Dalmatian Resources
Here you can find leading organizations dedicated to keeping Dalmatians healthy, happy, and strong. The Dalmatian Club of America connects breeders and enthusiasts through shows, publications, and breed education. DCAF, the OFA, AKC Canine Health Foundation, and Morris Animal Foundation fund research, track health information, and support responsible breeding practices. Databases like CHIC and DNA repositories help breeders and scientists reduce genetic diseases and improve overall canine well-being. Together, these resources give every dog a better chance at a long, vibrant, and healthy life. Click the links for more information!
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This club came together with one firm purpose: to lift up the breeding, care, training, and showing of our spotted dogs, and to share all that knowledge with people. They set down the Standard for Dalmatians, and they back it up by hosting shows, exhibitions, and matches. They also push research on breeding, health, and performance, keeping the breed strong for generations.
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DCAF teams up with the AKC Canine Health Foundation and the Morris Animal Foundation to push forward research that keeps our Dalmatians healthy. They back the OFA Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) by covering member fees for full litter BAER test results, and they even pick up the cost and shipping when members send DNA samples to the OFA Repository, which scientists worldwide use for genetic research. Every year, the James W. Smith Memorial Health Clinics offer CHIC testing at big savings, with DCAF covering the OFA fees, too. And to keep folks motivated, they offer a solid cash award to Futurity winners whose parents both carry CHIC numbers.
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The DCA crew—Susan Brooksbank, Sue MacMillan, and Sheila Wymore—spent years digging into the history and heart of our spotted friends, and what they found is that there’s still plenty more to learn. The Official Book of the Dalmatian ain’t just “black and white”; it shines with over 650 photos and drawings that bring the breed’s story to life. From origins and famous kennels to health, competitions, and raising a pup, this book lays it all out. In the end, it’s a true celebration of the grit, charm, and heart that make Dalmatians one-of-a-kind.
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The Spotter is the official magazine of the Dalmatian Club of America, rolling out every three months. Inside, you’ll find news and info all about our spotted dogs and the work of the club, along with updates from regional groups across the country. Members share their ads, and even folks outside the club are welcome to put theirs in too. It’s a way of keeping the community connected and celebrating the breed we love.
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The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has been working since 1966 to keep dogs—and now cats—healthy by reducing inherited diseases. From hip dysplasia to cancers, heart issues, and thyroid problems, OFA funds research and collects data to help breeders make smarter choices. Their CHIC database and DNA Repository store health and genetic info used by scientists worldwide to guide better breeding and future studies. All this work helps ensure our furry companions have longer, healthier, and stronger lives. The OFA set up the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) with parent clubs to track and study health issues in specific breeds. They’ve got a recommended screening protocol, and dogs that complete it earn a CHIC number and certification. The more data in the system, the stronger every breed becomes, so OFA encourages all breeders to get their dogs CHIC Certified. Certification means a dog’s recommended health tests are done and the results are publicly available, helping breeders and researchers make smarter decisions.
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The AKC Canine Health Foundation stands for one simple dream: that every dog lives a long, healthy, vibrant life. Guided by compassion and curiosity, we fund cutting-edge research and honor the trust placed in them by using every resource with care. Born from a love of dogs and science, their mission is to improve the well-being of dogs everywhere. By working with researchers, vets, and dog lovers, they drive discoveries that bring hope, health, and a brighter future for all canines.
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Since 1950, Morris Animal Foundation has put over $56 million into more than 1,180 studies on canine health. Their work helped pave the way for the parvo vaccine and genetic tests for heart, eye, and seizure disorders. Today, they’re still leading the charge, funding critical research on cancers like hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, and osteosarcoma—giving our dog a stronger shot at long, healthy lives.
