dalmatian

Demodex mites are present on the skin of all dogs but in some animals born with a defective immune system the numbers increase and begin to cause problems.  Dalmatians are usually cited as one of the most common breeds affected with this condition.  Although it is thought to be genetically transmitted, the mode of transmission has never been conclusively demonstrated.

Most cases of demodicosis are seen in young pups and fully 90% of cases self-cure with or no medical intervention by the time these dogs reach18-36 months of age.  In these cases, it is suspected that the immune system is marginally compromised and eventually matures and gets the condition under control.  On the other hand, some pups (about 10% of those initially affected) do not get better and, in fact, become progressively worse.  These are thought to have more severe immunologic compromise and are often labeled as having “generalized demodicosis.”

The diagnosis is easily made by scraping the skin with a scalpel blade and looking at the collected debris under a microscope.  The Demodex mites are cigar-shaped and are easily seen.  What is harder to identify is the immunoiogic defect that allowed the condition to occur in the first place.  Recent research has suggested the problem may be linked to a decrease in interleukin-2 response but the genetics is still a question. 

If the cause of the immune dysfunction can be cured, the mange will resolve on its own.  Likewise, if the pup outgrows its immunoiogic immaturity or defect, the condition will self-cure.  This process can best be assisted by ensuring a healthy diet is being fed, treating for any internal parasites or other diseases, and perhaps using cleansing shampoos and nutritional supplements that help bolster the immune system.  However, if the condition does not resolve on its own, or if it is getting worse despite therapy, special mite-killing treatments are necessary.

Amitraz is the most common dip used.  It must be remembered that killing the mites will not restore the immune system to normal.  Regarding prevention, it is best not to breed Dalmatians with a history of demodicosis and dogs with generalized demodicosis should never be bred.

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Choosing the best stud dog for your female Dalmatian can be very difficult. The two principal factors to be considered should be the stud’s conformation and his pedigree.  Conformation is quite obvious; you want a dog that is typical of the breed in the words of the “Standard of perfection.”  On the other hand, understanding pedigrees is a bit more difficult since the pedigree lists the ancestry of the dog.  It involves individuals and bloodlines which you may not be entirely familiar of.  Make an effort to discuss the various dogs behind the proposed stud with some of the more experienced breeders.  Start with the breeder of your own female Dalmatian.  Such breeders can give you helpful information as well as offer opinions of them. 

Do not rush out and breed to the latest winner with no thought of whether or not he can produce true quality.  It is the producing record of the stud Dalmatian that should be the basis on which you make your choice.  Breeding dogs is not a money-making business.  By the time you pay a stud fee, care for the female during pregnancy, whelp the litter, and rear the puppies through their early shots, worming, etc…, you will be fortunate enough to break even financially once the puppies have been sold.  Your chances of doing this are greater if you are breeding for a show-quality litter which will bring you higher prices, as the pups are sold as show prospects.

Your wisest investment is to use the best stud dog available for your female Dalmatian regardless of the cost if you want to produce valuable puppies.  Keep in mind that it is equally costly to raise average puppies as it is to raise top ones, and your chances of financial return are better on the latter.

There are three options for breeding your female Dalmatian: line-breeding, in-breeding, and out-cross breeding.  Line-breeding is breeding a female dog to a  stud belonging originally to the same canine family, and descended from the same ancestors, such as half-brother to half-sister, grand-sire to granddaughter, niece to uncle (and vice-versa) or cousin to cousin.  Inbreeding is breeding father to daughter, mother to son, or full brother to sister.  Out-cross breeding is breeding a male and a female Dalmatian with no or only a few mutual ancestors. 

For a novice breeder, line-breeding is probably the safest course to take and the one most likely to bring expected results. The more sophisticated inbreeding should be left to the experienced, longtime breeders who have full knowledge and understanding of the risks and the possibilities involved with a particular line. It is usually done in an effort to intensify some ideal feature in that strain.  Out-crossing is the reverse of inbreeding, an effort to introduce improvement in a specific feature that needs correction, such as a shorter back, better movement, more correct head or coat, etc.

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When house training your Dalmatian puppy, you will need to take him out frequently and at regular intervals: first thing in the morning directly from the crate, right after meals, after the puppy has been napping, or when you notice that the puppy is looking for a spot.  Choose more or less the same place to take the puppy each time in order to establish a pattern.  If he does not go immediately, do not return him to the house because he will probably relieve himself the moment he is inside.  Stay out with him until he has finished; then be generous with your praise for his good behavior.  If you catch the puppy having an accident indoors, grab him firmly and rush him outside, sharply saying “No!” as you pick him up.  If you do not see the accident occur, there is little point in doing anything except cleaning it up, because once it has happened and been forgotten, the puppy will most likely not even realize why you are scolding him. 

If you live in a big city or are away many hours at a time, having a dog that is trained to go on paper has some very good advantages.  In order to do this,  proceed the same way as taking the puppy outdoors, except this time you place the puppy on the newspaper at the proper time.  The paper should always be kept in the same area.  An easy way to paper train a puppy if you have a playpen is to line the area with newspapers; then gradually remove a section of it until you are down to just one or two. The puppy acquires the habit of using the paper; and as the prepared area grows smaller, the dog will usually continue to use whatever paper is still available.  It is pleasant, if the dog is alone for a long period of time to be able to feel that if he needs it the paper is there and will be used. 

The puppy should form the habit of spending a certain amount of time in his crate, even when you are home. Sometimes the puppy will do this “voluntarily, but if not, he needs to learn to do so, which is done by leading him over by his collar, gently pushing him inside, and saying firmly, “Down” or “Stay.”  Whatever expression you use to give a command, stick to the very same one each time for each act.  Repetition is very important in training as well as association with what the dog is expected to do.  When you mean “Sit” always say exactly that.  “Stay” should mean only that the dog should remain where he receives the command. “Down” means something else again. 

Do not confuse the dog by shuffling the commands, because this will create training problems for you.  As soon as he had his shots, take your puppy with you whenever and wherever you can.  Nothing builds a self-confident, stable dog like socialization, and it is very important that you plan and have the time and energy to do this.

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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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