Dalmatians have short hair, they shed a bit less than other breeds and almost don’t spread their saliva all over the house. They are very beautiful, cheerful, and smart dogs. But for people with allergies is very important to know that they are completely hypoallergenic before buying a puppy.
There isn’t a single breed of dog in the world that is 100 percent hypoallergenic for people. Some breeds are called a “predictable, non-shedding coat” according to American Kennel Club. They are more suitable for people who suffer from allergies because they don’t shed that much and produce less skin dander which is actually is more dangerous than dogs’ fur.
Are Dalmatians Hypoallergenic?
No, a Dalmatian is not a hypoallergenic breed of dog. It’s not suitable for people who suffer from allergies to have a Dalmation in their home. One critical reason why the dalmatian is not a hypoallergenic dog is that they always shed.
They shed everywhere they go, and their fur can trigger a person’s allergies, especially if the person and the dog are in a closed environment together.
Brushing this dog every day helps cut down on the amount of fur they leave around the home. But Dalmatians shed so much that they will shed hair on your furniture regardless of how often they are brushed.
To know more about this breed read the following article.
Characteristics of a Dalmatian
The dalmatian breed has a very distinct and famous coating. Most people can identify this breed of dog on sight. The vast majority of Dalmatians have a white coat with black spots. Anyone who has seen tv media and movies in the last two decades, they will know that there was a movie made specifically about Dalmatian dogs called 101 Dalmatians. There is an animated and live-action version.
For tens of thousands of years, humans have been breeding different styles of wolves to make them more loyal and more friendly. This breed of dog originates from eastern Europe, from around the modern country of Croatia, but they originally descend from the old historical region of Dalmatia.
When female Dalmatians give birth, they have large litters. It is common for a Dalmatian to have at least six to nine pups. But there are some Dalmatians that can give birth to 15 pups in a single litter.
Health
Although Dalmatians look strong and sturdy, they are genetically predisposed to several types of diseases. Since Dalmatians are so large, one of the issues they will suffer in their life is hip dysplasia. This problem is not exclusive to Dalmatians. Hip dysplasia occurs in many large dogs.
Another major issue they can develop is hyperuricemia. If you have never heard of this term before, hyperuricemia occurs when a liver cannot break down a substance called uric acid. When this happens, uric acid can back up into their blood and cause a canine version of gout.
Along with blood issues, Dalmatians can develop deafness as they age.
The Temperament of a Dalmatian
Dalmatians are obedient dogs; they have a very even temperament. They are not quick to anger or fear. But they do need to grow up with other Dalmatians, or they will be more aggressive than those who do not. Dalmatians are extremely active and require a lot of activities and outside time. These are not dogs that will stay in the house and sleep all day.
Do They Shed?
Yes, dalmatians shed. This breed of dog has a reputation for shedding everywhere they go. Dalmatians are very heavy shedders, and they can leave hair all over your bed, furniture, and even her clothes. They shed so heavily that people who only have mild allergies may not be able to keep them as pets.
If a person can keep this dog as a pet, they must be vigilant in their effort to keep fur off their furniture.
The fur of a Dalmatian is very short and thin. Although many people do not know, there are long-haired Dalmatians as well as short-hair Dalmatians. But many pure breed enthusiasts say that the long-haired Dalmatian is not a real Dalmatian dog.
Their constant and heavy shedding is one of the reasons why the dalmatian is not a hypoallergenic dog. The other reason they’re not hypoallergenic is that they produce too much pet dander.
What is Pet Dander?
When a person is allergic to an animal, they are actually allergic to the pet dander that their body produces. All animals produce some amount of pet dander. Dander exists because it is a substance made by an animal’s skin or fur. Since all animals make pet dander, no animal is 100% hypoallergenic.
Then why are some animals called hypoallergenic while others are not?
When a veterinarian or animal educator says that a dog or cat or any other breed of animal is hypoallergenic, this means the animal produces much less dander than other breeds so when an animal is not hypoallergenic, this means that they produce too much dander and their dander can trigger an allergic reaction.
Hypoallergenic Dogs
Having a Dalmatian as a pet is unique and completely different than many other dogs. It is a shame that these dogs are not hypoallergenic because everyone should care for a Dalmatian at least once in their life. But there are many other hypoallergenic dogs that are far more suitable for people with allergies.
Below are a few great dogs that are hypoallergenic
- The Portuguese Water Dog – these fluffy medium-sized dogs are mysterious and have a good amount of energy, but they are not anxious or nervous. They live to be up to 15 years old and can grow to almost 2 feet in height.
- The Giant Schnauzer – once used as a working dog, the Giant Schnauzer is known for its muscle strength and strong will. They tend to be independent but also love being with other dogs and people. This dog can reach beyond two feet in height, and they live to be 15 years old.
Conclusion
- The dalmatian is not a hypoallergenic breed of dog
- They’re prone to a few types of diseases like hip dysplasia, hyperuricemia, and can develop deafness.
- The dalmatian is thought to originate from the now-extinct region of Dalmatia, what’s used to exist around Croatia.
- A Dalmatian can easily give birth to up nine pups, but they’re known to give birth to litters as large as 15 pups.
- Dalmatians are extremely heavy shedders even though they are short hair.
- Dalmatian puppies need to be with other puppies as they grow up, or they will be more aggressive as adults.
