Is the Dalmatian a beautiful dog? Darn skippy they are! But while
most people only see the outside of a dog, and figure it'd make a great addition to the family because of its striking markings,
few people take into account how the dog is on the inside. I suppose some people figure that they can make it into the
type of dog they want it to be (whatever that is) and if that particular dog doesn't live up to their expectations (whatever
they are) they figure the dog for stupid and the breed for stupid. Some are beaten for it and some are just plain neglected.
No dog, or other living creature for that matter, should be treated in such a manner.
That being said, Dalmatians (NOT the dogs
in the movie -- remember, they were trained animals and would act like a cookie if taught to. Of course, if that were the
case they'd probably eat themselves, but I digress.) have a few traits that some would find amusing, tolerable,
cute, or discusting, intolerable, frustrating, nasty, etc. You
need to decide for yourself which category they are. If too many fall into the negative column please do NOT get
a Dal! Please find another breed and love the Dal from afar.
Some points to consider:
-- Dals are very active (not hyper) and need a great deal of attention
and exercise. If you do not like a dog following you around the house nor want to put in the time or effort to give
them proper exercise do NOT get a Dalmatian!
-- Because of their short coat and lack of insulating body fat Dalmatians are inside
dogs and need to be with the family for the vast majority of the time (my Dals only go out for potty breaks, exercise
and a little bit of sunning. Otherwise they are in the house.) If you want an outside-only dog do NOT
get a Dalmatian!
-- Dalmatians shed! And shed like you would not believe! It's not uncommon
to have little black and white or liver and white hairs all over your clothes after you've been interacting with your Dal.
Investing in a top of the line lint brush is highly recommended. :-) If you are fastidiously neat and
tidy and can not stand the thought of anything getting on your precious clothes, furniture, etc. do NOT
get a Dal!
-- Take into consideration what the Dalmatian was originally bred for. In earlier times when
cars were not in existence and one of the main modes of transporatation was the horse-drawn carriage they were seen guarding the
carriages as well being used as companions for the horses. They should NEVER be trained as a
protection nor a guard dog.
-- Dals can be quite stubborn and more than likely will develop a wonderful trait called "selective
hearing". Oh, they hear you alright, but hearing you and actually obeying you may be two different things in their minds. They
are not the hardest dog in the world to train, but positive methods work the best.
-- Healthwise, because of their white-based coat 8-10% of Dalmatians are born completely
deaf. They can also develop a condition known as bladder stones. Other less common issues are: hip dysplasia,
skin problems and allergies, hypothyroidism, and seizures.
