Dalmation
Expert Grooming Article
Expert Grooming Article
The Dalmation is an ancient breed, dating back to 2000BC, when spotted dogs appeared on Greek and Egyptian wall murals, showing them working with the chariots of ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Origins are unknown with the name originating from Dalmatia, Croatia but there is little evidence as to why they were such named other than that they were ‘spotted’ in the region! Ancient gypsies (Romani people) were accompanied by the dogs in their wanderings around the world. Over the years Dalmatians have been used as dogs of war, border patrols, cart pullers, sheepherders, hunting dogs, circus performers and, of course, coach dogs.
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Download ArticleThe Dalmation is an ancient breed, dating back to 2000BC, when spotted dogs appeared on Greek and Egyptian wall murals, showing them working with the chariots of ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt. Origins are unknown with the name originating from Dalmatia, Croatia but there is little evidence as to why they were such named other than that they were ‘spotted’ in the region! Ancient gypsies (Romani people) were accompanied by the dogs in their wanderings around the world. Over the years Dalmatians have been used as dogs of war, border patrols, cart pullers, sheepherders, hunting dogs, circus performers and, of course, coach dogs.
The Dalmation breed is uniquely recognised by their distinctive spots of either black or liver on a pure white ground colour – bathing is done the same on either colour. With a dense, single coat the Dalmatian can have sensitive skin that may react to shampoos that are too harsh or highly perfumed.
Use Plush Puppy Herbal Whitening Shampoo at a dilution of 1:10 ( 1 part shampoo to 10 parts water). It works brilliantly in reducing yellowing or warm tones in white coats or white area of the coat without bleaching or lightening. Herbal Whitening Shampoo is primarily derived from organic sources with Ginseng extracts, protein, and violet tone combined in a concentrated and rich formula. It is suitable for all coat textures and is perfect for both black and liver colourings as the toning properties intensify the richness of colour in both.
For dogs with sensitive skin, Herbal Whitening Shampoo can also be mixed with Plush Puppy Sensitive Skin Shampoo to produce great results. Sensitive Skin Shampoo removes dirt and allergens while soothing sensitive skin. It is an extremely low irritant shampoo with high levels of active natural extracts. An organic blend of Lichen, Alpine Herbs and Arnica extracts combine to hydrate, replenish and balance the skin. The use of these key extracts also provides calming, healing and soothing properties. The Arnica addresses the redness and soreness, the Lichen sorts out the fungal problems such as dandruff and scurf and the herbs are for promotion of good new skin and coat. Mix these two shampoos 50/50 for both benefits in one wash.
Being predominantly white, the washing of the head and face of your Dalmation is very important. Use Plush Puppy Let’s Face it. This is a hypoallergenic sulfate-free, low-foaming shampoo specifically formulated for use on faces. Its no-tear formula contains high-quality Blue Cypress Extract, Panthenol with Pro-Vitamin B5 and SugaNate to clean, sooth, adds moisture, aids healing and offers anti-inflammatory benefits. A small golf ball-sized amount directly to the face and eye area allows you to thoroughly clean without causing irritation. It can be used in and around ears also with the same benefits. Its low foaming design allows easy rinsing yet complete cleaning.
As the Dalmatian is a highly active breed that enjoys the outdoors stained feet, hocks and elbows are often unavoidable. For these areas use Plush Puppy Wonder Blok. It helps to maintain a white stain free coat. It is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals but high amounts of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin This product is designed to remove gently unwanted warm or red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp or wet coat. Gently rub into the areas required allowing 5-10 minutes and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work. As with all products take care around eyes.
You want a glossy sheen to this coat, so use Plush Puppy Natural Silk Protein Conditioner. Dilute at a ratio of 1:5 and pour over the dog. Leave on for a few minutes and rinse out. This will produce a beautiful, glossy finish to the coat. This conditioner is an intensive formulation boosted with Silk Amino acids and plant extracts that bind keratin in the coat, strengthening whilst protecting against moisture loss.
To keep the sheen and hydrate the Dalmation coat, use a final rinse with Plush Puppy Seabreeze Oil after shampooing. Seabreeze Oil is excellent for maintaining the healthy vigour to the skin and coat and is all plant sourced from Evening Primrose and Calendula Oils. It is non greasy and totally water soluble making it easy to apply with no fear of product build-up. Dilute 1 tablespoon in 4 Litres of water and work well through the coat with a large sponge. LEAVE IN. DO NOT RINSE. It provides a natural moisture barrier to the skin and gives incredible sheen and finish to the hair. This also helps keep any scurf at bay and leaves the coat smelling delightful. We cannot stress enough the wonderful attributes of this product.
For drying we recommend a force dry, even on this naturally short coated breed. A force dry will blow out any dead coat therefore encouraging a natural “roll” to the coat. Getting a dog’s coat to roll reduces any heavy coat drop and maintains a beautiful show coat.
This is a highly competitive breed that is consistently in the winner’s circle. On show day a light spray of Plush Puppy Wonder Wash will clean up those dirty feet and any other ringside mishaps with ease. This is a no rinse wet instant shampoo for “those show day” last-minute emergencies as this will clean up anything, pronto. Just spray foam with the fingers and towel off. Wonder Wash is a brilliant quick self-rinsing bathing alternative solution for quick and easy cleaning without the need for a complete bath. In moments when regular shampooing is not an option, Wonder Wash will clean, whiten and brighten problem areas on all coat kinds. Always keep our handy Plush Puppy Wonder Wash spray in your tack box. It contains optical brighteners, has a fresh apple fragrance, and violet tone.
On show day apply Plush Puppy Cover Up Cream is a great cover for stains or discolouration. Excellent on “red” area on worn elbows and to the white on the muzzle. When you really need to cover stains your whites or intensify white areas. Apply with a barely damp sponge using a small amount. Build up coverage as required layer by layer. Then use powder or chalk as required whilst cream is drying. Brush off excess when dry.
Add a tiny bit of Plush Puppy Chalkestral with your fingertips to the white legs to assist holding the white powder you apply. You need something to help grip and to protect the coat from abrasion. Best of all is Plush Puppy Fairy Frost. This ultra-fine and bright white powder that is more effective and innovative than the usual methods of white chalking and adding powder to coats. Fairy Frost will create the brightest white tone that clings all day. Plus, it covers all coats without creating harshness. Fine and easy to use, our formulation means a little goes a long way. Fairy Frost Regular is naturally sourced and contains no chalk or talc. Use this product instead of chalk or mix with your usual white powder. This product is best for glamorous, perfect whites as it never gets clumpy, even when wet. This stays on the coat well and will last the day till washed off. Apply with the Plush Puppy Ultimate Powder Application Brush. Work well into the area where required for enhancing whites and cover. The absolute best for glamorous perfect whites.
Finally, a quick spray with Plush Puppy Shine and Comb. Spray 30cms above the coat and allow the mist to fall over the coat to give a final boost to the shine and lustre of the coat.
Enjoy showing your Dalmation – this glamour of a short-coated breed.
Styling & Finishing
Conditioner
Shampoo
Bathing Alternatives