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Dalmatian Facts & Worksheets

Highly energetic, playful, and sensitive, Dalmatians are smart breeds, known for their spotted coats, loyalty to their family, and good behavior with children.

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Highly energetic, playful, and sensitive, Dalmatians are smart breeds, known for their spotted coats, loyalty to their family, and good behavior with children. The Disney film One Hundred and One Dalmatians helped cement their popularity.

See the fact file below for more information on the Dalmatian or alternatively, you can download our 19-page Dalmatian worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

HISTORY AND ORIGIN

  • Dalmatians are named after the Adriatic coast of Dalmatia, in Croatia.
  • The origins of the said breed are unknown.
  • Dalmatians are known very much in the history of Africa, Europe, and Asia. Dalmatians were also to have lived in Egypt. In 1700, a dog known as the Bengal pointer, which looked a bit like the Dalmatian, was popular in England. Some people think Dalmatians are from Croatia. In the Middle Ages, Dalmatians were used as a hound dog for hunting. The breed became popular as a carriage dog in the 1800s.
  • Dalmatians were originally bred to guard horses and coaches, and some of the old protective instinct remains. They can be distant with strangers and dependable watch dogs. They are smart, loyal, loving house dogs, strong, active athletes with great stamina – a wonderful partner for runners and hikers.
  • The Dalmatian is a breed of large-sized dog, noted for its unique black, liver spotted coat and mainly used as a carriage dog in its early days.

APPEARANCE

  • A Dalmatian’s height is approximately 19 to 24 inches. Its weight is 45 to 70 pounds and its life span can reach 11 to 13 years.
  • Dalmatians are distinctively spotted dogs; poised and alert; brave, muscular and active; free of bashfulness,; smart in expression; symmetrical in outline; and without exaggeration or coarseness. The Dalmatians are capable of great continuance, combined with fair amount of speed.
  • Dalmatian puppies are born with plain white coats and their first spots usually appear within 10 days. However, spots are visible on their skin from birth. They continue to develop until they are around 18 months old. Spots usually range in size from 20 to 60 mm (1.25 to 2.5 in), and are most commonly black or liver on a white background.
  • Liver is the recessive color in Dalmatians, meaning, both parents have to “carry” liver in order to produce liver pups. If both parents are liver, then all puppies will be liver spotted.
  • The Dalmatian’s feet are round with well-arched toes, and the nails are usually white or the same color as the dog’s spots. The thin ears taper towards the tip and are set fairly high and close to the head. Eye color varies between brown, amber, purple, and blue, with some dogs having one blue eye and one brown eye, or other combinations.

TEMPERAMENT

  • In most cases, Dalmatians love people and want to be involved in all family activities. They generally get along well with other animals, and of course, are particularly fond of horses.
  • Some Dalmatians greet strangers with enthusiastic jumping, while others are politely reserved. Some have mild protective instincts.
  • Unfortunately, its giddy behavior and aggression are seen in some lines, and plenty of socialization is required to promote a stable temperament.
  • When Dalmatians are left alone too much or improperly socialized, their impressive intelligence can lead to digging, scratching and chewing.
  • Dalmatians are intelligent, playful, active, protective, gentle, social and relatively non-aggressive. They’re patient and generally good with children, too

HEALTH

  • Hereditary Deafness. This is a polygenic trait and a dalmatian’s offspring can inherit this condition. About 8% of the breed are born completely deaf and approximately 22% to 24% are born with one defective hearing.
  • Urolithiasis. Dalmatians have an unusual urinary tract system which makes them more prone to urinary tract stones – urolithiasis. Instead of urea or allantoin, their urine includes uric acid, which contains salts and causes the formation of stones. Large stones will block the urethra; smaller stones (gravel) may go with the urine. Owners should always keep their dalmatians hydrated in order to avoid this condition.
  • Skin Allergies. Most dalmatians are plagued by skin allergies, such as food-based allergies, contact allergies caused by a reaction or restricted substance, and inhalant allergies brought about by airborne allergens.
  • Hip Dysplasia. This is an inherited condition in which the femur do not fit into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Dogs affected by hip dysplasia experience pain and lameness on one or both hind legs.
  • Iris Sphincter Dysplasia. Another inherited eye condition that can lead to sensitivity to bright light, weak night vision, semi or total blindness, and cataracts.

CARE

  • Since they are active dogs, Dalmatians need lots of exercise. They are fast runners who strive for human companionship, so it is important for owners to walk their Dalmatians daily.
  • Dalmatians have a unique urinary tract, so owners should be mindful of their diet management and hydration. It is also important to examine whether these dogs urinate regularly.

Dalmatian Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about the Dalmatian across 19 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use Dalmatian worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Dalmatians which are smart breeds, known for their spotted coats, loyalty to their family, and good behavior with children. The Disney film One Hundred and One Dalmatians helped cement their popularity.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Dalmatian Facts
  • Dignified Dalmatians
  • Breed Standards
  • Spotted Facts
  • Spot Growing Up
  • Ask Spot
  • Two Spotted Dogs
  • Other Non-Sporting Breeds
  • Taking Care of Spot
  • Pros and Cons of Spot
  • Adopting Spot

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Link will appear as Dalmatian Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, April 14, 2020

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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