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Behaviour
Advice

Caring matters...

Characteristics...

Origins of the Dalmatian

Spotted dogs have been found on murals in the Egyptian pyramids but hey take their name from an extinct land now in modern day Croatia and are thought to been developed from the Pointer or Hound. Despite this uncertain history it is widely believed that the Dalmatian was originally used for hunting.

In the United Kingdom the Dalmatians’ most prominent working role was one of the carriage dog running along following the coach.  A Dalmatian was an essential part of the carriage equipage, their natural athletic pace matched that of the horses. They were considered a stylish accompaniment to a gentlemen’s carriage and their numbers and distinctive spotted coats were a direct indication of their master’s influence and wealth. They were often used for following horse drawn coaches and were used to guard the coach and horses overnight at a Coaching Inn,  usually sleeping near the stables with the horses.  Their distinctive white head with black eye markings resembled a skull and would often frighten off opportunist thieves at night. Their natural affinity with horses and ability to keep up over long distances explains the adult Dalmatian’s need for copious amounts of exercise.

In modern times the Dalmatian has developed in to a much-loved pet, companion and show dog. Our breed is often used in adverts and marketing due to their distinctive appearance and of course we are all familiar with Dalmatians on the Silver Screen. There are even some Dalmatians who are successful at obedience, agility, flyball and carriage trials.

Character and requirements

The Dalmatian is an active dog, full of energy and make great companions. There is nothing a Dalmatian enjoys more than to be with you, this means everywhere – even to the toilet! They are not suitable for living outdoors – they do not possess the adequate coat for the British weather, nor should they be left for long periods alone in the house during the day. Dalmatians come in two colours: White with Black spots, & White with Liver spots. This distinctive appearance is one of the main attractions of this breed, but prospective owners are advised to find out as much information about the characteristics of the Dalmatian. It may be a good idea to have spent some time with an adult Dalmatian as this breed is not the perfect choice for everyone. The Dalmatian is happiest in a home where there is someone in during the day and also families who are active, enjoy the outdoors and are prepared to give our lovely breed all the exercise he or she needs.

New owners should be aware that Dalmatian hairs do not stay exclusively on your Dalmatian; they have a habit of getting everywhere and shed year-round. So if you are very house-proud and worry about pristine carpets or your lovely new black outfit, then maybe a Dalmatian isn’t for you! It will become easy to ‘spot’ a fellow Dalmatian owner and we all accept each other’s attire complete with hairs with a smile! Dalmatians are quite large dogs, with ‘whippy’ tails and are full of energy and exuberance. They certainly benefit from obedience training and can reward your efforts with a nicely behaved, loyal pet, if you are prepared to put in the time and patience that Dalmatians’ need.

If all of this sounds daunting, if you can give a Dalmatian all they requires, they will reward you with years of delightful companionship, loyalty, laughter and sometimes complete infuriation but they are guaranteed to turn your lives decidedly dotty!!

Breed Advice

The above information is a guide all dogs are individuals and most dogs will exhibit some, all or maybe even none of the typical Dalmatian characteristics. If you would like advice or information about Dalmatians please take a look at the British Dalmatian Club website where you will be able to find a variety of resources. There is an online forum that you can join, chat and share experiences with other Dalmatian owners. If you would like to talk to someone in person please give our central coordinator a call (07905) 495084 and we will call you back.

Gender characteristics

Dogs versus Bitches

Many people have strongly held opinions about the character of each sex within the breed. As with breed traits some males or females may exhibit all, some or none of the typical characteristics listed here.

Firstly, Dalmatian Dogs tend to be larger, heavier and  stronger than females. Males can be wilful and more difficult to train some males will wonder off and wont come back when called. Females are generally smaller, lighter and less strong than males, though don’t be fooled an adult female Dalmatian can be very strong. Bitches are said to be more biddable and less dominant and may be easier to train.

Male Dalmatians may benefit from being neutered this often removes some or all of the male dominance from your dog he may still exhibit some behaviours such as humping. Female Dalmatians will have their twice yearly cycle and loose spots of blood for part of that period, we recommend that you have your bitch spayed after she is sexually mature (15 to 18 months of age) and is between cycles. This will remove the twice yearly mess in your house and may calm her temperament. If the Welfare Dog we re-home with you is entire, British Dalmatian Welfare will contribute towards the cost of getting your dog neutered or your bitch spayed.

Anecdotally from talking to many Dalmatianists  it would appear that males are often described as, very affectionate and that they, enjoy time with their owners they are, loyal, protective and described as, big softies! We have often heard it said that the love you get from a male Dalmatian is, like no other. However, males it would appear often seem to lack in the brains department when compared to females (apparently also a widespread trait in humans too!)

Females are said to be, quick, clever, bright and more independent than males. They are reported to be more self reliant and enjoying affection, but on their terms, when they decide they want it. Dalmatian females are always pretty!

Most of us have owned Dalmatians that fit both, some or all of the above and have owned males and females that are a mixture of all these traits.

Things to consider are:

  • The eventual size of an adult male or female and the size of your house and garden
  • Adult strength who of the adults will walk the dog?
  • Training needs will you involve your children in training?
  • Cost of neutering and Spaying
  • Your experience of the breed as adopters
  • Personal choice.
  • There are pro’s and con’s with both sexes but both make wonderful pets

Young or old dog?

You want to adopt a Dalmatian – do you want a young or old dog?

We have Dalmatians of all ages available for adoption, and generally tend to get more males than females with more mature dogs than puppies – we very rarely get puppies under 6 months old. There are advantages and disadvantages to owning dogs of different ages – whilst a mature dog may be more settled and less energetic, a younger dog will be more active requiring more exercise – better suited for an active outdoor family. We recommend that you should spend some time with your family to discuss what you want to do with your dog. It may be a good idea to try and meet a few adult Dalmatians, try and spend some time with them and even accompany their owner on a walk. Our extensive network of British Dalmatian Club volunteers and area representatives can help arrange such a meeting.

 

In order to help decide which age is better suited to your lifestyle, you have to consider a few fundamentals. Are you at home all day or at work for a few hours every day? Will the dog be left for 3-4 hours? If this is the case then a more mature Dalmatian may be better suited as they are less active in the home, they should have grown through the destructive phase and can be safely left for short periods. Conversely, a younger dog may become anxious and dislike being left alone for long periods – it  could become destructive or noisy, so we suggest that someone is at home most of the day. 

A mature Dalmatian may suffer from a variety of medical conditions than a younger dog, but British Dalmatian Welfare will support you with medical costs from any pre-existing problems that a dog has when they are re-homed. Younger Dalmatians may be more easily trained and bad habits can be turned around more easily than mature dogs. Younger Dalmatians may be more adaptable to new routines and situations.

These issues are something you can discuss with your adoption assessor when they visit or with our Central Coordinator. We recommend that you be as flexible with your requirements as you can be, we will be able to re-home a Dalmatian with you more quickly and often the perfect dog for you family may not have been your first choice on paper.

Golden Oldies

We may occasionally have very mature Dalmatians needing a new home. Dalmatians of this age make perfect quiet companions and may still love a walk where they are happy to meet and greet family and friends. British Dalmatian Welfare won’t ask for a re-homing donation for the ‘golden oldies’ over ten years of age. Any dog with pre existing medical condition when you adopt them will be paid for by Welfare. There is something so special about an older Dalmatian – do you think you can find a comfy chair or a place near the fire for a senior spotty, who through no fault of his or her own now find themselves alone?

Do get in touch with our Central Coordinator for more information.

Puppy development

Dealing with a teenage tearaway Dally 

 

Did you know that a majority of dogs in rescue are under the age of 1? It’s a sad fact that many dogs are put up for re-homing before they reach maturity. The same is true for Dalmatians, as most owners aren’t prepared for adolescence and the many changes in behaviour that go along with it.

Your sweet innocent puppy suddenly becomes a ‘teenager’ that doesn’t want to listen to you anymore. You lose the wonderful recall you use to have because it seems they don’t need you as much anymore – they appear to be stubborn and untrainable. In short, they’ve become really hard work, and you’re ready to tear your hair out!!

This tends to happen around the age of 6 months, when the hormones start to surge. Hormones are a fundamental part of their development and will continue until the dog has reached full maturity. In the case of Dalmatians, it will be around 3 – 4 years old.

The important thing to remember is that ALL dogs go through this – your puppy hasn’t suddenly turned into an evil monster, they are just going through important changes in their bodies and minds, the same way that we do in these formative years.

One thing to consider as puppies are growing up, is that they go through fear periods (much as children do). Sudden changes in behaviour can usually be attributed to these times. What was once a friendly, sociable dog is now growling and barking at strangers in the street. So before resorting to desperate measures, it’s important to consider that it could be a developmental phase. Although it is worth knowing if it’s a response to an event, or shock, or an overload of stress factors. If this is the case, it’s always advisable to contact a good trainer to guide you through.

If it is a fear period, they usually last between a few days to a maximum of a few weeks – if the behaviour continues beyond this time, consult a professional. There are 3 fear periods during a dog’s development and these occur due to changes in hormone levels and often coincide with periods of growth and awareness.

  • The first occurs when the puppy is around 8 weeks old so it’s no longer advisable to take a puppy from its mother at this point.
  • The second one is when the puppy is around 4 months old, when he progresses from a puppy to a young dog. This is when his puppy privileges have expired, and it’s now time to deal with situations in a more mature way. It’s noticeable that they display fearful reactions to things and situations that were normally only a few days ago.
  • The third occurs between 8 and 10 months, depending on the individual dog. This is sometimes known as the ‘pre-adolescent’ stage. Dogs learn to cope in their world, social relationships change, as a ‘teenager’ dog has to deal with hormonal changes, growth (physical and cognitive), and early sexual maturity. A dog is completely adult when the brain is fully developed at around the age of 2 years old.
 

In some cases, natural fear is a sign of maturity. And what is the best way to deal with these periods? Do absolutely nothing! Just support them through the difficult few days, and help them handle the fear in the least traumatic way. Don’t force the dog to walk down the road he’s afraid of – find another road he’s happy to walk in. Gentle de-sensitisation can be helpful if really needed. Don’t use harsh tones and commands as this reinforces the fear and the idea that there’s something wrong.

 

Hormones 

Hormones play a very important role in development, and the neuter/spay option is a very personal one. A lot of dogs in rescue are usually neutered before they are adopted, as there are too many unwanted litters, and rescue centres are full to capacity at the best of times.

If you are thinking of giving a Dalmatian a forever home and they have yet to be neutered or spayed, it is worth considering your options, particularly if you intend to have one that is below the age of full maturity or you are taking on a dog with behavioral problems. Remember that all High Uric Acid (HUA) Dalmatians are all at risk of forming Urate stones, so we would not recommend neutering or spaying a Dalmatian until their urinary systems are fully mature at 15-18 months of age.

Neutering isn’t a cure all for such problems. In male dogs, it will not improve behaviors that aren’t affected by testosterone; it can potentially make some behaviors worse, such as fearful aggression. It is suggested that neutering dogs before puberty may lead to adolescent characteristics being retained, including excitability, short attention span, and low attention threshold. Health related risks may also outweigh the benefits.

Of course, this is a very personal decision, and most vets would advise neutering/spaying as soon as possible, but it is worth getting to know the dog you have chosen to adopt first, and seek guidance from a trusted behaviourist, so that the best option is made for everyone concerned.

Sleep

The importance of sleep and rest.

Dalmatians are notoriously bouncy dogs, full of beans, and love nothing more than a good dose of exercise. However, it is important to make sure that you get the balance right, and not impose too heavy an exercise regime.

All dogs require a lot more sleep than we do, and Dalmatians are no different. Adult dogs need around sixteen hours of sleep per day, whilst puppies need up to twenty hours. It’s therefore vital that they aren’t disturbed whilst sleeping, and that they feel safe.

Dogs are ‘polyphasic’ sleepers – they choose somewhere to sleep for a short period, before moving somewhere else to sleep. A very normal and instinctive behaviour. It’s therefore a good idea to make sure there are plenty of choices of where to sleep, including a variety of bed options (blankets, cushions, sofas, etc).

Dogs are social animals, and normally like to sleep with company, day and night. However, if in a multi-dog household, they may need the opportunity to sleep alone, in peace from the others (especially if very young or old).

Dogs also like to have some peace and quiet – households can sometimes be too noisy and active for them when they’re trying to sleep.

Good quality, comfortable sleep will promote and maintain good health in all dogs.

It is also worth pointing out, that dogs who are experiencing high levels of stress, may find it difficult to settle down and sleep. A common mistake for people to make, is to think that their dog must need more exercise in order to promote tiredness. This is very counter productive. Excessive amounts of cortisol (the stress hormone) that a dog produces, are too much for the brain to cope with, and are transferred to the leg muscles, so the dog becomes very restless, and over reactive in their environment.

Observation is paramount, your dog will always let you know how he is feeling. Keeping things quiet and low key for the dog, encouraging the use of their nose has a very calming effect, as does chewing. Giving your dog something to chew will be very relaxing for them.

Separation Anxiety

Dalmatians are very people oriented dogs, and would like nothing more than be at your side 24 hours a day! This is clearly not possible, so it’s important to make sure that they learn to become fairly independent. Separation anxiety is quite a common condition in some breeds of dogs, Dalmatians included, so what is the best way to prevent the possibility of this stressful occurrence?

Stair-gates are very useful around the house; you can buy extra high gates, for dogs that can scale heights. These would be put into the doorways of the main social areas of the house. The idea being, that your dog would be the other side of the stair gate at times, whilst still being able to see into the room that you are in. Leaving them there with something to chew is ideal, as chewing is a very relaxing thing for dogs to do.

If you do find that you have chosen a Dalmatian that is particularly insecure and struggles to be without you, there are some simple steps you can follow –

  • Depending on how afraid he is you can plan the step-by-step training in different ways. As with all problems like this, you must remove the cause of the fear. In this case, the dog must not be left alone in the beginning. You have to find a solution, ranging from family members being with the dog, or finding a dog-sitter, or it may be possible to take your dog to work.
  • Once the dog is less stressed about being left alone, you can begin to apply some training to the problem. You should begin by teaching the dog a visual signal – the palm of your hand held up toward the dog. First, use the hand signal while in a seated position. Then get up and sit right back down again. When the dog seems to understand the hand signal is an indication that you will return, you can proceed to use it when you go into other rooms in the house. Give your hand signal, walk through a door, and then come right back. Then do the same thing but close the door behind you, wait a few seconds and then come right back. Begin to lengthen the time you are “gone”, going from a few seconds to a few minutes. But always give the hand signal before you leave. The dog will learn that you will come back.
  • The hand signal will also come in handy when you want your dog to stay in their bed. All dogs need a safe, quiet space that they can go to if they need some time away from the chaos in the house.
  • It is always best to seek advice from a behaviourist about this issue, but time and patience is key, as it is a complicated condition to treat.

Muzzle training

Sometimes a muzzle may need to be fitted to your dog if it shows signs of anxiety or aggression in a public place or a visit to the vet. It is important that you dog has a positive experiences of the muzzle from the outset – as you can imagine a dog isn’t going to like having a muzzle put on, and all too often, muzzling becomes a fight every time the dog goes out.

To avoid this situation, the muzzle should be introduced gradually, and introduced with something nice.

Although there are a variety of muzzles availablee on the market, a Greyhound muzzle is recommended as this allows the dog to breathe and pant easily whilst allowing there ability to drink unrestricted if required. It also has the advantage of having a ‘basket’ type structure with holes in it which is still suitable for ‘posting’ treats, allowing you to reward your dog for appropriate behaviour.

To get your dog used to wearing a muzzle, put a piece of your dog’s favourite food in the bottom of the muzzle and bring it up to the dog’s nose. They will smell the food in the muzzle and willingly offer their nose into it themselves. Do this for at least 20 minutes before attempting to place the muzzle on the dog or until the dog is happy going into the muzzle and not backing away. Gently slide the muzzle over the dog’s nose, so they can get the treat and then remove it again.

Keep repeating this exercise, but on each occasion, leave the muzzle on for longer so the dog gradually gets used to wearing it.

Never take the muzzle off when the dog is struggling to take it off.

Try not to put the muzzle on at the same time or place everyday, or your dog could start to anticipate. Put the muzzle on, and take it off again at different times of the day, and in different location.

If you dog is displaying signs of stress whilst wearing the muzzle, it is best to take your dog to places where the muzzle won’t be necessary.

Muzzles are really only a short-term solution (although certain breeds, such as ex-racers, require them at all times), as they cover a main area of communication (the mouth).

Always seek advice from a trained professional, if you are faced with using a muzzle, to work towards addressing any social issues, and gradually phasing out it’s use.

Donate:

British Dalmatian Welfare is the leading charity in the United Kingdom for safeguarding and rehoming Dalmatian dogs. As a charity, we are very much dependent on the goodwill of our volunteers, helpers and generosity of our kind benefactors. As a voluntary organisation all our funds are used for the benefit of the dogs.

You can make a direct bank transfer payment using these details:

Account Name: British Dalmatian Welfare

Bank Account: 51526170

Sort Code: 40-19-23

Reference: Your name

Your kind donation will certainly help make a difference.

Thank you

Correspondence Address:

The Hon Secretary
British Dalmatian Welfare
Farm Cottage
Studley
Warwickshire
B80 7AH

Registered Charity 1086519