Description
A good Dalmatian is a dependable, dignified gentleman, yet high-spirited and playful.
This athletic, vigorous dog has great endurance and a working heritage and should be taken jogging, hiking, or biking on a regular basis, or otherwise allowed to romp in a safe, enclosed area.
This athletic, vigorous dog has great endurance and a working heritage and should be taken jogging, hiking, or biking on a regular basis, or otherwise allowed to romp in a safe, enclosed area.
Challenging canine activities such as advanced obedience and agility (obstacle course) are also highly recommended.
Traits:
Some Dalmatians greet strangers with enthusiastic jumping, while others are politely reserved. Some have mild protective instincts. Unfortunately, skittishness and/or aggression are seen in some lines, and plenty of socialization is required to promote a stable temperament.
Usually good with other family pets, the Dalmatian is especially fond of horses.
This breed is an independent thinker, but in the right hands is capable of learning and doing anything. Owners who don’t understand the necessity of leadership or training will find him an impossible handful.
If you want a dog who is:
- Is medium to large and built like a sleek athlete
- Has a short easy-to-brush coat
- Thrives on vigorous exercise and interactive family activities
- Is usually polite with everyone
A Dalmatian may be right for you.
Drawbacks:
If I was considering a Dalmatian, I would be most concerned about…
- Potential unstable temperaments. The movie “101 Dalmatians” set this breed up as a fad breed, which means unknowledgeable people tried to cash in on the breed’s popularity by breeding every Dalmatian they could get their hands on. This resulted in a high number of Dalmatians with neurotic or hyperactive temperaments. Things are better now, but you still need to be careful of your sources!
- Providing enough exercise and mental stimulation. Dalmatians are energetic dogs who need much more exercise than a few walks. They need regular opportunities to run and vent their energy and do interesting things. Otherwise they will become rambunctious and bored, which they usually express by barking and destructive chewing. Bored Dalmatians can make a shambles of your house and yard.
- Bounciness. Dalmatian puppies and young Dalmatians romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people.
- Constant heavy shedding. Dalmatians shed only once a year – for 365 days. In other words, they shed constantly and their coarse white hairs cling tenaciously to your clothing and furnishings. One reason Dalmatians are turned over to rescue groups is their shedding.
- Stubbornness. Dalmatians have an independent mind of their own and are not pushovers to raise and train. They can be manipulative, and some are willful, obstinate, and dominant (they want to be the boss) and will make you prove that you can make them do things. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
Alternatively:
Our beautiful, well-behaved, pop up Dalmatian is obedient, faithful, beautiful, and doesn’t shed! A fun gift or birthday card for a dog lover.
We only have a few of this card.
See also: Black Labrador chewing a stick pop up card.