The morphological characteristics of the Dalmatian dog. From the appearance of the Dalmatian dog, it is very strong and elegant, and the spots on its body are very attractive. people. However, if the owner is busy and does not have time to accompany the Dalmatian, it is best to think carefully when raising it, because the Dalmatian is a very sporty dog, and it requires a relatively large amount of exercise.

Morphological characteristics

Head: The head of the Dalmatian dog is quite coordinated with the entire body. There is the correct length and no loose skin.

Expression: The expression of the Dalmatian is alert and intelligent, showing a stable and outgoing temperament. Eyes: set slightly apart, medium in size, somewhat round in appearance, and well placed on the head. Eye color is usually brown or blue, or a combination of the two, preferably darker, usually in black-spotted breeds than in liver-spotted breeds. Abnormally positioned eyelids or eyelashes (entropion, ectropion, inverted eyelashes) are serious faults. Lack of pigment in the eye rims is also a serious fault.

Ears: Medium in size, slightly wide at the base (in proportion), tapering to a slightly rounded tip. The position is high, close to the head, and the texture of the auricle is thin and delicate. When the Dalmatian is alert, the tops of the ears are level with the top of the head, and the tips of the ears extend inverted to the bottom line of the cheek.

Skull: The top of the head is flat with a slight longitudinal indentation in the middle. The width of the head is equal to the length.

Stop: The stop is moderately clear. The cheeks blend smoothly into the powerful muzzle.

Muzzle: The outline of the muzzle is parallel to the outline of the head, and its length is approximately the same as the length of the head.

Nose: The nose has sufficient pigment. Dogs with black spots have a black nose; dogs with liver spots have a brown nose. Insufficient nose pigmentation (partial or entirely flesh-colored nose) is a serious fault.

Lip: Neat and closed.

Bite: scissors bite. An overshot bite or an undershot bite is a disqualification.

Neck: Beautifully arc-shaped, quite long, without fat, and blends smoothly into the shoulder blades.

Topline: Smooth.

Chest: deep, with large chest volume and moderate width, well supported ribs, but no barrel chest. The bottom of the chest extends inverted to the elbow. The bottom of the ribcage forms a graceful curve, rising moderately toward the back of the body.

Back: Level and strong.

Loin: Short, muscular and slightly arched. The entire waist is quite largenarrow.

Buttocks: almost flat relative to the back.

Tail: a natural extension of the topline. The position cannot be too low. Stout at the base, tapering to the end, extending to the hock. Never dock the tail. The posture is a slight upward curve, but never curled into the back. A ringed tail or a tail that is set too low is a fault.

Scapula: Smooth muscles, sloping backward.

Upper Arm: The length of the upper arm bone is approximately the same as the length of the shoulder blade, articulates with the shoulder blade, and is angled enough to allow the feet to be just below the shoulder blade. Elbows: Close to the body.

Forelegs: Straight, strong, and of strong bone.

Pasque bones: Pasterns are slightly angled, showing flexibility.

Hindquarters: Hindquarters are very powerful, with smooth, but well defined muscles.

Knee joint: good flexion.

Hock: The position is low. When the Dalmatian dog is standing, viewed from behind, the hind legs from the hock to the feet are parallel to each other. Cow limbs are a very serious fault.

Paws: very important. The front and rear feet are very round and compact, the pads are thick and elastic, and the toes are well arched. Flat baseboards are a very serious defect. Dogs with black spots have black and/or white toenails; dogs with liver spots have brown and/or white toenails. Dewclaws can be removed.

Coat: The coat is short, thick, fine and close-fitting. Neither wool nor silk. The appearance of the coat is sleek, shiny and healthy.

Color and Markings: Color and markings, as well as his overall appearance, are important factors in judging. The base color is pure white. A black-spotted dog has spots that are intensely black. For dogs with liver-colored spots, the color of the spots is liver-brown. Otherwise, markings of any color are disqualifying.

Spots: The spots are round and clear, the clearer the better. The spots are a good size and evenly distributed. It is better if the spots are not blended. Typically, the spots on the head, legs, and tail are smaller than those on the body. It is best to have spots on the ears. Tri-color (rarely seen in this breed), tri-color is a disqualification. Brown markings are found on the head, neck, chest, legs, and tail of dogs with black or liver spots. Black spots of bronze, faded or darkened liver spots due to environmental influences or normal changes in the coat are not tri-color. Color blocks: Color blocks are a disqualification. Color patches are large areas of pure black or liver-colored hair with no white coat. The area is larger than normal spots. The color blocks are dense, the colors shine and the borders are clear and smooth. A large area of ​​color consisting of many spots mixed or overlapping is not considered a color patch. Areas of this color show many individual spots with rugged borders and may have white hairs throughout.

Gait: Balanced front and rear angles, combined with strong muscles and good conditions, form a smooth and effective movement. The driving force of the hindquarters is strong, combined with the full extension of the forequarters. The topline remains level. Elbows, hocks, and feet turn neither in nor outturn. As running speed increases, it tends to a single trajectory.