A Dalmatian puppy covered in the breeds signature spots.
PETALING JAYA: Dalmatians are cool dogs known for their distinctive black-on-white spots on their bodies, aside from being loyal, intelligent and energy-filled. There's even a movie centred around a fashionista wanting to collect 101 puppies of this breed to create a fur coat!
But, can you imagine how they would look without those iconic spots?
Could it be true that these dogs are born without spots?
Verdict:
TRUE
Newborn Dalmatian puppies before their spots have come in.
When Dalmatians are born, they do not have their signature spotty look. Instead, they are born with pure, white coats.
The black spots would only appear around 10 to 14 days old. So, if you ever see a female Dalmatian give birth to a litter of puppies without spots - do not worry, just give it a few days for the spots to appear on their bodies.
The colour of the nose can sometimes be an early indication of what colour spots a Dalmatian puppy is going to have. Once developed, the number of Dalmatian spots normally would not change and it stays the same throughout their lives.
Since Dalmatians are famous for their black-on-white spots – scientists at the University of Bath and Lancaster University are carrying out a study to explore the underlying causes of this signature patterning.
The new study will combine experimental and mathematical modelling to link Dalmatian genetics to the pattern of coat pigmentation responsible of the breed’s iconic spots.
Another interesting fact is since the number of spots remains the same, if they ever get new and concerning spots on their bodies later in life, they should get it checked by a vet - since dogs can get skin cancer just like humans.
And if you have not spotted this other cool trivia, just know that no two Dalmatians have the same pattern of spots! Like how each of us have a unique set of fingerprints, each dog has its own set of spots!
References:
1. https://www.iflscience.com/
2. https://www.bath.ac.uk/
3. https://www.akc.org/expert-
