The Ultimutt Dalmatian Handbook

Dalmatians' high energy levels and strong loyalty explain why they were originally bred as carriage dogs (trained to trot alongside carriages to protect the occupants from banditry or other interference!). The first Dalmatian Club was established in England in 1890. Dalmatians were booming in popularity across Europe within thirty years, and today their popularity endures as a companion and a working dog.

Quirks of Dalmatian Puppies
Dalmatian puppies are very energetic and love to play. Initially, they might be quite clumsy when navigating stairs and other furniture, but they’ll quickly become more agile. At this young age, they are already very social and crave attention from their humans, so early socialisation is very important for helping them adjust to adulthood. This social element will also show in their vocals: barks, whines and other sounds will be used to express themselves. Some Dalmatians may even make ‘talking’ sounds as if they’re trying to communicate with you!
Like any puppy, they’ll have their teething phase (chewing on anything they can get their paws on!). In addition, they’ll also begin to develop their spots in the first few weeks of life - with no two Dalmatians ever having the same spot pattern!

Quirks of Dalmatian Adults
The biggest quirk of the Dalmatian is immediately obvious - their beautiful spotted coat. In many environments, this makes spotting (see what we did there) them very easy... though we’re assuming that you aren’t walking your dog in the Arctic. In adulthood, Dalmatians will maintain high energy levels and need a lot of exercise. Without this, they may become bored and more destructive so it’s important to let them exhaust themselves in the outdoors! Their history as carriage dogs means they have excellent stamina, so will thrive on long walks, hikes and even runs. 
Dalmatians are also strong-willed and independent. They’re bright and can excel in training but positive reinforcement and consistency are key. They’re loyal and affectionate, to the point of being protective of families and homes. They’ll be aware of new strangers and might even bark but are rarely aggressive unless they feel seriously threatened. They’re very social pooches, and thrive in environments with attention and interaction (sounds a bit like the team at Tuggs HQ).

Most Dalmatians carry a specific genetic defect meaning that they are prone to developing urate stones - a type of bladder stone - so it's important to provide them with a diet that helps prevent this condition. This typically involves feeding them a low-purine diet. As a result, we wouldn’t recommend feeding Tuggs. Providing constant access to fresh water helps to dilute the urine, and avoiding foods high in protein further helps to prevent the build-up of uric acid in the bladder.

 

This genetic defect is linked to the SLC2A9 gene and leads to hyperuricosuria, a condition causing high levels of uric acid in the urine. Dogs require mutations in both copies of the SLC2A9 gene to  be affected. However, Dalmatians with one copy of the gene are called carriers, and whilst not affected themselves will pass on the defective gene to their puppies.

 

Around 30% of Dalmatians are deaf in one or both ears. The condition is linked to the same gene responsible for their unique spotted coat, and causes deafness within a few weeks of birth. A specific test- called the BAER test- can identify affected puppies, and those with deafness in both ears should not be bred from. However, this condition is not painful and does not stop individuals from leading very fulfilling and happy lives! 

 

Other things to look out for in your Dalmations are hip dysplasia (hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the socket, developing into arthritis over time) and skin allergies (due to their short coat and sensitive skin).

Dalmatians are highly energetic and need at least 1-2 hours of exercise a day. Their high stamina means they’re a great companion if you’re on a run, or even a slow cycle in a safe environment. The easiest way to help them expend their energy is taking them off the lead, so environments that are conducive to this are advised - be it a rural walk or in the park. Games like fetch, tug-of-war or frisbee will allow them to engage their mind whilst also getting in physical exercise. Many Dalmatians love to swim too, so this is a good way to vary things.

Dalmatians are moderate to heavy shedders and should be brushed 2-3 times per week if possible. Spring and Autumn are shedding seasons so increased regularity is advisable then too. If you’re bathing your Dalmatian, once every 6-8 weeks is advisable and not any more because you’ll strip your pooch of their natural oils. Ensure you use mild shampoo too as Dalmatians are prone to dry skin. Those with sensitive skin may benefit from a hypoallergenic shampoo, as these are least likely to aggravate any skin problems. As Dalmatians have floppy ears, it’s good to keep them as clean as possible to prevent infections. Gently wiping the outer ear with a cotton ball or soft cloth, as well as drying their ears after swimming or bathing, is the best way to keep them nice and dirt-free.

Dalmatians are prone to developing urinary stones due to a particular genetic defect, and it’s important to provide them with a diet that helps to prevent this condition. This typically involves feeding a low-purine diet. Purines are found in many foods including particular organ meats and some proteins, of which your pooch may struggle to break down. 

 

Our recommendation for your Dalmatian include eggs (these are an excellent low-purine but high-protein source), lean white meats and fish (chicken, turkey, cod and haddock), vegetables (carrots, potatoes, green beans) and grains (rice, oats, pasta, barley). Providing plenty of fresh water is also essential, as this will help to dilute their urine and reduce the risk of stone formation.