I think this breed is beautiful, but what are the pro's and con's please.

Where do I start? They're very needy and demanding, but very loving and loyal. They're very active, but they're never boring. They're very intelligent and don't tolerate boredom - they'll find something to do - and it can ber a very destructive something! They shed hair continually, and occasionally moult like a snowstorm on top. They have a special dietary need which owners need to be aware of. They're very late maturers - they start to mentally grow up at about 8 years of age. They're generally very people-orientated but males can be iffy with other dogs. They're very sensitive emotionally, and can be very wilful. Training has to be done working with them rather against them - they never, ever forget harsh treatment.

I'm sure I'll think of more!

..............very greedy and shocking thieves. :D

I'd blanked that bit out of my brain!

Dal owners have to have a sense of humour, and a distinct lack of house-proudedness (I'm sure that's not a word, but 'house-pride' doesn't seem right either!). And never have to wear black or navy clothes. Learn to love those hairs! :D

Split tails are quite common, simply because they wag so much - and those lashing tails hurt when they whack you on the legs. They generally love children, even if they're not brought up with them, but can be too boisterous for safety. It's very unusual for a dal to be aggressive to people. They think they're lap dogs. They badly need human company - they're not a breed for a household where they'll be left all day. They don't thrive in a kennel - to be shut away from their human family is about the worst punishment you can give them.

Thank you for the quick replies, they are beautiful but i dont think Dalmatians are for me after all. :)

A lot of people I meet when out with mine say 'I used to have one once" or "I know someone who had one once".  Not many people seem to repeat the experience

They seem to be a breed that, after one, you either have to have more or you run screaming from the room at the very idea of another! No half measures.

They do have the softest fur tho! :D Really silky!

(Stands up and applauds) :-D

Can I just say well done to Tricolours. It's brilliant that you're finding out about different breeds' traits, not basing your decision on looks, and knowing that some traits wouldn't suit you. If more people were like you our shelters would have less dogs in them. :)

I agree - it's very refreshing to find someone doing their research before buying the pup! Good for you, Tricolours! :) :)

I'll agree with that - it's great to see someone carefully considering which breed will suit them, I wish more people did this.

I feel so strongly about it I'm going to try and persuade our training club to run a 'pre puppy' course for people who are thinking of buying a dog, not only will they be able to benefit from advise about how to choose a breed and a breeder, but they will also be able to try a few 'hands on' basic activities with existing members dogs.

We've had a few on our puppy courses with quite unsuitable dogs, so hopefully if we can make a few people think a bit more it will be worth it.

Claire :)

Thats nice of you to say so everyone. I think its important to find out about a breed before buying, even though Dalys are so beautiful. :)

They are beautiful! I have always fancied one myself, as they are attractive to look at, and they would match my Appaloosa (spotted) horses. :-) I am just not sure I am ready for one at the moment though. Our Golden is so easy, it's almost like there isn't a dog in the house, she is an absolute saint.

My friend has a Dal, and he is wonderful, but very stressy and highly strung. I have had him here for the odd day when they have taken their children out, and he always spends the first 30 mins crying for his human family, despite being great friends with my Golden. He regularly splits his tail, and it is like a whip if it hits you. He will also eat anything in site, and the list is quite shicking! He put away a whole 15KG sack of complete food, including the sack, in one sitting once. He is also extremely bouncy, and impossible to tire out. He is very faithful and loving though.

Maybe one day when my children are older. Whoever said Goldens were born half-trained wasn't kidding. :-)

and if my friends is anything to go by, Dals die half trained lovely but a complete nut job.
Mary

My friend has the most beautiful Dalmatian bitch. She's a lovely dog but very highly strung, very needy and fussy about everything! I looked after her for him for a week and took her out in the car - never again! She howled all the way as she was so excited, it was really annoying. Not to mention those little white hairs that I kept finding, weeks later, embedded into the seats of the car!! I wouldn't have a Dal but I love them as a breed :-)