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Contrary to the popular media, the Dalmatian is far from the best choice for every family. This is NOT the breed for everyone! While its outter wrapper may be distinctive and appealing, choosing a dog is not a test in fashion. Definitely a breed to research closely and thoroughly prior to selecting it as your family pet. Absolutely, Dalmatians are smart, and fast and loving with family, they can also be demanding, destructive, manipulative and snappish. Many dogs can, part of it is in the handling and care, and if you are not prepared to help your dog become the pet you need it to be, a Dalmatian will not get there on its own!
Overall Appearance: A dog of clean lines and classic appearance with distinctive spotted coat.
Personaility - Behavior - Training
Energy Level: HIGH
General Nature:
rather variable but generally friendly and gregarious, strong prey drives,
with Children: varies greatly; without heavy socialization generally questionable at best
with other pets: varies greatly; without heavy socialization generally questionnable at best
with dogs: varies; even with those they are raised with they may or may not take a liking
Socialization requirements: extensive for a well mannered, confident and reliable companion
Ideal home characteristics: active lifestyle (these are great jogging partners) with time to devote to a proper rearing and regular activity and interaction
Temperament Notes: Well bred and carefully reared they are confident, exuberant and well mannered; without that they can be sharp shy, aggressive to the point of vicious, nervous, excitable and unreliable
Training requirement: consistent reinforcement, harsh methods will destroy trust and develop resentment and eventually anxieties and other issues
Trainer notes: While this breed is quite intelligent, they are prone to developing anxieties and neurotic behaviors when put under pressure (harsh training methods, excessive repitition, etc.). This is for those who are without issues to begin with. Irresponsible breeding since the release of the FIRST 101 Dalmatians has essentially destroyed the character of this breed since most examples will come from a less than ideal background. Research your breeder carefully, at its best, this breed ranks among the most versatile and interesting dogs in history, at its worse, or with an owner that is not dedicated, it ends up in shelters by the thousands!
Background Information
Year range of first recognition: ancient times, perhaps Egypt
Country of Origin: recognized as Croatia but likely far before that
History: Likely developed in Egypt as a war dog from the Great Dane and Pointers, eventually the companion of Romany Gypsies who transported it and a colorful reputation all over Europe.
Adoption Information
Deviations from Standard: spots can blur, ears solidly patched with color, deafness, eyes mismatched, excessive white with ticking, snipey muzzle,
Health Notes: deafness, skin problems. canine hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism and some neurotic issues like acral lick dermatomas
