Dalmation query

[DiamondISH]

Anyone got experience of dalmation ownership? Are they good pets with children. Any negatives to ownership?

Advice most welcome.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

When I was around 10, I had a friend in school that had one. All I can say is that their past, at least the part that involved following horsecarriages, is not gone. They need physical exercise.
In other hand, we could do lots of things with her, like walking, training agility and she didn't get tired of us.

from Sweden.

 

[CAYLA]

We have had a fair few through our rescue, to be honest, and dalmation owners may disagree with me

But they would be no where near my top choice of dog when recommending a family pet, they are willfull, need a firm hand, boisterous, need a LOT of mental and physical exercise, they are certainly not for the faint hearted.
They are stubborn and strong, and it you get an aggressive one, they really mean business.
They are a breed that would take destruction to the limits if not given the time and energy they deserve and thrive on, so good training and a crate is a must

The above makes them sound like the dog from hell

However, if you are willing to educate yourself, on the breed and it's needs and put in the time and energy to mould yourself a well trained dog, and take advice when you need it, just like any other breed then go for it.

 

[SilverSkye]

We have a dalmation cross ( the other 1/2 is akita) She is a gorgeous dog and i wouldnt swap her for the world but....... she is boisterous, i can take her out and do 10 miles walking while i ride and she will still be full of it afterwards, she is very protective of the house ( although i think that is the akita side!) when we 1st had her ( as a 14 week old rescue pup) she would quite happily of eaten every pair of shoes we own, however she is the most loyal dog despite her constant energy she is a pleasure to have about, and great with kids ( although we have to keep an eye on her as she is large and as i said before boisturous and likely to knock them over and lick them death)
We couldnt ask for a better dog to suit our lifestyle, however if you dont have the time to provide lots and lots of mental and physical stimulation i would look at a different breed, if you do hopefully you will end up with a friend for life like we have.

 

[Blanche]

I have had a fair few over the years and they make great family pets -for the right people. But that goes for any breed , you need to match breed to lifestyle. Dallies are a high energy breed and can go all day so if you are a fair weather walker they are not for you. They wag their tails for England and knock things off tables etc. They are a sensitive breed and don't take to aggressive or forceful training that some people still use but tend to be VERY food orientated so that helps most people with training . I have had dallies when my children were very young and never had any problems at all . They can be big though so may knock a child down unintentially. Someone mentioned aggression but I have never heard of or met an agressive dallie but thats not to say they don't exist . It could stem from bad handling or treatment from a previous owner but is not common . The biggest problems are the white hairs( They only shed twice a year -the first six months of the year and the second six months!) and their huge appetite- they will tend to eat anything ( and I do mean anything !!).

 

[FinnishLapphund]

Quote ( They only shed twice a year -the first six months of the year and the second six months!)

from Sweden.