The picturesque spotting of the Dalmatian makes this breed among the most distinctive of dogs. Pups are born white and begin to acquire their black or liver spots at about two weeks old. Although a breed of ancient lineage, in Victorian times the Dalmatian gained a reputation as a carriage dog and ran with the horses, either out in front, beside or behind the carriage of the nobility.
The Dalmatian had a natural affinity with horses, a trait that is still very strong today. Put most Dalmatians anywhere near a horse and they will immediately go and greet it. Any dog that has been a drover of cattle, a trekker in two World Wars and the Vietnam War, earned a place on the racing fire engine, been the darling of the Victorian dandy, a show dog, a trick dog, a gundog, and a hunter, need only be given half a chance to win a place in your heart and your life.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

Dalmatians can live up to 12 years of age, but with the proper care and attention and fed the right nutrition they will often live up to 14 years.

BREED PERSONALITY, CHARACTERISTICS & TEMPERAMENT

Dalmatians are fun loving, natural clowns with both elegance and humour being hallmarks of the breed. Their "smile" is often taken for a snarl, until one spots the madly wagging tail.The breed's fairly sensitive nature also craves human company and affection.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

Dalmatians can share their home quite comfortably with other pets.

CARE REQUIREMENTS

Cleanliness and the need for minimal grooming are other much-appreciated characteristics of the breed. Having a short dense coat, Dalmatians only need an occasional brushing to present a well-groomed appearance. Being strong active dogs, they need to be kept under control and obedience training is recommended. As they are active dogs, they require a good walk every day and need a well-fenced yard.

Please take note:
Dalmatians may be predisposed to bladder stones. Some dogs are prone to skin trouble, while some are born deaf.

IDEAL OWNERS

Dalmatians are perfect as a companion, a watchdog, and a marvelous pet for the family, but as they are strong and active they do need to be kept under control.

IN CONCLUSION

If you have decided that the Dalmatian is the dog for you and you are prepared to give it the training this intelligent dog craves, then contact one of the groups listed below:

DECISION TIME

Before making a decision on getting a puppy, here are some articles you might find helpful:

• What do we need to consider if we are thinking of buying a puppy?
• How do I determine which breeder to use?
• What should you ask the breeder?
• How do you check if the breeder is reputable?
• What to ask your vet prior to buying a puppy

RECOMMENDED BREEDERS

Breeder Name	Kennel	State
Michelle Bennett	Seanmya	NSW	Contact
Sheree Allsop	Outrunner	WA	Contact
Debbie Bisley	debtin	VIC	Contact
Toni Bale	Lotzadotz Dalmatians	QLD	Contact
Jonathan and Shellie Marshall	Pampard	VIC	Contact
Kerryn and Greg Harvey	Instride	SA	Contact
	Likadyce	QLD	Contact
Belinda Beves	Zaland	NSW	Contact
Fran Matthews	Paceaway	QLD	Contact
Dianne Boyle	Dimidal	VIC	Contact
Maria Nethercott	Spotofclass	VIC	Contact
Caroline Byrnes-Suchy	Karridgeway	NSW	Contact
Denise Bennett	Luvdbi	VIC	Contact
Terry and Sandra Irving	Ozzispot	QLD	Contact
Lyndsay Hubball	Emerlyn	VIC	Contact
Chris Spencer	Topspot	SA	Contact
Rebecca Woiwade	Lukius	ACT	Contact
Dianne Wright	Starswept	NSW	Contact
Jan and Ivan Kirin	KIRINDAL	ACT	Contact
Michelle Collinge	Ozdotz Dalmatians	QLD	Contact
Julie Bolton	Stablemate	SA	Contact
Jenny Allan	Throdice	QLD	Contact
N Clarke	Outlook	VIC	Contact

* We have vetted and approved these independent breeders as meeting, at the time, our criteria for the reliable breeding, feeding, care and sale of suitable quality puppies of this breed. This does not mean that other breeders do not meet these criteria or are not otherwise suitable suppliers. Nor can our vetting and approval guarantee the quality of a breeder or puppy or that you will be happy with them. We disclaim any liability for the quality, acts or omissions of these breeders or their puppies and our approval of breeders is not a substitute for you making all appropriate enquiries and checks (including veterinary checks) before choosing a specific breeder or puppy.

CANINE CLUBS

Australian Capital Territory ACT Canine Association Inc PO Box 815 Dickson, ACT 2602 Tel: 02 6241 4404 Fax: 02 6241 1129 Email: CONTACT Website: www.actca.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		New South Wales Royal New South Wales Canine Council Ltd PO Box 632 St Marys, NSW 1790 Tel: 02 9834 3022 or 1300 728 022 (NSW only) Fax: 02 9834 3872 Email: CONTACT Website: www.rnswcc.org.au (Details current as of 1/08/04)
Northern Territory The North Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 37521 Winnellie, NT 0821 Tel: 08 8984 3570 Fax: 08 8984 3409 Email: CONTACT Website: www.users.bigpond.com/naca1/ (Details correct as of 6/08/04)		Queensland Canine Control Council (Queensland) PO Box 495 Fortitude Valley, Qld 4006 Tel: 07 3252 2661 Fax: 07 3252 3864 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cccq.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
South Australia South Australian Canine Association Inc PO Box 844 Prospect East, SA 5082 Tel: 08 8349 4797 Fax: 08 8262 5751 Email: CONTACT Website: www.saca.caninenet.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Tasmania Tasmanian Canine Association Inc The Rothman Building PO Box 116 Glenorchy, Tas 7010 Tel: 03 6272 9443 Fax: 03 6273 0844 Email: CONTACT Website: www.tca.freeservers.com (Details correct as of 1/08/04)
Victoria Victorian Canine Association Locked Bag K9 Cranbourne, Vic 3977 Tel: 03 9788 2500 Fax: 03 9788 2599 Email: CONTACT Website: www.vca.org.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)		Western Australia Canine Association of Western Australia Inc PO Box 1404 Canning Vale, WA 6970 Tel: 08 9455 1188 Fax: 08 9455 1190 Email: CONTACT Website: www.cawa.asn.au (Details correct as of 1/08/04)