Dalmatian

Lifestyle Needs

Dalmation
Dalmatian

The Dalmatian was a popular carriage dog in Regency times. Dalmatians ran for sometimes long distances alongside carriages.  So he is a dog which is strong and active and needs plenty of opportunity to run free.  He should live in a house , preferably with a large garden and enjoy a country lifestyle.  His coat is short and needs grooming once a week to keep it in good condition. Average lifespan 11 years.

Genetic Diversity
(Known as Coefficient of Inbreeding: 'COI'. It should be as low as possible.)

The UK Kennel Club breed average COI is 5.3% - See 'A Beginners Guide to COI'

Gene Pool Size
(Known as Effective Population Size: 'EPS')

142.4

EPS is a measure of how many individuals are contributing genetically to a breed population. It is a measure of the size of the gene pool in a breed. Lower than 100 is considered critical by conservationists and below 50 brings a breed close to extinction. For more information see the Kennel Club article.

Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation
(Body shape and physical characteristics)

  • Gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV) (Bloat/Torsion)

BVA/KC Health Schemes: www.bva.co.uk/chs

  • Hip dysplasia:  breed 5 year mean score 9.3 (parents should be lower)
  • Elbow dysplasia (score ideally 0:0)
  • Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) testing for deafness
  • BVA/KC Eye Scheme

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) : No EBVs are currently available for this breed
www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-ebvs

DNA Tests Available
DogWellNet and IPFD Harmonisation of Genetic Testing for Dogs (HGTD)
www.dogwellnet.com/breeds

  • Hyperuricosuria and Hyperuricemia (HUU) (Urolithiasis) Many and perhaps all Dalmatians carry a mutation in a metabolic gene, causing high uric acid which in turn creates painful urate stones, risk of kidney failure, and death (especially for males).  A recent cross with a Pointer has introduced the normal form of the gene, but this is not yet widespread. The DNA test is particularly relevant to Dalmatian outcrosses and subsequent generations of their progeny.

 

Availability of a DNA test does not mean that it is always necessary or even desirable for breeders to use this test.

Other Breed-Specific Health Screening Schemes

  • Bitches under 2 years not to produce a litter
  • Bitches not to produce more than one litter in a 12 month period
  • No more than 4 litters in a lifetime

Ask the breeder to show you the certificates for the above tests/screening for both parents. If any of the above tests have not been considered necessary by the breeder (and there may be good reasons), ask her to explain why.

Other Diseases Reported
(For which there are currently no genetic or screening tests for sire or dam)

  • Allergic dermatitis
  • Idiopathic Epilepsy
  • Cancer: Conjunctival haemangiosarcoma; Squamous cell carcinoma; Primary brain tumour

Ask the breeder about the medical history of the parents, grandparents and great grandparents. Consider carefully whether to purchase a puppy if some of these or other diseases are in the family line.

Ask about the breeder’s policy in cases of serious genetic diseases occurring to your puppy in later life. Good breeders will request to be informed of such events in order to improve future breeding decisions.

You are strongly advised to buy from a breeder who uses (or is prepared to use) the AWF Puppy Contract and Puppy Information Pack (PIP):  www.puppycontract.org.uk

The breeder should also be familiar with the CFSG/DBRG Code of Practice for Dog Breeding

Breed Health Information