Dalmatian

Dalmatian
The Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog breed popular for its unique spotted coat. Also known as the English coach dog, these dogs have sleek & athletic bodies. Primarily bred as a coach dog, this particular breed also has several other capabilities. Although Dalmatians are purebred dogs, one can also find them in rescue groups and shelters. Today they are one of the most popular family dogs and a breed many dog enthusiasts are attracted to.
Origin
Dalmatian is a breed that originated from the historical Dalmatia (present-day Croatia). Though there are a lot of speculations about when the breed came into existence, these spotted dogs were most likely first recognized in the mid-1800s. As per research, Pointers and spotted Great Dane are considered their ancestors.
Dalmatians were used as a messenger during the World Wars. However, they have also been great performers in Circus. In a nutshell, this spotted breed is a jack of all trades.
Size
The average size of a male Dalmatian is about 23 inches, while females go up to 22 inches. An adult Dalmatian weighs up somewhere between 45 to 60 pounds.
Coat
A Dalmatian puppy is born with a white coat; the black spots start appearing after 10 to 15 days. They continue to develop new spots till they are around eighteen months old. Dalmatians are famous for their unique coat. Most Dalmatians have a white background with black to brown spots, ranging from 2 to 6 centimetres. Generally, there are two varieties- liver-spotted and black spotted dogs. A liver-spotted dog has a brown nose, while a black one has a black nose.
The coat of Dalmatians is usually very small fine & dense. However, some smooth-coated Dalmatians might produce offspring with a long coat, though dog enthusiast does not reasonably desire these. When it comes to shedding, the smooth-coated ones experience more shedding than the long-coated ones.
Temperament
Dalmatians are highly energetic, cheerful, playful, friendly and sensitive dogs. This breed is super loyal to his master and friendly with children. Since they are highly intelligent, they can be trained well for various dog sports. They can be also trained to become great watchdogs. But if not given proper attention, they might turn hyperactive and develop destructive behaviour.
Care
Dalmatians are high-maintenance dogs requiring much supervision, exercise and training. Leaving the dog alone for a long time can make them aggressive. To keep a Dalmatian dog healthy and cheerful, dog owners need to feed them with high-quality food which is low in protein. A Dog owner needs to take his pet for regular exercise. Also, it’s essential to brush the coat daily to control shedding. To rush the coat, use a stiff bristle brush & grooming gloves to pick up the hairs.
Dalmatians need a lot of attention, so dog owners need to socialize with them as much as possible.
Health
One of the most common problems with Dalmatians is genetic deafness. Therefore clap hands to check whether the pup responds or not. Other health issues that a Dalmatian might develop are hip dysplasia and Hyperuricemia.