| A Dalmatian is a breed of dog known for its | | | | be too rough and big for younger kids, they |
| black spots which cover its white coat. In | | | | are good companions for teens with their |
| the United States, Dalmatians are often | | | | playful attitude. They need companionship |
| portrayed as firehouse dogs.A popular breed, | | | | and affection too, as they can become |
| Dalmatians are midsized, muscular and have | | | | depressed. Dalmatians are known as having |
| great endurance. Dalmatians' coats are | | | | good memories and being loyal and |
| dense, short and very fine. The base color | | | | kind.Unfortunately, some Dalmatians (about |
| of this breed is white, with round spots in | | | | 10%) tend to have hereditary deafness, which |
| black or brown. A Dalmatians feet are small | | | | is somewhat common in all-white breeds. |
| and round and their nails are either the same | | | | There is a strong relationship between blue |
| color of their spots or white. The color of | | | | eyes and deafness, too. The average lifespan |
| their nose also depends on the color of the | | | | of a Dalmatian is 10 to 12 years. Dalmatians |
| spots that they have. The eyes of a | | | | also suffer from a lack of uricase, an enzyme |
| Dalmatian share an intelligent expression and | | | | which breaks down uric acid. Without this |
| are either brown or blue. The ears are high | | | | enzyme, uric acid can cause bladder stones or |
| and thin and are close to the dog's head. | | | | gout, as it builds up in joints. To reduce |
| Spots on Dalmatians come later, as Dalmatian | | | | the likelihood of stones, owners should not |
| puppies are born fully white.The Dalmatian | | | | feed Dalmatians organ meats.The Dalmatian |
| breed was named after Dalmatia, an area in | | | | breed got very popular after the 1956 novel |
| the Venetia Republic, in the 18th century. | | | | "The Hundred and One Dalmatians" and the |
| The breed's origin is not known for sure, but | | | | Disney animated film with the same name. |
| it is believed to be either Yugoslavia, | | | | Sadly, some owners bought Dalmatians because |
| Egypt, Greece, or Rome.At 22 to 24 inches | | | | of the film but were unaware of the high |
| tall and about 55 pounds, the dog breed is | | | | amount of exercise that Dalmatians need. |
| known for being a working dog. Although not | | | | Dalmatians even like to swim, but owners must |
| specialized in one area, often Dalmatians | | | | be careful as wet ears can cause an ear |
| herded and hunted. It was also used as a | | | | infection.Although they are easy to keep |
| carriage dog - a type of dog who used to run | | | | breed, Dalmatians need to be frequently |
| next to a carriage and clear the way, help | | | | brushed to deal with the constant shedding. |
| control horses and to guard the carriage. | | | | Their nails also need to be kept trimmed as |
| With training, Dalmatians can gain a high | | | | they tend to grow quickly. However, they |
| level of obedience.As past history of being a | | | | only needs baths when necessary as they have |
| carriage dog shows, the Dalmatian breed is | | | | no doggy odor and like to stay clean. |
| active and needs exercise. Though they may | | | | |