Everything you need to know about breeding Dalmatians responsibly - from health testing to finding the perfect breeding partner for your beloved companion.
Understanding your Dalmatian's unique genetics and high energy needs is essential for responsible breeding
Male: 55-70 lbs
Female: 45-60 lbs
Male: 22-24 inches
Female: 20-22 inches
11-13 years
With proper care
Energetic, Outgoing
Firehouse dog
Puppies are born pure white. Spots develop at 10-14 days. Final pattern not clear until 4-6 months. Cannot predict adult spotting from puppy.
Bred to run 20+ miles alongside carriages. Need 2+ hours vigorous exercise daily. Destructive when under-exercised. Not apartment dogs.
Only breed that excretes uric acid instead of urea. Causes bladder/kidney stones. Requires special diet and lots of water.
Historically used as carriage dogs, fire dogs, war sentinels, and hunters. High intelligence but independent. Need job to do.
Dalmatians face unique genetic challenges including high deafness rates and universal uric acid issues
BAER hearing test MANDATORY. 30% of Dalmatians have hearing loss. 8% are bilaterally deaf. Test all puppies before placement.
ALL Dalmatians have this genetic defect causing bladder/kidney stones. Low purine diet essential. Genetic test now available for normal gene.
OFA or PennHIP testing required. Both parents should have good or excellent ratings.
Annual thyroid panel recommended. Hypothyroidism common in middle age. Affects metabolism and coat.
Very prone to allergies. Can cause severe itching and infections. Breed for good skin and coat.
No genetic test available. Never breed dogs with seizure history. Can appear between 1-3 years.
Annual CERF eye examinations required. Iris sphincter dysplasia can occur. Also check for cataracts.
More common in older Dalmatians. Causes breathing difficulties. Check for family history.
30% of Dalmatians have some degree of hearing loss. 8% are completely deaf in both ears. 22% are deaf in one ear (unilateral deafness is hard to detect without testing). BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing is MANDATORY for all breeding dogs and puppies. Deafness is linked to extreme piebald gene (white coat). Dogs with more white around ears/eyes have higher risk. Bilaterally deaf dogs should be euthanized as they're difficult to train and often become biters. Unilaterally deaf dogs can make pets but should NEVER be bred.
100% of traditional Dalmatians have a genetic defect preventing normal uric acid metabolism. This causes formation of urate stones in bladder and kidneys. Males are especially prone due to narrower urethra. Stones can block urine flow, causing death if not treated immediately. Surgery costs $2,000-$5,000. Prevention requires: Low purine diet (avoid organ meats), constant water access, frequent urination opportunities. A "Low Uric Acid" (LUA) gene has been introduced through outcrossing - test for this if possible.
Follow these essential guidelines for responsible Dalmatian breeding
Male Dalmatians
2 to 8 years
Female Dalmatians
2 to 7 years
Wait until BAER testing completed and maturity reached. Dalmatians mature slowly mentally.
Deafness and urinary stones are the breed's biggest challenges. BAER testing is absolutely essential.
Females: No more than once per year, maximum 4 litters lifetime
Skip at least one heat cycle between litters
Large litters common (8-10 puppies). Focus on quality homes that understand the breed
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