The Devon Rex Cat

The Devon Rex Cat

The Devon Rex Cat

Devon Rex History

Brown Devon Rex Cat

The Devon Rex didn't settle into the unsuspecting laps of humans until 1960. The father of the Devon Rex breed, a feral, curly-coated tom, lived around an abandoned tin mine near Devonshire, England. He mated with a straight-coated calico female that produced a litter of kittens in the garden of cat fancier Beryl Cox. One of the kittens, a brownish-black male that Cox named Kirlee, had the same short, curly coat as his father. Breeders think that the calico female and the curly-coated male must have been related, since the Devon Rex gene that governs the curly coat is recessive and must be present in both parents to manifest in the offspring. At first, Kirlee was thought to be related to the Cornish Rex. Subsequent matings between Kirlee and the cats of Cornish Rex breeder, Brian Stirling-Webb, resulted in only straight-coated offspring and it became clear that although Kirlee had curly hair, a new Rex gene had been discovered. Cox and Webb concluded that the two breeds were unrelated. The name Devon Rex was adopted for the new breed, and a breeding program was established. To this day, Devon Rex breeders have maintained the original look of the Devon Rex; all Devon Rex should be able to trace their ancestry back to Kirlee, the first Devon Rex.

An Adult Devon Rex Cat

Appearance

The Devon Rex is a breed of unique appearance. Its large eyes, short muzzle, prominent cheekbones, curly whiskers and huge, low-set ears create a characteristic elfin look. The Devon Rex is a fine to medium build, small cat. Females weigh an average of 2-3 kilos when full grown, and males range from 3-4 kilos. Although it may look fragile, the Devon Rex is a sturdy, agile and very muscular breed. Another striking feature of the Devon Rex is its coat, which varies greatly between individuals. Devon Rex have a short, rippling coat, which is either fairly loose with a slight wave in the fur, or tight with a definite kink. The coat is velvety soft, being mainly "down" fur -although there are a few guard hairs, which break the smoothness (these guard hairs are also softer than those found in other cats). Devon Rex kitten coats usually thin out (moult) one or more times during kittenhood. Generally a Devon Rex kitten born with a nice, curly coat will maintain a curly coat as an adult.

A Devon Rex Cat Is Watching

Colors & Coat Patterns

The Devon Rex distinctive soft, wavy coat comes in a variety of patterns and in colours, including pointed (si-rex), solid, shaded, tortoiseshell, calico, bi-colour, harlequin and smoke colours as well as the tabby pattern. The Devon Rex is recognised and accepted for competition in all colours and patterns.

A Cute Adult Devon Rex Cat

Grooming

The Devon Rex is a low maintenance, wash-and-wear companion! Occasionally the Devon Rex's large ears require cleaning, but otherwise a quick shampoo and towel dry (or even a wipe-down with a damp cloth) and a nail-trim is all the grooming most Devon Rex require. Even though their body temperature is the same as other cats, many Devon Rex are surprisingly warm to the touch due to a lighter, less insulating coat. Not surprisingly, Devon Rex tend to be ‘heat seekers,’ so extra heat sources may be useful in winter. Due to their rarity and outgoing nature, Devon Rex are best kept indoors.

Four Cute Devon Rex Kittens

Personality

The character of the Devon Rex is remarkable! Devon Rex are alert and active, and shows a lively interest in their surroundings. They love to be with their humans, and enjoy playing fetch or other games. They are also extremely agile cats with an inquisitive nature and will explore every corner of their homes. Devons Rex like dogs, follow their humans from room to room, inviting themselves along for every activity - preferably perched on a shoulder, lap, or wherever they can be closest to their people. Never wishing to left-out of any activity, Devon Rex owners find the breed very intelligent, obsessively affectionate, loyal and fun-loving. The Devon Rex is a cat with attitude and purrsonality plus – a breed that is definitely not for the faint hearted!

The Chinchilla Cat

The Chinchilla Cat

The Chinchilla Cat

A Mature Chinchilla Cat

Chinchilla History

Chinchillas are a variety of the Persian cat. The Chinchilla is classed as a "silver" cat. Chinchillas of today have a quiet, gentle nature and would suitable for anyone with the exception of small children, the same applies to all Persians . They will need grooming daily in the cooler months or less frequently when not in full coat. Just a few minutes is all it takes. This could be done while you are watching TV. Of course the exotics (lazy mans Persian) need hardly any grooming at all which makes them a perfect choice for the busy, working person who still wishes to have a cat with the beauty of the chinchilla.

A Cute Chinchilla Kitten

Coat Colour

The Chinchilla undercoat should be pure white, the coat on the back, legs, flanks, head, ears and tail being tipped with black, this tipping evenly distributed giving the characteristic sparkling appearance. The face and legs may be very slightly shaded with the tipping but the chin , ear tufts, stomach and chest must be pure white. Any cream or brown tinge or tabby markings is considered a fault. Ideally the hocks should be unblemished.

Eye colour:

Emerald or blue/green.

Nose Leather:

Brick red, outlined with penciling of black.

Pads:

Black

An Adult Chinchilla Cat

Chinchilla Personality

Chinchillas are generally very placid, quiet cats, happy to lie around the home being decorative. They are affectionate, enjoy attention and can become quite attached to their owners. Chinchillas are ideally suited to flats or houses as many prefer to spend much of their day inside. The long white coat does shed a lot of hair which will become worse when the winter coat is dropping. While daily brushing will reduce the amount of hair shed, it will still cover clothes and furniture.

The Bengal Cat

The Bengal Cat

The Bengal Cat

Bengal Cat Personality

An Adult Bengal Cat

Bengals are extremely intelligent cats who form strong bonds with their owners. They love to interact with their humans and are always found at the center of any family activity. The Bengal's activity level is very high and they love to play, run and leap. They are great climbers and jumpers. They could at times be described as mischievous. Bengals are not a cat to be ignored. They sometimes demand a lot of attention but they will always keep you entertained with their antics. They are are extremely affectionate. Often described as having a 'dog like' personality they are easily trained. It is not difficult to train them to walk on a leash, fetch or even to shake hands. Many Bengals have a love of water and love to play with it. They may scoop their water dishes with their paws, play in puddles or follow their owners into the shower or bath tub. Bengals make fun, affectionate, wonderful pets and are great with children and dogs. Bengals are medium size and muscular cats.  Many Bengals also have or carry the glitter gene, which makes them shimmer in sun light. Bengals should retain the look of the wild but with the temperament of a well balanced domestic cat.

A Cute Bengal Kitten

Bengal Cats Colors

Below are some of the Bengal colours and patterns

Brown spotted tabby includes leopard spotted (black or dark brown spots and rosettes on beige, tan, or reddish background) Sorrel spotted (light brown spots or rosettes on light beige or tan background), and charcoal on grey. Classic brown tabby includes, black marble pattern and sorrel marble pattern on lighter background in two or more colours. Seal-lynx point includes blue-eyed snow leopards and snow marbles with medium grey or brown pattern on off-white background Silver spotted or Pearly white snows are black spotted on light silver or grey background, currently being developed.

The Bengal Cat Is Watching

Bengal Cat Patterns

The marbled pattern occurs nowhere else in nature. Patterns should be symmetrical on both sides of the body and the pattern should swirl and flow around the body, like the colours in a glass marble. Marbled Bengals also come in all three snow variations, the Seal Sepia, the Seal Mink and the Seal Lynx Point who also have deep blue eyes. All Bengals except the Seal Lynx Point Snow must have a black tipped tail and black paw pads. The Seal Lynx Point has a bitter chocolate coloured tail tip and can have a rose tinted nose and paw pads. Marbled kittens start with blackish grey coats with small streaks of lighter coloured fur scattered about their coat. The Blue and the Silver both come in Spotted or Marbled patterns, both are incredible in appearance. Regardless of colours and patterns, all Bengals should display the same conformation which is reminiscent of their ancestor the truly beautiful Asian Leopard Cat.

The Balinese Cat

The Balinese Cat

The Balinese Cat

Balinese History

An Adult Balinese Cat

The Balinese cat is relatively new to the cat world, beginning in the mid 1950s (although a long haired Siamese was registered in 1928). Although the occasional 'fluffy' popped up from time to time in pure Siamese lines, they were sold off as pets until a few breeders in the U.S decided they were so taken with them that they would start up a breeding program. Mrs Helen Smith (Prefix 'Merry Mews'), one of the pioneer breeders, came up with the name 'Balinese' because, as they walked, their tail gently waved from side to side and this reminded her of the exotic Balinese dancers.

A Mature Balinese Cat

Balinese Appearance

A Balinese should be the same as a Siamese in most respects, the main difference is a beautiful Semi-long haired coat. Some say that everything on a Balinese is slightly 'softer' than on a Siamese, the length of coat giving 'softness' to the lines of the cat and that the voice is a little quieter. The Balinese has a wedge head, in the shape of an equilateral triangle, with large flared ears positioned so as to continue the triangle. The eyes are rich brilliant sapphire blue and are oriental or almond in shape. A long slender neck leads into a refined, lengthy body, well muscled and tubular in shape, the legs are fine boned yet strong, with delicate oval paws. A soft silky coat lays close to the body and flows gently downward towards a magnificent plumed tail. Although long and refined, Balinese cats are also strong, muscular and powerful and could be called 'the ballet dancers' of the cat world.

A Cute Balinese Kitten

Balinese Grooming

Because the Balinese coat is Semi-long haired (a single coat with no downy or woolly undercoat), it does not mat or tangle which makes it extremely easy to manage, an occasional brush, lots of exercise, and a good diet including raw chicken wings and diced raw meat is all it should take to have the coat looking glossy and clean and keep a lean muscular body (A Balinese should never be flabby or fat). Show cats may be bathed prior to a show, and entire males may get 'stud tail' which will require bathing, but these two things will be rarely or never needed for a home neuter.

A Long Haired Adult Balinese Cat

Balinese Personality

Balinese are wonderful companions, you will always have your best friend close at hand if you live with one of these cats. Highly talkative, these cats can always find something to chat about and it is quite common to find people having conversations with their cats. Balinese are also very active, and like to keep themselves busy, usually by being with you, helping with the dinner, chewing the broom as you sweep, and keeping your newspaper warm as you read it. They are extremely affectionate and love to be in contact with their people, sitting on their lap or draped across their shoulders as they walk. A Balinese is a cat that will be noticed. They will be there with you in times of need, consoling you with their company, and they will be there in your times of joy, ready to play and join in the fun. Life with a Balinese is an adventure, always on the move and never dull. You will never be the same once your heart has been touched by these beautiful creatures.

The Abyssinian Cat

The Abyssinian Cat

The Abyssinian Cat

An Adult Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian Cat History

Although many believe the Abyssinian to be direct descendent of the sacred cat of Egypt, the exact origin of the breed is obscure. Certainly, there is a strong resemblance between the modern Abyssinian and the cat depicted in ancient Egyptian bronzes, paintings and the agouti coated cats found buried in the tombs, with the lithe long body large ears and long tail. The Abyssinian shape and distinctive coat however also bears a striking similarly to the African Wild cats. The first registration of the breed appeared in English studbooks in 1896. The earliest identifiable Abyssinian can be found in the Leiden Museum in Holland. The label reads "domestica India", indicating the origin to the same area. More recent studies have indicated the coast of Indian Ocean between Singapore and Ceylon to be the "homeland" of the Abyssinian Tabby colour pattern - Abyssinians are one of the oldest breeds and they are possibly the closest to a natural breed of all the purebred cats in the world.

A Cute Abyssinian Kitten

Abyssinian Cat Appearance

The overall impression of the ideal Abyssinian would be of foreign build, not as extreme as the Siamese not as rounded as the Burmese but somewhere in between. The Abyssinian is an extremely beautiful and colourful cat with a distinct agouti ticked coat. It is this agouti ticking (flecking) that gives the Abyssinian this rather special "wild cat " look. It is of medium size, lithe, very regal in appearance, hard and muscular showing eager activity and lively interest in its surroundings. Watching an Abyssinian lope across the room invokes images of a wild hunting cat, swift and capable.

A Healthy Abyssinian Cat

Abyssinian Cat Personality

The Abyssinian is an affectionate intelligent cat, very people orientated, extremely active and a cat that thrives on interaction and play. They are not constant lap cats, rather, they need to know what you are doing; like to help you make a telephone call; read your newspaper or make your bed, in fact they insist on being included in all family activities as a right. Whatever it is, an Abyssinian has to be totally involved. Abyssinians are not always ideal for every one so if this higher level of activity will annoy you then a quieter breed should be sort.

A Abyssinian Is Watching

Abyssinian General Health.

Abyssinians are generally a healthy breed, and depending on their life style will live well into their teens. As with all cats they should be kept indoors in order for them to avoid many of the contagious and fatal diseases easily transmitted from the stray population. Vaccinations should always be kept up to date and routine checks should be made regularly. The first sign of any illness should be attended to promptly by a veterinarian.

Many felines are prone to gingivitis, as are some Abyssinians. Incorrect diet is often the main contributor, start by feeding kittens raw chicken wings and necks at a very early age. This will exercise the gums and prevent tartar from forming on the teeth.

The kidney disorder "Renal Amyloidosis:" has been associated with the Abyssinian cat and is thought to be genetic. This disorder often results in kidney failure and the cat's prognosis is often poor. This disease is also seen in many other breeds of cats but unfortunately, some veterinarians incorrectly label it as purely an Abyssinian disease. Only a few breeding lines are likely to produce kittens with Renal Amyloidosis, so this should not deter the public from buying an otherwise relatively sound breed. Responsible breeders will do their utmost to avoid perpetuating health problems, so it is important when purchasing a kitten to chose a reputable breeder and one with whom you can discuss all aspects of the Abyssinian including health matters.

The Pug

The Pug

The Pug

Description

An Adult Pug

The Pug is a small, stocky, square, thickset dog. The round head is massive with a short, blunt, square-shaped muzzle. Moles on the cheeks are considered beauty spots. The teeth meet in a slight undershot bite. The very large, prominent eyes are dark. The small, thin ears are either rose or button shaped. The face has large, deep wrinkles. The high-set tail is curled over the back and a double curl is preferred in the show ring. Dewclaws are usually removed. The short coat is soft, fine and smooth. Coat colors come in apricot, fawn, black and silver.

A Cute Pug Puppy

Temperament

The Pug is keen, with a happy-go-lucky attitude. Animated, peppy and spirited, it is loyal, loving and affectionate with its family. Playful, lively and rambunctious, it is sure to keep you laughing. Highly intelligent, it bores easily without variety in its training. These dogs can be a bit willful if they sense they are stronger minded than the humans around them. Pugs are sensitive to the tone of your voice, so harsh punishment is unnecessary. They need an owner who is calm, yet firm, confident and consistent with the rules. This dog is neither excitable nor dull. They are good watchdogs, very devoted and are not yappers. Pugs get along well with other dogs and pets, and they behave impeccably with both children and visitors. Be sure to be your Pug's pack leader. Pugs that do not have strong human leaders can become jealous, and begin to display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture, food, toys, or other spots in the house. This behavior only happens when dogs are allowed to take over. These behaviors can be corrected when the owners start displaying the proper leadership. Dogs that feel they need to run the home are not as happy as dogs that know they are the human’s followers, as it is very stressful for a dog to need to keep "its" humans in line.

A Pure Black Pug

Height &Weight
Height: Males 12 - 14 inches (30 - 36 cm) Females 10 - 12 inches (25 - 30 cm)
Weight: Males 13 - 20 pounds (6 - 9 kg) Females 13 - 18 pounds (6 - 8 kg)

A Healthy Adult Pug

Health Problems
Pugs catch colds easily and are stressed by hot and cold weather. They are prone to allergies and the short muzzle contributes to chronic breathing problems, making the Pug tend to wheeze and snore. (Pugs suffer from poor ventilation.) Prone to skin problems. Prone to mast cell tumors. Prone to Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), an inflammation of the brain that strikes adolescent Pugs usually between the ages of 2 and 3. The cause is unknown. They are not the easiest whelpers. Dams usually have to have cesarean sections due to the size of the pups’ heads. There is a chance of keratites (inflammation of the cornea) and ulcers on the cornea. Eyes are prone to weeping and cherry eye. Do not overfeed a Pug, as they will eat more than is good for them, quickly becoming obese and living much shorter lives.

Watching Pug Pups

Living Conditions
The Pug is good for apartment life. It is relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. Cannot withstand hot or cold weather and should be kept indoors at a comfortable temperature.

Mature Pug Watching

Exercise
Pugs are strong dogs with short, straight legs. They need to be taken on daily walks. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as instinct tells a dog the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. They enjoy energetic games and will keep in better health if given regular exercise. But be careful not to overdo it, especially if you see them start to wheeze.

A Female Pug With Her Puppies

Life Expectancy
About 12 to 15 years.

Sweet Pug Pup

Grooming
The smooth, short haired coat is easy to groom. Brush and comb with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary. Dry thoroughly after a bath so the dog does not get chilled. The creases on the face must be cleaned regularly. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.

Baby Pug Is Watching

Origin
The Pug is one of the oldest breeds known today, believed to have originated before 400 BC. There is somewhat of a debate over the origin of the Pug. Most researchers agree that the Pug originated from Asia, descended from a short haired Pekingese. Another theory is that it is the result of crossing a small Bulldog, while others speculate that it is a miniature form of the French Mastiff ( Dogue de Bordeaux). The artist Hogarth had a Pug named "Trump" that he often depicted in his works. The breed became popular during Victorian times in the 19th century. Tibetan monasteries kept Pugs as pets. The breed made its way to Japan and Europe, where it not only became a pet of royalty but the official dog of the House of Orange in Holland. Prince William II owned Pugs. One dog in particular was said to have saved his life in 1572 at Hermingny, when the dog barked at approaching Spaniards alerting him of their presence. In France, Napoleon's wife Josephine had a Pug named Fortune. On their wedding night, when Napoleon refused to allow the dog to sleep in their bed, Josephine told him, "If the Pug does not sleep in our bed, neither do I!" When Josephine was sent to prison she used the little dog to send secret messages to her husband by placing a note under the collar of her Pug. In 1860 when the British took over the Chinese Imperial Palace, they discovered several Pugs and Pekingese, and the dogs were brought back to England with them. The AKC recognized the Pug in 1885. Some of the Pug's talents include: watchdog and performing tricks.

Black & White Pug Puppies

Group
Mastiff, AKC Toy

The Rottweiler

The Rottweiler

The Rottweiler

An Adult Rottweiler

Description
The Rottweiler has a muscular, massive, powerful body. The head is broad with a rounded forehead. The muzzle is well developed. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The wide nose is black. The lips are black and the inside of the mouth is dark. The medium-sized eyes are dark and almond shaped. Some Rottweilers have been known to have blue eyes or one blue and one brown eye. This trait is not recognized in the show world and does not meet the breed’s written standard. The ears are triangular and carried forward. The tail is customarily docked. Note: docking tails is illegal in most parts of Europe. Rear dewclaws are often removed. The chest is broad and deep. The coat is short, hard and thick. It is black with rust to mahogany markings on the cheeks, muzzle, paws and legs. A red color with brown markings also exists. There is a deficiency in the hair gene that makes the coloring a lighter red.

German Rottweiler vs. American Rottweiler: some claim there are variations of Rotties, the German Rottweiler and the American Rottweiler. German Rotties are said to be shorter, stockier and have a bigger, blockier head, while American Rotties are said to be taller and leggier without as blocky a head. Others claim a Rottweiler is a Rottweiler and there is no such thing as a German Rottie. Some who have stated this argument have said, "A German Rottweiler is one born in Germany and an American Rottweiler is born in America." In any case, there are breeders breeding for the German Rottweiler look, which falls outside the AKC standard, while others are breeding for the American Rottweiler look, sticking to, or closer to, the AKC standard.

A Healthy Rottweiler Pup

Temperament
The Rottie is powerful, calm, trainable, courageous and devoted to its owner and family. Loyal and protective, it will defend its family fiercely if needed, seemingly immune to pain. Serious, even-tempered, brave, confident and courageous, this breed needs an owner who is strong minded, calm, but firm and able to handle this dog’s massive size. The Rottie is a docile, natural guard dog with a laid-back, reliable temperament. It is highly intelligent and has proven its worth beyond question in police, military and customs work over many centuries and can be trained for competitive obedience. Because of its size, training should begin when the dog is a small puppy. This breed needs a lot of leadership and socialization. It will not be happy confined to a kennel or backyard. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. That is the only way your relationship can be a success. When the Rottweiler receives consistent leadership and is trained, it will be a good playmate for the children. It will accept cats, other dogs and other household pets as long as the dog has been socialized well and has owners who assert their authority over the dog. Friends and relatives of the family are normally enthusiastically welcomed. Strangers from whom the dog senses bad intentions can get no further than the sidewalk.

A Mature Rottweiler

Height &Weight
Height: Males 24 - 27 inches (61 - 69 cm) Females 22 - 25 inches (56 - 63 cm)
Weight: Males 95 - 130 pounds (43 - 59 kg) Females 85 - 115 pounds (38 - 52 kg)

Rottweiler Puppies

Health Problems
This breed is susceptible to ACL damage. Prone to hip dysplasia. Also prone to entropion (narrowing of the slit between the eyelids). Tends to snore. Can overeat easily.

Cute Rottweiler Pup

Living Conditions

The Rottie will do okay in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. These dogs are relatively inactive indoors and a small yard will be sufficient.

Rottweiler Watching

Exercise
The Rottweiler needs plenty of exercise. You can't give these robust dogs too much work or exercise; they thrive on it. They need to be taken on a daily walk or jog. Running in the woods and in open country makes them very happy and they have no desire to wander from you. Swimming or running beside a bicycle are perfect activities for this dog and it also loves retrieving a ball.

A Female Rottweiler With Her Puppies

Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years
Litter Size
Large litters; often can have 10 - 12 puppies.

Adult Rottweiler Is Playing

Grooming
The smooth, glossy coat is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder.

Rottweiler Pup Is Watching

Origin
The Rottweiler is probably descended from the Italian Mastiff, which accompanied the herds that the Romans brought with them when they invaded Europe. During the Middle Ages, it was used as a herder, as a guard, messenger dog, draught dog and for police work. It was bred in the German town of Rottweiler in Wurttemberg. Practically extinct in the 1800s, the breed population began a comeback in the early twentieth century due to the efforts of enthusiastic breeders centered in Stuttgart. In Germany on January 13, 1907, the DRK (Deutscher Rottweiler-Klub (German Rottweiler Club)) was established. Shortly after on April 27, 1907, the SDRK (Süddeutscher Rottweiler-Klub (South German Rottweiler Club)) was formed, which later became the IRK (International Rottweiler Club). The Rottweiler standard was then set. The breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1931. Some of the Rottweiler's talents include: tracking, herding, watchdog, guarding, search and rescue, guide dogs for the blind, police work, carting, competitive obedience and Schutzhund. 

A Mature Rottweiler Is Watching

Group
Mastiff, AKC Working

The Dalmatian

The Dalmatian

The Dalmatian

Description

The Dalmatian Pup

The Dalmatian is a large, strong, muscular dog. The skull is about as wide as it is long, and flat on the top. The muzzle is about the same length as the top of the skull. The stop is moderate but well defined. The nose can be black, brown (liver), blue or a dark gray that looks like black. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The medium-sized round eyes are brown, blue or a combination of both. The ears are set high, hanging down, gradually tapering to a rounded tip. The chest is deep. The base of the tail is level with the topline and tapers to the tip. The feet are round with arched toes. Toenails are white and/or black in black-spotted dogs and brown and/or white in liver-spotted dogs. The short coat has fine dense hairs. The symmetrical coat is predominantly white with clearly defined round spots. The spots can be black or brown (liver) which are the preferred colors in the show ring, but can also be, lemon, dark blue, tricolored, brindled, solid white or sable. Not all of these colors are accepted into the show ring, but they do occur in the breed. The more defined and well distributed the markings are, the more valued the dog is to the show ring. Puppies are born completely white and the spots develop later.

Dalmatian Dog Looking

Temperament
Dalmatians were bred to run under or alongside horse-drawn carriages and therefore have a vast amount of stamina and energy. They do not like to sit around all day with nothing to do. They are playful, happy, easy going and very dedicated. The Dalmatian needs a lot of leadership along with human companionship in order to be happy. They will not do well left out in the yard all day and have been known to dig crater-size holes when done so. The Dalmatian enjoys playing with children, but if they do not receive enough mental and physical exercise they may become high-strung, and too excitable for a small child. This buildup of energy causes their minds to become unstable and they can become timid without enough socialization. They get along well with  other pets, but without proper human to dog alpha communication where the human clearly tells the dog that he is not in charge and fighting is an unwanted behavior, they may become aggressive with strange dogs. Quite intelligent, but can be willful if they sense their owners are in the slightest bit meek or passive, and/or if the owner is not properly communicating with the dog. Generally does well with firm, consistent training. The Dalmatian is trainable to a high degree of obedience. They can be trained for defense and are good watchdogs. Half of the people who adopt a Dalmatian puppy do not keep them past the first year. Young Dalmatians are very energetic, and need a tremendous amount of leadership and exercise. If you give them what they instinctually need, daily walks where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human, never in front of the person holding the lead, and very stern, but not harsh leadership, they will make a wonderful pet and will calm down after a few years. People who keep them long enough to get past their active stage tend to be very pleased. If you are thinking about adopting a Dalmatian puppy be sure you have the time, are authority driven and have the energy for them. If you cannot provide this for them they will become very high strung, hard to manage and destructive. If you are a very active person who has the time, and knows what it means to be a pack leader then a Dalmatian may be right for you.

Cute Dalmatian Puppy

Height &Weight
Height: Males 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm) Females 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)
Weight: about 55 pounds (25 kg)

An Adult Dalmatian Dog

Health Problems
Deafness in this breed is relatively high; about 10-12% are born deaf. Dalmatian puppies should be baer-tested for deafness at about 6 weeks old, and totally deaf puppies should be spayed or neutered. While the breeding of deaf puppies should be avoided, it is very possible to raise a well-adjusted deaf dog. Prone to urinary stones, as uric acid levels in Dalmatians are in general higher than in any other breed, sometimes causing urinary blockage. Also prone to skin allergies, such as synthetic fibers in carpets and upholstery.

A Mature Dalmatian Dog

Living Conditions
A Dalmatian is not an ideal dog for apartment dwellers unless it can be taken out for a brisk walk or run several times a day. They are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Not suited to living outside in cold climates.

Dalmatian On A Rock

Exercise
This is a very energetic dog with enormous stamina. They need to be taken on daily, long, brisk walks or jogs where the dog is made to heel beside or behind the human holding the lead. Never in front, as instinct tells a dog that the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. In addition, it needs plenty of opportunity to run, preferably off the leash in a safe area. If these dogs are allowed to get bored, and are not walked or jogged daily, they can become destructive and start to display a wide array of behavioral problems. They love to run!

Two Cute Dalmatian Puppy

Life Expectancy
About 10-12 years.

A Female Dalmatian With Her Puppies

Litter Size
Often large, not uncommon to have up to 15 pups in one litter.

Dalmatian Looking Upstair

Grooming
The Dalmatian sheds all year round but does so profusely twice a year. Brush frequently to help manage the constant shedding. They do not have a doggy odor and are said to be clean and even avoid puddles. Bathe only when necessary.

A Mature Dalmatian Dog

Origin
There is total disagreement about the origin of this breed. Spotted dogs are known throughout history in Africa, Europe and Asia. The breed may be related to the Pointer. Traces of spotted dogs are found in Egyptian bas-reliefs and Hellenic friezes, so it certainly is an ancient breed. In 1700 a dog known as the Bengal pointer, similar to the Dalmatian, existed in England, calling into question the Dalmatian’s Yugoslavian origin. Some claim the Dalmatian is a Croatian breed. Efforts to have it recognized as a Croatian breed had been rejected, up until 1993, when the FCI did finally recognize the Croatian roots of the Dalmatian dog, although they continue to deny Croatia standard patronage rights over the breed. In the Middle Ages it was used as a hound. The breed became popular as a carriage dog in the 1800s. They trotted beside and among the horses and carriages, very reliably following their masters, guarding the carriages and horses while the master was occupied elsewhere. Very hardy with great stamina, it was able to easily keep up whether its master was on foot, on horseback, or in the carriage. The versatile Dalmatian has seen many uses, such as a mascot for firemen, war sentinel, draft dog, circus performer, vermin hunter, fire-apparatus follower, bird dog, trail hound, retriever, shepherd and as a guard dog.

Two Dalmatian Puppies Are Playing

Group
Gun Dog, AKC Non-Sporting