Liver Spotted Dalmatian – Everything You Need to Know

The noble purebred Dalmatian is recognized for his spotted coat and unique disposition. The magnificent liver-spotted coat is the result of a combination of genes. Dalmatians are born with a pure white coat. After three to four months, the dominant white color disintegrates, emerging the liver-spotted coat beneath it. A liver-spotted Dalmatian has a brown pigmented nose leather instead of black. In addition, they feature brown or blue eyes and white or brown toenails.

Liver-spotted Dalmatians are medium-large, muscular, devoted, courageous, and affectionate breeds. They closely resemble Standard Dalmatians.

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Pros and Cons

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Basic Information

• Name: Liver-spotted Dalmatian
• Height: 19 – 24 inches
• Weight: 45 – 55 pounds
• Coat: Short, Flat 
• Color: Liver or brown spot with a white coat
• Energy: High
• Activities: Agility, advanced obedience, Schutzhund, carting, and tracking
• Group: Non-sporting
• Barking Level: Medium
• Shedding Level: Heavy
• Hypoallergenic: No
• Litter Size: 6 – 8 puppies
• Life Span: 10 – 13 years

Dalmatian vs. Liver-spotted Dalmatian: A Comparison

Features	Dalmatian	Liver-spotted Dalmatian
Image
Height	19 to 24 inches	19 to 24 inches
Weight	48 to 55 pounds	45 to 55 pounds
Size	Medium	Medium
Group	Companion	Non-sporting
Children Compatibility	Medium to high	Medium
Family Compatibility	High	High
Pets Compatibility	Medium to high	Medium
Barking Level	Low to medium	Medium
Shedding Level	High	High
Hypoallergenic	No	No
Grooming Needs	Medium	Medium to high
Overall Health	Medium to high	Medium to high
Energy	High	High
Exercise Needs	High	High
Trainability	Medium to high	High
Activities	Watchdogs, companion dogs	Agility, advanced obedience, Schutzhund, carting, and tracking
Complication in Breeding	No	No
Litter size	6 – 9 puppies	6-8 puppies
Life Span	10 to 13 Years	10 to 13 Years

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Personality

Liver-spotted Dalmatians are very much related to other Dalmatians, and the only exception is their coat color. However, they share the same characteristics, traits, and dispositions as any Dalmatian. Dalmatians are born without spots. The magnificent liver spots develop only after three to four weeks, either black or brown on a white coat. However, this medium-sized, sleek-built dog’s coats are short and are heavy shedders. Hence, regular brushing of coats is required. In addition, they have a long snout, hazel, black or brown eyes, down-turned floppy ears, and slightly curved tails.

Friendliness Overview

Adaptability Overview

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Temperament

Liver-spotted Dalmatian’s coat color does not impact their temperament. They are exceptionally loyal, intelligent, and family-oriented. Known as working dogs, Dalmatians instinctively protect their families and are recognized as excellent watchdogs. Occasionally excessive barking indicates impending danger. Proper and early socialization will ensure intimacy with the family and other pets.  

Liver-spotted Dalmatians are very active, lively and prefer to be outdoors for physical and mental stimulation. However, they also require a lot of activities as they are brilliant and do not favor being left alone. If they are left alone or bored for extended periods, they will manifest destructive behavior. So, it is recommended to train them properly to understand their behaviors and spend some quality time with your pets. 

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Training

The liver-spotted Dalmatian is an intelligent and obedient dog and easy to train. However, you must start training them from a very young age using positive reinforcements and reward-based techniques. 

Dalmatians can be a little stubborn, so make sure not to scold or punish them as they don’t respond well to these approaches. Additionally, it is essential to socialize the Dalmatians to avoid disobedient or aggressive behavior. Early socialization guarantees your dog’s behavior with outsiders and other pets.

Trainability Overview   

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Exercise Needs

Recognized as a guard and working dog, Liver-Spotted Dalmatians need lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep them comfortable. So, it is not surprising that this breed is very active and has high exercise requirements. Training him is effortless as they are intelligent, alert, and eager to please. 

You should involve a Liver-Spotted Dalmatian in exercises for a minimum of two hours daily, including walking, playing, and mental games. Without adequate exercise, they can display destructive behavior due to frustration and boredom. Dalmatians adore guiding their owners on hikes, walks and love swimming too. So, make sure you have sufficient time to spend with them.

Exercise Needs Overview   

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Grooming

Coat and Hair 

Liver-spotted Dalmatians have a short coat, but they are heavy shedders. Therefore, you must brush their coat during shedding season to remove dead hair. In addition, they have to be wiped every day using wet wipes and should be bathed once or twice monthly to maintain their health.

Eyes 

Liver-spotted Dalmatians may build up black discharge at their eye’s inner corners. It would help if you gently wiped them clean with a cloth dipped in lukewarm water.

Ear

It is essential to frequently check your dog’s ears for any indication of infection. Wipe their ears with a cotton ball dipped in pH-balanced ear cleaner to prevent any disease.

Teeth 

Regularly brush your canine’s teeth with dog-formulated toothpaste to maintain their overall health. This routine controls developing joint problems, liver disease, eye problems, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Grooming Overview 

Liver-Spotted Dalmatian Health

Liver-Spotted Dalmatian pups are more or less healthy than black Dalmatians. However, Dalmatians of all colors are predisposed to health issues and hereditary disorders. Therefore, you must often check for any signs of health issues and take them to the veterinarian for regular check-ups.

Health Overview

Hip Dysplasia: A heritable disorder, hip dysplasia occurs when the thigh bones fail to fit correctly into the hip joint’s pelvic socket.

Causes of Hip Dysplasia 

• Injuries 
• Excessive weight gain 
• Incorrect exercises 

Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

• Less activity and movements
• Unwillingness to rise, jump, run or climb
• Lameness in the hind limbs
• Lessening thigh muscle mass
• Swaying, “bunny hopping” gait
• Scratching in the joint during movement
• Widening shoulders
• Pain
• Stiffness

Elbow Dysplasia: This disorder occurs when the elbow joint bones don’t fit appropriately. Elbow dysplasia generates abnormal pressure at the joint, leading to chronic rubbing and painful osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

• Mild to moderate pain 
• Lameness in the forelimbs 

Cataract: This condition causes cloudiness on the eye lens due to its thickening, resulting in blindness.

Hypothyroidism: A condition caused when the underactive thyroid gland results in hypothyroidism.

Symptoms

• Epilepsy
• Hair loss
• Obesity
• Lethargy
• Hyperpigmentation
•  Pyoderma and other skin conditions

Cardiovascular disease: Liver-Spotted Dalmatians are predisposed to cardiovascular diseases, which may be congenital or inherited. Some of the common cardiac conditions in Huskmatians are 

•  Aortic stenosis 

• Variations in heart rhythm 
• Valve distortions 

 Symptoms of cardiovascular diseases:  

• Increased breathing rate  

• Abdominal swelling 
• A bluish tinge to membranes and skin   
• Breathing problem 
• Coughing  

Epilepsy:  An inherited disorder for which the reason is unexplained. They may experience seizures one or the other time but seem typical within the events. 

Vitamin deficiency: Some Liver-Spotted Dalmatians may be inadequate in producing Vitamin B12, which is needed for brain and body function.Loss of these vitamins makes these canines weak and disoriented.

Hereditary Deafness: Deafness is prevailing in  Liver-Spotted Dalmatians. These may present as unilateral, which permits the dog to lead a typical life, or bilateral dogs often need special care. Unfortunately, the only scientific test to detect deafness is the BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response). 

Urolithiasis: Dalmatians have a different urinary tract system, resulting in the formation of urinary tract stones (Urolithiasis). Dalmatian’s urine has uric acid instead of urea or allantoin. Salts of uric acid form stones, causing Urolithiasis. Large stones are deposited in the urethra while small stones- like gravel pass with the urine. Suppose these stones block the urinary tract, and your pup experiences pain. In that case, take him to the vet immediately. Else, it will be fatal for your Dalmatians. 

To get rid of this, provide your pet with enough water and foods low in purines. Also, consult a vet and check the dog’s urine for urate crystals. Research is being done to treat this disorder. Discuss with your vet.

Allergies: Dalmatians may be prone to skin allergies contracted by foods, contacts such as dog shampoos, flea powder, chemicals, and inhalant allergies caused by pollen grains, dust, and mildew. Protect your pet from these allergies with regular grooming sessions after visits to parks, dog day-care, and play-time in your backyard.

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Diet and Nutrition

High-quality dog food, depending on the dog’s age (puppy, adult, or senior), will supply all of the nutrients required by the  Liver-Spotted Dalmatians. However, keep an eye on their calorie consumption and weight to avoid tipping the scales. You can serve a  Liver-Spotted Dalmatian puppy three to four times daily. Treats can be a beneficial training aid, but feeding excess might result in obesity.

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Living Condition

Liver-spotted Dalmatians are the dominant breed of dogs. Thus, they are unsuited for novice pet owners and are not recommended for apartment living. As they crave human companionship, they require people around them to fight separation anxiety and shouldn’t be left alone for extended periods.

Adding a Liver Spotted Dalmatian to Your Family

Things to Remember Before Buying

A Liver-Spotted Dalmatian needs a lot of activities; hence they are appropriate for highly active owners. Also, they become detrimental if not exercised rightly. These breeds are also dominant, and it is equally important to establish yourself as the pack leader.

Cost of Liver Spotted Dalmatian

On average, a  Liver-Spotted Dalmatians  puppy may cost around $800 to $1500, not including miscellaneous costs.

To Buy a Puppy Online Now: Buy a Liver Spotted Dalmatian

Liver Spotted Dalmatian Videos

Liver Spotted Dalmatian

Liver Spotted Dalmatian

Liver Spotted Dalmatian

Liver-Spotted Dalmatian Images