Deafness in Dalmatians: A Controversial Topic

Deafness is a genetic problem which afflicts many Dalmatians. The statistics vary, but the Dalmatian Club of America estimates that between 10% and 12% of Dalmatians suffer from deafness.

Everyone agrees that deaf Dalmatians should not be bred. However, the Dalmatian Club of America has issued a controversial position statement advocating that deaf Dalmatian puppies automatically be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian.

Unsurprisingly, this position statement has upset a lot of Dalmatian lovers. The organization Deaf Pets of America posted an online petition protesting the DCA's statement, which received 3,534 signatures.

Many people, including the spokesperson for Deaf Pets of America, believe that deafness was deliberately bred into the breed "so that they can't hear the fire engine's sirens." This is considered a myth by most Dalmatian breeders. Deafness in Dalmatians seems to be linked to the genes for blue eyes. Interestingly, the combination of white coat and blue eyes is linked to deafness in other animals, including cats and horses.

A deaf Dalmatian requires more training and security measures - to keep them from running into the road and being hit by an unheard car, for example. However, they can still become a wonderful and productive member of your family. (In 2002, a deaf Dalmatian rescued a drowning girl from a river in Scotland!)

The Deaf Dog Education Action Fund offers a comprehensive look at life with a deaf dog, from clicker training ("clicker" in the procedural sense - they offer several deaf-friendly alternatives, such as using a flashlight or laser pointer) to desensitization exercises. And if you're looking for a deaf dog to adopt, they have those, too!