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DALMATION

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This breed, as the name suggests, is similar to the dog breed as it has spots (however the dog breed is spelt dalmatian).  This breed is often referred to as the shortened word "dally".

left - a lovely example of a black dalmation "Bumbora Taylah"

Information for MARKED breeds Himalayans Dutch Dalmations Roans Torti & Whites Marked AOV Cavy Breed Information Marked Coarse Coat Satin Self Crested Ticked Longhaired Unstandardised

right - a beautiful golden agouti dalmation "Glenmore Apanie's Best",  photo by Pam Bardel, QLD

They can be any self or ticked colour shown in Australia, as long as it conforms to that breed's standard.  The most common seen are self chocolate or black, and golden or silver agoutis in the ticked classes.  In other Australian states lilac and argente dalmaitons are also quite common.

"Namoi TommyTastic" has lovely clear spotting.  Photo by Nicole Johnson, Bivoir Stud

right - a nice example of a blaze, but unfonately going a little to low (slightly under the nostrils). This is only a fault.

The head is a solid colour, and has a white blaze stretching from the nose past the ears - so that it joins the white on the body.  Ideally the white is meant to start at the nostrils, however it is commonly seen starting from the lips.  The remaining coat is white with even "spots" of colour all over the body - including the stomach.  All four feet are solid in colour to match the head and the spots.

left - this baby's blaze is unfortunately too wide - a problem seen in a number of babies

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left - a new dalmation litter, the one of the left is a self black, while the other two are dalmations - unfortunately not showable as the one in the middle has an incomplete blaze, while the one on the right has a blaze that is too wide - going out past the eye.

above - a beige dalmation, a very nice try for a colour rarely seen in dalmations, unfortunately this cavy does not have clearly defined spots, and will not be showable.

top three photos by Glenn, of Keidor Stud WA

In breeding Dalmation x Self (or ticked) both dalmation and self (or ticked) babies can be born.

below right - an example of "roaning" which can be seen in some dalmations - these babies however, are genetically still dalmaitons, not roan.  Photo by Bivoir Cavies, NSW

Dally markings are present at birth, and it is clear to tell whether the cavy will be showable or not.  Often though, as the cavy ages the coat markings will "clear" and more definate spots will appear.

Dalmations are not always born with "spots".  Sometimes spots and appear to be roaned when not clearly defined.

right is a beautiful lilac dalmation "Renaissance Ravel" bred / exhibited by Matt Gardiner of Renaissance & Tantras Studs, VIC

Common breed faults are: mixing/roaning of colours, white hairs on feet, extended blaze (below nostrils), undefined spots, missing spots on the belly, blaze not complete.

above & below - it is very likely that this young dalmation's "spots" will clear up more as the cavy matures.

Breed disqualifications are: white toenails or pigment on the feet.

This young cavy has fantastic looking spots, but unfortunatel has no blaze at all.  Photo by owner Winnie Hua

left  - two beautiful examples of nicelt marked dalmations. photos left and top  right and above by Glenn, Keidor Stud WA.

right - an example of belly spotting.

left - this young dally's cheeks will "clear" somewhat as the cavy ages, and majority of the roaning present will disappear.

a black dalmation, Bumbora Resina, photo by Bumbora Stud, NSW

It is not advised to breed Dalmation x Dalmation as the dalmation gene often causes severe deformities in the babies.  These babies are known as "micros" and are totally white, with bluish / grey eyes, they are completely deaf and blind.  They more often than none have teeth problems - being born with none at all, missing or having them mis-aligned. Micro babies can also be born with missing or odd shaped eyes, and it is common to have jaw deformities. If these babies are born in litters, they are usually euthanised.  It is suggested to breed dally x self (or ticked).  In breeding dally x dally there is a 25% chance of a micro being born, however this is not to say that all or none can be micros.

"Champion Bumbora Cossack" a lovely black dalmation owned / bred by Bumbora Stud

Breeders of any animal where coat colour is not specific (ie: abyssinians, longhairs) must be very careful in their breeding choices, because crossing any 2 dalmation marked animals can result in micro babies

(C) Malibu Cavy Stud, Malibu Pigshed 2004