Judged and recognized by his spots, the Dalmatian is unmistakable among purebred dogs, a versatile, intelligent breed distinguished by his perfectly spotted coat (black or liver on a solid white background). From coach dog and firehouse mascot to Hollywood star and stunt dog, the Dalmatian enjoys being the center of attention and seems to be able to do it all. This Comprehensive Owner's Guide presents a realistic portrayal of this demanding purebred dog, whose energy and training demands are far beyond the scope and ability of most first-time owners. Due to the popularity of the famous Disney films, Dalmatians have long been the most likely "impulse buy" in the dog world, which has led to many Dalmatians being abandoned in shelters. The author, Frances Camp does well to give the reader perspective on the handsome, but high-energy companion dog that develops from the squirmy puppy on the silver screen. The first chapter on the history of the Dalmatian discusses the breed's evolution, the origins of the spotted coat, and how it became so popular in Europe and America.New owners will welcome the well-prepared chapter on finding a reputable breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with photographs of handsome adults and puppies. In all, there are over 135 full-color photographs in this useful and reliable volume. The author's advice on obedience training will help the reader better mold and train into the most well-mannered dog in the neighborhood. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, preventing and dealing with parasites, infectious diseases, and more. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as historical dogs, breeders, or kennels, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, carsickness, fussy eaters, and parasite control. Fully indexed.