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Some Basic Facts About Dalmation DogsDalmations are one of the oldest varieties of purebred dogs, but their worldwide popularity stems from the novel 101 Dalmations. Written in 1956 by Dodie Smith, it and the animated film produced shortly afterwards by Walt Disney have made dalmations one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. Their popularity continued in the 1996 remake of the film, which featured real dalmation dogs. However, popularity has also meant that a large number of uninformed owners have purchased dalmation dogs without properly researching
them first.
Dalmations are a big responsibility, and require certain treatment by their owners. They are inherently prone to travel and wander. They would happily ramble through the countryside, given the opportunity to do so. This means both that they need a reasonable amount of space, and that you need to keep an eye on them. If you're considering adopting dalmation dogs, be sure that you research the breed in advance, so you'll know how best to take care of them.
Dalmation dogs are purebred. This means that any responsible owner should take care if they intend to breed their dog, especially if it has been purchased from a breeder with good bloodlines. However, your breeder may have rules about breeding your animal, and you should always think carefully before adding more pups to the world. Many owners of dalmation dogs have their pets spayed or neutered to prevent this problem.
Dalmation dogs are known for their beauty. They were used as a coach dog, historically. This meant that they needed to be striking and visually attractive. Because of this, in many parts of Europe, they were historically associated with royalty.
Dalmations, being bred to accompany carriages, have the physical characteristics that come with this work. One common name for dalmations is the spotted coach dog. They have been bred to have a deep chest, allowing them to keep up with a team of horses and a coach. They were also used to accompany other horse drawn conveyances, such as fire engines, before the days of the internal combustion engine. This is why they are also called firehouse dogs. They were often used as rescue dogs to help find people trapped in burning buildings and get them out.
Dalmation dogs, with their great stamina and desire to roam, need a high protein diet and lots of chances to get exercise. If you won't have the time to give this energetic breed the upkeep and socialization that it needs, you should definitely consider another kind of dog. Daily walks, either on a large piece of property, or in the park, are a must for dalmation dogs. |
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