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Are All Dalmatians Deaf? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Jessica Kim

By Jessica Kim

dalmatian

Vet approved

Dr. Karyn Kanowski Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Karyn Kanowski

BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Dalmatians are iconic dogs known for playing popular roles in films and being associated as fire department dogs. While nearly anyone can recognize a Dalmatian, many people may not know that this breed is susceptible to several significant congenital issues, including deafness. Not all Dalmatians are born deaf, but according to research, almost 18% of Dalmatians live with some form of hearing impairment.1

Because of the higher prevalence of potential health issues in the breed, not to mention their lively, sometimes demanding, temperaments. So, caring for a Dalmatian can be challenging, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner with little experience owning dogs. Dalmatians aren’t a breed that’s well suited for most people, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into before you decide to bring one home.

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Why Deafness Is Common in Dalmatians

Deafness used to be much more prevalent in Dalmatians in the past. At one point, about 30% of all Dalmatian puppies were born with some form of deafness; around.2 8% of Dalmatians were bilaterally deaf, while 22% were partially deaf.

It’s unclear as to exactly why deafness is more prevalent in Dalmatians than many other dog breeds. The genetics behind deafness is complicated and the ways that genes affect each other are intricately intertwined. So, in some cases, two Dalmatians without any signs of deafness may be bred together, and they can still give birth to a litter of Dalmatian puppies with deafness.

dalmatian on mulch
Image Credit: Joseph Thomas Photography, Shutterstock

Dalmatians and the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Test

Fortunately, more recent research completed in 2020 saw that the number of cases of deafness in Dalmatians has declined over the span of 26 years. This study reviewed data collected from the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) test results and pedigrees of about 9,000 Dalmatians registered with the Kennel Club. The BAER test detects electrical activity, which helps determine if a puppy has any deafness. Puppies are usually tested when they’re between 5 to 6 weeks old.

The 26 years of data indicated that deafness in dogs was reduced by about a third, largely due. This study attributes the decline in cases of deafness to more careful and selective breeding. Whilst Dalmatians without deafness are obviouscertainly considerable candidates for breeding programs. However, research has also shown that Dalmatians with blue eyes are at higher risk of deafness, and Dalmatians with a color patch on their heads are at a lower risk of deafness. The study found that over time, Dalmatians with blue eyes have decreased while Dalmatians with a patch of color on their heads increased.

Overall, Dalmatian breeders have been much more careful with their breeding programs, and they choose dogs that have multiple qualities that seem to reduce the risk of deafness in new Dalmatian litters. Their efforts have reduced the prevalence of deafness in Dalmatians, but they’re still at higher risk of having deafness than most other dog breeds, so there is still work to be done. So, much work is still yet to be done to improve the breed’s health.

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Is a Dalmatian the Right Dog Breed for You?

Dalmatians have lived alongside humans for centuries. They’re most notably known for being associated with firemen in the US because they used to lead horse drawn firewagons to areas with fires. They would bark to alert others to clear the path, and they would also guard the horses and keep them calm while the firemen worked to put out fires.

While Dalmatians no longer engage in that kind of work, you’ll find that healthy Dalmatians still carry the noble and brave spirit of their ancestors. They’re fiercely loyal and make really good watchdogs. They’re also very active and require a lot of daily exercise. Dalmatians usually bond with one or two people and are perfectly content with just being around their families. They’re not the most social dogs and are usually aloof toward strangers.

Because of these traits, it’s important for Dalmatians to receive proper training and socialization. An untrained Dalmatian can develop aggressive behaviors, and they’re not afraid to defend themselves against strangers or whenever they feel unsafe, and due. Due to their large size, they can end up being a liability and cause significant harm to someone else. This is why Dalmatians are recommended only for experienced dog owners. Dalmatians aren’t notoriously difficult to train, but dog owners must be willing and able to invest in proper training.

Dalmatian standing
Image Credit: skeeze , Pixabay

Signs of a Healthy Dalmatian Puppy

If you’re interested in getting a Dalmatian as your next dog, make sure to only work with reputable breeders that are registered with a kennel club or official Dalmatian organization. These breeders have high standards for their breeding programs and are dedicated to producing healthy Dalmatian puppies.

Good breeders will prioritize their puppies’ best interests. They’ll also be on top of their puppies’ routine care and health checks, and they’ll be willing to show proof of vaccinations and diagnostic test results. Many reputable breeders will offer a health guarantee and return policy if you take your puppy to a veterinarian and significant health issues are discovered.

When you schedule a visit, make some observations about the facility. It should be kept clean and not have any odors. In general, healthy puppies will have clear and bright eyes without any redness. Their skin should be clean and dry and free of any sores or inflammation, and their coats should be soft and shiny without any bald patches. Healthy puppies will not have labored breathing, and they should have a balanced gait and no difficulty walking. You should always be able to view and meet the pups’ mother, if not both parents.

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Conclusion

Deafness is relatively common in Dalmatians, but its prevalence is continuing to lower over time. Responsible breeders are working hard to preserve the health of the breed and lower the risk of deafness in Dalmatians, and their hard work is paying off. We just might see cases of deafness lessen even more with selective breeding and more research and understanding of findings on dog canine genetics and genes linked to deafness.


Featured Image Credit: Rebecca Schönbrodt-Rühl from Pixabay

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