The Dalmatian is a medium-sized, muscular and slender dog. He has good endurance and is naturally active. Males are 56 to 62 cm tall and weigh between 28 and 35 kg while females are 54 to 60 cm tall and weigh around 22 to 28 kg (1). The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) classifies the Dalmatian among the hounds and describes it as a dog with a rectangular and powerful body. The Dalmatian’s coat is short, dense, smooth and shiny. Its coat is white, spotted with black or brown (liver).

A good companion to horses and an excellent trotter with great endurance, the Dalmatian was used in the Middle Ages to accompany coaches and coaches over long distances in order to pave the way and protect the crews. (2) More recently, in the XNUMXth and early XNUMXth centuries, it is for the same reason that Dalmatian was used by firefighters in the United States. During the interventions, he signaled the horse-drawn fire engines by his barking and in the evening, guarded the barracks and the horses. Even today, he remains the mascot of many American and Canadian fire brigades.

By its loyal and very demonstrative character, the Dalmatian is a family dog ​​par excellence.

He has good endurance when running and is very athletic. It is therefore important to note that his athletic nature will not be fully satisfied in a city apartment. On the contrary, he needs large spaces and several daily outings to satisfy his need for exercise.

Renal and urinary pathologies

Like humans and some primates, Dalmatians can suffer from hyperuricemia, i.e. an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood. This excess uric acid can then lead to gout attacks (inflammation and pain in the joints) and especially kidney stones. (3)

Indeed, the Dalmatian, unlike the vast majority of other dog breeds, does not completely degrade purines, molecules naturally present in all living beings, as well as in food. While other dogs will reduce these large molecules to Allantoin, which is smaller and easier to eliminate, Dalmatians reduce purines to uric acid, which is difficult to eliminate in urine. Its accumulation can then lead to complications. This pathology is more common in males. (3)

Urinalysis should be done to check for blood and crystals in the urine, as well as urine pH. It is also necessary to perform a test for bacteria in the urine to detect possible associated infection. Finally, an x-ray or ultrasound is also necessary to ensure the diagnosis of kidney stones.

In order to dissolve the stone without surgery, it is possible to change the pH of the urine through medication or a change in diet. Surgery is indicated when it is not possible to dissolve the stones or for types of stones that are too large to be expelled through the urethra and when they are responsible for obstruction of the urinary tract.

Neurological pathologies

Congenital sensorineural hearing loss is common in dogs with white coats and blue eyes, but the prevalence is highest in Dalmatians. More than one in five Dalmatians (21.6%) have unilateral deafness (one ear) and almost one in ten (8.1%) have bilateral deafness (both ears). (4)

Congenital deafness does not appear from birth, but only after a few weeks of life. It is therefore not possible to make a prenatal diagnosis.

The diagnosis of deafness can be made by observing the dog’s reactions to a sound stimulus. The blue color of the eyes can also be an indication. A Dalmatian who is deaf in both ears will exhibit atypical behavior (deep sleep, response only to tactile stimuli, aggressiveness towards other dogs). In contrast, a dog with unilateral deafness will lead a normal life. It is therefore rarely possible for the owner or even the breeder to detect deafness by conventional tests. It is therefore advisable to use the trace of auditory evoked potentials (AEP). (4) This method assesses sound diffusion in the outer and middle ears and also the neurological properties in the inner ear, auditory nerve and brainstem. (5)

There is currently no treatment to restore hearing in dogs.

The Dalmatian is characterized by his friendly and pleasant temperament. It is therefore an ideal companion dog and will be perfect for families with children if it is well educated.

It is a relatively easy dog ​​to train because it is not suspicious or nervous, but requires firmness and a grip from an early age. A poorly educated dog is at risk of becoming stubborn and having a bad temper. Also remember to get him used to brushing very early because the Dalmatian loses his hair permanently.

The Dalmatian is a very lively dog ​​as it was originally bred to trot alongside teams of horses over long distances. He therefore naturally enjoys physical exercise and you will have to devote time to walking. Lack of physical exercise is bad for your health. He could get fat or develop behavior problems.

His sporty character does not make the Dalmatian a good apartment dog, and if you have a garden, that will not exempt you from daily walks either. However, the most motivated will take advantage of this athlete profile and will be able to train their Dalmatian for dog competitions such as agility and canicross.