The iconic black and white Dalmatian coat is relatively low maintenance and easy to keep looking sleek. Like other dogs, though, a Dalmatian will require additional grooming to keep their eyes, ears, and paws healthy.
Read on to learn exactly how to care for your spotted family pet.
The Dalmatian dog is considered a moderate-high shedding breed. This means that Dalmatian dogs don’t generally require haircuts.
They need regular brushing to remove the dead hairs and debris, so get used to brushing your pup’s coat 3 or 4 times weekly.
Yes, it’s a real thing… It’s just very, very rare.
The long-coated Dalmatian is purebred… with a longer coat. Some Dalmatians carry a recessive, long-coat gene, and if two carriers breed, there is a chance of long-coated pups. Unfortunately, they are not recognised by the Australian National Kennel Council.
The long-coated Dalmatian requires a little more brushing and, yes, the occasional haircut. You will need to trim their leg hair, tail hair, and the hair on their beard to stop it from getting in the way. You should ask a professional to show you how to do this – especially the beard – until you and your dog are comfortable with the process.
With their short, velvety, smooth coats, it is usually very easy for Dalmatian owners to keep their dogs’ iconic coats gleaming.
Every dog is different, and the frequency of grooming will depend at least in part upon the activity level of your Dalmatian, as well as the environment in which it lives. You should brush your Dalmatian at least twice weekly, more if your pooch picks up a lot of debris, and during shedding season.
Dalmatians have a single coat of soft hair. You can use a medium tooth comb to remove loose hair or in sensitive areas – like around the face.
A rubber curry brush or hound mitt removes dead hair from this dog’s coat. This can be made easier by lightly spritzing your dotty dog with water from a spray bottle, which is refreshing for this athletic dog breed during warmer weather.
Bathing your pup is a great way to reduce shedding and keep that sleek coat look that they wear so well. You can bathe your Dalmatian once a week or every six weeks, it’s up to you.
Dalmatians are among the most hygienic dog breeds, often licking their coats immaculately clean… Hey, they know it’s their signature look. They need to keep those black spots looking their absolute best!
There are other important steps in grooming your dog; even a super-hygienic dog can’t do without a little human assistance!
Dalmatian dogs spend pretty much all day long on their paws so that they will wear them down a bit naturally. However, you should still expect to trim your spotted chum’s claws every 8 weeks.
A Dalmatian’s claws should reach no more than half an inch from the ground, and if you hear a click, click as they patter along a hard floor, it’s time to get trimming!
Most Dalmatian dogs won’t love having this done, but start early, when your dog is still a puppy, to get them used to the process.
Like us, dogs can easily develop tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath, which is not good for a dignified dog like a Dalmatian!
Frequent brushing is important to keep teeth clean and plaque-free, but just how often depends on the dog. Ideally, twice a day will keep your Dalmatian’s teeth super clean and their breath minty fresh; it can be done less frequently, however, if your Dalmatian dog protests. A good brushing no less than 3 times per week is essential.
Again, this process is best started when your Dalmatian dog is still a puppy. Put some dog toothpaste onto your finger and run your finger over your dog’s teeth. When they are used to the sensation and the taste of toothpaste, start using a finger brush.
If possible, dog owners should use a proper dog toothbrush, but some dogs will never be comfortable enough to progress beyond the finger brush. Speak to your veterinarian about the best toothbrush for your Dalmatian.
Check your Dalmatian’s short ears no less than twice per week, for any collected dirt and debris.
You can gently clean the underside of the ear with a wet cotton ball or q tip, going no deeper than the first knuckle on your index finger.
Remove any discharge using a wet cotton ball or soft washcloth. Make sure to wipe the discharge away from the eyes, and never drag it back across the eyeball.
Healthy eyes are bright white; if you think your pup might have an eye infection, speak to a veterinarian before it gets worse.
You should start a complete grooming regime when your Dalmatian is still a puppy. That way they will get used to having their eyes, eyes, and paws cleaned from a young age and should see spending that time with you as a positive experience.
The spotted coat is actually very low maintenance but it is a good idea to brush it regularly from a young age to remove dead hairs and promote healthy hair growth. This is especially important if yours is one of those super rare dotty dogs with longer coats.
Most Dalmatians keep themselves pretty clean, so bathing is not something you need to think about all that often. It is recommended that you establish a regular bath time for your pooch at least every 6 weeks, though.
Of course, if your dog is prone to getting dirty or they appearsappear to be scratching a lot, you can bathe them more regularly but keep in mind that bathing your Dalmatian too often can strip away natural oils needed to keep its skin and coat healthy.
Most Dalmatian dogs are easy to groom at home. They require minimal coat care and most can get away without weekly bathing. If you have raised your Dalmatian from a puppy, chances are you won’t have any problems.
However, the Dalmatian dog is a big dog, and if you adopted yours from an animal shelter it might not be accustomed to a complete grooming regime. Some pet parents find it easier to seek professional grooming help if their dog continues to resist.
No. No, no, no! You should never shave a Dalmatian.
These dogs tend not to have problems with knots or tangles, and actually shaving their hair can expose them to sunburn and skin infections.
Also, a Dalmatian without its spots is just… not right, right?
For a pooch that looks that good, the Dalmatian dog requires surprisingly little grooming. Their short coats are easy to maintain and most of these guys will even clean themselves.
Be prepared to brush your Dalmatian a few times a week to keep their coat sleek and fresh, with a bath every 6 weeks or so. Remember that bathing your Dalmatian too often will damage the natural oils it needs to keep its skin and hair healthy.
Dalmatian puppies are born white but after about 4 weeks, those distinctive spots should start to appear. This breed is among the most iconic and they carry themselves with a sort of irrepressible dignity. So, make sure to keep your Dalmatian clean and healthy and it can wear its spotted coat with pride.
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