Is a Dalmatian Right for You?
Pros & Cons

A Dalmatian deserves a responsible owner who realizes he/she is making a lifetime commitment to the welfare of the dog.

It is so important that you learn as much as possible about Dalmatians before deciding to adopt one. All too often, people get a Dalmatian without knowing enough about the breed. There are more than 400 breeds of dogs and no one breed is right for every person. There are pros and cons to owning every breed. The Dalmatian is a wonderful breed of dog but is not the right breed for everyone. Find out if a Dalmatian is right for you before you buy or adopt one. If you decide you are a good candidate for Dalmatian ownership and want a puppy, please contact Jack at 903-934-9611 or you can contact Jack at 903-742-6993.

We have done our best to provide you with necessary information before you decide to adopt one of Dorothy's Perfect Pets' Dalmatians.

PROS	CONS
Happy, enthusiastic!	Lively, active! If you really want a Dalmatian but do not have time to go through puppyhood, consider an adult.
Good family dog.	May be too lively for very young children, great with with older, well-behaved children. Small children should always have adult supervision when playing with ANY dog.
Intelligent, willing to please, quick to learn.	Need gentle, motivational obedience training as early as possible. Not for people who will not set clear limits. Do not respond well to pain avoidance training.  Dalmatians require early, motivational, consistent training. Puppy kindergarten and basic obedience are highly recommended
People oriented, excellent house dog and indoor-outdoor companion.	Not a yard/kennel dog - needs to be part of family. fenced back-yard is an absolute necessity
Natural affinity for horses, likes hiking, jogging, biking and rollerblading with owner.	Needs a lot exercise.
Natural watch dog, polite when introduced properly, loyal to family and close friends, will protect when appropriate, not a biter unless provoked.	Puppies require proper socialization, as with any dog.  Improperly socialized puppies may become shy or aggressive. If you don't have kids, rent or borrow some.
Generally good with other dogs, especially if well-socialized. Many households have multiple Dalmatians (or other breeds).	May be quarrelsome with strange dogs if not properly socialized.
Very easy to groom. Clean and very little dog odor.	Sheds continuously throughout the year - shorthair clings to clothes and furniture.
Generally healthy, easy keepers, little hip dysplasia, very low incidence of eye problems, hardy but short coat makes them unsuitable for staying outdoors in very cold weather.	Deafness affects about 8% of the breed (please read how a deaf dog can make a wonderful companion.) Dalmatians have a uric acid anomaly that may lead to the formation of urate stones. They require a low purine diet. They do best on a lower protein, non-beef based food to prevent urate stone forming. Many owners feed lamb and rice foods.