Diana Skibinski is the breeder behind the Folklore Dalmatians. Read about the kennel’s beginnings, champions, dogs, puppies, and more!
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Diana Skibinski: I live in Northwest Indiana. My husband, Robert, and I bought our first Dalmatian in 1978, which is 45 years. I bred my first litter in 1985, which is 38 years. I am an AKC Gold Breeder of Merit.
Diana Skibinski: Our kennel name is Folklore Dalmatians. My husband and I currently live with six Grand Champion/Champion Dalmatians. I co-own a few Dalmatians with select friends.
Noteworthy winners include:
All of these winners had co-owners who helped each of them in some way to achieve these great levels of success.
Influential sires and dams include:
I have performed all OFA testing needed on all my Dals since Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) numbers were instituted. All of these influential sires and dam had co-owners who helped each of them in some way achieve these great levels of success.
Diana Skibinski: I have a lovely home on two acres in the country. My puppies are whelped in my home and are raised in the heart of my home where there is a lot of action and noise. I pay close attention to the needs of the dam, as well as the puppies. I use their instincts to help me keep the whelping box and pen area clean, plus introduce food, water, toys, and potty box as they grow. I love to have satisfied puppies that enjoy life.
Diana Skibinski: From the moment a puppy is born, I am looking at them closely, numerous times a day, with the American Kennel Club Breed Standard for the Dalmatian in mind. It’s almost a process of elimination. If they were born with a patch, they are eliminated, for it is a disqualification. Next, I am looking at eye and nose trim, for it is a major fault. Finally, as they get on their feet, I am looking at structure/balance and spotting pattern. Since we BAER Hearing Test our puppies, this also pays a part.
Any puppy selected as a show puppy or as a pet puppy would be a good Performance puppy, since balance and movement are important in the Dalmatian.
Diana Skibinski: We place show and Performance puppies at eight weeks.
Diana Skibinski: Dalmatians need the right amount of exercise, food, and socialization for competing in any event. They are a wash-and-go dog that is willing to give anything a try.
Diana Skibinski: I have put a Companion Dog title, Canine Good Citizen title, and Novice Trick Dog title on dogs. I have also tried Fast CAT, with two dogs close to titling. I am interested in trying Rally, Obedience, and Scent Work in the future.
Diana Skibinski: I feel my breed is in good condition overall. We are fortunate to have many good breeders who enjoy exhibiting. I feel that breeders are putting Dalmatians in the Conformation show ring that are over-marked with too many spots that run together. We are the only spotted breed.
Diana Skibinski: Overall, the Dalmatian is a healthy breed. We do have high uric acid that could cause urate stones. Also, less common is Copper Storage Disease that appears to be showing up in many breeds. Dalmatians should be feed a low protein diet and given a lot of fresh water. Since I have a well, my Dals drink reverse osmosis (RO) water that removes all minerals.
Diana Skibinski: Yes, Dalmatians are great family dogs. They love a busy family. People who live a busy lifestyle and include their dogs in it are the best candidates to own a Dalmatian.
Diana Skibinski: OH MY, YES! Dalmatians succeed in ALL Performance Events! The Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty Show has nearly every AKC Performance event available, plus the Dalmatian Road Trial along with the Conformation events. It’s a busy show with many happy Dalmatians participating.
Diana Skibinski: People do not understand the Dalmatian history of being a road dog that was bred to run all day. They are active and not hyper. A little exercise and some playtime are all they need. Dalmatians are extremely intelligent and in tune with their owners. They love to spend quality time with you, doing whatever you like to do.
Diana Skibinski: Dalmatians never cease to amaze me with their intelligence and keen sense of smell. While this is not fun or amusing, I had one sniffing my abdomen constantly to the point of being terribly annoying. I came to find out she was smelling my enlarged lymph nodes. Since then, I have been treated and she no longer wants to sniff me. Who would ever think her annoying sniffing was so important?
Diana Skibinski: Please keep the first sentence of our Standard in mind. I feel it says it all:
“The Dalmatian is a distinctively spotted dog; poised and alert; strong, muscular and active; free of shyness; intelligent in expression; symmetrical in outline; and without exaggeration or coarseness.”
The best way to ensure a long and happy relationship with a purebred dog is to purchase one from a responsible breeder. Not sure where to begin finding a breeder?
Contact the National Parent Club’s Breeder Referral person, which you can find on the AKC Breeder Referral Contacts page.
Did you know nearly every recognized AKC purebred has a dedicated rescue group? Find your new best friend on the AKC Rescue Network Listing.
Showsight Magazine is the only publication to offer dedicated Digital Breed Magazines for ALL recognized AKC Breeds.
Read and learn more about the smart Dalmatian dog breed with articles and information in our Dalmatian Breed Magazine.
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