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DONATE TODAY
  • ABOUT DCAF
    • Our People
    • Founders
    • Donor Lifetime Giving Levels
    • Our Impact
    • Board Meetings
  • DalmatiAn Health
    • CHIC
    • James W Smith Memorial Health Clinics
    • Hearing
    • Urinary Stones
      • Lua Dalmatians
    • Copper Storage Disease
    • Other Health Conditions affecting Dalmatians
  • Research
    • Current Studies
    • Past Studies
    • OFA DNA Repository
  • Education
    • Breeder Resources
    • Betty Garvin Seminars
    • Links to AKC & CHF Educational Webinars
  • Rescue Support
    • Should I Rehome My Dalmatian?
    • Affiliated Dalmatian Rescue Organizations
    • Recently funded rescues
    • Emergency Plans for Your Pets
  • How to Help
    • Make a Donation
    • Current Fundraisers
    • LIFETIME GIVING LEVELS
    • Endowment Fund
    • Heritage Society
    • Get a CHIC Number on Your Dalmatian
    • Add Your Dalmatian to the OFA DNA Repository
    • Participate in Current Studies
    • Volunteer
Home Dalmatian Health

Hearing

Hereditary Deafness is the most common health issue impacting the otherwise comparatively healthy Dalmatian. Somewhere around 10% of Dalmatian puppies are born bilaterally deaf.  Hereditary deafness in dogs is associated with white coat color, so every Dalmatian puppy should be tested for deafness before going into a new home. The BAER test is the standard for determining a puppy’s hearing status. 

BAER testing is a reliable diagnostic procedure that all ethical breeders pursue for their puppies between the ages of 5 and 7 weeks with 7 weeks being preferred for accurate results. Bilaterally deaf puppies need special consideration for placement, as they will require additional training.

Unilaterally hearing puppies or “Uni’s” can hear in one ear but are deaf in the other. The “uni’s” often are indistinguishable from bilaterally hearing dogs. Most of these puppies lead very normal lives with little notice of their “disability”. They may be directionally challenged, but they can hear.

Dalmatians do not “go deaf” any more than any other breeds do as part of the natural aging process. They can hear or they cannot within a few weeks of birth.

DCAF has funded several significant studies over the years to try to determine the genetics of hereditary deafness. Each study unravels a little more of this extremely complex genetic issue. You can read about them here.

DCA has also published Hearing 101 that provides some statistics, and breeding advice.

Where to get BAER Hearing Testing

To locate BAER Hearing Testing in your area, click on the circle, a link will provide you with a list of BAER Testers in or near that State.

A non-profit charitable Corporation
For the Health of Dalmatians and all canines…

The Dalmatian Club of America Foundation (DCAF) is a non-profit charitable Corporation devoted to advancing the health and quality of life for Dalmatians and all dogs through supported research and education.

We welcome your support

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The Foundation has received from the IRS 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status and is registered under EIN 61-1280243.

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Contact us

  • Corresponding Secretary
    Deby Harber
  • 16385 Siena St
    Summerdale AL 36580
  • 918-630-5747
  • harberDCAF@gmail.com

TREASURER (for Donations)

  • Meg I Hennessey
    DCAF Treasurer
  • PO BOX 257
    Marengo, IL 60152
  • 815-597-4601
  • dcaf.treasurer@gmail.com

Donation form for those who prefer to mail a donation

Quick Links

  • Breeder Resources
  • CHIC
  • OFA DNA Repository
  • Affiliated Dalmatian Rescue Organizations
  • Current Studies

How To Help

  • Make a Donation
  • Current Fundraisers
  • LIFETIME GIVING LEVELS
  • Endowment Fund
  • Heritage Society
  • Add Your Dalmatian to the OFA DNA Repository
  • Participate in Current Studies
  • Volunteer

Rescue Support

  • Should I Rehome My Dalmatian?
  • Affiliated Dalmatian Rescue Organizations
  • Recently funded rescues
  • Emergency Plans for Your Pets
  • About DCAF
  • Dalmatian Health
  • Research
  • Education
  • Rescue
  • How To Help
Copyright Dalmatian Club of America Foundation.