Dalmatian Puppy Dog Care Information

Photo of an attractive
Dalmatian puppy dog

Dalmatian Health Information:

Like any purebred breed of dog, the Dalmatian is not without genetic health conditions which can crop up from time to time. Always take careful measures to choose a responsible, reputable breeder from which to purchase a Dalmation puppy. A responsible breeder will be extremely knowledgeable about the breed and the health disorders that can occur, and will be diligent in screening her breeding dogs for these conditions prior to breeding to help ensure happy, healthy and long-lived puppies. This screening should include CERF (eye), OFA or PENN Hip (hips), and BAER (hearing) screening and certification. There is no 100% sure way to prevent health conditions from occurring, but carefully planning breedings from healthy, disease-free parents will dramatically increase the chances of a healthy litter of Dalmatian puppies.

Health conditions which can occur in Dalmatians include:

Deafness
Urinary Tract/Bladder Stones
Iris Sphincter Dysplasia (ISD)
Hip Dysplasia
Elbow Dysplasia
Allergies
Skin Conditions
Thyroid Conditions
Epilepsy

Dalmatian Exercise Information:

Dalmations are happy and well-behaved, provided they are given plenty of exercise and attention. They tend to be strong-willed and require obedience training and a firm hand from an early age. Dalmatians make great companions for those who like to run!

If your Dalmatian doesn't get enough exercise, he or she is likely to become very destructive. Dog owners who leave their Dalmatians locked in the house all day are very likely to come home and discover that the stuffing has been removed from every pillow in the house and that there are teeth marks embedded in each piece of wooden furniture. This destructive nature is tied to both the high energy levels and issues with separation anxiety that characterize this rather high strung breed of dog.

Dalmatians can actually adapt to being house dogs, as long as they have access to the outdoors and their owners devote time and energy to seeing to it that they get the exercise they need. If you bring home a Dalmatian, one of the first things you should do is install a doggie door so that your pet always has the ability to go outside. Your floors and your furniture will be much better off once you take this precaution.

Dalmatian Grooming Needs:

With it's nice, smooth, shiny coat, the Dalmatian does not require a lot in the way of grooming. A good weekly brushing and rub-down will get rid of any stray hairs. Like any breed with dropped down ears, the Dalmation should have his ears cleaned regularly using cotton balls and an acidifying ear cleansing solution that can be obtained at your local pet store, Walmart or your vet's office.