Have you ever noticed that Dalmatians smile? Not an open-mouthed pant that humans like to interpret as a smile, we’re talking a big broad grin. What have they got to be so happy about?
Dalmatians love to smile!
Most dogs express rampant joy by rushing about when their human arrives home, but the Dalmatian does it with a smile. Yes, Dalmatians grin, they have extra muscles in their faces that enable them to beam, their faces pull back to reveal a full set of teeth. Some humans think it’s a sign of aggression. But Dalmatian owners agree that it’s most often a smile of joy (check to see if the tail is wagging). Coming home to be greeted by a broad Dalmatian grin, is something for a dog paw-rent to boast about! Perhaps they smile because they know they sport a stylish coat.
How long have humans loved Dalmatians?
Dalmatians first appeared in England in 1780. Their unflagging energy enabled them to run for long periods of time without tiring and they became sought after as coach dogs, they became known as the spotted coach dog. At a time when humans travelled in horse-drawn coaches their job was to protect the horses and the people in transit. Often two dogs would run alongside or even under the coaches as security. At night they would guard the horses at the stables as horse theft was rife back then. Their relationship with horses strengthened when they became companions to the horses used to pull fire wagons. When the fire siren went off the Dalmatians would run out into the street barking to alert people to step aside for the charging fire wagon and then they’d run alongside the horses to the fire. Today many fire stations still use Dalmatians as mascots. These heroic and loyal spotted dogs have been known to drag firefighters from burning buildings.
Dalmatians are an expression of style
That coat! Those inky black spots in different shapes and sizes over that bright white background is so very modern art. It’s as if Jackson Pollock personally splattered each dog. There’s no denying that the Dalmatian is a breed to step out with in style!
18 FACTS ABOUT DALMATIANS
1. Dalmatians love to smile
They ‘smarl’ – this is a smile with a snarl rolled together. The trick is to watch the tail, if the tail is not wagging it’s a snarl, if it’s wagging then it’s a ‘smarl’.
2. Energy
They have loads of energy. They are not hyperactive, but they do need to channel their energy. Many families can’t cope with their excess of energy and the dogs are abandoned or left in animal shelters. They need 2 hours of walking a day – it’s easy if you split that into two walks.
3. They are not destructive
They only destroy furniture and gardens if they’re not getting enough walks. They’re not destructive by nature, they just need to be trained. It is said that the usual training methods that apply to all other breeds don’t apply to Dalmatians. They require the Dalmatian Approach.
4. They shed a lot
Their hair shaft has a short life, their coat is constantly being replaced with soft new hair. And that coat requires heavy brushing to keep the shed in check.
5. Fame has its price
On account of all those Hollywood appearances many a child has begged to have a Dalmatian as a pet, this fad has led to overbreeding, which creates poor genetic inheritance producing sickly dogs bred in awful conditions. Remember Lucy’s Law? If you’re thinking of getting a puppy, choose only reputable breeders.
6. They love companionship
They make loyal pets, they love connection. When properly trained they are desperate to please their human.
7. They don’t like being left alone
They may sulk, get depressed or be destructive if left alone for long periods of time.
8. They are highly intelligent
Some people disagree with this statement saying that they’re not clever. This is because Dalmatians need their own kind of training, suited to the way their minds work. They’re originals!
9. Aloof with strangers
They take time to warm up to people, they are nervous and suspicious. But they adore their owners. But socialisation is a must for them to be good with other dogs.
10. Clowns with poise
They are loved for the way they go from gallant to goofy and back to gallant again.
11. They barely drool
This must be one of the reasons why humans consider them to have such poise and grace, no gobby goo!
12. Dals love their Dal people
Dalmation owners are known as Dal people and Dalmatians as Dals. Dals are devoted to their Dal people.
13. Health ailments that dog this breed
Dalmatians can suffer from a few ailments, including atopy which is a sensitivity to pollen and dust. They can suffer from epilepsy, they are prone to deafness, they can have bladder stones or hip dysplasia that leads to arthritis.
14. They might be too energetic for little kids
Dalmatians are not like other dogs, their intelligence and energy can make them impossible to live with unless trained. If your Dalmatian is trained all will be well. They have certain behaviour patterns that need to be acknowledged otherwise they will be unmanageable. Come to DogFest, chat to a friendly professional to find out how to train your Dal.
16. They have a disconcerting growth spurt
The jump from puppy to adolescent is dramatic and their energy levels explode. They need that training from a young age so as not to pick up bad habits.
17. They are born spotless
As newborns, they have pure white coats.
18. They can’t process purines
To keep your spotted friend healthy, a low-purine diet is key. This means limiting foods high in purines like beef, organ meats (think liver and kidney), and even some fish (like sardines). Unbroken down purines can form urate crystals in their urinary tract, leading to bladder stones. Ouch!
