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