Do you want to own a Dalmatian? Or do you already have one but don’t really know how to properly take care of it? Well, don’t worry! This article will help you by giving you the information and the proper methods on how to take good care of a Dalmatian.
You can actually easily spot this dog because of its distinct features. Dalmatians are a type of dog breed that has a typical white color and lots of black or brown spots. These dogs originated in Dalmatia, Croatia, and they also have a lot of interesting names, like the English Coach Dog, the Plum Pudding Dog, the Spotted Dick, and the Carriage Dog. Nowadays, these dogs can be pretty hard to find. So if you own one or spot one, you’re lucky!
Dalmatians are known to be hunting dogs, and they are excellent in their dog instincts. In fact, they’re skilled killers of rats and vermin. They are awesome hunters, and because of their outstanding skills and characteristics, this dog breed is also known to be circus dogs! They’re bred across Europe, and they are marvelous dogs in everything that they do., from retrieving, and exterminating vermin training, herding sheep, and performing in the circus.
Dalmatians have a life expectancy of 10–14 years, but this may vary depending on their environment and health. They are medium-sized dogs and have tall, sleek bodies. The male Dalmatians have an average height of 58–61 cm and a weight of 15–32 kg, while the females have an average height of 56–58 cm and a weight of 16–24 kg.
The sad part is that Dalmatians are pretty prone to health problems, and this may be due to overbreeding. Deafness is pretty common for them. In fact, almost every Dalmatian has it. Other illnesses to which they may be predisposed include kidney problems, hypothyroidism, iris sphincter dysplasia, seizures, and allergies. But don’t worry because, with the help of veterinarians, these problems can be solved or prevented. There are top vets in Fort Worth where you can access quality pet healthcare and who will give you instructions on how to protect your dog from common Dalmatian health problems.
Here are the things you should know when taking care of a Dalmatian:
- Meal Time
Dalmatians are not like other dog breeds that can only eat two meals at a time. Adult Dalmatians need to be fed at least three times a day, with an interval of a few hours before the next meal. You should feed adult Dalmatians a few hours before their bedtime to give them time to digest; they also tend to urinate and poop often. For Dalmatian puppies, you should feed them four times a day. However, since puppies have small stomachs, you should only feed them small amounts of food for each meal.
- Grooming
Dalmatians have a sleek coats, and they don’t need to be bathed often. You can just bathe them every 6–8 weeks, depending on whether they’re smelly or not. But, although they have a short, thick coat of fur, they constantly shed. Thus, it’s important to spend time brushing them to keep them neat. Remember to check their skin regularly in case of skin problems, ticks, or fleas!
- Training and Exercise
Just like any other dog, training Dalmatians is beneficial to them. Dalmatians are trainable and smart, which is why training them won’t be too difficult. Just be sure to be a patient trainer too! Exposing them to social interactions with people and other dogs is also important so they are not too aloof and can learn to respect and increase their friendly spirit. Furthermore, they also need at least 2 hours of exercise per day.
- Behavior and Temperament
Dalmatians are known to be energetic and active dogs that do well with training, physical activities, and children. They are smart dogs and make excellent guard dogs and watchdogs. They’re also friendly dogs, though they may be sensitive at times. Owning a Dalmatian is definitely an excellent choice, and there’s no doubt that they will be good pets for you!
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