The long haired Dalmatian may not be as common as its short-haired counterpart, but Dalmatians with long fur have an incredibly passionate fanbase of dog parents around the world. The Dalmatian breed has always been one of the most popular breeds across the United States but recently there has been an increase in popularity for the long haired Dalmatian specifically.
This increase in popularity has even seen a rise in dog breeders that specifically raise long haired Dalmatians because of the rise in demand for this fur type. Before becoming a dog parent it is important to have a complete understanding of the breed in order to make sure that they are the perfect fit for you and your family.
Long Haired Dalmatian Breed History
The Dalmatian breed dates back to the 1300s in the Dalmatia region of Croatia. They are known for their white fur with black spots and are known for their tall and athletic build. The breed was originally known to be a hunting dog and was praised for their beauty in this part of the world.
In the late 1800s, the Dalmatian breed began being shipped to England as well as other parts of the world. The breed gained quick popularity because of its intelligence and memorable fur color. The breed made its way over to the United States in the 1800s and has become one of the most popular dog breeds in the country ever since.
Popular media such as the Disney movie "101 Dalmatians" helped to raise the popularity of this breed.
The long haired Dalmatian has a similar overall building to a short haired Dalmatian but has noticeably different fur. The overall height and weight are similar to the standard Dalmatian.
Fur & Coat
The standard Dalmatian will have short fur but an LC Dalmatian can have fur that ranges from 2 inches in length to up to 4 inches in length. Typically the fur color will be white with black spots. The consistency of the fur will typically be wavy or straight depending on the fur type of the parents.
An LC Dalmatian isn't always white and black but it can be brown and white or other fur colors. A Lemon Dalmatian will typically be white fur with light brown or even tan-colored spots that can kinda look like a lemon.
Height & Weight
A fully grown LC Dalmatian will typically weigh anywhere from 40 pounds to 75 pounds depending on its sex as well as the genetics of its parents.
Long Haired Dalmatian Temperment
The overall temperament and personality of a long haired Dalmatian are very similar to standard Dalmatians as they are the same breed. They will typically be a protective family dog that is filled with energy and loves going on an adventure. They require a good amount of exercise on a daily basis but will also enjoy cuddling with you on the couch.
Do They Make Good Family Dogs?
Yes, Dalmatians make great family dogs because they are loving, friendly, and are also protective animals. They have been known to get along great with other dogs as well as other family animals such as cats. They are also great with children, adults, and seniors because of their gentle and loving nature.
Dalmatians are less aggressive naturally compared to more energetic breeds which can be a great option for families who are looking for a larger dog breed that is also a good family dog. With that being said, it is important to understand that Dalmatians are considered medium to large-sized breeds which means they will naturally be more powerful compared to a small dog breed. This means training and getting them used to children, other dogs, and other factors are incredibly important.
Training a long haired Dalmatian is incredibly important because the breed is known to be highly intelligent and have a lot of energy. This means you will have to be diligent when you are training your LC puppy.
Below are a few tips for training your Long Haired Dalmatian puppy:
Get Your Puppy Used To Children
If your family has children or there are children in your neighborhood it is vital that you get your Dalamation used to being around children. Some dogs will never interact with children as a puppy or during their formative months and then can become anxious around children or animals they aren't familiar with. This increases the possibility that your Dalmatian will act out or cause an issue.
This is why it is vital that you get your LC Dalmatian puppy used to interacting with children or other animals as soon as possible while they are as young as possible. This will help your puppy get used to new experiences and will ease their stress or possible anxiety as they age.
Make Sure Your Dalmatian Gets A Lot of Exercise!
Dalmatians can have a lot of energy, especially when they are young. This makes it even more important than ever to get them used to exercise. You should set a routine where your puppy will get daily playtime as well as a daily walk if possible. This will help your puppy get used to getting their energy out during these times and will stop them from acting out and misbehaving.
Oftentimes when a Dalmatian puppy has a lot of energy and isn't getting enough exercise they will begin to act out. They might start scratching and chewing on furniture or rip up clothes because they have a bunch of extra energy that they need to get out. This is why it is important to make sure that your puppy gets enough exercise every day!
Potential Health Issues of Long Haired Dalmatians
Every dog breed will be genetically susceptible to specific health issues or conditions based on the physical size of the breed or their genetic makeup. Long haired Dalmatians will typically have a life expectancy that ranges from 10 years to 15 years but there are a few health issues that might impact the life of your dog. These conditions aren't guaranteed to occur, but the breed is more susceptible to the below issues because of their genetic history.
Deafness
The Dalmatian breed is known to be susceptible to a congenital deafness and hearing issue that is thought to be inherited from the parents. This has been studied by many veterinarians as well as breeders but there is currently no known treatment options for this genetic issue. Studies have shown that the possibility of a partial hearing issue or complete deafness can range from a 15% to 25% probability within Dalmatian puppies.
The good news is that this number has begun to shrink as new regulations have forced breeders to only breed Dalmatians that have been tested for hearing issues as this drastically reduces the likelihood of the puppy being born with hearing issues. If you are looking at Dalmatian breeders then we recommend only looking at breeders that do thorough testing and proof of testing.
Potential Obesisty
Obesity is an issue with nearly every dog breed in America but Dalmatians specifically have the potential for obesity because of how active the breed is. Dalmatians have a lot of energy and live an active lifestyle which can make them hungrier than your average dog. And if the pet parent overfeeds their dog or feeds them more often than it is recommended your Dalmatian will happily eat and eat and eat. Obesity in dogs is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Dalmatians love to eat and if you feed them unhealthy dog food or overfeed them then your pup might struggle with their weight which can cause a variety of further health issues.
Grooming a long haired Dalmatian is essential to keep their fur and coat healthy and clean. Their fur is much longer compared to the standard Dalmatian and it has the potential to get matted and dirty. Their fur can oftentimes grow to multiple inches in length and this makes it easy for dirt or grime to get caught in the fur.
The breed also has the potential for large amounts of shedding if you aren't diligent with your grooming efforts. For this reason, it is recommended that you brush your long haired Dalmatian on a near-daily basis and it is recommended that you vacuum your home at least two times a week.
If your Dalmatian plays outside multiple times a week then it may be important to bathe and groom your pup on a more frequent basis compared to dogs that spend more time inside.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Haired Dalmatians
Below are a few of the most commonly asked questions about long haired Dalmatians that will help you learn more about the breed.
Are Long Coat Dalmatians Rare?
Long coat Dalmatians or long haired Dalmatians are much less commonly seen compared to your standard short coat Dalmatian. Over the years, many breeders have purposely bred Dalmatians to have a short coat because it is more symbolic with the breed as well as is easier to maintain for the pet parent. For this reason, long haired dalmatians are rare but are still popular across the United States.
More and more breeders and rescues are making the long coat Dalmatian more popular and the rise of social media has been able to spread awareness for the breed.
Do Long Haired Dalmatians Shed?
Dalmatians who have short fur, as well as those that have longer fur, will both typically shed a large amount. Most Dalmatians will shed much more compared to other similar breeds and the color of their fur is more easily seen. This means long haired Dalmatian parents will have to be diligent with their daily brushing and routinely vacuum the home in order to remove the fur that your Dalmatian will shed year-round.
Are Long Haired Dalmatians Hypoallergenic?
No, long haired Dalmatians, as well as short haired Dalmatians, are not hypoallergenic. The breed is actually not the best option for those who suffer from dog fur and dog dander allergies as the breed sheds fur at a higher rate than other dog breeds. This means if you or someone in your family suffers from dog allergies then a Dalmatian may not be the best breed for you.
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