DALMATIAN PROS AND CONS
|
|
|
|
Happy, enthusiastic! |
Lively, active! |
| Good family dog. | May be too lively for very young children. Small children should always have adult supervision when playing with ANY dog. |
| Intelligent, willing to please, quick to learn. | Need gentle, motivational obedience training as early as possible. Not for people who will not set clear limits. Do not respond well to pain avoidance training. |
| People oriented, excellent house dog and indoor-outdoor companion. | Not a yard/kennel dog – needs to be part of family. |
| Natural affinity for horses, likes hiking, jogging, biking and rollerblading with owner. | Needs exercise. |
| Natural watch dog, polite when introduced properly, loyal to family and close friends, will protect when appropriate, not a biter unless provoked. | Puppies require proper socialization with a variety of people. Improperly socialized puppies may become shy or aggressive. |
| Generally good with other dogs, especially if well-socialized. Many households have multiple Dals (or other breeds). | May be quarrelsome with strange dogs if not properly socialized. |
| Very easy to groom. Clean and little doggy odor. | Sheds continuously throughout the year – shorthair clings to clothes and furniture. |
| Generally healthy, easy keepers, little hip dysplasia, very low incidence of eye problems, hardy but short coat makes them unsuitable for staying outdoors in very cold weather. | Deafness affects about 8% of the breed. Buy only a BAER tested puppy. Requires low purine diet to prevent urate stone forming. |
| A Dalmatian from a reputable breeder makes a wonderful, loving, intelligent, healthy family companion. Adult Dalmatians from Dalmatian Club of America or Dalsavers affiliated rescue groups are ideal for those who do not have the time to devote to raising a puppy. | Popularity has caused irresponsible breeding by greedy commercial breeders and unknowledgeable backyard breeders. Some well-meaning rescuers will place any dog. Buy only from a reputable breeders or adopt from a DCA or Dalsavers affiliated rescue group. |
