Page 279 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

C OMP ANION DOG S 279

DALMATIAN

THIS PLAYFUL AND EASYGOING DOG NEEDS PLENTY OF EXERCISE AND PERSISTENT TRAINING AKC

Height range Particularly popular in Britain during the early 19th century,
22–24 in (56–61 cm) the Dalmatian was known as the “carriage dog,” because
Weight range it was trained to run under or beside horse-drawn carriages
40–60 lb (18–27 kg)
and fire engines, often traveling very long distances. The
Life span Over 10 years only spotted dog breed, the Dalmatian is intelligent,
Origin Unknown friendly, and outgoing and makes an excellent companion.
However, it does have a lot of energy and can be stubborn
and aggressive with other dogs, so an owner needs to dedicate Liver-
colored
time to training. The puppies are born pure white, making it nose
difficult to predict whether the spots will be black or liver once
mature; this dog’s white coat sheds a great deal.
Liver spots
on white coat

Black spots are round
and well defined

Puppies develop
spots a few
weeks after birth
High-set, drop
ears taper to
rounded point
Tail tapers from
base to tip

Short, dense,
glossy, white coat

Round, catlike
feet with
well-arched toes

US_278-279_Companion_Dogs.indd 279 11/09/19 12:45 PM