The Lemon Dalmatian is a Dalmatian variation with a pale yellow-spotted coat that comes in various shades of yellow. Also known as the “Lemon Dally,” this dog has adorable pale-yellow spots that develop due to a genetic mutation giving the dog pale-yellow spots.
Lemon Dalmatians should not be confused for the light-liver or golden Dalmatians.
This is also not a separate Dalmatian breed and the lemon coat does not affect the dog’s behavior or temperament.
So, why is this dog so interesting? Here are 9 facts to show why.
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Lemon Dalmatian at a glance
| Lemon Dalmatian summary table | |
|---|---|
| Height | 19 to 23 inches |
| Weight | Males: 55 to 70 pounds, Females: 40 to 55 pounds |
| Lifespan | 11 to 13 years |
| Breed Type | Non-sporting |
| Purpose | companion dog |
| Suitable For | Active families |
| Grooming requirements | High |
| Color Variations | Yellow-spotted |
| Health concerns | Hip dysplasia, Epilepsy, Skin issues, Allergies |
| Temperament | Loyal, Loving, Intelligent, Affectionate, Playful, Energetic, and Dignified |
| Other names | Lemon Dal, Lemon Dally, Lemon English Coach Dog |
9 Lemon Dalmatian Facts
1. This coloring is due to a genetic mutation
Most Dalmatians have dark spots on their white coat that can either be black or liver in most cases. These dogs have a dominant “E” gene.
This means that a liver or black-spotted Dalmatian will have either “Ee” or “EE.”
The Lemon-spotted Dally develops from the dilution of the black or liver coat spots.
In the case of a Lemon Dalmatian, the yellow spots are caused by two copies of the “e” recessive gene. So, a Dalmatian with the “ee” gene combination will not have any dark spots but will have yellowish spots.
The shades can vary from bright orange to pale yellow. Dalmatians with these shades will be considered Lemon Dals.
These dogs will also have either liver or black eye rims and noses.
In some cases, a Lemon Dally can be born with a white coat with no spots but will have lemon pigmentation at the edges of their noses and ears.
As the puppies mature, they slowly develop yellow spots which may come later than in other Dal coat color types.
2. Lemon spots are considered a fault
Unfortunately, if you are planning to get a Lemon Dalmatian as a show dog, it won’t work to your advantage.
According to the breed’s standards, Yellow-spotted Dalmatians are considered to be a “flaw” that can get you penalized in conformation shows.
The lemon spots are not the only features of a Dalmatian that are considered a fault. Other features that are considered to be faults are;
- Tri-colored coats
- Blue eyes
- Kinked tails
- A patch
3. They are believed to have originated from Dalmatia
Just like the “normal” Dal, the Lemon Dalmatian is also believed to have originated from an Austrian region known as Dalmatia.
It is in the 18th century that this dog was titled and listed as Dalmatian.
However, the Dally had appeared in different historical documentations from different countries before the listing.
A 1360 Italian painting also seems to display a white dog with spots similar to that of the Dalmatian.
These make the origin of the Dally unclear.
4. The yellow spots don’t affect temperament or personality
Lemon-spotted Dalmatians have similar traits to standard Dalmatians. This is only a coat color mutation that does not in any way affect the dog’s qualities and behavior.
Because of their historical role as guarding and herding dogs, lemon Dals retain these traits. These canines are also known for their roles are firedogs and carriage dogs which makes them very energetic.
They are also protective and will put their life in the line for the people they love.
Apart from this, they are also very intelligent, people-oriented, loyal, playful, and can also be occasionally dignified.
Lemon Dals thrive on human affection and attention. But despite being people-oriented dogs, these canines are better suited for homes with older children.
This does not mean that they are not great will small children, however, any interactions that this dog has with toddlers should be highly supervised.
Properly and consistently socialize your Lemon Dalmatian as he can be territorial and even aggressive towards dogs, especially of the same sex.
5. Lemon Dalmatians are very energetic
For centuries, Dalamtians being next to horse carriages made them very energetic dogs. This energy brings about a new problem for aspiring Lemon Dally owners.
To start with, this canine friend is not suitable for apartment dwellers as his high energy can be too much for them.
These dogs also need a lot of exercise to keep them both physically and mentally stimulated.
Failure to do this could make them anxious, restless, and even destructive as they look for an energy outlet.
This can be through anything such as running, jogging, hiking, playing fetch, dock diving, agility training, and even swimming.
Lemon Dalmatian’s exercise needs may be too much for many dog lovers but for active people and avid outdoorsmen, this is a great canine partner.
| Number of walks | 2(30 minutes each) |
| Exercise needs | 90+ minutes |
6. The Lemon Dally has a fine coat
The Lemon coach dog is described as having a fine and short coat that looks incredible with yellowish spots.
This coat should have white as the base color covered with yellowish spots whose shades can vary.
Unfortunately, despite having a short coat, the Lemon Dal is a heavy shedder that needs frequent grooming to keep shedding low. They shed moderately throughout the year and shed heavily during autumn and spring.
Brush the coat at least 3 times a week and give the pooch a bath every 6 weeks.
7. This dog can get fear-aggressive
Lemon Dallies tend to become aggressive when they are scared. However, these dogs are not aggressive by nature but in a threatening situation, they act out of fear or bite.
This is why socializing this dog is very important for him to differentiate a friendly situation from a threatening one.
They are also known to have barking issues when they are inactive or bored.
8. A Lemon-Spotted Dalmatian will need a special diet
This canine lacks the enzyme that dogs use in the digestion of protein.
Undigested protein can cause complications in the dog as it can build up forming kidney stones. It should be clear that this is not a unique issue to the lemon Dally but all Dalmatians as well.
This does not mean that this dog will not need proteins. Lemon Dals are very active and energetic dogs and proteins play a major role in providing the dog with energy, repair and other processes.
The solution to this is feeding the dog small amounts of proteins per meal and ensuring he has a constant supply of clean water.
Water is great for the kidneys.
You should also avoid feeding this dog on raw meat or any other raw foods that are protein-heavy.
Look for a great diet that is formulated for a Dalmatian and if you are not sure what to go for visit your vet for some diet tips.
9. Dalmatians are prone to deafness
It is estimated that 15 to 30% of all Dalmatians are prone to deafness which means that the Lemon Dalmatian is not safe either.
The gene responsible for the adorable pattern on a Dally is also linked to the hearing issues in this dog.
Genes that make a dog’s coat white are responsible for hearing problems in many dogs. And as I previously mentioned, the base color of the Lemon-Spotted Dally is white making him susceptible to this issue too.
Breeding of white dogs for most dog breeds is discouraged due to hearing problems the white gene causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the life expectancy of a Lemon-spotted Dalmatian?
A Lemon Dalmatian has an average lifespan of between 11 and 13 years.
How much does a Lemon Dalmatian cost?
A Lemon-Spotted Dalmatian puppy will cost you anywhere between $1000 and $3000. This price will vary from one breeder to the other and depending on your location.
Adoption is much cheaper and will cost about $100.
Is the Lemon-spotted Dally right for you?
If you are an active individual who lives in an area with ample space for this dog to play and explore, the Lemon-Spotted Dally will be the right canine friend for you.
You should be prepared to meet his energy needs, socialize him, and train him.
However, you should be warned, this dog can have a stubborn streak which can make him hard to train but with patience and consistency, you will see results in the long run.
So, did you find this guide helpful?
Share your feedback and thoughts in the comment section below.
There you go, WOOF!
