Longevity
Life expectancy
With an appropriate diet, regular activity, good weight control and preventive veterinary follow-up, this dog generally lives from 12 to 14 years.
Build
A robust breed?
Its build is fairly solid and its endurance is real, but its sturdiness does not exempt it from particular vigilance regarding hearing, the urinary tract, the hips and the skin. Choosing a breeding kennel that carries out the recommended screenings greatly helps to reduce avoidable risks.
Watch points
What to watch for
Early screening, observing the quality of hearing, gait, swallowing and urinary habits make it possible to quickly identify an abnormality. Any pain, difficulty urinating, reduced reaction to sounds, locomotor discomfort or repeated regurgitation requires veterinary advice.
Congenital deafness : It affects a significant proportion of puppies and is objectively detected thanks to the BAER test performed on each ear.
Urinary stones : The low excretion of uric acid specific to the breed promotes the formation of stones and requires vigilance regarding hydration and urinary signs.
Hip dysplasia : This joint abnormality can cause pain and lameness; radiographic screening of breeding dogs is recommended.
Megaesophagus : A dilation of the esophagus can lead to regurgitation and feeding difficulties and requires veterinary care.
Dysplasia of the iris sphincter : This ocular abnormality is among the minor conditions reported in the breed.
Laryngeal paralysis : This occasional condition can hinder breathing and exertion and must be evaluated quickly.
Allergies and otitis : Skin or ear reactions may occur and justify regular monitoring of the skin and ears.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
Its short coat offers limited protection against cold and bad weather, which requires indoor bedding and suitable protection during cold periods. It tolerates heat rather well, provided it has fresh water, shade and avoids exertion during the hottest hours.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Active by nature, the Dalmatian maintains its weight more easily when its walks are long and regular. Its ration must nevertheless be adjusted to its age, its activity, its body condition and to any possible urinary sensitivity. Treats must remain limited and included in the daily energy intake.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Have a BAER hearing test performed on the puppy.
- Check hip screening in breeding dogs.
- Consult promptly in case of difficulty or pain when urinating.
- Regularly check the ears, eyes, skin, teeth and nails.
- Brush the coat every week and plan three to four baths per year.
- Maintain at least two long outings daily.
Vaccination
Dalmatian vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Dalmatian? Like all cats, the Dalmatian receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. The kitten primary vaccination for Dalmatian is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if it lives in an apartment. Depending on its lifestyle (outdoor access, multi-cat household, shows, travel), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Lifestyle-based Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisLifestyle-based Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Dalmatian vaccine boosters are annual for cat flu and leukemia if it goes outdoors; for panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your cat’s lifestyle.
Which boosters for your Dalmatian?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Dalmatian
Before breeding and when choosing a puppy, it is recommended to check the results of the PEA hearing test and the radiographic screening for hip dysplasia. Veterinary follow-up must also focus on urinary health, the ears, the skin and, depending on clinical signs, the oesophagus and the larynx.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
