Perhaps the most well-known Dalmatian Health problem is deafness.  Approximately 8% of all Dalmatians are completely deaf (bilaterally deaf); another 22% is deaf in one ear (unilaterally deaf or unilaterally hearing).  By far, the Dalmatian is the most afflicted breed -- the "runner up" is the English Setter, with just less than half the deafness rate of Dals.

There is no cure for congenital deafness; and still no clear understanding of how it is transmitted.  Research, primarily that conducted by Dr. George Strain of Louisiana State University, has shown that deafness in Dalmatians is directly linked to the extreme piebald gene -- the gene responsible for the white coat.  There are other breeds with the extreme piebald gene -- the English Setter; most Pointer breeds; Fox Terriers, etc.  Other breeds affected by congenital deafness are Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, Collies (Rough & Smooth), among many others.  The merle patterning gene is responsible for the deafness in these breeds.

Even knowing the primary genes responsible for deafness in many breeds, we are still no closer to finding the cause or the cure.  While it is known what genes carry the deafness, not every dog of every breed with either of those two genes will be deaf.  Therefore, there must be other genes at work as well; it is those modifiers that elude researchers.

The only way to reduce the incidence of deafness in any breed so afflicted is through careful, responsible breeding.  NO bilaterally deaf dog of any breed should be allowed to reproduce.  Owners of unilaterally deaf dogs are strongly encouraged to have those dogs spayed/neutered; breeders of affected breeds are strongly encouraged to remove unilaterally deaf dogs from their breeding line/stock.  Statistically, if just one parent of a litter is unilaterally deaf (assuming the other parent is bilaterally hearing), the chances of completely deaf puppies DOUBLES!  One can imagine the statistics on litters with one completely deaf parent!

There are many methods to test whether a dog can hear or not; some more reliable than others.  However -- there is only one sure-fire way to determine if a puppy/dog is unilaterally or bilaterally hearing -- the BAER/BAEP test.  BAER/BAEP stands for Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (Potential).  This test measures the brainwave activity when sound is introduced into an ear.  If there is very little or no brainwave activity, that ear is considered deaf.
BAER/BAEP testing is done only by qualified personnel, as training is needed to use and understand the equipment.  A list of qualified veterinarians and other testers can be found here.  This test involves the placement of small electrodes just under the skin of the forehead and just in front of the ears of the puppy/dog.  These placement of these electrodes cause little or no pain; and very rarely does a puppy/dog need to be sedated.  Those that do struggle are more upset with the need for restraint (usually just being held in a person's hands) than with the placement of the electrodes.
Once the electrodes are placed, one ear is blocked; and a small speaker (like an earphone for humans) is placed in the other ear.  Sound is played through the speaker, and the electrodes measure the brainwave activity as that sound travels the pathways to the brain.  If the sound doesn't make it to the brain, then there is no activity; and that ear is deaf.  The process is repeated for the other ear.

Unilaterally hearing puppies/dogs are virtually indistinguishable from bilaterally hearing puppies/dogs.  The biggest difference is they often have problems with directional hearing -- determining the direction of the source of a sound.  Experienced observers are usually able to tell which puppies/dogs are unilaterally hearing; although it's much more difficult to tell which ear is affected.

Bilaterally deaf puppies/dogs are a different matter.  The Dalmatian is not a dog for everyone; a deaf Dalmatian is much more unsuitable for the average family.  Placed improperly, a deaf dog will not get the attention and training he/she needs to overcome this disability.  Without that proper training and attention, a deaf dog can become easily startled, which leads to biting.  The biggest risk linked to a startle reflex is when a small child accidentally falls on, wakes, or otherwise startles a deaf dog.  There have been too many stories of children being bitten and mauled by deaf dogs for this author to take that chance.  I will not be responsible for a child suffering any injury that was a result of my negligence in placing a deaf puppy/dog with that family.  Any deaf puppy that is a result of a breeding I conducted, or any deaf puppy sired by my stud dog, will be humanely euthanized.

That being said -- there are many people who make it a point to work with deaf dogs and  who understand the particular needs and requirements to own and train a deaf dog.  A properly trained and socialized deaf dog can live a long and healthy life.
If you have a deaf dog, and are having problems -- stop and think.  Do you have the dedication, time, and resources to work with this dog?  If not -- you have two choices.  Either have the dog euthanized, and start over with a hearing animal; or release the dog to a rescue organization willing to work with and train the dog.  Keep in mind, however, if you place the dog with anyone else, and that dog bites anyone at any time for any reason, YOU can be held liable.  Do all the research you can, and make the best decision for you.  This author encourages euthanasia; but understands that there are those who cannot/will not take that step.

Deafness in Dogs and Cats
Dog Breeds With Congenital Deafness
Prevalence Of Deafness in Dog Breeds
Deafness Incidence Data in Dalmatians
Genetics of Deafness in Dogs
Discussion on Dalmatian Deafness
What is the BAER Test?
BAER Testing Sites
Dalmatian Club of America GDC Hearing Registry
Dalmatian Club of America Position on Dalmatian Deafness
Dalmatian Club of America Statement on Reducing Deafness

If you have a deaf dog, and need help -- please check out the links below.
NOTE!!!!
This is not an endorsement to anyone to keep a deaf dog or puppy; or to adopt a deaf dog or puppy.  But -- if you are dedicated to spending the extra time and attention needed to properly train a deaf dog, these resources will help.

Deaf Dogs email list
Deaf Dalmatians email list
The Deaf Dogs Web Page
Training Tips
Lead Normal Lives
Deaf Dogs -- Special In Many Ways

Send mail to sommerdal@dalmania.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Unless otherwise stated on individual pages, all graphics, site content, and design is
Copyright © 2000,2001 by Heather Gearhart, dba Sitting Spots Web Design
Last modified: December 07, 2001