What Does It Mean To Be The Standard of the Breed?

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What Does It Mean To Be The Standard of the Breed?

For purebred dogs, the standard of the breed refers to what is considered to be the ideal specimen of that particular breed. It outlines in specific detail each and every feature of that breed, both in physical characteristics and in temperament. It accurately describes the dog from head to tail, creating a clear impression of what is to be considered correct or incorrect, the features comprising the type of breed and the probable temperament and behavior patterns of typical members of that breed.

The standard is the guide for breeders who wants to produce a quality show dog. It is also used as a tool that judges use to evaluate and make their decisions in the show ring. It is the result of countless hours spent in hard work by experienced and knowledgeable members of each breed's parent Specialty Club, resulting from the combined efforts of the club itself, its individual members, and ultimately the American Kennel Club, by whom official approval must be granted prior to each standard's acceptance and of any amendments or changes to it in the United States.

Breed standards are based on intensive study of the history of the breed, earlier standards in the United States or in the countries where the dogs originated, and the purposes for which the breed was originally created and developed.

The Right Time To Breed Your Stud Dog

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The Right Time To Breed Your Stud Dog

You should not allow your stud dog to be used for breeding until he is about a year old, and even then he should be bred to a mature, proven matron who is already accustomed to breeding. Doing this will make his first experience pleasant and easy. Keep in mind that a young dog can be put off permanently by a female dog who fights and resists his advances. Never let this happen. Always start a stud dog out with a female dog who is mature, has been bred previously, and is of even temperament.

The first breeding should be performed in a quiet surrounding with only you and one other person to hold the female dog. Do not make it a show, as the experience will determine the dog's outlook about future stud work. If your stud does not enjoy the first experience or associates it with something that is unpleasant, you may have a problem breeding him again in the future.

Recommended Diet For The Adult Dalmatian

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Recommended Diet For The Adult Dalmatian

The goal for feeding adult Dalmatians is one of "maintenance" while instituting a diet that is typically low in purines. In general, Dalmatians can do well on
maintenance rations containing mostly low-purine plant and animal-based rations as long as that ration has been specifically formulated to meet maintenance level requirements. This should be supported by studies performed by the manufacturer in accordance with AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials). In Canada, these products should be certified by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association in order to meet maintenance requirements.

There is nothing wrong with feeding a cereal-based diet to adult Dalmatians on maintenance rations and they are the most economical. However, you should select only those diets that have been substantiated by feeding trials to meet maintenance requirements, those that contain wholesome ingredients, and those that are recommended by your vet. Do not select based on price alone, on company advertising, or on total protein content.

How To Choose A Stud Dog For Your Dalmatian

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How To Choose A Stud Dog For Your Dalmatian

A breeder must realize that in order to develop a strain or bloodline of their own, one strong in qualities for which their Dalmatians will become distinguished, this process involves time, patience, and at least several generations before the achievement can be claimed. The safest way to embark on this plan is by the selection and breeding of one or two female Dalmatians, the best you can buy and from top-producing kennels.

You do not have to own a stud dog. In the long run it is less expensive to pay a stud fee when you are ready to breed the female than to purchase a stud dog and care for him all year.

Keep the best female puppy from the first several litters. After that, you may wish to consider keeping your own stud dog if there has been a particularly handsome male in one of your litters that you feel has great potential or if you know where there is one available that you are interested in. By this time, with several litters already born, your eye should have developed to a point that enables you to make a wise decision.

Feeding Requirements For Your Dalmatian Puppy

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Feeding Requirements For Your Dalmatian Puppy

Soon after the Dalmatian puppies are born, and within the first 24 hours, they should begin nursing from their mother. This provides them with colostrum which is an antibody-rich milk that helps protect them from infection for the first few months of their life. Pups should be allowed to nurse for at least 6 weeks before they are completely weaned from their mother. Supplemental feeding may be started by as early as three weeks of age. By two months of age, pups should start eating puppy food. They are now in an important growth phase.

For your Dalmatian puppy, select a puppy diet with the preferred low-purine ingredients. This is not the time to overfeed pups or provide them with "performance" rations. The calorie overload can contribute serious skeletal defects such as hip dysplasia. Dalmatian pups should be fed "growth" diets until they are 12 months of age. Keep in mind that Dalmatian puppies need "balance" in their diets. In addition, avoid the temptation to supplement with protein, vitamins, or minerals. Calcium supplements have been implicated as a cause of bone and cartilage deformity.

Diet For The Aging Dalmatian

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Diet For The Aging Dalmatian

Dalmatians are considered old when they reach seven years of age. There are certain changes that occur as dogs age that changes their nutritional requirements. As they age, their metabolism slows and must be accounted for. If maintenance rations are fed in the same amounts while metabolism is slowing, weight gain may result. Obesity is the last thing a dog owner wants for his Dalmatian, since it increases his risk of several other health-related problems.

As pets age, most of their organs do not function as well. The digestive system, the liver, pancreas and gallbladder are not functioning at peak effect. The intestines have more difficulty extracting all the nutrients from the food consumed. A gradual decline in kidney function is considered a normal part
of aging. Elderly dogs need to be treated as individuals. While some benefit from the nutrition found in "senior" diets, others might do better on the highly digestible puppy and super-premium diets. The latter diet provide an
excellent blend of digestibility and amino acid content, though many are high in salt and phosphorus than the older pet really needs.

Older dogs are also more prone to developing arthritis and therefore it is important not to overfeed them since obesity puts added stress on the joints. For Dalmatians with joint pain, supplementing the diet with fatty acid combinations containing cislinoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid can be quite beneficial.

Caring For Your Dalmatian's Coat

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Caring For Your Dalmatian's Coat

Each Dalmatian puppy receives half a set of genes from his mother and father. The genetics of coat color are fairly simple in the Dalmatian and are controlled by four different genes.

All Dalmatians have short coats and are easy to groom. However, despite their short coats, they shed a lot and year round. A thorough brushing twice a week helps remove shed fur and add gloss to the coat. In addition, a daily wipe with a moistened cloth helps them keep clean between brushings and baths. The breed has a reputation for cleanliness and may even be found grooming himself like a cat.

For routine bathing use mild, hypoallergenic products; medicinal and perfumed products typically irritate their sensitive skin. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are often needed because the breed has a tendency towards a dry skin and coat. Pubescent dogs, usually males, occasionally have a tendency to develop acne and medicated shampoos, scrubs and gels may be necessary.