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Dalmatians are lean, medium-sized, well-proportioned strong-bodied, clean-cut, colorful, and distinctive dogs with distinctive black or liver (deep brown) spots on white. Their muzzles are strong, eyes deeply set and their soft ears are set somewhat high. They have strong, arched necks, deep chests and level backs. Their tails extend out from their backs and curl up slightly without carrying over their backs, and they have long, well-muscled legs with round feet. Their coats are short, dense and sleek. Puppies are born solid white and develop black spots as they get older. Overall, Dalmatians have a dignified, powerful and alert posture with a steady gait.
Is a Dalmatian the right dog for you? It depends as much on your own personality and lifestyle as the personality of the dog you are planning to adopt.
All Dalmatians need both physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they can easily become bored and destructive. As a Dalmatian owner, you will need time to train and exercise your dog. A fully grown Dalmatian can weigh 50 to 70 lbs. Dalmatians are very energetic, intelligent, stubborn, and playful. Their whip-like tails can clear a coffee table in five seconds!
Most important among his talents has been his status as the original, one-and-only coaching dog. He is physically fitted for road work. In his makeup, speed and endurance are blended to a nicety. His gait has beauty of motion and swiftness, and he has the strength, vitality, and fortitude to keep going happily until the journey's end. The instinct for coaching is bred in him, born in him, and trained in him through the years. The Dalmatian takes to a horse as a horse takes to him, and that is to say, like a duck to water. He may coach under the rear axle, the front axle, or, most difficult of all, under the pole between the leaders and the wheelers. He is the only recognized coaching dog in the world.
Is a Dalmatian the right dog for you? It depends as much on your own personality and lifestyle as the personality of the dog you are planning to adopt.
All Dalmatians need both physical and mental stimulation. Without it, they can easily become bored and destructive. As a Dalmatian owner, you will need time to train and exercise your dog. A fully grown Dalmatian can weigh 50 to 70 lbs. Dalmatians are very energetic, intelligent, stubborn, and playful. Their whip-like tails can clear a coffee table in five seconds!
- Dalmatians are a good family dog but too lively for children under five.
- Dalmatians are intelligent and quick to learn but stubborn; they need a firm but gentle hand, and obedience training.
- They are not for people who don't set limits.
- Dalmatians are people oriented, excellent indoor & outdoor companions but they are not a yard dog and need lots of people contact.
- Dalmatians love to go, go, go. They like jogging and biking but needs owner involvement.
- Dalmatians are natural watch dogs; polite when properly introduced. They are loyal to family and will protect but may be aloof with strangers. They are not a "loves everybody" dog, and may bite if pushed.
- Dalmatians are generally good with other dogs but do not have a "pack" temperament and may quarrel with strange dogs, especially males with males.
- Dalmatians are generally healthy but can suffer from genetic deafness, uric stones and skin problems and do not like cold weather for long periods of time
- Dalmatians are loved by owners who like active, challenging dogs but not liked by owners who want quiet, settled dogs.
Most important among his talents has been his status as the original, one-and-only coaching dog. He is physically fitted for road work. In his makeup, speed and endurance are blended to a nicety. His gait has beauty of motion and swiftness, and he has the strength, vitality, and fortitude to keep going happily until the journey's end. The instinct for coaching is bred in him, born in him, and trained in him through the years. The Dalmatian takes to a horse as a horse takes to him, and that is to say, like a duck to water. He may coach under the rear axle, the front axle, or, most difficult of all, under the pole between the leaders and the wheelers. He is the only recognized coaching dog in the world.
For The Dog Connection followers I'm going to be highlighting a different breed of dog every few days. And since my newest client is a Wheaten Terrier, guess what today's dog is…….
This medium-sized Irish terrier is not only powerful but gentle and affectionate. The Wheaten Terrier, most often noted for its warm, wheaten-colored coat, is also athletic and able to compete in dog trials or shows that require agility. A wonderful companion for those looking for a curious indoor dog.
Physical Characteristics
At a glance, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier looks graceful, happy, and alert. Powerful and medium in size, its square-proportioned body allows the dog to perform well as a farm worker, and yet it is agile enough to catch and exterminate vermin.
The Wheaten Terrier can be differentiated from other terriers by its abundant single coat, which is soft, silky, long, slightly wavy and may be any shade of wheaten or rust color. The Wheaten Terrier also has a free gait and good drive, keeping its tail erect while moving.
Personality and Temperament
Unlike most terriers, the Wheaten Terrier is very gentle, congenial, and affectionate. Generally, it responds to its master’s commands, though it may be headstrong on occasion. An excellent companion and fun-loving partner, the Wheaten Terrier behaves well with children and is good with pets and other domestic dogs. However, some may become boisterous around small kids. Additionally, the breed tends to jump and dig holes.
Care
The Wheaten Terrier can live outside in cool weather, but it does best as an indoor dog. Its long coat requires combing or brushing once every two days; this is to prevent its hair from matting or tangling. As the Wheaten Terrier does not shed hair, alternating between trimming and bathing every month is essential to maintain the shape and look of the dog's coat. Generally, the coat is clipped to about three inches in length.
The Wheaten Terrier is an athletic dog that requires exercise daily, most often in the form of a lively outdoor game or a moderate or long walk. This breed also loves chasing and hunting, and should be only be allowed to walk off-leash in a secure area.
Health
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, suffers from progressive retinal atrophy and canine hip dysplasia. It is prone to some minor health problems such as renal dysplasia and Addison's disease, and major problems like diseases causing protein loss. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip and eye exams and urine protein screens on the dog.
History and Background
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of three big Irish terriers. Bred as a versatile farm dog, it excelled at its tasks -- whether it be guarding the house (or barn) or exterminating pesky vermin -- for more than 200 years in Ireland. The Wheaten Terrier would later become an effective gundog, locating and retrieving game for hunters.
The origin on the Wheaten Terrier's history has not been well documented, but it is said that the Kerry Blue Terrier is a direct descendant. Legend has it that when the Spanish Armada was sunk off the shores of Ireland, the blue dogs that swam ashore were welcomed by the terriers with a soft wheaten coat.
Its presence as a show dog was not immediate. In fact, it was not until March 17, 1937 (a most fitting day for any Irishman) in Ireland that the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was granted breed status and allowed to enter the Irish Kennel Club Championship Show.
In 1943, the English Kennel Club granted recognition to the breed, and in 1946, the Wheaten was introduced to the United States. U.S. dog fanciers were no more keen to the breed than their British counterparts initially. But once the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was established on St. Patrick's Day in 1962, it gained much popularity. The Americal Kennel Club would later admit the breed into registration in 1973.
The Wheaten Terrier is one incredibly cute dog! Fancy Schmancy or laid back and shaggy, white, red, multi colors or the original wheat color of their name, this dog is charming, fun and athletic!
This medium-sized Irish terrier is not only powerful but gentle and affectionate. The Wheaten Terrier, most often noted for its warm, wheaten-colored coat, is also athletic and able to compete in dog trials or shows that require agility. A wonderful companion for those looking for a curious indoor dog.
Physical Characteristics
At a glance, the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier looks graceful, happy, and alert. Powerful and medium in size, its square-proportioned body allows the dog to perform well as a farm worker, and yet it is agile enough to catch and exterminate vermin.
The Wheaten Terrier can be differentiated from other terriers by its abundant single coat, which is soft, silky, long, slightly wavy and may be any shade of wheaten or rust color. The Wheaten Terrier also has a free gait and good drive, keeping its tail erect while moving.
Personality and Temperament
Unlike most terriers, the Wheaten Terrier is very gentle, congenial, and affectionate. Generally, it responds to its master’s commands, though it may be headstrong on occasion. An excellent companion and fun-loving partner, the Wheaten Terrier behaves well with children and is good with pets and other domestic dogs. However, some may become boisterous around small kids. Additionally, the breed tends to jump and dig holes.
Care
The Wheaten Terrier can live outside in cool weather, but it does best as an indoor dog. Its long coat requires combing or brushing once every two days; this is to prevent its hair from matting or tangling. As the Wheaten Terrier does not shed hair, alternating between trimming and bathing every month is essential to maintain the shape and look of the dog's coat. Generally, the coat is clipped to about three inches in length.
The Wheaten Terrier is an athletic dog that requires exercise daily, most often in the form of a lively outdoor game or a moderate or long walk. This breed also loves chasing and hunting, and should be only be allowed to walk off-leash in a secure area.
Health
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years, suffers from progressive retinal atrophy and canine hip dysplasia. It is prone to some minor health problems such as renal dysplasia and Addison's disease, and major problems like diseases causing protein loss. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip and eye exams and urine protein screens on the dog.
History and Background
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is one of three big Irish terriers. Bred as a versatile farm dog, it excelled at its tasks -- whether it be guarding the house (or barn) or exterminating pesky vermin -- for more than 200 years in Ireland. The Wheaten Terrier would later become an effective gundog, locating and retrieving game for hunters.
The origin on the Wheaten Terrier's history has not been well documented, but it is said that the Kerry Blue Terrier is a direct descendant. Legend has it that when the Spanish Armada was sunk off the shores of Ireland, the blue dogs that swam ashore were welcomed by the terriers with a soft wheaten coat.
Its presence as a show dog was not immediate. In fact, it was not until March 17, 1937 (a most fitting day for any Irishman) in Ireland that the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier was granted breed status and allowed to enter the Irish Kennel Club Championship Show.
In 1943, the English Kennel Club granted recognition to the breed, and in 1946, the Wheaten was introduced to the United States. U.S. dog fanciers were no more keen to the breed than their British counterparts initially. But once the Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Club of America was established on St. Patrick's Day in 1962, it gained much popularity. The Americal Kennel Club would later admit the breed into registration in 1973.
The Wheaten Terrier is one incredibly cute dog! Fancy Schmancy or laid back and shaggy, white, red, multi colors or the original wheat color of their name, this dog is charming, fun and athletic!