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 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-part shampoo to 10 parts water. An innovative shampoo derived from natural sources with ginseng extract, protein and violet tone. Recommended for white coats or white areas to reduce yellowing and impart a sparkling clear sheen, and ideal for coats of all colours to reduce unwanted warm tones without bleaching or whitening. Herbal Whitening Shampoo 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, this shampoo can also be mixed with Plush Puppy Sensitive Skin Shampoo to produce great results. Plush Puppy Sensitive Skin Shampoo contains Lichen, Alpine Herbs, and Arnica Extracts to calm the skin and reduce hives and lumps. This can be used with the whitening shampoo 50/50 for both benefits.
Being predominantly white the washing of the head and face is very important, use Plush Puppy Let’s Face it, a product the Show Dog World has needed for way too long. Another famous Plush Puppy product that combines the latest technology with high levels of naturally sourced ingredients to create a cleansing product that is a must! 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. Wonder Blok is one of our proudest achievements to maintain a brighter, whiter, stain-free coat – it is not a bleach and contains no harmful chemicals. Formulated using modern technology and a vast level of naturally sourced vegetable surfactants and glycerin Wonder Blok is designed to gently remove unwanted warm/red tones to the coat. Best used on a damp/wet coat – gently rub into the areas requiring cleaning, being sure to take extra care around the eyes, leave on for approx. 5-10 minutes and rinse. For maximum effects repeat or allow a longer time for this amazing product to work.
You want a glossy sheen to this coat, use Plush Puppy Natural Silk Protein Conditioner at a ratio of 1-part conditioner to 5 parts water. Pour over the dog, leave on for a few minutes and rinse out. This will produce a beautiful, glossy finish to the coat.
To keep the sheen and hydrate the coat a final rinse with Plush Puppy Sea Breeze Oil, diluted at 1 tablespoon oil to 4 Litres/1 gallon of warm water. Pour this over the dog making sure you have complete coverage and DO NOT rinse. Packed with natural ingredients that will hydrate the coat while softening and nourishing the skin Seabreeze Oil provides a natural moisture barrier to the skin.
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.
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 Powder Puff Regular, a better & innovative approach to the usual methods of white chalking/adding powder to coats. Clings well and doesn’t clump. Adds crisp white tone and cover to all coats without creating harshness. The whitest, brightest powder around. Clings – all day. Fine & Easy to use. A little goes a long way. Naturally sourced – no chalk or talc. Use instead of chalk. Can mix with your usual white powder. Best for glamorous perfect whites. Never gets clumpy, even when wet. Apply with the Plush Puppy Ultimate Powder Application Brush. Work well into the area where required for enhancing whites and cover.
Finally, a quick spray with Plush Puppy Shine and Comb will add brilliant shine to the coat for a more radiant, luminous finish.
Enjoy showing this glamour of a short-coated breed,
Plush Puppy Australia
