Dalmatians are a very easy dog to keep clean. They do most of the work themselves. They keep themselves very clean and it is not necessary to bathe them very often. Brushing is recommended as Dal's do shed. Deafness does occur in some Dalmatians, although we personally have not had any deafness in our dogs or puppies. You can tell at an early age (2-3 weeks) if you have a deaf puppy. They have very good hearing and you can get their attention with very little sound. Some Dalmatians also have skin problems, due to allergies which can be treated with medication. It is not an uncommon problem. A Dalmatian is a wonderful family dog who loves children and likes to be loved. They will bring you many years of memories and fun!