Dalmatian Stud Dog: BAER Hearing Testing, Hyperuricosuria, and What to Look For

The Dalmatian carries two significant heritable conditions — congenital deafness and hyperuricosuria — that make health testing uniquely critical in this breed.

BAER Hearing Testing: Non-Negotiable in Dalmatians

Congenital sensorineural deafness is one of the most prevalent heritable conditions in the breed. Studies estimate approximately 8% of Dalmatians are bilaterally deaf and 22-24% are unilaterally deaf. The combined rate of hearing impairment exceeds 30%.

BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing is the only reliable way to test hearing in dogs. Results:

• Bilateral BAER Pass: Normal hearing in both ears. The only acceptable result for breeding.
• Unilateral BAER Pass: Deaf in one ear. Should not be bred.
• Bilateral BAER Fail: Deaf in both ears. Should not be bred.

Every Dalmatian stud must have documented bilateral BAER testing. A stud owner who cannot provide documentation is not worth working with.

Hyperuricosuria (HUU): The Dalmatian's Uric Acid Problem

Dalmatians excrete uric acid in their urine rather than converting it to allantoin, causing elevated risk for bladder and kidney stones. This trait is essentially fixed in the breed.

The Low Uric Acid (LUA) Dalmatian Program

Dr. Robert Schaible began a program in the 1970s to introduce the normal uric acid gene back into the Dalmatian through a single English Pointer cross, then decades of backcrossing. LUA Dalmatians were accepted by the AKC for full registration in 2011.

HUU DNA Testing:

• HUU/HUU (Standard): Elevated uric acid, higher stone risk.
• HUU/N (LUA carrier): One normal gene. 50% of offspring with a standard dam will be LUA carriers.
• N/N (LUA): Two normal genes. All offspring will be LUA carriers or better.

LUA studs are increasingly valued by health-focused Dalmatian breeders.

Dalmatian Spotting Genetics

Spot Color: Black (B locus dominant) or liver/brown (bb). Both AKC-accepted.

Patches: Large areas of unbroken color are a disqualifying fault in the show ring. Stud dogs with patches should not be bred for show-quality litters.

What Does a Dalmatian Stud Fee Cost?

Dalmatian stud fees in 2026 typically range from $800 to $2,500 depending on BAER pass documentation, HUU DNA status (LUA studs command premiums), AKC Championship, spot pattern quality, and proven litter quality.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

• Can I see his BAER test documentation showing bilateral normal hearing?
• Has he been DNA tested for HUU — what is his result?
• Does he have patches?
• Is he AKC registered?
• Can I see his full health panel?
• Will you provide a written stud contract?