Deaf Dogs?
The Dalmation Deafness Issue

There is so much information as well as mis-information regarding dalmatians being deaf dogs. Here is a compilation of facts and studies relating to this issue.

Deafness is a hereditary problem with this breed. Approximately 8% are born completely deaf, about 24% are born with hearing in one ear.

Reputable breeders with the help of veterinary medicine studies and research are trying to eliminate this genetic problem by only breeding dogs who produce puppies with no hearing problems. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure if a dalmatian puppy can hear is through the use of a specialized testing procedure known as the BAER test (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response). Whether all people who breed dalmations use or have access to this test is unclear.

Most responsible breeders will not sell or give away a deaf puppy, however, be sure to ask if the puppy you choose has been tested and make sure you have it in writing that you can return the pup should it turn out to be deaf. Living with and training a deaf pet is a challenge many people are just not prepared for.

What if the dog is not completely deaf? If the pup or dog you wind up with has reduced hearing or hearing in only one ear, chances are you will have a pefectly good companion pet. Just like people, dals don't need hearing in both ears to hear what is going on around them. However, completely deaf dogs should not be used for breeding. It's hard enough to find homes for all the tossed away and abandoned dalmations with good hearing. Rescue groups can tell you its almost impossible to place a dog with NO hearing!

The Dalmatian Club of America has strong opinions about allowing the adoption of completely deaf puppies. The club, along with many breeders, feel deafness in dogs leads to behavior problems - although there are no studies to prove it.

There are many people who have hearing impaired pets who will argue that deaf dogs have no more behavioral problems than any dog with two good ears. They believe that problems arise when an owner is unprepared for the challenges that come with owning and training a dog with hearing loss.

Quite frankly, I agree with them. In my doggie opinion, for most pets, behavior problems happen because owners react improperly or don't react at all to the actions of their pets. Just like children, we have to be taught what is appropriate behavior and what is not. With deaf animals, the teaching process is just a lot harder.