Anyone who can tell me what owning a Dalmatian is like ?

[strawberrymilkshake123]

I've wanted one since I was a child. Anybody with any real life, ( spots and all), experience ?

Oh yeah, I had forgotten about the prey drive! OP seriously, don't go there. They are rare for a reason. If Dodie Smith had never written those books, the breed would have died out in the 50's for good reason.

Walking vet bill.

My friend had a Dalmatian when we were in our late teens and 20's. I used to look after it when she was away but it was very much a one person dog and not especially happy about it. Wasnt snappy though and didn't need tons of exercise or entertaining once grown, just reluctant to do much without her there. Was a really nice dog when she was. I remember taking it out in my car one day and years later when I sold the car after many a valet the tiny needle like hairs were still woven into the upholstery.

Totally bonkers til they are about 3 then they usually calm down a bit. Need LOTS exercise and I mean LOTS

Echoing most of the other posters...they're ridiculously stupid and hyperactive. Don't do it!!

There is one near me. Its owner walks it in the woods behind our house, usually at the same time I go running there. It is always bounding up to me and I fucking hate it. I wish the owner would control it more. When I see them coming I change direction. Horrible slobby thing.

I’ve not owned one but my dog got attacked by one a few years ago, just walking past it on the lead. The woman who owned it had two, she walks them all the time and we call her Cruella as she’s bonkers as well and was entirely unapologetic about the attack.

As a child, someone locally owned a very aggressive pair. All the kids were scared of them. For me they’ve in no way lived up to the cartoon cuteness!

Hair...everywhere! I'm not joking...you will need to be very ready for this!

Also...bonkers!

Ah man. My dream has always been to get a Dalmatian. Obviously I'd have done a lot of research first but this thread has made it look unlikely to happen now.

@Rosieposie101

My experience of dalmatians is that they're aggressive, horrible dogs. And I LOVE dogs, 100% a dog person, and have never met another dog I dislike or am scared of! Very snappy and viscious, would not have one around a child, that's for sure.

Totally opposite to my experience (had 2 since I was 4 years old to 19 years old)! They used to get so excited when my mum picked me up from school (she'd walk with them and they'd tag along on their leads) as soon as they'd see me they'd whimper and be so happy to see me. Nothing but good memories of them. They'd never hurt a fly. One of them used to get 'bullied' by a terrier that would chase her in the park. One of them also thought she was a lap dog and loved to snuggle. Reading through this thread, I realise we were very lucky to find out 2 very good natured Dallies! Their only negative was the tiny white hairs. We could never wear black 😅

@Potplantsaredead

Theredjellybean

You sound like you did your best! Overstimulated possibly though?

Exactly, and no mention of the other stimulants in the original post 🙄

Name Changed but I’m a regular poster.

I currently live with four dalmatians ranging in age from a veteran to a puppy. Quite honestly some of these posts are just awful. Admittedly, after the live action film some unscrupulous breeders did make a vast profit out of over breeding pups, but that was soon wiped out.

Dalmatians need to run, as long as they get off lead time they are a joy to live with. People who have problems don’t give them the stimulation they need. They have to be with their families, they are Velcro dogs. They just want cuddles and love.
Males are often rehomed when they get to about 16-20 weeks because people have not researched their needs. Teenage dalmatians need a firm hand or they take the mickey

I can’t imagine having another breed. Just make sure you get a KC Registered Pup who has been BAER tested, they can be prone to deafness due to the piebald gene that creates the spots. Feel free to DM me, I’m involved with the breed via showing and welfare

I have a 2yr old Dalmatian. She is the best dog I ve ever had. So easy to train, loving, funny , very intelligent. I notice a lot of comments are from people who have never owned one. Yes she needs exercise, so does every dog, yes she needs attention. Why get a dog if you don't want to depend time with it. She is a very quick learner and fantastic with kids. Just need to find a reputable breeder . Why not join a few Dalmatian paged on fb to get some info from owners .

I'm finding it quite sad reading about the number of them that are rehomed. To add to my previous comment, whilst my boyfriend's dog was barmy, it was never aggressive, he was more skittish than the dogs I had at home (and a lot bigger).
He was a great dog though, and very affectionate with people he knew.

Never had one but there are 2 in our village (different homes) and they both seem to permanently be out on walkies- which fits with what other people have said about the breed! Not the friendliest when you meet them with your own dog, but both owners are very capable with them.

When I trained with my 3rd guide dog the centre manager had one. He said that when he contacted the breeder the breeder warned him about the amount they shed, and he said “oh that’s ok, I work with labradors, and they obviously shed a lot.” And the breeder laughed. For a long time. .

He said he’s never known a dog shed like it, but it’s deceptive because they have what seems like such short hair but it’s almost like little needles and goes everywhere

Friends have one. She is a lovely, lovely dog but needs a lot of input (a bit like the dog is a job). She needs a lot of exercise and has to be shut away when they eat. Dalmatians are prone to gout or arthritis so need a special diet. They have to be very careful she doesn’t get fat as it is so bad for her (I think it is for all dogs but this breed in particular).

We always had high-needs dogs in the family and I'd never consider a dog that wasn't. Never had a dalmatian though.

The only one I ever knew was an elderly dalmatian cross who was very laid back and lazy.

After reading this thread, I'd love one! Won't be getting one because current lifestyle doesn't suit and I'd be driven nuts by the shedding.

I get so much joy from dogs with high training needs, intelligence and humour but finally understanding why I see so few of them about!

One lived next door to my nan when i was growing up and it would jump at the fence and bark and bark and bark at me when i was in the garden.

Her name was Lady.
However as i got older i started to go over and talk to her and she would calm down 'talk' back with weird groans and yes, as pp said, do that really odd smiling thing!

I also think Dalmatians got a bad reputation from back in the 80s. I used to see a lot of them then (I think they became fashionable as a result of 101 Dalmatians) and they were completely unsuited for the town / city I lived in (very built up, not much green space).

Look after them properly and they will be the best breed ever. I don't recognize much on here I have to say but if puts unsuitable owners off then that's a good thing I guess.

Best and worst dogs ever.

Mine used to bring us "gifts" when we returned home - cushions, tea towels, shoes...

Stubborn as a mule and strong as an ox but he was so affectionate, loved everybody (especially kids).

Very high needs, if he wasn't kept busy he was trouble. He ate our plasterboard to get access to a room with food in it. He chewed every spindle on the bannister just to be a twat. New shoes were his favourite snack and his recall was either perfect or he was selectively deaf... (he had him tested, no hearing problems at all as we knew it was an issue in Dallys).

The hair my god the hair! My mum was still finding them 7 YEARS after he died.

But my god did I love that dog. He was my pillow to cry into during my teenage angst and my my sons protector when he was born. Still think about him every single day and its been over a decade since he passed but I couldn't get another one, I don't think they could compare.

I how 2 families with Dalmatians (same litter) and they are so different:
the girl is absolutely lovely really good natured but yes sheds like you would t believe and my friend is a marathon running and I swear that dog never tires. They invested a lot of time and money in training her and are very strict (in a kind way I should add!)

The boy dog I really don't like and always feel a bit on edge around him. He's forever jumping up on the surfaces and is quite rough in his play - I don't think the problem is the dog it's more of the family. Other than basic puppy classes I don't think he's been sufficiently trained and he definitely doesn't have sufficient exercise - Long walks at the weekend but in the week it's a quick round the block each morning and evening.

it's a quick round the block each morning and evening

That totally does my head in poor dog. All that energy and they wonder why he jumps in the sofa!

Like living with a very strong big greedy toddler.
That has a gorgeous smile and no sense

@Potplantsaredead

Look after them properly and they will be the best breed ever. I don't recognize much on here I have to say but if puts unsuitable owners off then that's a good thing I guess.

I felt the exact same when a recent thread was full of posters advising against border collies.