Question about Dalmations?????

Dalmations are not noted as being great family pets. You need to look at what Dalmations were bred for originally: to run with horse-drawn coaches and riders for long distances. This means that the Dalmation is a dog bred for lots of energy, and tireless ability to run. Is that what you are looking for?

Dals are also thought to be harder to train than some of the breeds more thought of as excellent family pets, such as labs and goldens. Some people will tell you they are hard headed. I just think those people are unwilling or simply don't know how to train a dog the right way. Dals can be more challenging but that's not to say it can't be done. You need to be consistent and actually train the dogs. They can learn how to be good family pets as long as you don't expect them to sit quietly at your feet. For an active, athletic family always on the go, Dals can be great additions.

The other thing to consider if you are really interested in a Dalmation is the host of genetic problems they are prone to having. After the release of the Disney's films, the puppy mill traffic in Dalmations created a glut of AKC registered, but poorly bred, specimens. These dogs may have problems with hip displaysia, skin problems deafness and other major issues. If you decide on a Dal, thoroughly research the kennel you buy from. Check the reputation of the breeder in the Dalamation breeding business. Don't buy from someone who breeds his pet just because it has papers. Papers mean NOTHING about whether the dog SHOULD BE bred. Make sure genetic testing has been done on both parents. And most of all, be prepared to pay for a quality pup. Paying a cut rate price for puppy mill or backyard breeder pups will cost you in medical bills later.

Good luck with your decision.

Think about a Golden. A friend's son was bitten in the face by a Dalmation. I have two kids - 5 and 19 months. My Golden is very tolerant, although I am careful not to let the kids push it too far. Goldens and Labs are super with kids. There's a reason they have great reps as family dogs.

Dalmations can be good with kids IF you train and socialize them properly at an early age and keep it up throughout the dog's life. If you already have kids, be careful. Dalmations are a very active breed and require lots of exercise. Make sure that you are able to see both of the pup's parents, littermates, ext. You might want to enroll your pup in a puppy class, like they offer at PetsMart or something. But, one of the most important things, as previously stated, is that you NEED to properly train and socialize your pup at an early age and keep up with it, and also give the dog PLENTY of exercise. My 20 yr. old sister was attacked (but not seriously harmed) by 2 adult Dalmations, but I strongly believe that the only reason that she was attacked was because the dogs were not trained or socialized at all, and most of the time the dogs stayed cooped up. I am not trying to scare you out of getting one, because I love the breed and my parents resuced one before I was born and he was a great dog. Just be careful! Good luck!!

Dals are VERY active dogs and require lots of exercise and a walk a day is not going to do it for this breed. They really need to be able to run.

They were bred to run under carriages and they could cover pretty long distances so you can tell they need lots of activity and exercise.

They are ok around kids but tend to jump up and can knock over small kids.

They are good natured overall but most are very active and can get destructive if they are not getting enough exercise.

Only if you are a very active person otherwise the dog will get stir crazy and act out.

It has been found that Dalmatians can be very aggressive especially towards children, since kids tend to be more rough on them and may annoy them. More kid friendly large breeds would be Golden Retrievers or Labs. However, any dog can be aggressive if provoked, it's just that some breeds will tolerate a lot more than others. Check out the AKC's website about breed info.

www.akc.org

Dear Steph,

There is a reason that you see these dogs with firemen. They are very hyper, and require a great deal of attention. Mine was liver and white, and a good pet, but don't do it!!! Choose a more docile breed, and god luck.

I hope this helps,

Lonnie

The answer to your question is`nt all black and white. But you can usually spot the bad ones.

not true they love kids i have 6 of them... and 2 kids...

I have heard that they are just stupid and hard to train.