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Dalmatian Breeding
Dalmatians are famous for their unique spots on their body, but very few know that they are also famous for their running skills. Dalmatians are basically bred to be coaching dogs and run alongside horse riders and carriages to discourage stray dogs from interfering during the ride. Highwaymen also used them as guardians of transport. There were no noble ladies or lords who went to drive without a pair of Dalmatians in those days.
These unique dogs were used in so many activities that they became the first choice of every pet owner. Dalmatians are still popular, and their breeding business is very popular in different countries of the world. Here in this article, we will discuss Dalmatian breeding and what are the factors to consider.
Background Of
Dalmatian breeding
As a breeder, when you are looking for a new breed for breeding, first, everything you want to know about is the popularity and traits of the breed. These things are necessary before breeding because they will help understand the breed’s pros and cons.
The breeding origin of the Dalmatian is not fully known. However, in history, these dogs were first reported as spotted dogs traveling with a band of Romanies, also known as Gypsies. However, they get their name during their stay in Dalmatia, also known as Croatia.
In England, this breed was developed as coaching dogs, as they help clear roads before horses. For this reason, from that day until now, Dalmatians have a special affinity for horses.
Their love for horses gives them a special place in the United States. In the US, Dalmatians are used as fire dogs; they stay with equipment during a fire, run with horses to the fire, and help rescue teams save people from burning buildings.
Today, Dalmatians are famous family companions noted for their immense love for their master, but few countries have Dalmatians as mascots.
Strains & bloodlines
When it comes to variety, Dalmatians are available in various combinations in addition to the classic Spotted Dalmatian. Here are some amazing Dalmatian combinations that can steal your heart.
- Pitmation (Pitbull/Dalmatian)
- Bodacion (Border Collie/Dalmatian)
- Dalmachshund (Dachshund/Dalamatian)
- Goldmation (Golden Retriever/Dalmatian)
- Beaglemation (Beagle/Dalmation)
- Sharmatian (Shar Pei/Dalmatian)
- Dalmador (Labrator/Dalmatian)
Breed-specific legislation
Popularity
The Dalmatian breed is very popular worldwide, and the AKC has ranked it 56th out of 193 breeds.
However, Dalmatians are more popular in the US. The main reason for their popularity is the spotted coat. Dalmatians reached new heights of popularity when Disney produced a film about Dalmatians. 101 Dalmatians was an animated film released in 1961, and two action films were released between 1996 and 2000.
After the release of 101 Dalmatians, many idealized this breed. These Disney movies increase the interest of many buyers and breeders of dogs.
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Health concerns when
breeding Dalmatians
Hereditary Deafness
This deafness problem in Dalmation is due to a polygenic trait, and this problem can be transmitted along the bloodline to off-springs. There is a large percentage of deafness present in Dalmatians, as nearly 8 percent of dogs are completely deaf at birth, and only 22 to 24 percent can hear with only one ear.
Dalmatians are born with their ears closed and their ears open when they reach the age of 12 to 16 days. In Dalmatian, deafness is characterized by the complete loss of the organ of Corti, which is a group of nerve cells that detect sound.
Hyperuricemia
This disease is particularly present in the Dalmatian Pointer Backcross. In this disease, the uric acid transporter does not work effectively due to a gene in purebred dogs. The main symptoms of hyperuricemia are
- Fatigue
- Urination problem and pain due to kidney stones
- Joint inflammation
- Temperature variation (either fever or
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs in Dalmatian puppies when they are in the womb. This occurs because the hip joint is not formed correctly. It means that those puppies that suffer from these symptoms show inflammation, hip pain, difficulty walking, and an inability to walk properly.
How to breed
Dalmatians?
Breeding your Dalmatians can be an interesting thing, and it can be a profitable business. Here are some points to keep in mind when breeding Dalmatians.
Key Things To Consider Before You Start
The main and most important idea in breeding is to choose the best male and female dog. You must consider their temperament, health, and record. It is essential to perform a physical health check on both males and females and ask your veterinarian to check their genetic lines.
If your animals are genetically strong, the chance of genetic diseases will decrease. Similarly, check for both negative and positive behavioral traits. Because this can help during training as to which traits you want to avoid and which ones you want to dominate.
Perform Pre-Breeding Health Checks
If you want your litter to be super healthy, you must choose the father and mother carefully. You should check your dogs for health problems such as hip dysplasia, hyperuricemia, and deafness, as they are the most important cause of health problems in Dalmatians.
Also, it is important to perform some health tests such as fecal tests, blood tests, vaccination, breeding lineage, and age of the animal.
Dalmatian Mating Best Practices
In Dalmatians, blue-eyed females should not breed, as there is a link between blue eyes and deafness. Dalmatian litter size is seven; anything more than that is unusual. Most puppies are delivered by cesarean section. It is not a hereditary problem but a complication at birth.
Conclusion
Dalmatians are powerful and loyal companions. They are full of energy and are the perfect family dog. While breeding Dalmatians, be aware of hereditary problems and congenital disabilities so that you get a healthy litter.