Does anyone have a dalmation pointer x?

[Jenski]

Seriously considering a puppy and visiting dalmation pointer x puppies tomorrow. It will be our first family dog (have dcs 3, 5 and 8). I grew up with a pointer, DH (who is less keen) grew up with whippets. I will be doing the majority of care, as work mostly from home!

I would really like some opinions from those with this or simliar x breed.

What should I be asking at visit etc.... Is a reputable breeder from what I can tell.

Am I crazy to consider this????

TIA

Not sure it is a reputable breeder.

Are these the ones on Preloved and Pets4Homes? Both these sites used extensively by BYBs and puppy farmers.

Not sure I buy the "accidental" mating thing - a reputable breeder would know when their bitch is in season, and would make every effort to ensure they were kept away from entire males, and even if an accidental mating did take place, would probably not take it to term. It's also quite rare for good, reputable breeders to have very different breeds together - usually specialise in one, or sometimes, especially with gundogs say, you might see two linked ones, so pointers and springers, say, or cockers and springers.

Both breeds (especially Dallys) have a range of health issues - have parents been health tested? I would read up on these before the visit, particularly hip scores.

Both breeds will need a LOT of exercise - an adult Dally can easily do with a couple of hours a day, often more. Pointers respond well to training, intelligent, but again, bags of energy. How will you carve out two to three hours of time each day for the dog? Not being negative, just wanting to make sure it is properly thought through.

With regard to the breeder, what other dogs do they have? How did the "accident" happen? Ask to see the other dogs. Ask about health testing, what they do with the dogs e.g. showing, working, gundogs, etc. If in doubt, walk away.

I'm also not sure they are a good breeder. Reputable breeders usually specialize in one breed of dog, and they usually have a waiting list for puppies.

There is some good advice from the Dogs Trust here with a list of questions that you should ask. In addition to the questions on the DT list, you should ask what health tests the parent dogs had.

P.S. I love dallies and pointers but they both have lots of energy so I hope you are an energetic family!

Thank you for your advice.

I spoke to the breeder who said that the 'accident' happened when they were out and dogs being looked after by someone else!!! This could well be utter nonsense thinking about it now.....

Should we still visit? Sounded really nice on the phone, but confused as I think she normally breeds dalmations, but the mum is the pointer?

I know that they need loads of exercise and this is part of the appeal for me!

What are BYBs?

Can I ask, what is the best way to find the right puppy? (feeling really ignorant now!)

Should a good breeder be registered somewhere?

I agree it's unlikely the breeder is skilled or reputable.

However, check out the health tests required for both breeds. Dalmatians need BAER testing for hearing, Hip and elbow testing and I'd read up about uric acid in the breed too which I know is an inherited/genetic issue but don't know enough to advise.

The pointer bit is impossible to advise on as there are quite a few very different types of pointer. You need to know which it is.

Have to say I think it is a bloody high maintenance cross and have no clue why anyone would do so.

BYB = back yard breeder. Ie, one who is not committed to the improvement of the breed/dog. One who has bred their dog because they think it might make money; that it would be 'good for her to have a litter'; happen to know someone with a dog they fancy using.

One who hasn't done all the health tests and hasn't planned the mating to the last infinite detail

It doesn't guarantee an unhealthy puppy, nor does it guarantee a lifetime of problems BUT it does make all of those things more likely because no care or planning has been taken. It needs some careful and thorough research.

It is an English Pointer.

If we do go, I will definitely ask about the various checks.

Although, I am being put off and have just contacted a friend who helps to rehome at a rescue centre to gain her advice too.

I would love to rehome a dog, but put off by not knowing background and most rescue centres tend to not rehome to families with young children. I think I need to do tonnes more research, but I really thank you all for your excellent advice!

Jen, if you are hell bent on getting a pup rather than a rescue, you need to start by you and your husband thinking about what breed of dog you really want. Research your breed carefully, and give a lot of thought to your lifestyle, finances etc and be honest in your assessment. A lot of people get a high energy dog (such as a dally or a pointer) thinking that the dog "will get them out of the house" - this simply isn't realistic if your only current exercise is to waddle to the car to drive to McDonalds. A year later, the dog is climbing the walls with boredom and ends up being rehomed with "behavioural issues". Not saying this is you, but hope you can see what I mean about being realistic.

Take a look at the puppy threads on here - you will get a realistic assessment of what it's like to live with a puppy and small children (not easy, but doable). Also be realistic about the practicalities of dog walking with three small DC.

Once you understand what breed you want make sure you really, really understand the breed, and particularly the health issues. The KC website has a lot of info on the dozen or so breeds which are high risk (Cavs, St Bernards and a few others - these have massive health issues and personally I wouldn't go near one with a bargepole, sadly) .

Have a think about what you will do with your dog, once it grows up. Is it going to be a gundog? Field trials? Showing? Obedience classes? Agility? Flyball? Cani X? Loads of activities these days all requiring different things.

Good breeders will NEVER need to advertise on dodgy websites. They have litters infrequently, and are because they care about the breed and put a lot of thought into improving it. Often they will be heavily involved in showing, working etc. If they aren't that's a red flag. They will know their dog's pedigree inside out, will understand all the health issues/testing, and will grill you like the Spanish Inquisition about your suitability. They will not mate dogs because of "an accident", because the sire lived nearby, or because they thought it would be nice for the kids to see puppies.

Alternatively, you could go to a reputable rescue. Many will have pedigree dogs, will have foster tested them in homes so are suitable for children, and will offer lifetime support and backup. Many rescues often have puppies as well.

And just seen your post. Lots of rescue centres WILL rehome to families with children. And dogs in rescues often have very well known backgrounds - they are often surrendered through no fault of their own e.g. marriage breakdown, emigration etc. I am dealing with a relinquishment at the moment where the owner is a devoted lady who sadly has been in hospital and is unlikely to recover quickly. She is a loving owner and her dogs are a delightful pair.

If you would like to say roughly in the UK where you are, we can point you to some good family friendly rescues - PM me if you'd rather not.

Your husband's idea of a whippet is lovely - take a look at Scruples who rehome nationwide and I believe will rehome to families - think several MNetters have dogs from there. They make gorgeous pets and along with greyhounds were the least aggressive breed in a survey of dog aggression by an academic researcher (along with Labs and Goldies).

Jenski, thanks for listening. Many BYBs and puppy farms go to great lengths to disguise what they are so it can be difficult to find a reputable breeder. It gets easier once you know what you are looking for. Your friend at the rescue will be able to give you good advice too (including on rescues that rehome to young families, if that's what you want to do).

The way to find a good breeder is via the breed club, so if you've decided you want a specific breed, the club will know who the good breeders are (and also about breed-specific rescues).

There are several websites that ask questions about your lifestyle and then suggest breeds to you, so you could try one of those.

I wonder if you've thought of a whippet? They can make great family pets.

Can I just add in that the idea of rescues not rehoming with small children is simply not correct. Also, not all rescue dogs have an unknown background. Many are there due to divorce, job loss, changes in personal circumstances etc.

We have two small boys and two rescue dogs. Our first, a whippet, was from the RSPCA who were very good at steering us away from an unsuitable high-energy dog and towards our lovely whippet. My boys were 6 years old and 2.9 years old when we got him. When we got our second (a whippet x greyhound), we were homed checked by Scruples, Greyhound Rescue West of England, Dogs Trust and Retired Greyhound Trust. All of them said they thought we would be able to offer a super home for a hound and were prepared to rehome to us - we just happened to go with the one who had a dog that ticked all our boxes and who got on with whippetty. But, not a single one of those rescue organisations were concerned about the age of our children.

I should also add, our whippet x greyhound has an unknown background, but whilst she came to us aged apparently 6 years (we think she is older) not knowing any commands, she was actually easier to train than whippetty who came to us at 12 months. After a few short weeks she passed all the exercises for her kennel club bronze award and I have never known two easier dogs to have around. Both are wonderful, gentle things and whippetty really believes he is one of our boys. He follows them around, tries to dry them when they come out of bath and lies in their room with them whilst they go to sleep of an evening.

So, I'd definately third the idea of a whippet or a whippetty-lurcher.

I have a 3.5 month old Dalmatian and did serious research into the breed. They are such wonderful, happy, loving dogs but do need lots of exercise and attention. They are not low maintence dogs by any margin and even at his age I am understanding just what that means.

I spent ages looking for a reputable breeder on the Dalmatian forums and spoke to the Dalmatian Club secretary etc on who to contact. I wouldn't have dreamt of buying a pup who's breeder I hadn't thoroughly researched. My pup has had all the BAER hearing tests, parent's hip scored etc and they adore the breed and yes know all the blood lines and inherent difficulties etc. They need a special diet that is low in purines as they can develop a build up of uric acid which can be very serious in the breed.

Whatever breed you decide on please do some serious research and be prepared to wait months for the right pup to come along.

I absolutely adore him though and couldn't imagine life without him now.

Scuttle, I am in the south west.

With regard breed, as a family we are very active and I could not envisage a dog getting bored in our household. I have experience of pointers, the dalmation interest was due to ne being keen to have a running partner eventually, as training for my second
marathon.

So, not a 'waffle to the car for maccy d's family'

I have shown dh thread, and we will be doing plenty more discussion. We will not rush into anything.

With regard whippets, although beautiful, I unfortunately knew one that scared a child's face for life, and can't get past that. Dh loves whippets, but not sure it is the breed for us.

Thanks again though to all of you. I love that you have given such detailed informed replies, and I will definitely be taking your great advice on board.

So sorry for typos, on phone!

There are so many breeds which would be able to cope with that sort of training. A working bred Labrador, a Weimaraner, a pointer, a Flatcoat. For a family pet, breeds in the gundog group are good; they have quite a balanced temperament and are keen to please.

Dalmations are a little more manipulative as a breed, and harder to train. They are more about what's in it for them, rather than being keen on trying to please you.

Gundog type breeds are fabulous for stamina - don't forget they have all been bred to work all day in the field.

Do a bit of reading around breeds and their characteristics to start with .

Ooh, sounds as though you will give a dog a fab home. Good luck with the marathon training, that's great. Once you've got your dog, you'll find a Cani X type lead and harness very helpful for running together, and the Cani X website in general might be a useful read too.

Agree with Daisy - a gundog is perfect, and in fact a pure pointer would have been brilliant for you. If you go down the rescue route, a collie X would probably do very well, again plenty of energy. There are also a number of specialist rescues for gundog breeds - might well be worth a look. Good luck!

That's fantastic! So you need a dog that can run for miles. You might even like to consider a siberian husky :) A pointer would suit you very well too. I am sure you will be a great home for whatever dog you choose.

Runners World had an article a couple of years ago about dogs that make good running partners, here. It doesn't tell you much about the breeds, just what running style they are suited to, but it might have some useful pointers. (geddit ...)

I love all the gundogs you mention Daisy.

I am thinking of getting in touch with the GSP Rescue, I grew up with one by my side and adore them, also not quiet as big as an English Pointer, and such lovely ears!!!!

However, I went to the local shelter today, and saw a gorgeous collie x (unfortunately unable to be rehomed where I live due to close proximity of previous home). There were a number of dogs unable to be rehomed with cats (I have 2) and children under 10 (most of them actually!). Many very sad looking staffies :(

So, I will keep you posted - I think this may take some time...!!!

I will have a look at that link now Red.

And thank you for your encouragement Scuttle - DH getting much more on side now too which is good!

Dally - really interesting to know more about Dalmations, I am not sure that it is the right breed for us now, but I do love them!

And thanks for the info on whippets/lurchers Magrat.

Another breed to consider is a rhodesian ridgeback, great runners.

As an aside we have a 2 year old working lab who we rescued at 1 who is a fantastic running partner. My dh is a triathlete and has never managed to tire him out. We have since rescued a lab x collie puppy who we all love to bits but she is such hard work. So much easier to just stick your trainers on, take them for an run and watch while they sleep the day away. I would definitely rescue a young dog not a puppy if I had my time again!