Dalmatian breed guide

Originally bred to guard horses and coaches, Dalmatians keep some of the old protective instinct. AKC calls them reserved and dignified and exposing a young Dalmatian to many new but pleasant places and people matters for training.

Dalmatians are muscular and built to go the distance, with powerful hindquarters behind a smooth, effortless gait.

Dalmatians live 11 to 13 years. AKC says deafness is present in the breed, so responsible breeders test the parents and entire litters. A dog deaf in one ear can usually lead a fairly normal life, while a dog deaf in both often cannot and needs special considerations.

Kidney stones are also present in the breed and a reputable breeder will have records of genetic health testing on the parents.

The sparkling white coat with colored spots does not take much work: occasional baths and weekly brushing with a horsehair mitt or rubber curry comb pull away dead hair.

All Dalmatians need regular exercise, whether a ball tossed across the backyard, running beside a biking or jogging owner or a long hike. AKC says to be wary of strenuous exercise in young dogs because bones and joints do not reach mature strength until two years of age.

Many AKC breeds have obscure and disputed origins, none more so than the Dalmatian. Researchers have used ancient artifacts and writings to place its birth in the British Isles, Europe, North Africa and Asia, though by the early 1800s the breed was tied to the region along the Adriatic once known as Dalmatia.

The traditional job was to trot beside horse-drawn coaches and guard the horses and rig when left unattended.