Names
Dalmatian
Dalmatinac
Dalmatiner
English coach dog
carriage dog
plum pudding dog
fire house dog

Origin
Great Britain, Middle Ages

Use
Companion, hunting

Life Expectancy
This breed can live as long as 12 -14 years of age

Weight & Height
50 to 60 pounds & 20-24 inches tall

Known Health Problems
Deafness & Urinary Stones, Epilepsy, Hip Dysplasia, Skin Allergies

Physical Description
Large, muscular and square dog. The head is pear shaped from above with the skull and muzzle parallel to one another. The skull is almost flat with a slight center groove. Nose is large, broad and black. Eyes are medium size and brown or blue. Ears are medium size and drop. The chest is deep and compact. Tail is naturally long and tapered and carried in a lsight upward curve.

Temperament
Friendly & outgoing. Usually does well with children. They can be wary of strangers and dog aggressive, especially with other male dogs.

Training
Dalmatians are itelligent and can learn quickly, but you may need to show them what you want from them. Training should be begin right away at an early age, always use positive reinforcement such as treats.

Living Conditions
This breed will do ok in an apartment if exercised sufficiently

Grooming
Little grooming needed

Exercise
Needs a great deal of daily exercise to keep it happy

Coat Texture
Coat is short, glossy and close-fitting

Coat Colors

Puppies

Image by Mellbee80 at the Wikimedia Commons
8-10 puppies are usually born per litter. Puppies are born all white and develop their spots around 10-14 days old

Recognition
Continental Kennel Club
American Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
American Pet Registry
Fédération Cynologique Internationale
Canadian Kennel Club
National Kennel Club