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Dalmations
I have been looking for a Dalmation as a family pet, but can't find any around where I live. Does anyone have any ideas on how to find a Dalmation for sale or adoption. I have been to the humane society where I live and they said that they haven't had any in a year and a half now. I would imagine they are very expensive. Does anyone know how much they ususally go for? I have raised German Shephards before and have found plenty of them round here. But before I got another German Shepherd I just wanted to see if I could find any dalmation's. Also, I have been told that dalmations are very high maintance dogs and also very crazy. I have a 3 year old daughter. Are they aggresive towards children? I want a dog that is protective of the house and family but not aggressive of children. The reason I have been after a bigger dog is cause a couple days after moving here and getting this new job, our house was bulgarized and we were robbed. The cop's say they can't do nothing bout it so I want to put a dog in the house. Anyone with any ideas?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Paul Schroader on
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I have a german shepherd and an American bulldog (if you have never seen one, imagine a boxxer, just a hair shorter and with more bulk, or if you crossed a boxxer and pit bull). both dogs are sweet as can be to me and anyone I let in teh door, but as soon as someone comes in they dont know, and I dont let in, thye better have a really good toy, bacon strips, or the legs of michael johnson. I trust both dogs fully around todlers, even ones that like to pull tails and poke eyes. However the only dalmations I have ever encountered were not so friendly, although they were not familiar with me. My opinion, dalmations are pretty on old fire trucks in parades, and german shepards are smarter than most middle school honor students, and loyal, loyal, loyal. My german shepherd has been on a leash once, I dont need one for him becasue he will not get far from me and will come imediatley to me no matter what if i call, the bulldog is more curious and requires a bit of restraint sometimes.
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Oh i know, get a rotwieler, a bull mastif, pretty sure either one of them could take a black bear out. and when they bark it shakes the floors.
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Permalink Reply by ee779 on
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As a Dalmation owner, I can tell you from experience, they are very lovable house dogs. They are also very protective, but not good with young children because they don't know thier own strength! (they like to jump up to give puppy kisses) Dals, generaly do not get along with other animals, mine has caught 2 rabbits and several birds that found thier way into the yard. All in all, I couldn't have asked for a better watch dog or friend! As far as finding one for adoption I'll check with our local SPCA if you still want one.
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Permalink Reply by 81fyrman on
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check the internet for breeders and rescues. neighbor had one for a while and they are difficult to train. I was told they are all deaf or at least hard of hearing.
If you want a great family dog think about a boxer. they are great family dogs protective and great w/ kids. 8-10 yr lifespan is typical, energetic, but sometimes stubbern. incrediibly smart. my parents had one and I had an offspring. they are great animals.
Mine was older when my daughter was born and he tolerated her like she was around his entire life. He was very protective of her and my now X and I never worried about them being home alone when I was gone. they are short haired so you dont have as much hair as you would w/ a sheppard or other long haired dog.
Good Luck
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Permalink Reply by Wesley King on
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Yeah I had a boxer once, too. They really are good dogs, but another one that is hard to find round here. If someone is getting rid of one, they usually go fast. And what is the "SCPA"? Well, of course, I still want one, but I have never heard of any SCPA?
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Permalink Reply by Tony Leonard,Jr. on
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As a former Dalmation owner I can tell you that not many people are breeding them anymore.Mostly because of the Health problems due to over breeding.They are not all deaf,McKenzie wasn't.But he did end up getting dignosed with Epilepsy.And I have the scares to prove it.I can tell you that I've never had a more faithful and protective friend.my best memory of "Mac" is when we went to the Hall for a fire call,as i got out of the car and ran to my gear i didnt notice him getting out.As I ran up to the truck(our old LaFrance)I saw him sitting on the engine cover howling with the House Siren.As I climbed up in the jump seat,he started barking as if to say"Lets Go".I sure miss him.You would be better off adopting one,than taking a risk on a puppy.And Firefighting is in thier blood.
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Just so you know Dalmations are not hard to train at all, they are rather smart. Allthough it is true deafness and hip problems are a trait Dals are noted for, it isn't as common as people think. The vet told me to avoid liver and bone problems, keep the dog on a low protien diet. I'm happy to say mine is 11 years old and is still as playfull as when I got her, at 7 weeks old. I did find though shedding is a problem they do shed 24/7/365.
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Permalink Reply by Oldman on
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http://www.dalmatianrescue.com/
The link is a good place to start. Owning a Dalmatian is not the same as having the more common breeds. Be prepared for a VERY active pet. They are by breed very hyper, love to jump, and require the space and time to run every day, even when it's cold, raining, etc. Dalmatians are very social dogs and thrive on human interaction, and are especially gentle around children. Most do not like being left alone. They have a host of health issues which are more common in this breed than others. Over-breeding, and cross-breeding have made them more susceptible to early hearing loss. They are more prone to heart worms, and epilepsy is common. Dalmatians shed more than any other breed, as their coat is constantly being replaced which should be considered if you are going to keep the dog inside. Even with daily brushing, you will have fur everywhere. I would recommend starting with a puppy or a young dog around your child instead of adopting an older ( > 1yr) dog. I used to take mine to schools, and PR events and never had a concern about her biting. Of course there are exceptions to the rule. If I were inclined to get another dog, I would not hesitate to get another Dalmatian. Hope this helps.
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Permalink Reply by Steven Eldridge on
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You know whey Dalmations were used in the fire service? Back in the day when the engin was pulled by horese the Dalmations were trained to run along the carrige and protect the horses from other dogs. I am sure there were other uses for the Dalmation but that is jsut one.
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Permalink Reply by Dave on
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Actually, Dalmations have been given that reputation but truth be told...they are not the exclusive breed. Infact, they get the rep because they are attractive dogs. The truth is, to protect the horses they would use the meaniest dog they could find to keep others away from the horses. Any dog would do, as long as it would tear your ass up if you got too close to the horses.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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Hi from Santa Barbara. At one point, I had two dalmations. What a nightmare!!! I have met some really impressive dalmations in the past but as a rule, the are high energy and high maintenance. You need a HUGE yard because they love to run around. If they have nothing to do and get bored then you really have to worry. Remember why firefighters used the breed in the first place.
1. They were able to run and keep up with the hose wagons.
2. They are very protective of what they think is theirs. This includes guarding your house and kids.
3. They are very loyal and loving dogs.
4. It's cool if your a firefighter to own one.
With all that being said, I wanted to share that when my wife was a 911 dispatcher, she received a call from an RP complaining that her neighbors two dalmations had dug under the backyard fence and dug up two recently planted trees in her backyard. The kind of funny part was that they had pulled one of the trees under the fence and were chewing on it in their own backyard. What wasn't funny was the fact that they were my dalmations...
Good luck with your decision. Tortoises are less maintenance...
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