August 2008

Physical Traits Of A Standard Dalmatian

The Dalmatian’s spotted coat makes him instantly recognizable.  He has a global reputation as a fun loving fashion statement.  But more than a movie star, the Dalmatian is a tireless dog who has the energy to jog for miles, as his carriage escorting ancestors did for years.

The information provided in this article is not intended for show dogs and does not deal with the conformation of champions and how to select one. The description given here provides basic information about the stature of a Dalmatian and qualities of a physical nature.  Since standards come and standards go, measuring your Dalmatian against some imaginary yardstick does little for you or your dog.  Just because your dog is not a show champion, it does not mean that he is any less of a family member.  And just because a dog is a champion does not mean that he is not a genetic time bomb waiting to go off. 

When breeders and those interested in showing Dalmatians are selecting dogs, they are looking for those qualities that match the breed “standard.”  This standard changes from time to time and from country to country.  Thus, the conformation and physical characteristics that pet owners should concentrate on are somewhat different and much more practical. 

Dalmatians were originally bred to be medium-sized dogs.  However, as they were used for more and more guard work, they were bred to become much larger.  Most adult males are between 22 and 24 inches at the withers and female Dalmatians are about 1-2 inches smaller.  The normal weight range for the breed is between 40 and 70 pounds. 

It is not unusual to see dogs considerably larger than the breed standard allows and some males may be 27 inches at the withers and 90 pounds.  Dalmatians in Britain tend to be larger than American varieties.  Larger dogs are not necessarily better dogs.  Dalmatians were never intended to be considered “giants” and the increased size might promote some medical problems which tend to be more common in larger dogs.  Evidence shows that the larger members of the breed might be more susceptible to orthopedic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.

There are two “approved” colors for Dalmatian: white with black spots and white with liver/brown spots.  The “spots” tend to be focal and less than 5 cm (2
inches).  Larger areas of color are referred to as patches and will disqualify a Dalmatian from the conformation show ring, though these patches have no health impact.

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Since the mid 18th century, historians have found references to the breed of dog known as the Dalmatian.  The breeds’ first established home, for which the breed was also named after was Dalmatia.  It is a place in the Western Yugoslavian area which at one time was part of Austria, located on the Adriatic.  However, these dogs were well-known throughout many parts of the world long before that time.  The breed was shown in various types of antique art including engravings, paintings, models, and early writings which have accounted for the presence of spotted dogs of the same size and type in wide-ranging areas including early Africa, Asia, and Europe.  As history tells us, several bands of ancient gypsies (Romanies) were accompanied by the dogs in their wanderings around the world, which explains the vast widespread and popularity of the breed. 

The Dalmatian quickly became a favorite and established some of their best known claims to fame in Great Britain.  They were brought there by members of the British upper classes who in those days often made tours to Europe and would often come back  accompanied by some of the striking spotted dogs.  Right after they were adopted by the English aristocracy who used them to accompany their horse-drawn carriages, the charming dog soon became a feature of these processions.  The dogs were taught to station themselves beneath the rear axle of the coach, and in some cases to trot underneath the pole separating the horses.  They were also taught to lead the procession, trotting along ahead of the first horse, which was an impressive sight to see!

Another type of activity with which the Dalmatian became known for, which also said to have started in Great Britain, is his very famous role of being a “firehouse dog.”  This was said to have started with the dogs being used as ratters, for the function of killing vermin in London’s stables and firehouses, which they did with expertise.   But these dogs loved the horses and the fire engine, so it was almost inevitable that they soon were racing ahead of them through the streets whenever the alarm was sounded.  In the present days, many Dalmatians can still be seen riding on the fire trucks with their masters.  Dalmatians are still considered as the mascot and are often found in firehouses, not only in Great Britain but in the United States and other countries as well.

In addition to being a “firehouse dog,” Dalmatians have also worked in war times; done sentinel duty; served as shepherd’s dogs; and as draft dogs.  They have been seen in many circus shows, especially enjoying popularity with the clowns as “assistants,” their intelligence, aptitude, and showy appearance having fitted them particularly well for this activity.

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