Dalmatians: description of the breed, character, history of the breed

Interestingly, what is a Dalmatian dog breed? Photos of its representatives you really liked and sunk into the soul? Then this article is for you. Now we will talk about this breed. Dalmatians are very active, lively and intelligent dogs. They possess excellent working qualities, thanks to which these dogs are good defenders and companions. Do you want to know in more detail what the Dalmatians are? Description of the breed is interested? Then read our article.

Dalmatians: the history of the breed

Now we will talk about where this breed came from. So, who are the Dalmatians? Description of the breed should start with the history of its occurrence.

It is impossible to say exactly how the Dalmatians appeared. It seems that they have always been. Although some researchers find similarities between Dalmatians and those depicted on ancient Egyptian bas-reliefs by dogs. Of course, this does not give the right to unequivocally talk about the origins of the breed. The "official" homeland of these dogs is Dalmatia. What is this place? This area is in the territory of present-day Montenegro and Croatia, which is located in the north-west of the Balkan Peninsula. Although there is still no evidence of this hypothesis for the appearance of such a dog.

There is another theory of their origin. Some suggest that the Dalmatians originated from Italy and originally were hounds.

Dogs with black spots also met in ancient Greek drawings. People often associate their images with the current Dalmatians. In later drawings, the appearance of spotted dogs changed.

For example, in the Middle Ages, according to information known to us, there were dogs of similar color, but of a type closer to the pre-species. Their destination is escort, as well as guarding the coaches.

This duty required the dogs, in addition to stamina, to have a minimum of vulnerability, which was the reason for the procedure for cupping the ears. Of course, the sight of those dogs was rather peculiar and did not match with today's image, but they have a common feature - the ability to move in a wide sweeping trot for a long time and at a wonderful pace.

Do you know what links the present Dalmatians to the "carriage" dogs? Friendly communication with horses.

As it was, it was not known, but historically it turned out that the fashion legislator for this breed was Great Britain.

Appearance of such dogs

What are the Dalmatians? Description of the breed and appearance of these dogs, we'll start with the head.

The Dalmatian's head is proportional to the body of the dog, the skin is tight. Eyes round in shape, medium in size, not convex. Look attentive, alive. Eye color blue or brown. The ears are medium in size, soft, thin, wide at the base, tapering towards the end. Highly set, tip rounded and lowered. The length of the skull and the length of the muzzle are approximately the same. The nose is either brown or black. Scissor bite. Lips tightly adhering, dry.

The neck of a Dalmatian is long, beautifully curved. Chest of medium width, deep. The back is strong and even. Loin slightly convex, muscular, short. The tail is thick at the base of the Dalmatian, and towards the end it narrows.

The shoulders are muscular, even. Bones strong, and legs straight. The pads on the paws are thick, the fingers are curved. The claws can be either white or black.

The wool is smooth, short, dense, tightly fitting, shiny. The color is white, with pronounced spots (rounded) of dark brown or black. The marks should not be any other shade. Spots are evenly distributed throughout the body, in size may be different. On the body, as a rule, they are larger than on the tail, head and legs. An indication of the disqualification of a representative of the breed is the tricolor color.

Dalmatian is a dog with a strong, muscular symmetrical body. She is very smart and hardy. The height at the withers is 52 cm on average. If the dog is above 61, he is disqualified.

Description of the representatives we have compiled. Now let's talk about the nature of the Dalmatian.

Nature of breed and behavior

The Dalmatian is a cheerful and mischievous dog who likes to play with his fellows, and with children or adults. Such a dog wants to be in the spotlight. Dalmatian very often begins to claim the role of the main child. If they do not allow it, then he is ready to occupy a different place, then, to which the owner will point.

When such a dog does not lead an active life, he is sad, offended at all in a row, like a child who lacks attention and concern from peers. His beautiful, mild nature by nature turns into a harmful and recalcitrant.

The Dalmatian dog breed is of a calm nature. Its representatives are reserved to unfamiliar citizens. These dogs do not come into contact with each other. They are very attached to the owner and family. For children such a dog will become a real nanny. He will take care of the little ones from strangers.

For centuries the breed of Dalmatian dogs was bred for hunting, in addition, it has vividly expressed the innate qualities of the watchman. Bark Dalmatians are not very often, but if something suspicious appears on the horizon, they will let know.

Usually in an apartment such a dog feels like a master, sometimes does not tolerate the presence of other dogs. On walks the representative of the breed is very calm and friendly. He does not tolerate aggressive and barking dogs.

The Dalmatian, of course, has a very kind disposition, but if the owner is in danger, the dog becomes fearless and bold. He will undoubtedly enter into battle with the enemy, and it does not matter whether he is an animal or an animal. Dimensions also do not matter, all the same the dog will protect with all the strength of the owner. From the Dalmatian, a great friend is obtained, which, if necessary, can intervene with the master. Such a dog likes long walks, loves to run, and also to search the territory.

Needs constant communication with people, especially with the owner and family members. When a Dalmatian is left alone, he is very bored, perhaps even nervous.

If it is bad to bring up such a dog, for example, for the same action, then punish, then encourage, then it will have aggression. A dog can even become nervous and dangerous. Constant punishment without cause, too, should not be present, otherwise his character will break, and he will become unsuitable for service as a watchman, since he will not react in any way to strangers.

Care for the Dalmatians: important aspects

Dogs of this breed are not particularly demanding in nursing. To get rid of dead hair and keep a well-groomed appearance, you need to regularly comb the dog. Molting in Dalmatians is not strong, but occurs throughout the year.

Such dogs are clean, have no smell.
They need long walks and heavy physical exertion.

Feeding: advice to owners of spotty four-footed friends

You need to feed at the same time. The size of the portion and the number of meals depends on the age of the dog. If you will be fed natural food, then let's prefer raw and lean meat. Do not use salt, pepper and other condiments. Sweets and smoked Dalmatians are forbidden, as well as other thoroughbred dogs.

Prohibited food

Also, do not give them:

• sausages;
• fat meat;
• Raw river fish.

The diet of these dogs, in addition to meat, should include:

• sea fish;
• Cottage cheese (low-fat);
• Vegetables (cabbage, cucumbers and others);
• Porridge (buckwheat, oatmeal and rice).

Also need to give the dog special vitamins and mineral supplements. Constantly in a bowl, the dog should have fresh water.

You can feed Dalmatians ready-made premium foods. When choosing food, be sure to consult a veterinarian, as some products can cause an allergic reaction.

Diseases of the representatives of the breed

The most common diseases of Dalmatians:

• cataract;
• Atopy;
• Bloating;
• Progressive retinal atrophy;
• Demodicosis;
• Hip dysplasia;
• Pannus;
• Pododermatitis;
• urolithiasis disease;
• entropy;
• Polyneuropathy;
• glaucoma;
• Distichiasis;
• Congenital deafness.

What do the hosts think?

The best owners of spotted dogs can tell what a Dalmatian breed is. Reviews about it are almost all positive. The only thing that owners notice is that these magnificent dogs need great physical exertion, without them they become uncontrollable.

In addition, you need the first 7 months of a puppy's life in your home as much as they do, only so, the owners say, you will be able to properly raise a dog. But they also add that the Dalmatian breed possesses a lot of positive qualities, the photo of which you can see in our article. Such dogs are distinguished by great mental abilities, endurance and good character.

Interesting remark about the wonderful breed

What kind of dog is like a Dalmatian? If we talk about external data, it's a German dog (photo above). The representatives of this breed have exactly the same spotted color, as in the Dalmatian. But its size is greater. The height at the withers at the bitch of the Great Dane is at least 72 cm, and the Dalmatian is no more than 55 cm.

What else exists a breed that looks like a Dalmatian? Rhodesian Ridgeback. The difference is that the representatives of this breed have no spots, and their color is not white with black spots, but red.

A small conclusion

Now you know who the Dalmatians are. We have provided you with a detailed description of the breed. In addition, we named dogs that look like a spotted playful defender. We hope that you understand the nature of this breed, and you also understand how the Dalmatian should eat. Characteristics of the breed - this is what the future owner of the dog should know. It's the only way to understand that it will grow out of a small puppy. Good luck with your choice and upbringing.