Thinking of getting a Dalmatian....

[galaxy]

.... please someone tell me if I'm making the wrong choice!

I've never had a dog of my own. However I used to live with my ex's family and they had a Retreiver pup, terriers and some sort of colllie cross. I've also house sat for people, mainly to look after their horses, but ended up with dogs and all sorts. So I think I'm not a complete dog ignoramous!

I don't think it'll be in the imediate future as the house we live in at the moment is a 2 bed end of terrace, and I always thought that a dog should have it's own "room" even if it's the kitchen - you couldn't swing a cat in my kitchen! Sensible?

So this is what I want from a dog, and what my life is like....

1. I'm a horse riding instructor. So...
a) need a breed that has a good reputation with horses (obviously I realsie training and correct intoduction is necessary)
b)The dog will hardly be left alone as it can come with me to my clients.

2. a short haired dog (just can't be doing with the grooming, mud etc!)

3. Good with children (again, I realise the importance of training, but just reputation) I don't have children at the moment, but will at some point

4. I'm completely up for long walks etc! I spend hours up the yard which is 32 acres too, so lots of space.

5. Just not into terriers, and love big dogs.

So, what do you think? Have I missed anything? Feel free to ask questions or suggest other breeds.

 

[cellie]

Two of my friends have dalmations.They both have 4 or 5 kids so thats not a problem as these dogs love to be busy.They do need lots of excercise.The only down side is they are sometimes slow to mature and need lots of training.They are good with horses which is a big plus for you.One of my friends oh does alot of cycling and she loves running beside the bike I suppose this is what they were trained to do being linked to coach horses.Make sure you check out for blindness alot have inherited eye problems from inter breeding .I have a golden retreiver lovely dog and great with my horses but not a good combination with all the mud down the stables lol

 

[galaxy]

Thanks for that! Hadn't heard about blindness. I've also heard that deafness is a problem and to make sure that it's BAER tested. I'm also going to get one that KC registered cause I thought that it's more likely to be from a reputable breeder... Is that the case? Or just an assumption?

 

[catherine22]

what about weimeraners? I have 2 and they both fill all your criteria. check out the weimeraner rescue centres if you dont want a puppy. thats where mine are from

 

[cellie]

Not sure but I would always buy from kc registered at least you have a governing body to go back to.I think they are lovely dogs and would love one myself but the amount of excercise would be a problem now I have two horses and 3 children to look after .Not enough hours in the day Im afraid.

 

[virtual]

Deafness is a problem in dalmations, but not blindness as far as I'm aware (we've bred 6 generations of show and pet standard). All reputable breeders will have had them BAER tested for deafness and they should come with (or forward you on) a certificate.

Other than that, I agree with what cellie has said entirely. They're fantastic dogs, but do need loads of exercise and discipline, and they're complete theifs for anything edible! The dogs tend to be larger than bitches.

 

[galaxy]

Question (now I'm gonna sound ignorant ha ha!). I've seen litters of puppies advertised from birth, saying deposit secures puppy. I understand that and that's fine. But I think I'm right in saying the BAER test isn't done until they're 6 weeks old. If they failed the test, would a (decent I suppose) breeder give you the deposit back? I know there's bound to be the odd charlatan, but in general, what's the done thing?

Virtual - I think the dog would have a worthy opponent in food stealing with my OH!! Ha ha!

 

[cellie]

Having a blonde moment I meant to write deafness whoops!!!!!!!!

 

[cellie]

Am I right in thinking that you cant detect it very early which is a bit awkward when picking a puppy.My friend bred from hers and she had one that was deaf so it must be quite common.

 

[CAYLA]

The ones I have met or we have rehomed have been on the aggressive and stupid side, whilst they can be a boisterous head strong breed...no doubt feckless ownership has a great deal to do with the mature product...you sound very sensible and clued up....The key to a nice friendly dog is socialise socialise, socialise, with both humans and other dogs.
These dogs need alot of exercise and it sounds like you can offer this, they are very head strong dogs, with immense strength and power body wise...esp the larger breed ones.
Crate train in the puppy stages and avoid the destruction, and put in all the work and effort whilst young to mould a well behaved dog....because as a breed that needs exercise and stimulation...when left alone or bored...they can be very destructive.

Ps I would never have a dalmation myself

There hair gets everywhere, nothing worse than white hair,...like needles..*itches self* just thinking about it

 

[galaxy]

I have a white horse, so more white hairs will go unnoticed!

Crate training, I've heard of that. My friend did it with her JR. Something that went through my mind though in comparison to the pup I lived with, is how do you litter train a crate trained dog?

 

[CAYLA]

The crate helps to houseor litter...lol..sounds like a cat

A dog is less lightly to pass motions in it's own space as opposed to dumping one on the floor

and being able to walk away from it...in a crate they have to sit with it and smell it...so will be be more enclined to keep the motion in.
It's alot easier to train from a smaller space to a larger space...then the other way around.

I have dogs that love being in their crates....If introduced positively...ie always assosiate the crate with positive reward...feeding, treats, long lasting treats....given whilst placed in the crate...always encourages them to look forward to spending time in there.

You can the get the puppy used to the routine of crate to garden...every time it has spent time in the crate...eventually...the puppy will go to the door everytime it's released from the crate...u can give a command and treat
upon passing a motion outside for extra encouragement and reward to assosiate with the action.

The crate is great for times when the puppy is left unsupervised for it's own safety and can not start any bad habits..like chewing, you can so get a good night sleep and night routine by using the crate for bedtime.
AND...you can get a crate for the car...to secure dog whilst travelling...and learn him/her to settle in the car at times when u may need to leave him/her in there for periods whilst with clients or at times when u have to leave her in there.
I love crates...they save a lot of hassle and bad behavior...and trying to introduce an older dog to a crate....can be a nightmare and stressfull for the dog...so best to start when they are babies.

By the time they are mature...chances are u wont need to use the crate again.

 

[galaxy]

Thanks, for that! VERY interesting and makes perfect sense! Will definitly do more research on techniques, but I think I would go for that.

 

[prose]

The firehouse across the street has a Dalmatian mascot, Twenty. She's superb with people of all shapes and sizes, very sensible (roams outside the firehouse, unleashed, alongside a very busy road; takes herself to the gutter to pee

; rides in the firetruck with her head sticking out) but she is very unpredictable with other dogs. Hates mine, and most other females, and this dog has literally been socialised to the nth degree.

 

[virtual]

A good breeder would definately give you your money back if the dog failed BAER testing. We don't ask for a deposit - we're inundated with people, so as long as they sound like good homes, people go on a list starting with the first to say they want one, and if anyone pulls out, there's always someone else further down the list to contact. We also don't let anyone choose a specific puppy until after hearing tests (they can be tested at any time over 4 weeks) although they're welcome to come and see the litter. It's heartbreaking to choose a pup, take photos of it etc and find it's been PTS due to deafness (the few deaf ones we've had have been PTS). Some will have hearing in one ear, and are absolutley fine for pet homes, but not for breeding, as it is genetic. The same goes for pups with a patch over the eye or ear (you can see 3rd from the left in this pic of mine has a patch)

This is Spike, our first "dog dog"! He's 9 months old

 

[Marnie]

My friend was a vet nurse and a litter came in from a breeder to be tested for deafness and one was deaf. My friend had always wanted a dalmatian but couldn't afford one at the time and the breeder agreed that she could have this puppy as long as she spayed her and never bred from her. Deli (Delinquent Delilah!) was a lovely dog, my friend was called up (she was in the auxillary airforce) during the Iraq war, and I took over her care and had her until she had to be PTS when we found she had a brain tumour. She was a lovely dog and very well trained to hand signals - she constantly watched you and was more obedient than most dogs! She was also unusual for a dalmatian in that her favourite pass time was sleeping - preferably on the sofa or bed! You could take her anywhere and she would just curl up and sleep. As someone mentioned, the hair was horrendous, I swear that they were alive and could wiggle into your clothes, carpet, furniture - I still find them 2 years on from her being PTS!

Sorry, got a bit long, but it is nice to remember what a wonderful dog she was!

 

[LindaW]

I had a rescue Dal, and have to say I'd have another in a flash. She was 7 months when I got her, was easy to train, liv ely, fun a real clown who always made me smile. Was fab around the horses and used to trot around Epsom Downs with me on long hacks. She loved agility too.

She was deaf in one ear, and the only problem it seemed to cause was her sometimes being unable to place me when I called her.

 

[echodomino]

What about a HPR, like a Weimaraner, German Shorthaired Pointer or a Hungarian Vizsla?

 

[CheziBrown]

My Mum has a dalmation and he is fab - is a very sweet kind natured dog if not a bit silly at times ! He's brilliant with kids, I have a 4 year old and whilst would never leave him alone with him as I wouldn't with any dog, I feel like I can trust him completely. My mum also got a kitten recently who he has taken on as his own. They both sleep curled up together in his bed and clean each other. They do need lots and lots of exercise, they used to used to protect coach/horses and run alongside them so they never ever seem to get worn out !! He's not got an aggressive bone in his body, we took him for a walk last week, was off the lead all the way lots of people/other dogs fine, then had him on the lead when going back to the car when someone had their dogs off the lead and they ran up to him and started attacking him. He didn't even realiate. Only downside is they mault like mad, everytime I go I come back covered in white hairs - although he never ever seems to be mucky and I guess this is why because it's comes off all over the house and doesn't stay on him !!

He's a great dog, if I didn't love German Shepherds so much I would get one.

 

[JACQSZOO]

We have a damnation. Shes nearly 10 now - we rescued her when she was 2. Shes a quirky dog and incredibly stupid. Shes not your loopy dal though - she likes nothing better than too fall asleep on your lap. Would I have another? Not a chance. Love her dearly though I do they shed all year round and as Cala says their hair gets everywhere and because it is quite short its weaves itself into fabrics, carpets and upholstery and is a nightmare to get out! I have to hoover everyday wherever shes been, usually twice!!

 

[Emsibuddy]

One of my neighbours has a dalmation. His owner loves him and I have heard of him telling his workmen to get in the back of the van so the dog can sit in the passenger seat

I can't count how many times I've seen that dog in that van.

He is very well trained and his owner can take him on main roads without a lead, (i know its dangerous, i don't do it with mine, but he does) and the dog knows exactly when to cross and waits on the pavement etc. He is very well behaved.

I think dalmations can be great dogs if they have the right training , and are given time and exercise. Otherwise , like all dogs, they'll go the wrong way.

This is my only knowledge of dalmations so i hope it helps you in some way or another!

 

[Cop-Pop]

My aunt has one - he's a fab dog but he is the most intelligent dog I've come across. He figured out how to open doors, cupboards - she once left him for two hours (he was normally left for abt three hours a day) and came back to find he had pulled the carpet to one sode (good dog) before pulling all the floor boards up!!

He lives outside now (the moved to Oz) and is much better behaved.

 

[Blythebeck]

A GSP would love that sort of life you are offering. I sold a pup to a lady who owned an equestrian centre and he loves it there.

 

[The Original Kao]

[ QUOTE ]
.... please someone tell me if I'm making the wrong choice!

I've never had a dog of my own. However I used to live with my ex's family and they had a Retreiver pup, terriers and some sort of colllie cross. I've also house sat for people, mainly to look after their horses, but ended up with dogs and all sorts. So I think I'm not a complete dog ignoramous!

I don't think it'll be in the imediate future as the house we live in at the moment is a 2 bed end of terrace, and I always thought that a dog should have it's own "room" even if it's the kitchen - you couldn't swing a cat in my kitchen! Sensible?

So this is what I want from a dog, and what my life is like....

1. I'm a horse riding instructor. So...
a) need a breed that has a good reputation with horses (obviously I realsie training and correct intoduction is necessary)
b)The dog will hardly be left alone as it can come with me to my clients.

2. a short haired dog (just can't be doing with the grooming, mud etc!)

3. Good with children (again, I realise the importance of training, but just reputation) I don't have children at the moment, but will at some point

4. I'm completely up for long walks etc! I spend hours up the yard which is 32 acres too, so lots of space.

5. Just not into terriers, and love big dogs.

So, what do you think? Have I missed anything? Feel free to ask questions or suggest other breeds.

[/ QUOTE ]

going by the criteria (which was mine when i was looking for a dog, i work around horses too and i have a kid) i'd go for a labarador. we have a black lab and she's all of the above. great with kids, all animals as she's grown up around pet rats, rabbits, chinchillas and when she was 18 months we got a kitten and she's fab with him. she's also great around the horses.
we also have a great dane puppy who is also the same. but i'd say a lab over a great dane

 

[WelshRareBit]

Not that I have ever known one but dont dalmations suffer from 'sudden rage' syndrome?
Has anyone got any experience of this? Ive read about it but never met anyone with any real life experience of it.

 

[imafluffybunny]

I have 2 Dalmations, (a dog and a bitch) they are completely mad, although there is nothing more satisfying at the end of the day seeing them fast asleep after good exercise! they are the sweetest and most loyal dogs i have ever had, the dog is better natured with people, especially children and other dogs - although he is much bigger! - i have since read that dogs are better natured.
They both get on great with my cat and my horses and the many dogs that visit my house, the hair is troublesome but i have seen other dogs that moult worse.
I would reccomend a dalmation to someone who has the time and patience and someone who will give them a lot of exercise, my dogs usually get up to 10 miles a day! As they are used to a lot of exercise they have learned that home time is sleep time.
Both of my dogs are crate trained, this is very helpful when you have not had time to clean up your kitchen as they are very good at stealing from the kitchen worktop!
PM me if you have any other questions.