs get to Europe? Perhaps the breed came along with the gypsies - nomadic tribes who founded settlements in the 14th century Eastern Europe and the territory of the Balkan Peninsula. It is also believed that white spotted dogs were taken out with Roman legionnaires.
2. Version 2. The country of origin of the breed may also be Ancient Egypt. Images of spotted dogs were found on its territory.

Interesting! In favor of these versions, experts argue that the Dalmatian tolerates heat very easily, which is typical for breeds formed in hot climates. India and Egypt are countries with a hot climate.

Most researchers are inclined to the Yugoslav origin of the breed. The question of which dogs were the ancestors of the breed also remains open. Experts put forward several “candidates” that could be the progenitors of the Dalmatian: Istrian Pointer, Marbled Great Dane, Celtic Bracket, Old Dalmatian Bracket.

Dogs spread throughout Europe in several ways: with sailors who took Dalmatians on voyages, and with circus troupes. Gradually the dogs became famous in Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and England.

Europeans immediately appreciated Dalmatians' strength, endurance, and ability to run long distances. Since the 18th century, they began to be widely used as carriage dogs. They protected the owner of the horse-drawn carriage and his property from robbers or wild animals. The cheerful nature of the dogs allowed people to pass the time in the company of the Dalmatian, and thanks to their courageous character, they were excellent protectors. became very popular among the aristocratic community.

The breed's exhibition career began in 1860, when two guard Dalmatians brought from Dalmatia were presented in Birmingham, England. The first breed standard was developed in 1890 by members of the first Dalmatian Club in England. And the international standard from the IFF, which is still in force, was created in 1926.

Despite the fact that Dalmatians originated in Yugoslavia, the British perfected the breed. In the 18th century, they were inoculated with the blood of the extinct white English terrier and black pointer.

Characteristics, description, character

Due to their original appearance, unlike any other breed, Dalmatians are very popular. They are often bought as gifts for children. If your child asks for a Dalmatian breed, the price of which is not very high, then do not deprive him of the opportunity to have one. faithful friend and defender.

The appearance of the Dalmatian is recognizable by its perky black or brown spots on a white background. It is noteworthy that the spots on the head and limbs are smaller than on the body. If the dog is characterized brown spots, then she will definitely have a nose Brown, and black and white representatives have a black nose.

The Dalmatian has an athletic body, long limbs, a muscular back, a wide chest, an elongated muzzle and hanging ears, which during the period of their “carriage” past were cropped so that predators could not even grab the ears. The coat of dogs looks very aesthetically pleasing: it is short, smooth, moderately hard and shiny. Even in the photo of the Dalmatian you can see how the fur shines beautifully and nobly.

An excellent friend, a good nanny, a companion during active walks - all these epithets apply to the Dalmatian breed; the dog has a wonderful character. The breed is characterized by responsiveness, playfulness, energy, balance, friendliness, great intelligence and quick wit.

What else makes a Dalmatian different?

• The dog is not aggressive towards strangers, although it does not like to come into close contact with them.
• Does not like the company of other dogs.
• He is brave and fearless when it comes to protecting his master when he feels that the master or his family is in danger.
• Doesn't like to be left alone, suffers greatly when alone, becomes nervous.
• The Dalmatian is smart, soft, sensitive, and sociable.

Diseases

In the Dalmatian breed, the skin and kidneys are the most vulnerable in terms of health. Dogs are prone to urolithiasis. If your pet does not allow himself to be stroked on the lower back, then you should be wary, since the first symptoms of the disease are pain in the lumbar region, the dog has difficulty jumping when lying down or standing up. Even puppies can develop kidney problems.

Skin diseases, such as bronzed skin, are a consequence of kidney problems. This disease is characterized by bald patches, abscesses, and red-brown skin in the area of ​​the abscesses. Allergic reactions may also appear on the dog's skin.

Dalmatians are also diagnosed with:

• gastric volvulus;
• hip dysplasia;
• glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy;
• congenital deafness. Up to 12% of Dalmatian puppies are born deaf, so it is important to diagnose them with this condition as early as possible.

Care and maintenance

Caring for a Dalmatian, just like other short-haired hounds or hounds, is not difficult.

1. Your dog should be brushed regularly every week to remove dead hair. If you train yourself to brush your pet every day, this will prevent shedding hair from getting on the furniture and floor.
2. The Dalmatian is very clean and will never get into the mud during the festivities, so it is unlikely that he will need frequent bathing: one bath a year is enough. It is necessary to cut nails, as long nails impair gait, and in puppyhood can lead to deformation of the limbs, because too long nails prevent the paws from squeezing.
3. Dalmatians' floppy ears require regular inspection. If sulfur and dirt have accumulated in them, they should be removed cotton swab, soaked in water or an antiseptic solution.
4. The problem of brushing teeth becomes relevant if the pet is fed natural food. By using special means and brushes must be removed once a week to remove plaque. And if the dog eats dry food, the plaque is removed naturally when she chews on the pellets.

If your pet is a Dalmatian, caring for it also includes providing proper nutrition. The breed is prone to kidney problems, namely the development of urolithiasis. The amount of protein in the dog's diet should be reduced. Dry food, in which the protein content reaches 25%, is not the best option. The dog's diet should be based on a vegetarian menu.

The breed is great for keeping in an apartment; the Dalmatian constantly wants to be part of the family and participate in its life. An active dog requires long walks. If you love jogging, cycling, active games, then the Dalmatian is definitely your dog; it will accompany its owner everywhere. If the dog does not have the opportunity to throw out the energy accumulated during the day, he will begin to spoil things, furniture and mischief.

Dogs of the breed are susceptible to cold, so on cold and windy days, it is better to reduce the walking time. A hot weather they tolerate it very easily, the main thing is to give her something to drink more often.

Education and training

Raising a Dalmatian should begin as soon as it arrives in its new home. The puppy should not be allowed to do things that would be prohibited: sleeping with the owners in the same bed, begging for food from the table, biting even during play. Eliminate these habits adult dog it will be very difficult.

Consistency and the absence of double standards (all members must be unanimous in the requirements) are the main rules for raising puppies of the breed. The Dalmatian should feel that for correct behavior he is petted and treated with a treat, and for incorrect actions he is scolded and lightly slapped with a rolled-up newspaper. Rough training methods should be excluded, since dogs of the breed are sensitive.

It is important with early age show who's boss. Even as a Dalmatian puppy, he will want to be in charge, so the owner must show which one is the leader. Experts advise that during the first days the puppy has contact only with the owner, so that it develops an attitude towards him as the only authority.

Dalmatian training should begin with teaching the “No!” command. If the owner sees that the puppy is seeing something forbidden, a loud and stern word should stop all his attempts. But, as a rule, the puppy at first does not understand the content of this command and does not respond to it. In such a situation, you should approach him and spank him a little with a rolled-up newspaper. It cannot be assumed that he will not carry out the command.

Command “Come to me!” is also mastered from the first days of being at home. It is easiest to combine training with the feeding process. Before feeding the puppy, you need to take his bowl in your hands, call your pet by name and say: “Come to me!” The Dalmatian will willingly run up, and the dog should be praised for this. Until the puppy goes outside, you need to bring this command to automatism, so that later and during walks, despite any temptations and instincts that have awakened in the dog, it will not ignore the owner’s command and will comply in 100% of cases. Accustoming to other commands should also be carried out at a “civilized” level, persistently, patiently, not rudely and with mandatory encouragement. Punishment and rudeness are a direct path to losing contact with your pet.

Puppies

A Dalmatian puppy is a gentle and vulnerable creature. What the owner puts into it is what he will receive in the future. When raising a puppy, you should remember that there are differences between beagles and beagles. If, for example, exhausting walks are not needed, then spotted mischief-makers will become mortally bored without active and long walks. The puppy's first walk should be carried out after all vaccinations, it should not last more than 15 minutes. The ideal option is if the owner has the opportunity to walk the puppy often, but not for long: 5-7 times for 15 minutes.

As your Dalmatian gets older, his walks should last about 2 hours. So that the dog’s behavior does not deteriorate, so that it does not get bored and splash out all the accumulated energy, it is necessary that it walks or runs up to 8-10 km.

Dalmatian puppies are purchased at 1.5-2 months. By this age they become more independent. The puppy you choose should be outgoing. If, when approaching him, he joyfully wags his tail and barks cheerfully, then this is the correct reaction. Fear or aggression should alert the buyer of a puppy; it is unlikely to grow out of it good dog and a true friend.

Prices

How much does a Dalmatian cost? Inexpensive. Anyone can afford it if they consider themselves responsible and capable of keeping an active dog.

1. What is the correct name of the breed? Dalmatian? Dalmatian? Dalmatian dog? There are different names in print and everyday life.

The correct name of the breed is DALMATIN.

2. How many spots should a Dalmatian have?

All Dalmatians are colored differently, and of course, no one counts the number of spots. It's not that important at all. An ideal Dalmatian - looking at which you don’t want to reduce spots on him or add somewhere, in which all the spots are evenly spaced and, if possible, stand apart from one another. Dalmatians with too many or too few spots are unlikely to show successfully but will make very good family members.

3. What is average duration life of Dalmatians?

Dalmatians often live up to 15-16 years, but the average life expectancy is 11-13 years.

4. What is the size of an adult Dalmatian?

Males are usually larger than females, their height is 60-64 cm, weight 30-35 kg. The size of the bitches is 56-60 cm, weight 23-27 kg.

5. Who is this breed suitable for?

This breed is suitable for young and energetic people up to 35 years old, as well as married couples with kids. Retired people, people who work too much and those who have children under 2 years old should not get a Dalmatian.

6. What difficulties are there with this breed?

Dalmatian is energetic and active dog. If you do not pay enough attention to his walks and physical exercises, the dog may become poorly controlled - spoil things, disobey on the street, etc. Think in advance whether you can fully walk with your dog at least 1 hour a day?

7. Do Dalmatians shed?

Dalmatians shed all year round. Their fur is very noticeable on dark clothing and can sometimes be difficult to clean from fluffy fabric or carpet. In order to have less hair in the house, you need to regularly comb your Dalmatian with a special brush or by hand. 2-3 minutes a day spent on this will reduce the amount of hair in the house to a minimum.

8. Do Dalmatians get cold in winter?

Dalmatians live everywhere in Russia - in the Far North, Siberia, and the Urals. During particularly severe frosts in these regions, they wear special overalls. IN middle lane Russia can completely do without them. In 20-degree frost, Dalmatians walk well and do not freeze.

9. How do Dalmatians treat children?

Dalmatians are a wonderful breed for families with children. They are medium in size, enough for a child to enjoy working with the dog, but not too large, so a teenager can easily handle an adult Dalmatian. Young children should be taught how to properly handle a dog. If you are purchasing a puppy over 3 months old, you should purchase from a reputable breeder who has socialized the puppy to interact with children and adolescents. Dalmatians love the company of children, and your puppy will surely become the favorite of all the kids in the yard.

10. Do they get along with other dogs?

Dalmatians get along very well with other dogs and generally have more fun in company than alone, especially if their owners are at work all day. Males on the street sometimes become pugnacious when meeting strangers.

11. Will a Dalmatian get along with a cat?

Many Dalmatian owners keep cats or other pets. If the cat does not show aggression, they will certainly become friends.

12. Is it true that Dalmatians are stupid and disobedient?

This is wrong! Dalmatians are companion dogs; for many years they do not perform any service; their main task is to be pleasant companions and friends for humans. If Dalmatians did not meet these requirements, they would not be so popular. Over the years, this breed has been selected in such a way as to be as comfortable and pleasant for humans as possible. Their understanding and learning ability are of great importance.

13. Are Dalmatians easy to train?

Dalmatians are intelligent and love to please their owners. With appropriate training, they are easily and quickly trained in obedience courses. It is recommended that growing dogs enroll in a training group or train on their own.

14. At what age can you start training a Dalmatian?

You can start training a puppy at 4-5 months. It will be good if by this time he knows basic commands and techniques: “No” or “ugh”, “Come to me”, he will be trained to walk on a leash and will know his place. Also by this time it is necessary to accustom him to cleanliness. For more information on training Dalmatians, read the articles on how to train a puppy and teaching some necessary skills. You may also find articles on Dalmatian training and agility classes helpful.

15. Can a Dalmatian be a guard?

If you need guard dog, a Dalmatian is unlikely to suit you. These dogs love everyone in the world and are friendly to to strangers. Your Dalmatian may bark at the doorbell, but don't expect much more from him.

16. What health problems do Dalmatians have?

A Dalmatian purchased from a good kennel, where they pay attention to the health of the dogs when breeding, is unlikely to cause you any trouble. Dalmatians have a peculiarity of the urinary system, and therefore stones can form in the bladder in dogs. Proper nutrition, drinking enough liquid and reading a couple of articles on this topic will prevent the problem. In particularly serious cases, dogs require treatment. Sometimes Dalmatians suffer from allergies. This disease is often inherited. Look at the parents of the puppy you want to buy and make sure they don't have allergies.

17. Is it true that Dalmatians can be deaf?

A small percentage of Dalmatians are born completely deaf. Serious breeders euthanize such puppies even before the litter begins to be sold. When choosing a puppy, check its hearing. If you are interested in the problem of deafness in Dalmatians, I advise you to read the articles discussing deafness in Dalmatians and the connection between deafness and pigmentation.

18. Do Dalmatians eat a lot? What do they eat?

Adult Dalmatians typically eat 2 times a day. Most breeders and owners prefer to feed them with ready-made food from companies such as Pedigree, Royal Canine, Eukanuba, Hills, and Purina. Depending on the type of food, age and condition of the dog, the Dalmatian eats 300-600 g of food per day. I recommend that you read articles about feeding Dalmatians with ready-made food and natural products.

19. Does Dalmatian need a special diet?

A healthy Dalmatian does not need special diet. Most ready-made foods suit him. You just need to make sure that the protein level in them is not higher than 26%.

20. Is it possible to give “human” food?

It is best to feed your dog ready-made food, but you can give it any vegetables and fruits (make sure you are not allergic to them). You can also use cheese, sausage or crackers as treats when training your dog.

21. What should I purchase before purchasing a puppy?

Before buying a puppy, you need to purchase food (the one he fed from the breeder), 2 bowls, a cage or basket in which the puppy will sleep, several toys, and bones. Your breeder may also recommend shampoo, vitamins and mineral supplements, and other care products. If you are buying a full-grown puppy, you will also need a collar and leash, and in the summer, flea and tick control.

22. Where to buy a puppy?

It is best to buy a puppy from a well-known nursery that has been successfully breeding Dalmatians for many years and has a good reputation. Even if you do not need a show dog, it is best to turn to specialists for a puppy, since in the future you will be able to use their advice on raising, feeding and training it. By the way, the price for non-show dogs in a well-known kennel and from a novice breeder is usually the same.

23. How do you know if a breeder is serious?

A serious breeder must be a member of the National Dalmatian Club. He will answer any questions you have with confidence and detail, and will also ask you many questions of his own to get to know you better and understand if the breed is right for you and what kind of puppy you want. A serious breeder participates in exhibitions, and at his home you will find a large number of show awards - cups, ribbons, etc. His dogs have championship titles, and you can see certificates confirming this. Puppies must have a tattoo and documents - puppy cards, after 2 months - age-appropriate vaccinations. A reputable breeder takes great care to find puppies good house and continues to communicate with customers for many years. Purchase several specialized Dalmatian magazines. There you will find the information you are interested in. Read more...

24. Is it possible to buy a puppy at the market?

If you intend to have healthy dog, don't rush to the market. It is better to take the baby from home, seeing all the puppies and their mother. Buying a puppy from random people, you are taking a lot of risk. What will you do if your new friend gets sick the day after the purchase? Where will you look for the seller and how to demand compensation from him? There are often cases when puppies with fake documents are sold on the market, but you will not immediately know that you have been deceived, and it will be too late to do anything. It’s even more disappointing when you find out that for the money a puppy from the market cost you, you could have bought a good show and breeding dog in a prestigious kennel.

25. How much do puppies cost?

The cost of puppies in different cities of Russia, as well as in different nurseries, can vary greatly. What matters is the number of titles of the parents and other ancestors, the exhibition prospects of the puppy, its age, as well as the name of the breeder and what he can offer you as additional help - preparation for exhibitions, consultations, vaccinations, subsequent dog training, etc. Discuss this in advance so you know what kind of help you can expect while raising your dog.
Based on all of the above, the average cost of a puppy is 100-500 US dollars.

26. How to choose the right puppy?

First of all, you need to choose the right breeder. He must be an expert on Dalmatians and just a decent person. State your goal clearly: you need a good show dog, or a dog for a child, or a male for breeding, etc. If you clearly know what you want, the breeder will help you choose exactly the puppy that suits you. However, before purchasing a puppy, it will be useful for you to read the breed standard, as well as articles on developing a promising show dog and choosing a puppy.

27. Is it true that puppies are born white?

Yes it is. The spots on them appear only at 2 weeks.

28. Is it true that Dalmatians are brown? Are these rarer and probably more expensive dogs?

White and brown Dalmatians are less common than white and black Dalmatians; this is explained by the recessive nature of the gene responsible for this color. Brown puppies usually cost the same as white and black ones, but they attract more attention because of their unusualness. White and black dogs can be bred with white and brown dogs, and they are also shown together at shows.

29. At what age is the best time to adopt a puppy?

Puppies begin to be sold at the age of 45 days. If you spend most of the day at home, you can buy a puppy at this age. It will require a lot of care, but you can grow it yourself the way you want. Working people should think about a grown-up puppy that can be fed 3 times a day. If you want to immediately start walking with your puppy, buy a fully vaccinated one, that is, no earlier than 2.5-3 months of age. If you're at work all day and can't devote enough time to your dog, consider adopting an adult dog. More about this...

30. Who is better - a male or a female?

It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. If you have children under 14 years old in your family, it’s probably worth getting a bitch so that the child can handle her on walks and raise her. If you do not plan to breed, it is better to buy a male. Read more...

31. How to vaccinate correctly?

It is best to buy a puppy that has already been vaccinated and has a veterinary passport. This will give additional guarantees that he will not get sick.

32. Is it necessary to go to exhibitions?

Of course not. Some breeders, when selling a promising puppy, may insist that when buying him, you are engaged in his show career. If you are not interested, discard this puppy and choose another one. Exhibitions are an interesting and exciting side of a dog breeder’s life. Perhaps, even before purchasing a puppy, you should visit 1-2 exhibitions to understand whether you would like to participate in them in the future.

33. Should a dog be bred?

Definitely not. A dog should only be bred if you want it to produce puppies and if it is good enough to do so. The absence of puppies does not affect the health of the dog (both male and female). However, if you have purchased a non-breeding dog, it would be advisable to have it spayed or neutered. In this case, you will get rid of problems with the bitch in heat, and the male will become more obedient and will not run after every bitch in heat on the street.

Dalmatin-club.ru

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After the cartoon “101 Dalmatians,” many not only learned about this breed, but also became eager to buy it. Dalmatians are considered one of the most charming dogs in the world, but they have their own behavioral characteristics that you should think about before purchasing a puppy. Caring for a Dalmatian will not be difficult.

History of appearance

Dalmatians, Dalmatians or Dalmatian Dogs were developed in Croatia, but this breed should not be considered young. During excavations in Greece, archaeologists found paintings in which dogs were depicted near people, with spotted colors and build similar to modern dogs.

This suggests that Dalmatians have been living with people for several thousand years.

In 1955, the breed was included in the classification of the FCI (International Canine Federation) under number 153 in section number 6 “Hounds and related breeds”. Dalmatians were also included in the KC (Kennel Club) of Great Britain and the AKC (American Kennel Club) in the “Non-Sporting Group” in 1888.

It is believed that the name of the breed appeared at the end of the 18th century in Dalmatia. Balkan Peninsula. There lived a piebald hound with spots on its coat, which was used to accompany carriages and guard cargo and passengers. In 1791, Thomas Bewick named it a Dalmatian.

In the first half of the next century in England, such dogs were used as guards for elite crews, hunters, and household assistants. They also often accompanied fire brigades to help disperse crowds and helped pull people out of fires. Due to the enormous popularity of the breed, today England is considered the second homeland of Dalmatians.

According to the second version, the breed appeared in Ancient Egypt, from where it entered India, and after some time came to Dalmatia. During this “journey”, “particles” of the Pointer and Great Dane, as well as some other breeds, got into the breed.

Gallery: Dalmatian (25 photos)

Description

Since the Dalmatian dog breed was of interest to English aristocrats at one time, this also determined the appearance of the animals. The description of the Dalmatian breed, which is still used today, was compiled by the Englishman Vero Shaw in 1882:

Marriage

The above description refers to ideal dogs that are fully breedable. Any deviations, even the most minor ones, can be reasons for disqualification. These include:

1. Incorrect bite or incomplete set of teeth;
2. Heterochromia (different eye colors) or Blue eyes. In the USA, this feature is not considered a marriage;
3. Deafness;
4. Stains different color(both black and brown at the same time);
5. Nose color that does not match the color of the spots;
6. In males, both testes should descend completely into the scrotum, preferably they should also be pigmented;
7. Uncharacteristic behavior: aggression or cowardice.

Character

The Dalmatian is an active, friendly, sociable and intelligent breed. The Dalmatian loves movement and games and will require constant attention from the owner. This can be either walks (dogs can tolerate temperatures down to -20 degrees; at lower temperatures they will need clothing), or games in an apartment, even a small one.

If a Dalmatian is left alone for a long time, his character may deteriorate: he will become irritable and disobedient, and become sad. In the absence of proper training, the dog will begin to throw out energy, damaging the furniture. At the same time, they sense the owner’s mood well and get upset if he is dissatisfied: sometimes it is enough to raise his voice to punish the pet.

Dalmatians are mainly used as a hunting and family dog, as a companion. They are easy to train, have a certain independence and are extremely smart. It is important that the breed treats children well: with proper training, even small child You can leave it with the dog. Children and dogs who grew up together will have especially warm relationships.

Advantages and disadvantages

The first include:

1. Devotion to the owner and family;
2. Friendliness, especially towards children, high level of socialization;
3. Patience and endurance;
4. Intelligence: This is one of the smartest breeds;
5. Lack of aggression, including towards other animals. He is indifferently friendly towards strangers, but in case of danger he will immediately stand up for the owner;
6. Playful character;
7. Funny facial expressions: Dalmatians can even smile.

Disadvantages include:

1. Stubbornness, desire to do things your own way, resentment;
2. The requirement for regular walks, games and physical activity, otherwise the dog’s character will deteriorate greatly;
3. The need for constant contact with a person: they can tolerate it while the owner is at work, but leaving the pet alone during a vacation or business trip is not recommended;
4. Year-round shedding and allergies: the breed is prone to the latter, especially to strawberries, apricots, bananas, honey, oatmeal, fatty fish, brewer's yeast and some feed. Collars, shampoos and other grooming products, insect bites, pollen or even dust can also be the cause;
5. They can be cowardly due to their character traits.

A Dalmatian should be owned by active people who prefer walks. fresh air and having the opportunity to frequently exercise with the dog. It is also desirable that the owner has experience in handling dogs and children are at least 2 years old. The latter need to be taught how to handle the dog, since Dalmatians do not like familiarity.

The Dalmatian is not suitable for overly busy people, homebodies and the elderly, that is, those who cannot devote enough time to him. Also, phlegmatic people who will not pay attention to their pet should not get such a breed.

Training

In addition to games and walks, dogs will need training - independently or with a trainer. Previously, this breed was often used as circus animals, as they perfectly understood commands, remembered tricks well and took great pleasure in performing them. Owners can choose one of the courses listed below depending on the requirements for a particular pet:

1. General training course;
2. Obedience course;
3. Rescue dog training;
4. Coursing (field test with bait imitating an animal);
5. Frisbee (catching a thrown disc);
6. Agility (overcoming obstacles);
7. Running (ideally, the dog needs to walk 8-10 km every day);
8. Swimming.

It is important to remember that due to the inability to sit still for long periods of time, Dalmatians often suffer from absent-minded attention. This has led to the erroneous conclusion that this breed is difficult to train and unwilling to learn. This is not true, Dalmatians are very smart, but too energetic.

Features of care

Caring for Dalmatians is quite simple:

Breeding

Breeding can be done when the male is 15-20 months old, and the female is 18-24 months old (by the 3rd heat). It is necessary to draw up a list of applicants, analyze it, identify all the advantages and disadvantages.

If a dog has any defect, you should not pair it with a dog with the same defect. For example, a short tail in both parents can result in an even shorter tail in the puppy.

Suitable for mating is 9-14 days of estrus.. To do this, the bitch is brought to the male for two days in a row: for the main mating and for the control mating.

Pregnancy lasts 60−64 days. At this time, it is worth prohibiting the bitch from jumping and communicating with other dogs, but deprive her of all physical exercise It’s not worth it - they will not cause harm and will help maintain energy and health.

Newborn puppies weigh 350−400 grams; a litter usually contains 6−7 babies.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Original look
• Friendly and cheerful, always willing to go for walks and games
• Hardy, capable of hunting

• Sheds heavily, fur is noticeable on things and furniture
• Not suitable for security service
• Not suitable for busy people, because... needed exercise stress and communication

Description of the breed

Dalmatian - almost everyone in childhood wanted to have this bright dog, the hero of their favorite cartoons and films. But not only children admire unusual pets– the popularity of the breed has not subsided for many years.

Dalmatian dogs are quite large and tall. Their height reaches 60 cm at the withers, and they weigh 30-40 kg. Business card breeds - color: White wool covered with a huge number of black spots of different sizes and shapes, which only add with age.

Dalmatian breed standard

The first standardized description of the Dalmatian breed was in Great Britain in 1890. The international standard was approved in Monaco a little later - in 1926. Today all canine organizations use FCI standard– International Federation of Cynologists.

General appearance: muscular, hardy, but balanced dog. Weighting is strictly excluded. Previously, Dalmatians performed work that involved running for many hours (hunting, escorting a carriage, etc.) so body balance is very important.

The head is a very important part when judging at a show. A head that is too narrow or, conversely, wide is not allowed. The bridge of the nose should be parallel to the line of the forehead. The pigmentation of the lips, nose and eyelids is black, without adding color.

The teeth are strong and white. Scissor bite.

Eye color is dark brown, preferably as dark a shade as possible.

Ears without additional black spots, harmonious against the background of the head. Too black ears, although they look elegant, do not receive recognition at exhibitions.

1. The weight of a Dalmatian depends on its gender - males are larger than females. The height of an adult animal usually reaches 60 cm. Larger sizes are undesirable. Weight - from 27 to 35 kg depending on gender and constitution.

Character and characteristics of the Dalmatian

Main characteristics Dalmatians - their mobility. These dogs are ready to play, run and learn new commands at any time. Their energy is inexhaustible. So if you cannot devote enough time to your pet, provide your quick Dalmatian happy life will not work.

Dalmatians have a balanced character and are not aggressive. Their ingenuity helps them remember many commands and carry them out according to their understanding. This is not a robot dog that will do whatever you ask of it. She will approach the task thoughtfully and find her own solution.

These pets are not suitable for protection at all. The pet's innate friendliness will not allow it to show aggression towards a stranger. Most often, the reaction to guests varies from enthusiastic and joyful to restrained.

The owners of these pets note the wide smile of the Dalmatian when they see the owner. And this is not fiction - when a dog meets its owner, a joyful expression clearly appears on its face.

Caring for these dogs is quite simple. Several times a week, your pet should be brushed with a soft brush for short-haired breeds to collect unnecessary hairs. Dalmatians shed heavily and their contrasting coats are easily visible on carpet, furniture and clothing.

By nature, these are very clean dogs. There is practically no smell from them. You should wash your pet only when it is heavily soiled.

Every couple of weeks you should clean your dog's ears and check his teeth. In case of contamination, remove earwax with a cotton swab. You can teach your dog to brush its teeth - for this, buy a special dog brush. toothbrush and accustom your puppy to it from the first days. Subsequently, the pet will understand that brushing its teeth is not at all scary, and will get used to this procedure.

Dalmatians need communication. They really miss their owner and want to be with him all the time. Wherever you go, the pet will follow you. Representatives of this breed are very affectionate. They will protect the owner, even if there is a larger and stronger opponent in front of him.

In severe frost, do not leave your dog outside for a long time - during long walks there is a danger of frostbitten delicate ears.

Feeding the Dalmatian

Many breeders and owners answer the question of how to feed a Dalmatian differently. Depending on the age of the dog, its constitution and appetite, the amount of food should be different. Some owners trust exclusively ready-made factory food, considering it more convenient and balanced. Others feed their pets exclusively with natural food, creating their own menu.

But choosing the type of food is not all a dog owner needs to know. There are several feeding rules that must be followed:

You need to feed your dog at the same time in the same place and only after a walk. If you walk your pet on a full stomach, your back may become deformed.

Concerning natural food, then there is no need to salt and pepper it. Animals need much less salt than humans.

Food should not be in the bowl all the time, but water should be available around the clock. The water should be renewed once a day.

Advantages of industrial feed over natural feeding:

In high-quality dry food, all the necessary substances are in strict balance, most fully satisfying the needs of the pet.

Dry food does not spoil and does not require time or effort to prepare.

High-class professional food developed by leading experts in the world. Almost all foreign nurseries use exclusively dry food.

Dry food in granules helps clean teeth and prevents the formation of tartar.

Never add to feed natural food– this can cause indigestion.

If you are just planning to purchase a puppy, be sure to ask the breeder what kind of food the dogs received. If you are not satisfied with the brand of food, gradually switch the puppy to a new one, but not earlier than after a week.

Natural feeding is quite a complex and expensive task. A dog needs raw meat, vegetables, fruits and cereals every day. You need to give beef, chicken, turkey, fish. Pork is not recommended - it is too fatty. Among suitable for a dog porridge - buckwheat and rice. Other cereals are not so healthy. By-products are not desirable - they don't have enough energy value, in addition, they accumulate harmful substances. It is useful to give cottage cheese and fermented milk products.

Dalmatian puppies

Dalmatian puppies are born completely white. If you don’t know this, you may not recognize in the bright kids the spotted, proud dogs they will become. Spots appear only in the second week, and are added throughout life. A litter usually contains up to 12 puppies.

What to feed Dalmatian puppies? While the diet of an adult dog is quite easy to prepare, adequate feeding of babies often raises many questions among inexperienced dog breeders.

In terms of food per kilogram of weight, puppies eat 3 times more than adult dogs. This is due to increased energy consumption and active growth. Make sure that the puppy does not overeat - only a certain number of feedings per day is permissible.

Depending on the age of the puppy, you need to feed it according to the following scheme:

From 1.5 to 3 months – 5 times a day.

From 3 to 5 months – 4 feedings per day.

From 5 to 10 months – three meals a day.

1. A teenage dog from 10 months of age switches to adult mode - eating 2 times a day.

Dalmatian training

To properly raise such an active dog, you need to have some experience in dog breeding. It will be difficult for an inexperienced owner to show persistence and firmness in handling the pet. If a Dalmatian is spoiled, he will not become the most pleasant dog to talk to - capricious, touchy and eccentric.

When training, never hit the dog - despite their cheerful character, Dalmatians are very touchy and vindictive. It will be difficult to restore lost trust.

In order to properly build a relationship with your pet, it is important to know several rules of education:

From a very early age, prohibit your dog from certain things. For example, if your pet is not allowed to jump on the bed, then let the whole family not allow it.

Training should be accompanied not only by commands, but also by encouragement.

Constantly come up with new games and tasks.