The ideal Dalmatian should stand between 54 and 61.5 cm (20 and 24 inches) at the withers and weigh from 23 to 35 kgs (50-77 pounds) fully grown. Breed standard -- a description of the ideal specimen of each type of purebred dogs—may vary slightly among different nations' kennel clubs. Males are generally slightly larger than females. As with all dogs, the Dalmatian's gestation is about two months, or between 60 to 64 days.
With tireless enthusiasm, the Dalmatian makes a wonderful companion for most active families. It is usually good with other pets, particularly horses, although it may become aggressive toward strange dogs. It is usually better for a family with older children, as it may be to energetic for little ones. The Dalmatian is sometimes known for its stubborn streak, and it can be reserved towards strangers. This breed needs to have something to do, and it does not enjoy just laying around all day. It needs human companionship in order to be well adjusted, as it is a sensitive and loyal dog. Training and socialization at an early age is important to prevent timidity. Firm, consistent training is suggested; this breed has a good memory, and it will remember bad treatment for many years. The Dalmatian can be a good watch dog, but it can become aggressive if not raised properly. Deafness affects 10 – 12% of Dalmatian puppies, which creates training challenges and possible behavioral problems. They are more difficult to raise, and they have a tendency to be aggressive out of fear.
Dalmatians are a very old breed, often thought to be the very first type of dog for which man made deliberate attempts to selectively breed for specific characteristics. These characteristics were at first appearance, then other attributes such as stamina, endurance, and health. The result is a very prolific and long-lived breed of striking appearance, generally free from ailments common to other dogs such as hip dysplasia (almost unknown in purebred Dalmatians). Most of their health problems result from the onset of old age; the average Dalmatian lives between 11 and 13 years, although some can live as long as 17 to 18 years . In their late teens, both males and females may suffer bone spurs and arthritic conditions.
Deafness
An exception to Dalmatians' generally good health is a genetic disposition towards deafness. Deafness was not recognized by early breeders, so the breed was thought to be unintelligent. Even after recognizing the problem as a genetic fault, breeders did not understand the dog's nature, and deafness in Dalmatians continues to be a frequent problem.
Researchers now know that deafness in albino and piebald animals is caused by the absence of mature melanocytes in the inner ear. This may affect one or both ears. The condition is also common in other canine breeds that share a genetic propensity for light pigmentation. This includes, but is not limited to bull terriers, Poodles, boxers, border collies and Great Danes.
Similarly, Charles Darwin commented on the tendency of white, blue-eyed cats to be deaf, while Waardenburg syndrome is the human analog. There is an accurate test called the BAER test, which can determine if the defect is present. Puppies can be tested beginning at five weeks of age. BAER testing is the only way of detecting unilateral deafness, and reputable breeders test their dogs prior to breeding.
Only dogs with bilateral hearing should be allowed to breed, although those with unilateral hearing, and even dogs with bilateral deafness, make fine pets with appropriate training. Research shows that Dalmatians with large patches of color present at birth have a lower rate of deafness, and breeding for this trait, which is currently prohibited in the breed standard, might reduce the frequency of deafness in the breed. One of the leading reasons patches are a disqualifying factor in Dalmatians is to preserve the much prized spotted coat—the continual breeding of patched dogs would result in heavily patched Dalmatians with few spots.
Research concludes that blue-eyed Dalmatians have a greater incidence of deafness than brown-eyed Dalmatians, although an absolute link between the two characteristics has yet to be conclusively proven. Though blue-eyed Dalmatians are not necessarily deaf, many kennel clubs consider blue eyes to be a fault or even a disqualification, and some discourage the use of blue-eyed Dalmatians in breeding programs.
Bladder stones
Dalmatians, like humans, the great apes, some New World monkeys, and guinea pigs, can suffer from hyperuricemia. The latter lack an enzyme called uricase, which breaks down uric acid. However, in Dalmatians, the deficit seems to be in liver transport. Uric acid can build up in the blood serum (hyperuricemia), causing gout; and can be excreted in high concentration into the urine, causing kidney stones and bladder stones. These conditions are most likely to occur in middle-aged males. Males over 10 are prone to kidney stones and should have calcium intake reduced or take preventive medication.
To reduce the risk of gout and stones, owners should be careful to limit the intake of purine by not feeding these dogs organ meats, animal by-products, or other high-purine ingredients. Hyperuricemic syndrome in Dalmatians responds to treatment with Orgotein, the veterinary formulation of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.
In one family of these dogs, a genetic mutation has been reported that contributes to hypouricemia (although hyeruricosuria remains).
