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Dal - Info - Matian
Dalmatian History Dalmatians are a lot of work! Dalmatian Rescue The Great Things About Dalmatians!

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You BETCHA they're cute!

But they are also tons of work!  running_110.gif (1687 bytes)
Dalmatians require LOTS of exercise, and if you don't give it to them, you will find they are quite mischievous and will tear your stuff apart to use up their unlimited energy!
Go Back to the TopDalmatians In History (read this it's good!)
The Dalmatian has always been known for courage, intelligence and dependability.
  • They were once a dog of war, a sentinel on the borders of Dalmatia (where they may have originated - hence the name DALMATIAN) and Croatia.
  • They are excellent as predators of vermin (ya know, unwanted wild animals in your yard, like hedgehogs!)
  • Of course, we all know that Dalmatians are the ultimate fire-fighter dog! They are well known for their heroic performances as fire-fighter follower and fire-houseprancing_110.gif (2166 bytes) mascot.
  • As sporting dogs they have been used as bird dogs, as trail hounds, retrievers, or in packs for boar or stag hunting. (WOW!)
  • Their great memories have made them one of the most dependable clowners in circuses and on the stage. (I can just see Ellie now!)
  • Most important among their talents has been their status as the original, one-and-only coaching dog. Some say that his coaching days go back to an engraving of a spotted dog following an Egyptian chariot!  The Dalmatian, is a natural as follower and guardian of the horse-drawn vehicle. (That's probably why Ellie and Traverse get along so well!)
Go Back to the TopDalmatians - Boy, are they a lot of work!
Dalmatians are wonderful dogs. They are very loyal to their owners, friendly and inclined to be clowns much of the time.   =)

BEWARE:   They are also very energetic, very playful and very intelligent.  This may sound great, but read on!

For the truly dedicated and well-prepared dog owner, the Dalmatian can be a gift straight from heaven. 0:-)

To the unprepared dog owner, who does not have a clear understanding of the breed, the Dalmatian can be your worst nightmare! :-0with_sock_110.gif (2325 bytes)

Dalmatians were bred to run with coaches and horses all day. This required an extremely high energy level, which, to this day, makes the Dalmatian an exuberant, vibrant and energetic animal that requires lots of exercise. Without this very necessary exercise, they can become bored and destructive.  (NO JOKE, just ask Ellie!)

They are also extremely intelligent dogs and need continuous stimulation and challenge. Otherwise, they will invent their own entertainment and this may not be what you would have chosen.

They have endless energy; they are boisterous and sometimes they even have rowdy behavior, especially during the growing years.  They are independent thinkers; they are very smart dogs who become easily bored.  They are challenging dogs who require lots of input from their owners. 

Dalmatians shed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Nuff said.

And, oh yeah, Dalmatians bark.
Go Back to the TopThe Great Things About Dalmatians!
A Dalmatian's courtesy never fails with approved visitors, but their protective instinct is highly developed and they have the courage to defend.

As watchdogs they are sensible and dependable.  They have a fine sense of
distinction as to whom they belong so they are very loyal to their owners!playing_100.gif (2494 bytes)

Fashion has not distorted the Dalmatian. They are born pure white, develop quickly and require no cropping, docking, stripping, or artifices of any sort. They are all ready for sport or the show ring, (or just for you) just as nature made them.

They are extremely hardy, easy keepers, suited to any climate.  (Although, Ellie says they must be house dogs, or else they get very lonely!) They are sturdy and neat and clean.

And best of all, they are very loving and affectionate!
Go Back to the TopDalmatian Rescue
This is a very important subject.  sitting_100.gif (2138 bytes)

Due to the huge interest in Dalmatians since the "101 Dalmatians" movie, there have been tons of people who just went out and bought Dalmatians expecting them to be as cute and cuddly and as well behaved as the dogs in the movie.

Unfortunately, most the these want-to-be Dalmatian owners did not even make the effort to read up on Dalmatians before they purchased, and so were quite surprised to find that their cute little spotted puppy grew up to be an excited, demanding dog.

Hundreds of Dalmatians were sent to Humane Societies and rescue services or sometimes even just completely abandoned because owners were completely unprepared or unwilling to put the effort into being a truly dedicated Dalmatian owner.

The American Humane Society released a survey... of 50 shelters in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. It found increases ranging from 23 percent to 600 percent in the number of Dalmatians abandoned or given up between 1996 and 1997.  And more Dalmatians than ever were deserted at animal shelters and rescue clubs...

Dalmatians are an exceptional breed of dog, and for the right owner can be an absolute joy, but no one should ever get a dog of any kind without reading up on that breed and being fully prepared ahead of time.

For more information on Dalmatians and Dalmatian Rescue, click below.

Dalmatian Rescue Resources