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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Dalmatian need? Like all dogs, Dalmatians should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Dalmatian vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Dalmatian booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Dalmatian need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
