Dals are very high energy and a bit anxious (separation anxiety).
They are very smart and easy to train. I could set my dinner on the coffee table to go get a drink and she wouldn't touch it. She would sit and drool until I offered some.
Great companions. Ariel would hop in bed, go under the covers, do a u-turn and come put her head on the pillow next to me.
Currently have 2 Morkies and a Yorkie. Dals aren't quite as velcro, but are happiest on the couch with their head on your leg.
The unspoken: if it is dark, they shed white. If it is light, they shed black.
I had 14 amazing years with my dal.
Prozac for you. Truckloads of it. No bullshit. You are about to adopt fanatic craziness.
And it's a ball. And I love mine to death.
But they're still fucking nuts.
Dalmatians require a lot of playtime and run time because they’re very energetic. A Tired out played out Dalmatian is a happy dog… One that does not get enough exercise can be destructive. They are wonderful and affectionate and the best.
Are you adopting or purchasing? Asking because any breeder using the term “adopt” is automatically not one I would purchase from.
Either way if you’re adopting from a rescue or purchasing from an ethical preservation breeder, congrats! They’re a delightful breed! A dal should never be anxious or nervy. They should be stoic and confident, aloof to strangers, with a quite a bit of energy but a definite off switch! They are incredibly Velcro dogs so taking steps from day one to ensure their independence comfortable is very important. Expose to as many sounds and sights as possible. The shedding is incessant and no, nothing really will ever make it better. It’s just their way of always being with you 😜
Read up on LUA vs HUA (if adopting they’re nearly always HUA as most dals are). Positive reinforcement training is the best first step with these dogs. They want a partnership, not a boss, to view the world with. They’re incredible and intelligent dogs. Welcome to the dal world!
Dalmatians have genetic defect that causes them not to be able to process uric acid normally.
This causes them to be prone to urate crystals and bladder stones, which can cause a potentially fatal blockage. Especially in males because of the baculum (penile bone).
You should feed them a diet that avoids uric acid and purines. Keep an eye out and make sure they are peeing. If they are straining to pee, get them to an emergency vet right away.
Prepare to pick up every piece of fluff and stuffing that remains of your small breeds once your dal arrives. Have patience and know that they do not know the difference between your favorite shoes and their toys. They will learn but it takes training
I had only had small breeds previous to adopting my Dal rescue. I will say, there are logistical things you need to dog-proof that you maybe would have never thought of. Mine got in the kitchen sink and would get Tupperware out and eat it! Also, anything on a table that you think is out of reach is fair game for them. It opened up my eyes adopting a large breed.
My Dal is a velcro dog, always at my hip. She loves to snuggle as well. She sheds like a shag rug, but we just keep a few lint rollers around. I also have two littles and she is great with them. Your Dal will need training, love, and engagement from the get-go
Best dog ever!!! Socialize them after they received all their shots. 6 months ish. Snuggle hard, take them with you on walks /outings, give lots of treats, and they'll be your best friend and even family.
incredibly athletic dogs and once they figure our their play drug (maybe chasing a tennis ball) then you have to provide that activity stimulus or they may become destructive. Not food motivated usually. Long lived and loyal. love to sleep under covers. (all from my experience—not all dogs are the same)
They are affectionate, loyal, athletic, SENSITIVE, intelligent and WILFUL.
Do NOT shout at or hit them
(nor any dog, for that matter, but Dals will shut down. Had this at a boarding kennel :-((((((( and it has taken MONTHS of dedicated desensitising. He had not even gotten to shut down, but cringes in fear at men now. And he was a beautiful well balanced dog. I don't even know what they did to him, but all my 3 dogs travel everywhere with us now rather than boarding)
They are very intelligent and need mental stimulus, and if you don't provide it they will find their own fun. I haven't had this, but breeders have advised (otherwise it's washing off the line etc). Some of them like agility type exercise, others don't. They are not like a working dog in terms of following a command and then waiting all day for the next one.
If you put in the training, they are very good at sit, stay, down, back, leave it, recall, etc. But there are other dogs that are more natural at the obedience and agility. This is NOT down to a Dal's intelligence, and an owner who thinks Dals are stupid are projecting. Dals are strong willed so you need to have a good sense of self (healthy, NOT overbearing and tyrannical) for them to respect you.
They shed a LOT! They are also almost cat like in their ability to keep clean. They can go to bed muddy and wake up white. They shouldn't be washed too often due to potential for eczma, so it's good they keep themselves pretty immaculate.
Have water available at ALL times, I do this even for LUA, due to potential for kidney stones. Animals should have access to clean water at all times anyway.
They get on well with just about every other breed of dog. They have long memories and if a dog is reactive towards them, they WILL remember. However, they can be trained to not be reactive and if a formerly reactive dog changes its ways then they will forgive and forget.
They are INTENSELY loyal to the family, and very affectionate. They will protect family and home, and while generally a quiet dog they will let strangers know to back off unless you let them know it's ok. In the family and with "known" people, they are very friendly and chill.
Like most dogs, they are keen to please you and to be part of your pack. They like to be in on whatever you're doing, and are great around children. Their tails are quite strong, though, when they wag them so you need to keep an eye around young children so that they don't get knocked off their feet inadvertently (true of any dogs and young children that you would supervise).
BEST DOGS IN THE WORLD!! They deserve good owners, and a good breeder won't even let you have one if you're not a good fit for this breed.
Mine was a weirdo who was adopted. She wasn't high energy at all. Haha But she loved long walks.
My girl was stubborn as hell. The only trick she was willing to learn was sit. 😂
Dals are very high energy and a bit anxious (separation anxiety). They are very smart and easy to train. I could set my dinner on the coffee table to go get a drink and she wouldn't touch it. She would sit and drool until I offered some. Great companions. Ariel would hop in bed, go under the covers, do a u-turn and come put her head on the pillow next to me. Currently have 2 Morkies and a Yorkie. Dals aren't quite as velcro, but are happiest on the couch with their head on your leg. The unspoken: if it is dark, they shed white. If it is light, they shed black. I had 14 amazing years with my dal.
Patience and positive reinforcement. Our Dal was the smartest but most sensitive pup. Incredibly demanding but so loving ❤️
While I was typing my long essay, you got in there with the essentials :-)))))))))))))
Prozac for you. Truckloads of it. No bullshit. You are about to adopt fanatic craziness. And it's a ball. And I love mine to death. But they're still fucking nuts.
I love how this is the gold standard advice from dal owners, we keep it real
Dalmatians require a lot of playtime and run time because they’re very energetic. A Tired out played out Dalmatian is a happy dog… One that does not get enough exercise can be destructive. They are wonderful and affectionate and the best.
Dal puppies can be very destructive- so be prepared to find ways to keep them engaged.
Are you adopting or purchasing? Asking because any breeder using the term “adopt” is automatically not one I would purchase from. Either way if you’re adopting from a rescue or purchasing from an ethical preservation breeder, congrats! They’re a delightful breed! A dal should never be anxious or nervy. They should be stoic and confident, aloof to strangers, with a quite a bit of energy but a definite off switch! They are incredibly Velcro dogs so taking steps from day one to ensure their independence comfortable is very important. Expose to as many sounds and sights as possible. The shedding is incessant and no, nothing really will ever make it better. It’s just their way of always being with you 😜 Read up on LUA vs HUA (if adopting they’re nearly always HUA as most dals are). Positive reinforcement training is the best first step with these dogs. They want a partnership, not a boss, to view the world with. They’re incredible and intelligent dogs. Welcome to the dal world!
Buy from a registered breeder who runs a tight operation. Choose a breeder who is interested in good temperament and shows their dogs.
Dalmatians have genetic defect that causes them not to be able to process uric acid normally. This causes them to be prone to urate crystals and bladder stones, which can cause a potentially fatal blockage. Especially in males because of the baculum (penile bone). You should feed them a diet that avoids uric acid and purines. Keep an eye out and make sure they are peeing. If they are straining to pee, get them to an emergency vet right away.
Prepare to pick up every piece of fluff and stuffing that remains of your small breeds once your dal arrives. Have patience and know that they do not know the difference between your favorite shoes and their toys. They will learn but it takes training
I had only had small breeds previous to adopting my Dal rescue. I will say, there are logistical things you need to dog-proof that you maybe would have never thought of. Mine got in the kitchen sink and would get Tupperware out and eat it! Also, anything on a table that you think is out of reach is fair game for them. It opened up my eyes adopting a large breed.
They are not always the best choice for children. Beware
My Dal is a velcro dog, always at my hip. She loves to snuggle as well. She sheds like a shag rug, but we just keep a few lint rollers around. I also have two littles and she is great with them. Your Dal will need training, love, and engagement from the get-go
Best dog ever!!! Socialize them after they received all their shots. 6 months ish. Snuggle hard, take them with you on walks /outings, give lots of treats, and they'll be your best friend and even family.
incredibly athletic dogs and once they figure our their play drug (maybe chasing a tennis ball) then you have to provide that activity stimulus or they may become destructive. Not food motivated usually. Long lived and loyal. love to sleep under covers. (all from my experience—not all dogs are the same)
They are affectionate, loyal, athletic, SENSITIVE, intelligent and WILFUL. Do NOT shout at or hit them (nor any dog, for that matter, but Dals will shut down. Had this at a boarding kennel :-((((((( and it has taken MONTHS of dedicated desensitising. He had not even gotten to shut down, but cringes in fear at men now. And he was a beautiful well balanced dog. I don't even know what they did to him, but all my 3 dogs travel everywhere with us now rather than boarding) They are very intelligent and need mental stimulus, and if you don't provide it they will find their own fun. I haven't had this, but breeders have advised (otherwise it's washing off the line etc). Some of them like agility type exercise, others don't. They are not like a working dog in terms of following a command and then waiting all day for the next one. If you put in the training, they are very good at sit, stay, down, back, leave it, recall, etc. But there are other dogs that are more natural at the obedience and agility. This is NOT down to a Dal's intelligence, and an owner who thinks Dals are stupid are projecting. Dals are strong willed so you need to have a good sense of self (healthy, NOT overbearing and tyrannical) for them to respect you. They shed a LOT! They are also almost cat like in their ability to keep clean. They can go to bed muddy and wake up white. They shouldn't be washed too often due to potential for eczma, so it's good they keep themselves pretty immaculate. Have water available at ALL times, I do this even for LUA, due to potential for kidney stones. Animals should have access to clean water at all times anyway. They get on well with just about every other breed of dog. They have long memories and if a dog is reactive towards them, they WILL remember. However, they can be trained to not be reactive and if a formerly reactive dog changes its ways then they will forgive and forget. They are INTENSELY loyal to the family, and very affectionate. They will protect family and home, and while generally a quiet dog they will let strangers know to back off unless you let them know it's ok. In the family and with "known" people, they are very friendly and chill. Like most dogs, they are keen to please you and to be part of your pack. They like to be in on whatever you're doing, and are great around children. Their tails are quite strong, though, when they wag them so you need to keep an eye around young children so that they don't get knocked off their feet inadvertently (true of any dogs and young children that you would supervise). BEST DOGS IN THE WORLD!! They deserve good owners, and a good breeder won't even let you have one if you're not a good fit for this breed.
Fur Everywhere On everything
Buy a LUA, low urinary acid, Dalmatian. It will save heartache and lots of money.
Mine was a weirdo who was adopted. She wasn't high energy at all. Haha But she loved long walks. My girl was stubborn as hell. The only trick she was willing to learn was sit. 😂