Long Coat Dalmatian – Everything You Need to Know

Long Coat Dalmatian is an authenticate gene variant of the purebred Dalmatians, with silky, long hair resulting from a recessive gene generally masked by a dominant gene. Both parents need to carry the genes for a Dalmation puppy to bear a long coat. Therefore, the long coat trait won’t appear if one carrier holds the gene. Further, a puppy born with short skin will not be able to grow long hair even if it carries the Long Coat gene. Find a reputable breeder who breeds long coat Dalmatians. Some may produce hybrids with long hair, for example, Dalmatian – Collie mix. 

Most Dalmatians we have come across bear short coats, so a Long-Haired Dalmatian is relatively unfamiliar. However, they have been in existence since the breed first evolved. There is also a miniature version of long coat Dalmatians, which is dwarf compared to the standard size. However, there is a dilemma that the mini long coat Dalmatian results from a mixed breed and not a purebred dog. 

Long Coat Dalmatian Pros and Cons

Long Coat Dalmatian Basic Information

• Name: Long Coat Dalmatian
• Origin: Croatia
• Height: 19 – 24 inches
• Weight: 45 – 70 pounds
• Coat: Short, Flat 
• Color: White coat with black, liver, or brown spot, brindle, lemon  
• 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 – 14 years

Dalmatian vs. Long Coat Dalmatian: A Comparison

Features	Dalmatian	Long Coat Dalmatian
Image
Height	19 to 24 inches	19 to 23 inches
Weight	48 to 55 pounds	45 to 60 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	12 to 14 Years

Long Coat Dalmatian Personality

The Long Coat Dalmatian is just like a standard Dalmatian with a mutation in the coat length, alert and intelligent expression, same size, height, weight, coat colors, personality, and temperament as regular Dalmatians. In addition, the hair is seen prominently growing to several inches on their ears, chest, legs, and tail. Their ears are floppy, and their noses are either Liver or black, depending on the color of the spots. Their round eyes are dark blue, brown, and amber-colored. They bear a medium-sized body with a gleaming muscular build. Thanks to their lean, long legs and graceful body, they have a distinctive gait. They have long tails that curve upwards and have solid and soft muscles on their fore and hindquarters. They also have solid feet at the front and back with well-arched toes. 

Long coat does not have to do with being excessively long, but it is silky fur that grows between two to four inches long compared to the traditional Dalmatians. Many long coat Dals are AKC registered.

Friendliness Overview

Adaptability Overview

Long Coat Dalmatian Temperament

Long Coat Dalmatians are incredibly playful, loyal, intelligent, and family-oriented dogs. These Dalmatians instinctively guard their families and make excellent watchdogs and working dogs. Occasionally excessive barking can indicate impending danger. Proper and early socialization can aid in good rapport with the family and other pets. They are cautious of strangers.   

Long Coated Dalmatians are active and dynamic and prefer to be outdoors for physical and mental stimulation. However, they also require a lot of physical exertion as they are brilliant and do not like being left alone. They will manifest undesirable behaviors if they are alone or bored for extended periods. So, it is recommended to train them to understand their nature correctly, and they are thus suitable for owners who spend quality time with their pets.

Long Coat Dalmatian Training

The Long Coat Dalmatian is an intelligent and obedient dog that is highly trainable. First, however, you must start training them from puppyhood using positive reward-based techniques. 

Generally, Dalmatians can be a little stubborn, so make sure not to punish or be harsh as they don’t respond well to these attitudes. Additionally, it is vital to socialize the Dalmatians to avoid undesirable behavior. Early socialization assures a well-mannered long coat Dalmatian with outsiders and other pets.

Trainability Overview 

Long Coat Dalmatian Exercise Needs

Long Coat Dalmatians need lots of mental and physical stimulation to keep themselves warm and snug. So, it is not surprising that this breed is highly agile and requires high exercise. However, training him is undemanding due to their intelligence, alertness, and eagerness to please. 

You should engage a Long Coat Dalmatian in physical activities for a minimum of two hours daily, including walking, playing, and mental games. They can show destructive behavior due to frustration and boredom without adequate stimulation. In addition, Dalmatians love to accompany their owners on hiking, walking, and swimming. So, make sure you have ample time to spend with them.

Exercise Needs Overview

Long Coat Dalmatian Grooming

Long Coat Dalmatians are no different from their other counterparts when shedding. They shed all around the year. Therefore, you must brush their coat every other week. Another tip to keep their skin healthy is feeding them high-quality dry dog food. They must be wiped daily using wet wipes and should be bathed once or twice monthly to maintain their health. It is essential to check your dog’s ears for any infection. Wipe their ears with a cotton ball dipped in ear cleaner. Finally, regularly brush your canine’s teeth to maintain dental health. 

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Grooming Overview 

Long Coat Dalmatian Health

Long-coat Dalmatians are healthy breeds. Still, they may be prone to specific genetic conditions inherited from their parent breeds. Also, nutrition, exercise and training needs, and age can be a factor for disorders in your pet.

Bladder Stone: Bladder stones occur in Dalmatian breeds. This may be because of having weak urinary tracts. Urinary stones occur when certain minerals build up within a dog’s bladder. You can prevent this with a proper diet.

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

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

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 

Hereditary Deafness: Deafness prevails in Dalmatians, and it’s the same with their Long Coat counterparts. These may be 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 urinary tract stones (Urolithiasis). Dalmatians’ 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.

Obesity: Obesity can be a significant health issue in Schnauzers. It is a severe disease that may cause or even worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, heart disease, and back pain.

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. 

Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy): This condition occurs when your canine is exposed to a substance in the environment, leading to an allergic reaction.

Health Overview

Long Coat Dalmatian Diet and Nutrition

Long Coat Dalmatians need a special diet that guards them against ailments. Avoid feeding them shellfish, pork, or eggs, and limit beef to small quantities. Give your Dalmatians plenty of distilled water to keep them hydrated. White Fish and Chicken are ideal food options for Long Coat Dalmatians. It is essential to balance your Dalmatian diet with healthy vegetarian ingredients. It is always better to consult your vet for a good diet plan for your Long Coat Dals.

Long Coat Dalmatian Living Conditions

Long Coat Dalmatians can tolerate being in moderate weather conditions. However, they cannot accept cold weather conditions. Since they have high exercise and grooming requirements and are prone to separation anxieties, they need an owner who can devote their time to these adorable Dalmatians.

Adding a Long Coat Dalmatian to Your Family

Things to Remember Before Adding a Long Coat Dalmatian

• Pet owners should be prepared to spend their time, money, and energy on grooming, providing physical activities and spending time with them.
• Long coat Dalmatians are unsuitable for new owners, apartment living, and cold climatic conditions.
• They are suitable for big and small families due to their medium size.
• Proper socialization and training can be a perfect addition to the family as pets.

Cost of a Long Coat Dalmatian Puppy

The cost of a Long Coat Dalmatian Puppy is $800 to $1200.

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