08/02/2025
✨ To celebrate hitting 10K, we wanted to share 10 fun facts about Dalmatians. Here is part 2 of our original video. 6. No one knows exactly where Dalmatian breed originated. Spotted dogs have been documented as far back as 3700 BC. These dogs have been depicted in Egyptian and Greek art and have been found throughout Europe. In the 1800s the breed surfaced in Dalmatia (now part of Croatia) which is where we believe the breed may have gotten its name. However, the Dalmatian standard that we see today was refined and can be accredited to the UK.7. Like any primarily-white breed, Dalmatians are predisposed to congenital deafness. A responsible breeder will have BAER testing performed. BAER testing or (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) is a test that determines whether they hear in both ears,one ear, or are fully deaf. As scary as the test looks, don’t worry the needles used in this test are the same types used in acupuncture and are typically not even felt by the puppy. We’re proud to say that since this kennel began we have never had a deaf puppy. But selective hearing is definitely a possibility. 8. Dalmatians are famously associated with fire departments, but many people don’t know the origins of this connection. Originally known as coach or carriage dogs, they were valued for their speed, stamina, and natural bond with horses. Dalmatians would run alongside fire wagons, guiding them through crowded streets, calming the horses, and acting as a live siren, barking to alert people of the brigade’s approach. They also helped keep stray dogs away, protecting the horses from distractions. Although horses are no longer part of firefighting, Dalmatians remain a beloved symbol of fire departments. Today, they often serve as firehouse mascots, offering emotional support and companionship to firefighters, and frequently participate in education programs about fire safety.9. Dalmatians are genetically prone to a condition called hyperuricosuria, which affects how they break down purines. Because of this, they need a diet that's low in purines to help promote urinary tract health and help prevent bladder or kidney stones. The good news is this is easily managed with the right diet and plenty of hydration.10 No two Dalmatians have the same spot pattern. Even a cloned Dalmatian couldn’t replicate the same spots. Their markings are as unique as a fingerprint, making each Dalmatian truly one of a kind. 🖤
