Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

Chew Toys for Your Dalmatian Puppy

by Leave a Comment

Chewing is normal for all Dalmatian puppies.  It is their hereditary way of communicating within the litter.  You should have some chew toys for the puppy to use in order to replace undesirable chewing tendencies. If your Dalmatian puppy goes for the TV knobs, give him a 1/4in diameter composite chewing log.  Any Dalmatian is incredibly efficient at destroying chew toys.  The only one that is apparently indestructible is the beehive-shaped rubber toy, which lasts for years around both pups and adults, and they enjoy chewing them.  An inexpensive thing that puppies will play with for days before they start to wear it out is a plastic pop bottle.  If you keep the cap on, the container is too large to get a good grip on and the puppies will use it as a giant hockey puck whenever they see it.

Another caution with regard to chewing has to do with house, yard, and garden plants.  Identify the vegetation you have and call your vet, a plant expert, or maybe even do your own research and find out whether your plants are toxic to dogs.  They will chew on rocks, too, especially ones about as big as your thumb that are fun to toss around in their mouths.  If you catch them doing this, take the rock from them and get rid of it, telling them “No!”  Some Dalmatians will get carried away with sloshing them around in their mouths and before they know it, they swallow them.

There are also foods that are toxic to dogs. Teaching a Dalmatian what is and is not permissible to chew is generally a process that lasts the lifetime of the dog. They are constantly discovering new things to chew. As a final note on chewing, though it is cute to have the puppy untie your shoelaces or clamp surprisingly sharp puppy teeth on your fingers, it is not cute for a sixty-pound adult to do the same things.

If you want a well-behaved adult Dalmatian, do not allow your puppy to continue his “chewing communication” with you.  When he comes up and puts his mouth on anything that you would not allow an adult to bite or chew, catch him in the act of starting to bite the object and snap him on the end of the nose with your index finger, and tell him clearly out yelling “No!”  This  kind of correction will startle the puppy  more than anything  else, and you will find  that he will direct his attention somewhere else almost immediately.  Be generous with your praise  when he changes his focus of activity.  If you are consistent with this form of correction at an early age, you will wind up with a very well-mannered Dalmatian.

The Right Food For Your Dalmatian: Part 1

by Leave a Comment

Having the proper nutrition is one of the most important aspects of raising a healthy Dalmatian and yet it is often the source of controversy among breeders, veterinarians, pet owners and dog food manufacturers.

All Dalmatians are susceptible to forming life-threatening urinary tract “stones”  though these can be effectively managed with diet.  Although susceptibility to forming these “stones” is present in almost all Dalmatians, keep in mind that not all Dalmatians will necessarily form “stones” in their lifetime.

————————————————————–

Dog Food Secrets You Need To Know!

“In This Shocking FREE Video Report You Discover Why 87% of Dogs Die Too Early & 3 Easy Things You Can Do Today To Stop It Happening to Your Dog”

Dog Food Secrets

————————————————————–

Most dog foods are sold based on how to make a product appealing to owners instead of what would meet the needs of dogs, like a Dalmatian.  Some foods are marketed on the basis of their protein content, others based on a “special” ingredient and some are sold because they do not contain certain ingredients such as preservatives.  We want a dog food that specifically meets our dog’s needs, economical and causes few, if any, problems.

Most foods come in dry, semi-moist and canned forms, and some can now be purchased frozen.  The dry food is the most economical, contain the least fat and the most preservatives. The canned food is the most expensive, contain 75% water, usually contain the most fat, and have the least preservatives. Semi-moist foods are also expensive and high in sugar content.  In feeding the Dalmatian, the critical part of the diet is not the amount of protein but rather the type of protein.

Purines are a form of protein known to promote urinary “stones” in Dalmatians.  We need to provide our Dalmatian with a diet that is low in purine, not necessarily a low-protein diet.  Vegetable-based diets are not always satisfactory. While broccoli, kale, tomatoes, and carrots  are low in purines, asparagus, cauliflower, beans, peas, mushrooms, spinach and whole grains are high in purines. The same is true for meats and dairy. Cheese, milk and eggs are low in purines, but most fish such as herring, mackerel, or sardines, organ meats such as  liver, kidney, sweetbreads, poultry such as chicken, duck, or turkey,  and meats such as beef, lamb, pork, and veal, are high in purines.  The worst offenders are organ meats, and fish. In most commercial diets suitable for Dalmatians, poultry, lamb and eggs are usually the preferred sources for protein while rice is considered as the main source for carbohydrate.

There are commercial low purine diets available from veterinarians.  You can also select other diets by paying close attention to their ingredients.  In addition, it is also important to pay attention to treats that you give to your Dalmatian. The best treats for this breed includes fruits and cottage cheese.  Last but not least, Dalmatians should be encouraged to drink large amounts of fresh, clean water. This not only keeps a Dalmatian hydrated, but it helps flush out their urinary tracts to keep large “stones” from forming.

Personality And Behavior Of An Active Dalmatian

by Leave a Comment

Behavior and personality are two qualities which are hard to standardize within a breed, even the Dalmatian.  Although generalizations are difficult to make, most Dalmatians are alert, extremely energetic and affectionate toward their owners.  They make great working dogs because they have the capacity to be loyal and determined and have the stamina to work all day long.  This is not a breed to be cooped up in a house all day; this is not the breed for the hectic family with no time for the dog; this is not the breed to be tied in the backyard to serve as a watchdog.

————————————————————–

Click Here Now – -and watch Chet’s Free Dog Training Video.

————————————————————–

Behavior and personality are incredibly important in dogs and there seem to be quite evident extremes in the Dalmatian. The earliest of the breed were bred for guard work and that did not make them ideal house pets.  They were considered as working dogs.  Today’s Dalmatians seem far removed from their earliest ancestors.  Still, they are high energy dogs and dog owners need to provide a channel for that energy.

The ideal Dalmatian is neither aggressive nor neurotic but rather a loving family member with good self-esteem and acceptance of position in the family “pack.” Because the Dalmatian is a powerful dog and can cause much damage, it is worth spending the time when selecting a pup to pay attention to any evidence of personality problems.  It is also important that all Dalmatians be obedience trained.  Like any breed of dog, they have the potential to be vicious and unruly without appropriate training; consider obedience classes mandatory for your sake and that of your dog.

Although many Dalmatians are happy to sleep the day away in bed or on a sofa, most enjoy having a purpose in their day and that makes them excellent working dogs. They need long daily walks or runs and as well as events that involve family members.  Do not let Dalmatian pups run unrestricted because it can increase their risk of developing orthopedic disorders.  All Dalmatians owners are encouraged to enroll their pets in obedience classes to learn limits of unacceptable behaviors.

As a pet owner, there are several activities that you can share with your Dalmatian. They not only make great walking and jogging partners but they are also excellent community volunteers.  If properly trained, the loyal and loving Dalmatian will be your personal guard dog.  For Dalmatian enthusiasts who want to get into more competitive aspects of the dog world, conformation showing, road dog trials, obedience, utility, agility, hunting, guarding, tracking, herding and search & rescue are all activities that can be considered.

Physical Traits Of A Standard Dalmatian

by Leave a Comment

The Dalmatian’s spotted coat makes him instantly recognizable.  He has a global reputation as a fun loving fashion statement.  But more than a movie star, the Dalmatian is a tireless dog who has the energy to jog for miles, as his carriage escorting ancestors did for years.

The information provided in this article is not intended for show dogs and does not deal with the conformation of champions and how to select one. The description given here provides basic information about the stature of a Dalmatian and qualities of a physical nature.  Since standards come and standards go, measuring your Dalmatian against some imaginary yardstick does little for you or your dog.  Just because your dog is not a show champion, it does not mean that he is any less of a family member.  And just because a dog is a champion does not mean that he is not a genetic time bomb waiting to go off.

————————————————————–

Click Here Now – -and watch Chet’s Free Dog Training Video.

————————————————————–

When breeders and those interested in showing Dalmatians are selecting dogs, they are looking for those qualities that match the breed “standard.”  This standard changes from time to time and from country to country.  Thus, the conformation and physical characteristics that pet owners should concentrate on are somewhat different and much more practical.

Dalmatians were originally bred to be medium-sized dogs.  However, as they were used for more and more guard work, they were bred to become much larger.  Most adult males are between 22 and 24 inches at the withers and female Dalmatians are about 1-2 inches smaller.  The normal weight range for the breed is between 40 and 70 pounds.

It is not unusual to see dogs considerably larger than the breed standard allows and some males may be 27 inches at the withers and 90 pounds.  Dalmatians in Britain tend to be larger than American varieties.  Larger dogs are not necessarily better dogs.  Dalmatians were never intended to be considered “giants” and the increased size might promote some medical problems which tend to be more common in larger dogs.  Evidence shows that the larger members of the breed might be more susceptible to orthopedic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia.

There are two “approved” colors for Dalmatian: white with black spots and white with liver/brown spots.  The “spots” tend to be focal and less than 5 cm (2 inches).  Larger areas of color are referred to as patches and will disqualify a Dalmatian from the conformation show ring, though these patches have no health impact.

The Melody Breed of the Dalmatian

by Leave a Comment

The Melody Dalmatian has been in existence since 1964, during which time their owners, Jack and Beth White, have produced several Best in Show dogs, five Top Ten Dogs, one Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty Best in Specialty Show winner, two National Specialty Best of Opposite Sex winners, and too many Specialty winners to count.  They won Best in Futurity the first year it was held in Chicago, and also still hold the title of All-Time Top Producing Bitch of the breed: Champion Melody Sweet, C.D., who is responsible for 16 champions, including two multiple Group winners.  The Whites have also bred two other Top Producing bitches, Champion Melody Up-Up and Away, who is the dam of 15 champions; and her sister, Champion Melody Crimson and Clover, C.D. with eight, including two Group winners.

Melody Dalmatians are house-raised on the Whites’ Rim Rock Ranch, just outside of Fort Collins, Colorado.  The Whites raise the dogs on the ranch in the Foothills, where they grow up with Appaloosa race horses, cattle, and even a few coyotes.  They show on a limited basis, mostly within Colorado, yet are usually well represented at the National Specialty.  Among their Dalmatians are two International, Mexican, and American Champions, including Champion Melody Ring of Fire of BB, C.D., who won the Mexican National Specialty and also a Group 1st at the International Shows at the ripe old age of ten years.  His daughter, Champion Melody Penny Lane, secured her foreign titles when seven and-a-half years old.

The Whites like to get in some obedience work with the dogs, too, although the pressures of other interests have unfortunately kept their obedience titles to a minimum.  They do hope to become more active in the obedience rings soon. A fact in which the Whites take special pleasure is that their home-breds have won both the Dalmatian Club of America Specialty and the Canadian National Specialty.  The latter win was gained by Melody Moonlight Gambler who won Best of Breed from the classes and was also High Scoring Dog in Trial at the same show.

————————————————————–

Click Here Now – -and watch Chet’s Free Dog Training Video.

————————————————————–

Needless to say, they were quite proud of him and of his owners.  This was in 1984.  It is very impressive to look at pedigrees and note the consistency with which the Melody influence has been felt in the breed.  This kennel has certainly made a major contribution to the Dalmatian world, and deserves tremendous credit for the success attained with their dogs and the descendants of these dogs.

Why Should You Get A Dalmatian?

by Leave a Comment

The Dalmatian makes wonderful family companions. This is a type of dog that will fit  nicely to whatever your way of life.  His medium size  is suitable for apartment living, while at the same time a true sporting dog at heart, therefore a great addition to your country or suburban home.  In addition, the Dalmatian is an excellent guarddog who is very sensible and alert but not a hysterical barker.  He is therefore a dog whose bark is to be respected and investigated!  If your Dalmatian sounds a “danger alarm,” you can be sure that there is a good reason for it, such as the approach of a stranger.  He is initially cautious of strangers and not automatically everyone’s friend.  Often referred to as courteous dogs, he greets visitors to your home with quiet dignity but at the same time with reserve.

————————————————————–

Dog Training Tips To Get Your Dog To Obey!

If you’d love to discover EXACTLY how to get your dog to stop urinating on your carpet and actually ring a bell when he needs to potty. . .

Train puppies to NEVER chew on furniture or expensive rugs – even when you aren’t there to supervise. . .

Learn simple techniques for getting any dog to stop barking at strangers or from begging you to let him back inside –

Plus a TON more step-by-step dog obedience strategies THOUSANDS of regular people are already using, check out –

The Hands Off Dog Training Method

————————————————————–

Classifying Dalmatians as Non-Sporting Dogs is inaccurate.  He is actually an excellent bird dog, has strong scent hound tendencies, and an efficient retriever.  Being the one and only true coach dog, the Dalmatian is a hardy dog who is capable of many miles in “road work”  and in early days were often used for herding duties.  In addition to being a wonderful companion, a Dalmatian is an elegant dog with his clean lines and spotted markings that gives him a smart and charming appearance.  If you and your family loves spending time doing things with your dog, this is an excellent breed to have.  He is very intelligent, a fast learner, and very anxious to please his owners. The Dalmatian is fond of children and enjoys playing with them.  With early training and socialization, this breed gets along well with other animals.  If you are interested in showing your dog, the Dalmatian is a suitable choice of breed.  He enjoys being in the dog show limelight and is seldom difficult to teach show routine.  His short coat is easy to care for and requires low maintenance grooming.

There is one special concern to watch out for before you purchase a Dalmatian puppy: this breed has a tendency towards deafness.  This is a concern to which reliable breeders are making every effort to correct within their breeding programs, and something that one should be aware of in selecting the new family member.  Therefore, it is especially important that you purchase your Dalmatian from a reputable Dalmatian breeder.   When you shop for your dog, be alert for signs of deafness.  Test for keenness of hearing by talking to the puppy, snapping your fingers, chirping at him from behind or off to the side to make sure that you are being heard and reacted to properly.  It is not difficult to ascertain the Dalmatian puppy’s hearing is normal, but be alert and watchful as you make your selection.

Recent Blog Posts