Welcome to Dalmatian Rescue!

Dalmatians are beautiful, loyal, loving and intelligent dogs, but they are not perfect for everyone. Here are a few things that the staff and volunteers of Dalmatian Rescue would like you to keep in mind before applying to adopt one of these great dogs:

Size

Full grown Dalmatians are usually 19 to 24 inches tall (about knee high to an adult)

Weigh, on average between 45-60 pounds

Have an average lifespan of 11-13 years, but have been known to live to the great age of 16 - 17.

Grooming

Dalmatians need very little grooming, but they do shed quite a lot. Regular brushing can help control it and shedding will be worst during certain times of the year, but beware that they do shed.

A healthy Dalmatian requires bathing no more than a few times year, unless he has investigated something particularly smelly or messy. The Dalmatian’s skin has oil glands that protect the coat and keep it water resistant. Over bathing removes the natural oil.

Activity Level

Dalmatians are high energy dogs who like to exercise. They make excellent walking, running, roller-blading and biking partners.

Though a large fenced yard is nice, many of our adoptive families keep their Dals happy and healthy in apartments and condos by providing them with plenty of daily activity.

You can expect to spend at least 30 minutes a day exercising your Dalmatian.

Temperment

Dalmatian are, in general good with children and make fine family pets.

They are happiest when kept indoors and treated as part of the family. It will take some effort on the part of the adoptive family to teach their Dal the house rules.

With patience and persistence, Dalmatians can become excellent house pets.

Health

Dalmatians have two unique hereditary problems: Deafness and bladder stone formations.

Though deaf dogs can lead happy and productive lives and make excellent house pets, there are some special considerations. Dalmatian Rescue test all dogs and potential adoptive families are made aware of any hearing impairment prior to adoption.

Dalmatians cannot break down certain food proteins and are thus more prone to the development of bladder stones. If this condition develops, it can most often be controlled by a special prescription diet and/or medication.

On Going Care

Adopting a Dalmatian is a serious commitment. This sensitive, loving animal will depend on you for its health, training, and future welfare.

Owning any dog is not inexpensive. The adoptive family should be prepared to provide food, water and health care in addition to comfort and affection. Health care cost include regular visits to your veterinarian and the necessary year round flea control and heartworm prevention.

You will be required to obtain a license for your Dalmatian in the county in which you reside and to renew that license yearly.

All dogs have potential to develop behavior problems. Though the staff and volunteers at Dalmatian Rescue are available to assist you in finding solutions to any behavior problems our adoptive families develop, it is our expectation that the adoptive families will take whatever steps necessary to solve these problems. This may mean consulting a professional dog trainer for classes or private instructions.