Description of the Dalmatian breed, characteristics, education

Raising a Dalmatian

The first thing you need to do when meeting a little Dalmatian is to understand the main character traits of your pet, to discern the personality in the baby. You should not attribute small pranks of a puppy to his age, otherwise it will be very difficult to teach an adult dog the correct behavior. is carried out at an age when the dog’s psyche has not yet been formed and the responsibility for raising the dog lies entirely on the shoulders of the new owner. The first and basic rule of raising a Dalmatian is to always treat the dog the same, regardless of its age. Under no circumstances should you be inconsistent in your actions. If you didn't allow your dog to do something once, he will remember it. You can consolidate this moment in your memory only on the condition that you continue to maintain steadfast character. For example, you decide not to feed the dog food from the common table, but you give in at the very first pleas of your pet and give the Dalmatian a piece of the food he begged for. This behavior is inconsistent. Always show your dog your position in everything. Don’t ignore your puppy’s disobedience, but you shouldn’t punish him with cruelty either. A sharp command or an innocent slap with a newspaper is enough. Punishment must be carried out on time. It is impossible to punish a dog for actions that it has committed a long time ago. This way, false associations can form in the dog’s memory. Raising a Dalmatian puppy

The process is fascinating.
Pay attention to training by walking your Dalmatian outdoors more often. It is important for a Dalmatian puppy to find one single owner. The dog should not be raised by the whole family; it should have someone in whom it feels special authority. It would be good to agree with all members of the family, especially children, that the puppy should not be tormented by affection, but rather show a little restraint. Raising a Dalmatian puppy
should not be rough; this breed is quite sensitive and does not tolerate even slight violence.

How to raise a Dalmatian puppy

If you train your pet correctly, then over time you will get an obedient dog that will follow all commands and delight you every day. Experts believe that several factors may influence the Dalmatian’s susceptibility to following various commands:

pet's temperament - the speed of the pet's reaction to stimuli, both positive and negative;
character - how exactly the dog resists various unpleasant influences;
obedience - the dog’s ability to accept human leadership;
vigilance - the speed with which the dog notices potential danger, both in relation to itself and in relation to the owner;
aggressiveness - the pet’s ability to react hostilely to potential danger;
curiosity - interest that is developed when a dog feels, hears and sees something;
sociability - the ability to interact with people;
possessiveness is the interest shown by animals in certain objects, for example toys.

How quickly your dog will learn commands depends on which traits predominate in the character of a Dalmatian puppy. By paying attention to the character traits of your animal, you can find an approach to it and adjust its behavior in certain situations.

Eagerness will get you nowhere . You should not try to teach your Dalmatian puppy all the commands at the same time; you need to learn the commands one by one. You need to have patience and act methodically. You should not scold your pet at the moment when he makes mistakes, and when he succeeds in something, then the pet should be encouraged.
Don't hit . It is prohibited to use physical punishment against a pet. You should limit yourself to variable intonation, but avoid shouting. After the Dalmatian puppy is three months old, it is allowed to use a light spank as punishment while saying the phrase “Ew.” It is necessary to punish immediately when the animal commits an offense, and not after it, since the animal simply will not understand what exactly it was punished for.
Subsequence . The main goal is to ensure that the pet follows the command the first time. Commands should be pronounced clearly and in an even voice so that the dog understands and obeys you. All family members should be involved in raising the dog, but they must act together. It is forbidden to allow situations in which you scold the puppy, and another family member praises him or simply does not pay attention.
Pamper . Remember to reward your Dalmatian puppy with a variety of treats and praise when he has done what is asked of him.

Dalmatian training

Dog training should not be sporadic. Learning must happen constantly. Even at a young age, the Dalmatian must learn the commands “come to me”, “place”, “sit”, “no”. With these skills you can take control of your dog's behavior at any time. Dalmatian puppy training

begins with training the dog to its place.
Having found its own corner, its own territory in the house, the puppy will feel protected, a full member of the family, and its owner will always know where to find the dog in the big house and where it will run after punishment. This place should be secluded, representing the dog’s real territory, where he is safe even from the most domineering owner. Mastering his place is a basic technique on how to train a Dalmatian. Scolding a dog on its territory is strictly prohibited! The “no” command, when used correctly, will protect your slippers from damage, your pet’s stomach from garbage, and the dining table from unwanted emptiness. Repeat the “no” command whenever your puppy does something prohibited. Even if you yourself help the puppy understand the command, you still need to reward him for its execution. The next basic command is the “come to me” command. The sooner the dog learns it, the calmer the life of its owner will be. Training your Dalmatian at home
will quickly help your dog understand this command. Repeat the words “come to me” every time you feed the puppy; in this case, you need to show the dog the food, call it by name and call it to you. A dog can easily learn the “sit” command if you show it its favorite treat, raising it above the level of the dog’s head.

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There are many dog breeds in the world that were bred by humans. However, one of the most charming and beautiful dogs is the Dalmatian. The Dalmatian dog will always be in the center of attention and rightfully take its prizes; everyone really likes it, especially children. This pet simply captivates from the very first sight; when people look at it, their mood rises and a smile appears. It’s not for nothing that even directors made cartoons about them and their good-natured disposition.

Today this dog is a friend and companion, a wonderful family friend. Oddly enough, after 1996, when the cartoon “101 Dalmatians” was released, the breed became very popular and its popularity and demand continues to this day. Probably every child dreams of having a pet of this breed. They can live perfectly both in an apartment and in a private house.

The most interesting thing is that this is a universal dog breed, created not only to please the human eye. In some countries, Miter Dalmatians do an excellent job as assistants to firefighters, security guards and watchmen, and rescuers, coping well with the tasks assigned to them. In the article you will learn a lot of interesting things about the dog breed, which is considered one of the most beautiful animals.

The Dalmatian dog breed is one of the ancient breeds. They lived many years before our era. This is evidenced by some excavations and information from archaeologists. The breed was formed on the territory of Croatia and Yugoslavia, previously there was the region of Dalmatia, the Dalman Republic, and in this area the Dalmatian was depicted on the coat of arms of the Yugoslav rulers; this version is considered the most reliable.

History also says that in ancient times there were white dogs with black spots. As an option and version of the origin of the breed, it is believed that Dalmatians came to us from India, Ancient Egypt; in these countries, archaeologists also discovered the remains of dogs similar to Dalmatians. These versions also stem from the fact that Dalmatians can easily withstand the heat typical of these countries. But, nevertheless, breed researchers are more inclined to the Yugoslav origin of Dalmatians.

Throughout European countries, dogs spread with sailors, with groups of circus performers; it was they who took the dogs on tours and sailing in different countries. People immediately appreciated all the positive qualities of these dogs; all aristocrats dreamed of seeing Dalmatian puppies in their midst. Later, English breeders improved this breed. Thanks to their original appearance, which no other dog breed can boast of, they are very popular in our time.

Raising a dog

Education is the process of shaping Dalmatian behavior acceptable to the owner, when this behavior is not regulated by commands. During upbringing, a dog develops relationships with its owner, family members, passers-by, behavior in the house, on the street, and relationships with other dogs. The training process begins immediately when the dog first appears in the house and continues throughout the dog’s life. Regardless of the dog's breed, it must be trained. Just as people do not like ill-mannered people, dogs should also know what is allowed and what is not allowed. Raising a dog is a rather complex process, which is not limited to learning just a few commands. The main goal of education is that the dog should become pleasant to talk to. In addition, it must be manageable at some points, otherwise it will be very difficult for the dog owner. In the broadest sense of the word, dog training is about teaching the dog commands such as “Bad” and “No”. But besides this, the dog must know what is good and what is bad, even in those moments when the owner is not around. Some believe that the Dalmatian only understands commands, but cannot generalize. Only those who, as a rule, never had dogs, and studied them only in laboratory conditions, in which dogs were not able to show their full potential, are convinced of this, as well as those who, due to their personal qualities, were unable to establish a relationship with pet. In real life, the Dalmatian is a pack animal and therefore, like any other pack animal, needs to communicate with members of its family. In this situation, the dog’s family members are people. It is quite stupid to think that if a dog caresses you, this means that his skin is itching. In order for a dog’s nervous system to function normally, it needs affection, love, communication, and praise. In addition, so-called “inhibiting factors” are required, because if the dog is allowed everything, then this will not lead to anything good. When raising a Dalmatian puppy, you should pay attention to the genetic characteristics of the breed. A family is a pack in which there must be a leader, in this case the leader is a person. The leader punishes, plays, feeds, caresses, praises and scolds. All other members of the owner's family are ranked by rank. At that moment, while the puppy is small, all other family members are senior to him. However, in the process of growing up, around the age of one year, the dog begins to look for its place in the hierarchical pyramid. Naturally, she will try to take the step that is as high as possible. She can do this with the help of force, in the case of large dogs, or with the help of cunning, as small dogs do. The more ill-mannered the dog is, the more difficult this process will be. If the owner from the first days shows his pet that the one who has the power is right, then he will turn out to be a frail neurotic or an evil beast with whom you will hardly communicate with joy. A Dalmatian puppy must understand that he must obey people, since they love him, feed him, and raise him. Understand that prohibitions are not the whim of the owner, but a way to protect everyone from trouble. The main influence on the dog should be the voice. From the first days of being in your home, the puppy must realize that you love him, and if you raise your voice, then this means that he is doing something wrong. One of the best incentives for a pet is considered to be a treat, which should be given out for good behavior and listening to commands.

Appearance according to standard

The Dalmatian is a fairly large, well-built dog, has well-developed muscles, is strong, very resilient and fast. Refers to hounds. The breed standard requires long and muscular limbs, a well-shaped belly, and a long neck. The muzzle has an elongated shape, which tapers slightly towards the nose, and the ears are set high. The ears are not large, so that in a fight, predators cannot cling to them. Scissor bite. The tail is medium in size, hangs or rises slightly; curling of the tail is not allowed according to the standard. The weight of dogs is approximately from 24 to 32 kilograms. Height is from 54 to 61 centimeters. Bitches have less weight and height than males.

Based on their color, these animals are divided into two types: dogs with brown spots and dogs with black spots.

However, in both the first and second cases, the spots should be round with clear boundaries on a light background. Black and white Dalmatians have a black nose and dark eye color; dogs with blue eyes are not allowed for breeding, this is considered a marriage. Black-brown dogs have dark brown spots and the same nose, eye color is light brown, brown-hazel, yellowish. A combination of brown and black spots at the same time is not allowed.

The fur of Dalmatians is short, hard, shiny, and it is quite aesthetically pleasing to wrinkle. It is welcome if the dog also has pigmentation on its tail.

Puppies

Dalmatian puppies are gentle creatures, especially vulnerable ones. Remember, what you put into them is what you will get out when they become adult dogs. A small pet's first walk should be no more than fifteen minutes. Ideally, it will be five to seven fifteen-minute walks. Further walks can take two hours. To prevent an adult dog’s behavior from deteriorating and her to avoid mischief and boredom, she should be allowed to run for several kilometers – about ten. Dalmatians need to adhere to the same vegetarian diet and not in large portions, five to six times a day, this is the optimal number of feedings. Later, the increase in feeding should decrease and the dog eats once or twice a day.

Small puppies are purchased at the age of one and a half to two months.

Dalmatian care

Ears and eyes

The animal's ears need regular examination. Accumulation of sulfur must be removed with cotton pads. If you feel an unpleasant odor and see that an inflammatory process has begun in the ear, then the animal should be shown to a veterinarian. The ear canal should not be cleaned with paper clips, pens, needles or cotton swabs. You may injure your ear canal. Discharge may accumulate in the corners of the eyes. They need to be removed with a clean cloth soaked in warm water. The skin around the eyes can be treated with a small amount of lotion.

Tooth and claw

The dog needs to have its nails trimmed regularly. This must be done carefully, as you can accidentally damage blood vessels and nerve endings. If you cut the skin of an animal, you need to use a special powder to stop the bleeding (it can be bought at any veterinary pharmacy). The dog's teeth must be cleaned of yellow plaque using a soft brush and toothpaste. Tartar should not be removed on your own. Only a veterinarian can carry out this procedure correctly.

Coat

Dalmatians shed constantly , so they need to be brushed periodically. You don't need to bathe your dog often. It is enough to wash your Dalmatian twice a year under a warm shower. After water treatments, the Dalmatian's fur must be thoroughly dried. Otherwise, the dog may catch a cold and get sick.

General warnings against incorrect actions

Small dogs evoke tenderness; you want to endlessly caress, cuddle, and carry pets in your arms. You absolutely cannot do this when raising a puppy!

Prohibited:

allowing the Dalmatian to climb into the master's bed;
settle down on the sofa among family members;
hovering around the dinner table, begging for food;
bite;
meet people by swooping and jumping.

Mutual understanding in the family is the basis for good dog education. Household members should adhere to a single line of behavior. The puppy must understand that the owner is the main one in the “pack”, requirements and commands are the law.

Great harm is done to the development of the Dalmatian if the first member of the family begins to pamper the dog and connives, and the second begins to behave strictly and coldly with the puppy.

It’s bad if today the dog is prohibited from doing something in its behavior, and the next day the animal is left to its own devices. In such a case, the Dalmatian puppy will test how mature he is to take a dominant place in the group.

Elimination of omissions and unclear situations

A small dog should not be treated roughly. Kindness and patience are the correct behavior of the owner. The solution will bring success in the relationship between man and animal. The puppy has the right not always and not immediately to understand the wishes of the owner, what kind of behavior people expect. If a baby tries to lick an older friend, it means he is asking and wants to make up for the misunderstanding with affectionate behavior.

If the dog reacts correctly to a person’s demands, it is recommended to reward the pet: give a tidbit or stroke it, praise it with words in a soft voice. Dalmatians are sensitive animals, they try to please the “leader” and make them happy.

How to choose a puppy

You need to buy Dalmatian puppies from trusted breeders. The coat color of newborn puppies is white. Chat with the animal. Healthy dogs will react quite violently to introductions. If the puppy looks lethargic and does not want to play with you, then it is better to choose another dog.

The animal's fur should be soft and shiny. The tail should not curl or have kinks. Examine the Dalmatian's ears and eyes; there should be no foreign secretions in them. Cynologists consider blue eyes to be a defect.

Be sure to check your Dalmatian's hearing; some animals have congenital deafness. Clap your hands and watch the dog's reaction. If the dog does not turn his head, then he probably has hearing problems. Sometimes people take adult dogs into their home. This option carries certain risks. It will be quite difficult to wean a dog from incorrect behavior.

Command words in a dog’s “lexicon”

From an early age, the dog learns a certain number of words with which associations arise.

The extremely important word “No!” It is recommended to use whenever the puppy does something inappropriate. Confident intonation is required. If the little sly one does not respond to the command, but continues, looking sideways at what the owner decides to do, lightly spank the prankster with a newspaper. When the puppy does what is required on its own or with the help of an adult, the baby needs to be generously rewarded.

It is possible to wean off petty theft of food from the table by provoking the Dalmatian: place a plate with your favorite delicacy on the edge of the table. Having assumed an indifferent look, you should distract yourself. If the Dalmatian cannot resist and grabs his favorite dish, you should say a prohibiting command and give the thief a light slap. The dog will understand exactly what he did wrong and will be punished for the violation. Sometimes the “exercise” has to be repeated a couple of times, but the result is the same - positive education of a patient character.

My home is my castle

From the first minutes of the little Dalmatian's appearance in the house, show your pet a corner. It is recommended to prepare a comfortable place that gives the dog a feeling of safety and comfort.

When accustoming the puppy to a place, take or take the dog there. Then try to place him on a soft bedding, stroke him and treat him with a treat, reminding him in a friendly manner: “Place.” They do this until the puppy understands that it is good here. Then the baby will begin to find a home after playing on his own. If you want to send your baby to a place on command, it is necessary to ensure that the dog understands that it is pleasant there, that something tasty awaits the dog.

Place training may take some time, but the desire to raise the puppy correctly will give strength to patience in training. Every correct action is rewarded! By repeating: “Okay!”, a person reinforces a behavioral stereotype in the dog’s mind.

Important command

From childhood, Dalmatians are taught the command: “Come to me.” Try this while standing at the dog's bowl. A small dog will gladly fulfill the request, running up to the caller. It is helpful to call your Dalmatian by his name at this time. Try to get the command executed automatically. Training is carried out before the puppy goes for a walk with the owner.

In difficult cases, when the dog does not want to approach the bowl or the person, it is worth trying an element of the game: pretend that the person is hiding or is about to run away. The Dalmatian will certainly run up. It is permissible to take a toy or a stick or a treat to lure the dog. Correct execution of a command is followed by encouragement.

It is important for the dog owner to remember: do not punish the approaching puppy, otherwise the dog will develop an expectation of punishment when approaching a person.

Mastering the command “Come to me!” - the basis for successful further training.

Other commands

The command “Sit!” Your four-legged friend will learn quickly if you voice the word repeatedly with the help of a treat raised above your head. Raising his head up, the dog will certainly sit down. It is permissible to force it lightly.

When meeting a person, a Dalmatian should not jump on him. The “don’t jump” command should be used in education from an early age. With your fingers spread, sharply extend your palm towards the puppy’s muzzle. You are allowed to step lightly on the back paw and firmly say: “Don’t jump!” There will be no immediate result. The procedure will have to be repeated four times, then understanding will come.

When to start training a dog

As soon as a Dalmatian puppy appears in your home, immediately begin to build a relationship with him. From the first day it is necessary to provide him with everything he needs: bowls for water and food, collar, leash, bed, suitable food, toys and of course treats. You need to give him a lot of attention so that he feels safe and begins to trust you. From a very early age, the Dalmatian puppy must be introduced to commands. In addition, in the first months it is necessary to study commands both at home and on the street. First, the puppy must remember its name. We wrote how to choose a suitable nickname in one of our articles. The name should be short, easy to remember and the dog should be called only by it. When the pet has already mastered its name and finally begins to respond, then we move on to commands. By the 3rd month he should master the following commands: “Ugh!”, “Come to me!”, “Place!”, “Nearby!” and “Fetch!” (optional). Then you can move on to the rest, of course, if you need them.

A way to curb your curiosity

Little creatures are curious, want to explore the world, to which they are good-natured. A beautiful baby’s appearance attracts strangers who try to treat or pet the baby. The movement is supposed to be stopped. People need to explain that they are interfering with the education of a dog, which is designed to have contact only with its owner.

With a Dalmatian who has been home trained and has mastered it well, it is possible to go out and explore outdoor walks.

1. What is the correct name of the breed? Dalmatian? Dalmatian? Dalmatian dog? There are different names in print and everyday life.

The correct name of the breed is DALMATIN.

2. How many spots should a Dalmatian have?

All Dalmatians are colored differently, and of course, no one counts the number of spots. It's not that important at all. An ideal Dalmatian - looking at which you don’t want to reduce spots on him or add somewhere, in which all the spots are evenly spaced and, if possible, stand apart from one another. Dalmatians with too many or too few spots are unlikely to show successfully but will make very good family members.

3. What is the average life expectancy of Dalmatians?

Dalmatians often live up to 15-16 years, but the average life expectancy is 11-13 years.

4. What is the size of an adult Dalmatian?

Males are usually larger than females, their height is 60-64 cm, weight 30-35 kg. The size of the bitches is 56-60 cm, weight 23-27 kg.

5. Who is this breed suitable for?

This breed is suitable for young and energetic people under 35 years old, as well as married couples with children. Retired people, people who work too much and those who have children under 2 years old should not get a Dalmatian.

6. What difficulties are there with this breed?

The Dalmatian is an energetic and active dog. If you do not pay enough attention to his walks and physical exercises, the dog may become poorly controlled - spoil things, disobey on the street, etc. Think in advance whether you can fully walk with your dog at least 1 hour a day?

7. Do Dalmatians shed?

Dalmatians shed all year round. Their fur is very noticeable on dark clothing and can sometimes be difficult to clean from fluffy fabric or carpet. In order to have less hair in the house, you need to regularly comb your Dalmatian with a special brush or by hand. 2-3 minutes a day spent on this will reduce the amount of hair in the house to a minimum.

8. Do Dalmatians get cold in winter?

Dalmatians live everywhere in Russia - in the Far North, Siberia, and the Urals. During particularly severe frosts in these regions, they wear special overalls. In central Russia you can completely do without them. In 20-degree frost, Dalmatians walk well and do not freeze.

9. How do Dalmatians treat children?

Dalmatians are a wonderful breed for families with children. They are medium in size, enough for a child to enjoy working with the dog, but not too large, so a teenager can easily handle an adult Dalmatian. Young children should be taught how to properly handle a dog. If you are purchasing a puppy over 3 months old, you should purchase from a reputable breeder who has socialized the puppy to interact with children and adolescents. Dalmatians love the company of children, and your puppy will surely become the favorite of all the kids in the yard.

10. Do they get along with other dogs?

Dalmatians get along very well with other dogs and generally have more fun in company than alone, especially if their owners are at work all day. Males on the street sometimes become pugnacious when meeting strangers.

11. Will a Dalmatian get along with a cat?

Many Dalmatian owners keep cats or other pets. If the cat does not show aggression, they will certainly become friends.

12. Is it true that Dalmatians are stupid and disobedient?

This is wrong! Dalmatians are companion dogs; for many years they do not perform any service; their main task is to be pleasant companions and friends for humans. If Dalmatians did not meet these requirements, they would not be so popular. Over the years, this breed has been selected in such a way as to be as comfortable and pleasant for humans as possible. Their understanding and learning ability are of great importance.

13. Are Dalmatians easy to train?

Dalmatians are intelligent and love to please their owners. With appropriate training, they are easily and quickly trained in obedience courses. It is recommended that growing dogs enroll in a training group or train on their own.

14. At what age can you start training a Dalmatian?

You can start training a puppy at 4-5 months. It will be good if by this time he knows the basic commands and techniques: “No” or “ugh”, “Come to me”, he will be accustomed to walking on a leash and will know his place. Also by this time it is necessary to accustom him to cleanliness. For more information on training Dalmatians, read the articles on how to train a puppy and teaching some necessary skills. You may also find articles on Dalmatian training and agility classes helpful.

15. Can a Dalmatian be a guard?

If you need a guard dog, the Dalmatian is probably not the right dog for you. These dogs love everyone in the world and are friendly to strangers. Your Dalmatian may bark at the doorbell, but don't expect much more from him.

16. What health problems do Dalmatians have?

A Dalmatian purchased from a good kennel, where they pay attention to the health of the dogs when breeding, is unlikely to cause you any trouble. Dalmatians have a peculiarity of the urinary system, and therefore stones can form in the bladder in dogs. Proper nutrition, enough fluids and a couple of articles you read on this topic will prevent the problem. In particularly serious cases, dogs require treatment. Sometimes Dalmatians suffer from allergies. This disease is often inherited. Look at the parents of the puppy you want to buy and make sure they don't have allergies.

17. Is it true that Dalmatians can be deaf?

A small percentage of Dalmatians are born completely deaf. Serious breeders euthanize such puppies even before the litter begins to be sold. When choosing a puppy, check its hearing. If you are interested in the problem of deafness in Dalmatians, I advise you to read the articles discussing deafness in Dalmatians and the connection between deafness and pigmentation.

18. Do Dalmatians eat a lot? What do they eat?

Adult Dalmatians typically eat 2 times a day. Most breeders and owners prefer to feed them with ready-made food such as Royal Canine, Eukanuba, Hills, Purina. Depending on the type of food, age and condition of the dog, the Dalmatian eats 300-600 g of food per day. I recommend that you read articles about feeding Dalmatians with ready-made food and natural products.

19. Does Dalmatian need a special diet?

A healthy Dalmatian does not need a special diet. Most ready-made foods suit him. You just need to make sure that the protein level in them is not higher than 26%.

20. Is it possible to give “human” food?

It is best to feed your dog ready-made food, but you can give it any vegetables and fruits (make sure you are not allergic to them). You can also use cheese, sausage or crackers as treats when training your dog.

21. What should I purchase before purchasing a puppy?

Before buying a puppy, you need to purchase food (the one he fed from the breeder), 2 bowls, a cage or basket in which the puppy will sleep, several toys, and bones. Your breeder may also recommend shampoo, vitamins and mineral supplements, and other care products. If you are buying a full-grown puppy, you will also need a collar and leash, and in the summer, flea and tick control.

22. Where to buy a puppy?

It is best to buy a puppy from a well-known nursery that has been successfully breeding Dalmatians for many years and has a good reputation. Even if you do not need a show dog, it is best to turn to specialists for a puppy, since in the future you will be able to use their advice on raising, feeding and training it. By the way, the price for non-show dogs in a well-known kennel and from a novice breeder is usually the same.

23. How do you know if a breeder is serious?

A serious breeder must be a member of the National Dalmatian Club. He will answer any questions you have with confidence and detail, and will also ask you many questions of his own to get to know you better and understand if the breed is right for you and what kind of puppy you want. A serious breeder participates in shows, and in his home you will find a large number of show awards - cups, ribbons, etc. His dogs have championship titles, and you can see certificates confirming this. Puppies must have a tattoo and documents - puppy cards, after 2 months - age-appropriate vaccinations. A reputable breeder cares deeply about finding good homes for puppies and continues to communicate with buyers for many years. Purchase several specialized Dalmatian magazines. There you will find the information you are interested in. Read more…

24. Is it possible to buy a puppy at the market?

If you intend to have a healthy dog, don't rush to the market. It is better to take the baby from home, seeing all the puppies and their mother. When buying a puppy from random people, you are taking a lot of risk. What will you do if your new friend gets sick the day after the purchase? Where will you look for the seller and how to demand compensation from him? There are often cases when puppies with fake documents are sold on the market, but you will not immediately know that you have been deceived, and it will be too late to do anything. It’s even more disappointing when you find out that for the money a puppy from the market cost you, you could have bought a good show and breeding dog in a prestigious kennel.

25. How much do puppies cost?

The cost of puppies in different cities of Russia, as well as in different nurseries, can vary greatly. What matters is the number of titles of the parents and other ancestors, the exhibition prospects of the puppy, its age, as well as the name of the breeder and what he can offer you as additional help - preparation for exhibitions, consultations, vaccinations, subsequent dog training, etc. Discuss this in advance so you know what kind of help you can expect while raising your dog. Based on all of the above, the average cost of a puppy is 100-500 US dollars.

26. How to choose the right puppy?

First of all, you need to choose the right breeder. He must be an expert on Dalmatians and just a decent person. State your goal clearly: you need a good show dog, or a dog for a child, or a male for breeding, etc. If you clearly know what you want, the breeder will help you choose exactly the puppy that suits you. However, before purchasing a puppy, it will be useful for you to read the breed standard, as well as articles on developing a promising show dog and choosing a puppy.

27. Is it true that puppies are born white?

Yes it is. The spots on them appear only at 2 weeks.

28. Is it true that Dalmatians are brown? Are these rarer and probably more expensive dogs?

White and brown Dalmatians are less common than white and black Dalmatians; this is explained by the recessive nature of the gene responsible for this color. Brown puppies usually cost the same as white and black ones, but they attract more attention because of their unusualness. White and black dogs can be bred with white and brown dogs, and they are also shown together at shows.

29. At what age is the best time to adopt a puppy?

Puppies begin to be sold at the age of 45 days. If you spend most of the day at home, you can buy a puppy at this age. It will require a lot of care, but you can grow it yourself the way you want. Working people should think about a grown-up puppy that can be fed 3 times a day. If you want to immediately start walking with your puppy, buy a fully vaccinated one, that is, no earlier than 2.5-3 months of age. If you're at work all day and can't devote enough time to your dog, consider adopting an adult dog. Read more about this...

30. Who is better - a male or a female?

It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. If you have children under 14 years old in your family, it’s probably worth getting a bitch so that the child can handle her on walks and raise her. If you do not plan to breed, it is better to buy a male. Read more…

31. How to vaccinate correctly?

It is best to buy a puppy that has already been vaccinated and has a veterinary passport. This will give additional guarantees that he will not get sick.

32. Is it necessary to go to exhibitions?

Of course not. Some breeders, when selling a promising puppy, may insist that when buying him, you are engaged in his show career. If you are not interested, discard this puppy and choose another one. Exhibitions are an interesting and exciting side of a dog breeder’s life. Perhaps, even before purchasing a puppy, you should visit 1-2 exhibitions to understand whether you would like to participate in them in the future.

33. Should a dog be bred?

Definitely not. A dog should only be bred if you want it to produce puppies and if it is good enough to do so. The absence of puppies does not affect the health of the dog (both male and female). However, if you have purchased a non-breeding dog, it would be advisable to have it spayed or neutered. In this case, you will get rid of problems with the bitch in heat, and the male will become more obedient and will not run after every bitch in heat on the street.

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The puppy must get used to the leash from an early age. Lessons should be conducted in a quiet place where there are no distractions.

At first, training your Dalmatian will be a bit like a rodeo.

Don't worry, after a few rearings, the puppy will calmly walk forward, and you will follow him, without imposing your will on him or directing him in the other direction. Making sure that the leash does not bite, the baby will calm down.

Now you can ask him to follow you, using cookies as a reward and showering your pet with praise if he moves next to you.

Very soon he will follow you without protest. But you should always have cookies with you and plenty of patience. In 2 days the baby will become an ideal walking companion. Cookies are also needed for learning. Hold the treat over your puppy's head so that he reaches for it with his head up. In the meantime, you should place your hand on the back of the puppy's body and, using light pressure, force him to sit. Now he needs to be awarded the prize. After several lessons he learned to sit on command.

The origin of Dalmatians , as well as the origin of the name of the breed itself, is still unclear and is based solely on assumptions, but they are all similar in one thing - this is a very old (even ancient) breed, dating back many centuries, and perhaps even a thousand years of history. Based on drawings found in the burials of ancient Egyptian pharaohs and similar drawings dating back to the 16th-18th centuries, it can be assumed that Dalmatians have existed for several thousand years. Church chronicles from the 14th century, as well as those dating back to 1719, definitely point to the breed's origins in the Mediterranean region, in particular in the vicinity of the Dalmatian coast. The earliest depictions of the breed can be found in paintings by Italian artists of the 16th century and in frescoes in Zaostog (Dalmatia), which can be approximately dated to 1710. One theory claims that in the Middle Ages, Dalmatians came to Europe from India along with the gypsies. At the end of the 18th century, the breed became popular in England, where it received a rebirth, and other European countries, as a carriage dog for aristocrats. The Dalmatian served not only as a decorative household item for the nobility. He was supposed to live in the stable and guard the horses. During the journey, the Dalmatian ran next to the carriage, and during halts he remained next to the carriage, guarding the owners’ luggage. Atlas of dog breeds Dogs for sale Dog kennels Dog food Dog training

Choosing a Dalmatian puppy

When you decide to buy a puppy, read the breed standard. Even if you don't plan to attend dog shows, it's nice to feel like the owner of a really good dog with the right body structure and good temperament. In addition, when choosing a breed, you should take into account its characteristics so that you do not be disappointed in the future. Dalmatians are designed and built to run long distances and also have some guarding instincts. According to the FCI classification they belong to group 6 (hounds and related breeds). This means that the dog requires long walks and an active lifestyle. Dalmatians love to be busy. Training classes, trips to exhibitions, home security - keep your pet busy, and he will be happy to feel his own importance. The purpose of the Dalmatian is to be a companion dog, a family dog. They take an active part in all family affairs and demand attention as a full member. Dalmatians cannot stand loneliness and indifferent attitude towards themselves. Otherwise, it will result in eaten furniture for you and depression for the dog. “Dalmatians are friendly and sociable; aggression and cowardice in behavior are unacceptable and are disqualifying vices for the breed,” these are excerpts from the breed standard. Why is a dog's character so important? The Dalmatian is a very active dog and at the same time an intelligent dog. He will not blindly follow commands; any activity should be interesting to him. These positive qualities can easily turn into negative ones with a stubborn, aggressive, uncontrollable character. Are you ready to spend hours chasing your dog to bring it home from a walk, or listen to dogs barking and howling for the next 15 years?

Then take an interest in the character of the puppy’s parents, because temperament, according to the laws of genetics, is inherited. Dalmatians may have black or brown spots. It is ideal if the spots are the same size (2-3 cm in diameter) and tone evenly scattered throughout the body. With black markings, the dog's nose is always black; with brown markings, it is always brown. The nose must be fully pigmented. There should be a border around the eyes that matches the color of the coat. A gap in the edging of more than 5 mm is considered a defect. Dalmatian puppies are born completely white, with spots starting to appear at two weeks of age. But it happens that puppies are born with congenital spots, usually on the ear or in the form of a monocle, or puppies with blue eyes (one or two) - these are one of the types of “breeding marriage”, which are caused by the presence of the white gene in the color of the breed. The road to exhibitions for such dogs is closed, but nothing prevents them from becoming just family favorites. Another problem of the breed is the birth of puppies that are deaf in one or both ears. In Russia, the percentage of deafness in Dalmatians is quite low, but this happens. Puppies develop hearing by one month, and deaf ones are usually euthanized.

Where to find a real Dalmatian

It is difficult for a beginner to immediately take into account all the features of the breed; moreover, the absence of disqualifying defects does not guarantee that the dog has advantages: good physique and temperament. The Dalmatian should not have a sloping back, crooked hind legs, a tail, a short neck and a narrow muzzle (these are the main problems of the breed in Russia and St. Petersburg). But, without experience, you are unlikely to be able to discern this in a two-month-old puppy. Moreover, the puppy may grow unevenly. It is quite difficult to choose a puppy with good color in the future; spots can appear up to six months, and the light puppy you chose will become darker at two months. There is no shortage of offers for Dalmatian puppies; just take any advertising newspaper. You should not chase the cheapness when buying a puppy from a breeder who bred his bitch “for health” or “so that she can pay for herself.” Usually such litters in clubs are “gray extras”, the individual characteristics of each dog are not taken into account, and rarely really good puppies are born in such litters. Later, the owners of the “stud dog” from such litters are surprised to learn that they are not at all in demand for breeding. And going to exhibitions only brings disappointment and unnecessary expenses. In addition, such a breeder is unlikely to be a good advisor for you, interested in the fate of each puppy. You wouldn’t go to an amateur for dental treatment, so when choosing a dog, it’s better to turn to professional dog handlers, kennel owners, and breeders who value their name. They will help you choose a show dog or just a pet. In any case, you will be fairly warned about possible shortcomings in the exterior and will not receive a breeding match under the guise of an “elite puppy”. They will recommend you a good doctor and will not leave you alone with your dog’s problems.

A self-respecting breeder will never breed dogs with a bad character in his kennel, and most likely, both parents will be Champions, and the mating itself will not be accidental. Kennel owners are interested in a successful exhibition career for their offspring and will always help you prepare your dog for an exhibition and demonstrate it. Many people are afraid to go to nurseries “because it’s expensive.” This is not entirely true. Of course, a litter from a World Champion dad is more valuable than a litter from Jack down the street, but on average the prices in nurseries and on the black market are approximately equal, and you can choose a puppy that suits your pocket. But you will get to, because the kennel is a small club of interests, and you don’t have to seek advice from dog lovers in the yard. When buying a dog, carefully study the documents. The puppy must have a mark on the inside of the thigh or on the ear. The breeder must give you a puppy certificate containing an exchange card, using which you can register a pedigree with the RKF. With these documents you can join any kennel club. Many clubs that organize dog shows or have training grounds provide discounts to their members, issue documents at a discounted price and sell food, and organize lectures on canine science and genetics. But you shouldn’t naively expect that the breed manager at the club will live with your dog’s problems. If the section is small, the leader is usually new to the breed himself, and if the section is large, your problems will not be given enough attention. In addition, the heads of large sections are often kennel owners themselves and are more interested in their dogs.

Dalmatian care

Care for Dalmatians is minimal. It is enough to clean your ears once a week or two, trim your nails, and keep your teeth clean. You shouldn’t wash your dog too often, about 2 times a year is enough. If your dog gets dirty, simply wipe it with a damp cloth. You can comb the fur and massage the skin with a special brush. Also keep your eyes clean. It is better to place your pet in a chair or on a low bed. Dalmatians do not like to sleep on the floor. They often try to get into bed with their owner. If you do not want to always spend the night with your dog, it is better to immediately prohibit this for your puppy.

Feeding the Dalmatian

The simplest thing is to feed your dog ready-made food, choosing it according to price and quality. The dosage is always indicated on the package depending on the age of the dog. Just don’t constantly change the manufacturer, succumb to sales, or mix dry food with natural food. This will ultimately lead to allergies, stomach problems or urolithiasis. The transition from puppy food to adult food should not be abrupt, as this may compromise the dog’s immunity. It is better to mix these two types of food of the same brand for a week, gradually accustoming your pet’s body. Natural products suitable for Dalmatians include rice and buckwheat (other cereals are poorly digestible), water porridge with vegetables, raw or boiled, low-fat cottage cheese, fish and meat, slightly scalded but not boiled. It is better to give eggs infrequently, boiled, and if raw, then only the yolk. Do not overuse potatoes, raw cabbage (forms gases) and raw carrots (possible allergies); many dogs love milk, but large amounts of it can upset the intestines.

Dalmatian diseases

Dalmatians, like other breeds that carry the white gene, may be prone to allergies and urolithiasis. Often this tendency is inherited. Proper feeding and a healthy lifestyle for your dog will help you avoid problems, no matter how trivial it may sound. If you feed your dog natural food, watch the amount of protein in the diet. You should not give your dog raw egg whites or feed it meat. This can lead to bronzing of the coat and hair loss. In this case, it is better to switch the dog to a rice-vegetable diet and consult a doctor.

Mating

Any veterinarian will confirm: it is absolutely not necessary to breed dogs; it will not affect their health in any way. On the contrary, untied males calm down by the age of 3-4 years, and having mated him once, you risk facing the problem of constantly searching for “a girl for your boy.” Are you ready for this? There is a well-established opinion that it is necessary to breed bitches “for health.” Believe me, there is no need! Childbirth has never made anyone healthier. Besides, are you ready to endure the whims of a pregnant bitch, give birth, endure her postpartum psychosis, stay up all night making sure that the bitch doesn’t crush the babies, artificially feed weak puppies and euthanize the deaf? Subsequently, feed the entire litter and restore your bitch, vaccinate everyone and pay for veterinary services? Sitting with puppies for up to 4-6 (!) months, since supply exceeds demand, and tracking the fate of each after the sale? It is better to decide whether you want your dog to participate in breeding in the future before purchasing the puppy itself and choose a breeder accordingly. When purchasing a stud dog, be prepared for tough competition, as in show business, for constant expenses on visiting exhibitions and advertising. Most often, males in demand are those of imported origin, unique in their pedigree and carrying the blood of famous sires. However, the owner of the kennel will immediately point you to the best male in the litter, which he plans to use in future breeding. If you purchased a male dog as a pet without being interested in his pedigree, then you should hardly seriously count on mating.

Afterword

The Dalmatian is a serious, not at all decorative dog.
You will have to spend a lot of time and effort raising your pet. But for your patience you will be rewarded a hundredfold by acquiring a devoted friend with whom you will not be bored, who will happily greet you at the door, be happy to accompany you on any journey, entertain your children and do not require constant grooming. He will give you a new hobby, because once you have a Dalmatian, it is impossible not to fall in love with the world of these beautiful dogs. A. Zemtsova, dog handler, owner of the Dalmatian nursery tel.

Dogs

Collection of articles about dog breeds with descriptions and photographs

Dalmatian, history and description of the breed, nurseries

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