Dalmations: my fiance wants one, but I have heard that they are
dangerous. Definitive comments, please.

Hello jimbaen-ga:

I undertook this assignement because I am myself a dog lover and have
seen my brother own three or four different kinds.

ANSWER

Most people assume that dalmation is a nice dog and that is the
because of its rather friendly looks. Instinctly, they go and buy
themselves a puppy. I myself agree that this natural instict without
any question is right because Dalmations are not a dangerous dog
breed.

So why do some people caution that it is dangerous to own? Actually,
Dalmation is a large dog breed with an agile, muscular body and
powerful jaws. Also, the breed started as a carriage dog that ran
beside the horse pulled carriages and developed great endurance and
stamina that have few matches in the dog world.
This natural quality requires all dalmations to remain active and
agile. Few owners neglect this inbred 'need' and do not provide them
with the proper excercise and outdoor activities. Most Kennel clubs
warn that in this case, the dalmation may get irritated and may pose
behavior problems.

Secondly, it is generally accepted that no matter what, dalmation need
bahavior training. It is because it is one of the few dogs that can be
adopted as either a guard or a family dog. Just because of this reason
there is a need to tell the dog who is stranger and who is family. If
not properly distinguished, it can take a family friend for a
stranger. AND dalmations are known to vigrously defend their families.

Another reason for it being called dangerous is that dalmation is a
large breed that remains active indoors and outdoors and some families
didn't quite care about toddlers and very small childrens who might
provoke the 'Big' dog. For example, we all know about few toddlers and
kids who will do anything with the dog. Now if a dalmation is not
trained and even if it is trained and mostly kept indoors, it might
get irritated very quickly. It is strongly advisable that families
with samll kids need to be vary of this behavior.

The American Kennel Club describes Dalmation as a shy dog. Although,
most private websites and dog owners will not agree with it but I must
strongly suggest that yes it can be a shy dog. That means that it may
need time to know who really is my friend.

From the above discussion it can be concluded that the dalmation has
to be provided with plently of excercise, it needs bahavior training
and families with small kids should be cautious.

Overall, the popularity of dalmation increased because it is
considered a great dog who is very friendly with its owners and its
family. I have even heard stories about dalmation's passionate
affection towards its owners. It must be stressed here that No Kennel
club in the world describe this dog to be dangerous. Altough, they
warn you that it just needs little attention and care so it can be
groomed into a great great life partner.

All in all, if properly trained a dalmation is a very intelligent and
friendly breed.

I will like you to use two important keywords in the Google search
engine to provide you with the precise information that may help you.
I checked these two keywords and thaught that they might be very
useful. These are:

1. 'dalmation temperament'
2. 'dalmation characteristics'

I very much liked these informative pages.

Pet World Online 'Dalmation'
http://www.petworldonline.net/dalmation2.htm

Pedigree 'Dalmation'
http://www.pedigree.com.au/breeds/breeds.asp?b=6&p=d

Dog Breed Info 'Dalmation'
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/dalmatian.htm

I will also like you to consult these reputable clubs for more information.

Continental Kennel Club
http://www.ckcusa.com
American Kennel Club
http://www.akc.org
United Kennel Club
http://www.ukcdogs.com
Kennel Club of Great Britain
http://www.the-kennel-club.org.uk
National Kennel Club
http://www.nationalkennelclub.com

I hope this will help. Please clarify, if you don't feel satisfied
with my answer. I will be obliged to serve your needs.

Sincerely,
leader-ga.

I found all the answers, including this one, to tip way to far in not
being unkind to Dalmations. What I really needed to know was are the
darned things inclined to bite! I was able to infer that yes, they
are, by burrowing through the answers.

Hello jimbaen,

I'm a Golden Retriever person myself, but I do know that Dalmations
are prone to be born deaf.  The number I've seen is 12%-20% are born
deaf.  How you test them for deafness when young pups I don't know,
but it is something to be aware of.

"10. Health: Dalmatians are generally healthy except for deafness.
About 12-20% of Dals are deaf and should not be purchased by anyone
but the most experienced owner. Dals can get bladder stones and should
eat a diet low in purines (liver, heart, beef). Mine eat lamb and
rice."
http://www.joycefay.com/breedrescue/Dal.shtml

Best regards

THX1138

Hi jimbaen,

My son has a beautiful dalmation named Daisy.
She is a very friendly ( overly so ) dog who likes nothing better but
to drape herself all over people who sit next to her. However, when
she was younger, and even a a bit now, she was a VERY active and hyper
dog.Dalmations DO need lots and lots of exercise!!!!!!!!!!!
She is also very afraid of cats...lol

Steph53

As a person who works with an animal rescue agency, I'd like to offer
a bit of advice. Never choose a pet merely because you like the way it
looks. Animals are not decorative items; as with human beings, there
is an important dimension to a pet that transcends its appearance.

I suggest that you and your fiancee visit a local Dalmatian Rescue
organization (most cities have one) and spend some time with the dogs.
Although there are breed-typical characteristics, each Dalmatian is a
unique individual. To have a better insight into what your prospective
pet will be like, I suggest adopting an adult dog rather than a pup.
Adults may not be as cute, but they are just as loving, and you can
more easily discern the personality of your new pet if you choose a
mature dog.

It sounds to me, from the answers I am getting, that Dalmations are
horribly dangerous, i.e., that owning one is rather like having a Dr
Jeckyl/Mr Hyde personality in one's home; mr Hyde is just _waiting_ to
be let loose so he can tear the arms off a neighbor's children.

Thanks for the info!