Dalmatian Pros and Cons

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DALMATIAN PROS AND CONS

PROS	CONS
Happy, enthusiastic!	Lively, active!
Good family dog.	May be too lively for very young children. Small children should always have adult supervision when playing with ANY dog.
Intelligent, willing to please, quick to learn.	Need gentle, motivational obedience training as early as possible. Not for people who will not set clear limits. Do not respond well to pain avoidance training.
People oriented, excellent house dog and indoor-outdoor companion.	Not a yard/kennel dog - needs to be part of family.
Natural affinity for horses, likes hiking, jogging, biking and rollerblading with owner.	Needs exercise.
Natural watch dog, polite when introduced properly, loyal to family and close friends, will protect when appropriate, not a biter unless provoked.	Puppies require proper socialization with a variety of people. Improperly socialized puppies may become shy or aggressive.
Generally good with other dogs, especially if well-socialized. Many households have multiple Dals (or other breeds).	May be quarrelsome with strange dogs if not properly socialized.
Very easy to groom. Clean and little doggy odor.	Sheds continuously throughout the year - shorthair clings to clothes and furniture.
Generally healthy, easy keepers, little hip dysplasia, very low incidence of eye problems, hardy but short coat makes them unsuitable for staying outdoors in very cold weather.	Deafness affects about 8% of the breed. Buy only a BAER tested puppy. Requires low purine diet to prevent urate stone forming.
A Dalmatian from a reputable breeder makes a wonderful, loving, intelligent, healthy family companion. Adult Dalmatians fromDalmatian Club of America or Dalsavers affiliated rescue groups are ideal for those who do not have the time to devote to raising a puppy.	Popularity has caused irresponsible breeding by greedy commercial breeders and unknowledgeable backyard breeders. Some well-meaning rescuers will place any dog. Buy only from a reputable breeders or adopt from a DCA or Dalsavers affiliated rescue group.

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