ANOTHER dog thread...

[MrsBop]

I haven't got first hand experience of having a dalmation but a girl on another forum has 2 and they sound like fantastic dogs, plenty of character but they do need so much exercise, thats what would put me off getting one I think. I have a staffie (I'm always embarrassed to admit to having poor Jess although she is far from a status dog she's an old lady now) and my lil furbaby Harry who's a little jack russell.

Staffie's I wouldn't recommend to be honest, they're amazing dogs but seriously hard work as puppies and if you don't have time to train properly they can cause serious destruction, oh and if Jess is anything to go by they are seriously stubborn and can walk miles, Jess can walk and walk until her feet are bleeding and sore!

Jack Russell in my opinion are amazing dogs to have with children but a lot would disagree, I do think it is what suits the individual family.

 

[coccyx]

My cousin has a dalmatian. needs quite a lot of exercise, but great with people

 

[LuckySalem]

Why not choose a rescue dog?
Alot of rescues use foster families so they can tell you if the dog is good with kids/cats/dogs etc.

My dog is a mutt, she came from rescue and was chosen because she was living with 2 kids and easy going.

DD can do anything to her and she's happy.

I work on a forum dedicated to rescue animals where we have alot listed, if your interested I can PM you the link, not sure Im allowed to put it just anywhere, lol

 

[Rhi_Rhi1]

Why not choose a rescue dog?
Alot of rescues use foster families so they can tell you if the dog is good with kids/cats/dogs etc.

My dog is a mutt, she came from rescue and was chosen because she was living with 2 kids and easy going.

DD can do anything to her and she's happy.

I work on a forum dedicated to rescue animals where we have alot listed, if your interested I can PM you the link, not sure Im allowed to put it just anywhere, lol

Thank you that would be great ... i deffo haven't ruled out rescue centers, im quite the believer in helping an animal in need etc etc i used to work on an animal unit(at a college) and we sometimes had the rspca bring in the "overflow" that they had no space for.. and we used to house them until they had the room was such a shame to see all those poor cats being dumped ...

Tbh i am weary of a rescue dog ... as i was in the opinion that you can never tell where they have came from/been through etc.. and they haven't got the resources to stick every dog thro screening to see if its suitable etc... is there a way of putting you're name down for certain breeds etc? .. sorry im rabbling x

 

[missy123]

wouldnt suggest a dalmation with a 2 year old,they are quite jump and id be afraid he would knock over the lil babs

 

[Midnight_Fairy]

Poodles are the most intelligent breed so would need a high amount of stimulation and training etc. A lot of time.

I would suggest a Staffordshire bull terrier or a boxer but I am biased. I think people are put of the mid/larger breeds but they actually have alot more tollerance than the smaller breeds x

 

[LuckySalem]

Poodles are the most intelligent breed so would need a high amount of stimulation and training etc. A lot of time.

I would suggest a Staffordshire bull terrier or a boxer but I am biased. I think people are put of the mid/larger breeds but they actually have alot more tollerance than the smaller breeds x

I agree, Staffordshire Bull Terriers used to be known as the nanny dog before people starting fighting them.

Have PMd you

 

[TattiesMum]

I think that the best way to approach choosing a breed is to decide on what you want from a dog, and just as importantly how much time you have to spare for exercise etc. Whatever you do don't choose a breed just because you like the look of it!

Dalmations were bred as carriage dogs - they need a LOT of exercise and can be a bit scatty. I'd avoid them to be honest unless you are very confident and prepared to put in a lot of time with them.

Poodles don't moult, but they can be prone to attaching themselves to one member of the family and then 'protecting' them from everyone else - including other family members.

Labradors are great family pets, but again they need a lot of exercise and they can be very destructive as youngsters - they often don't even start to calm down until they are over 2 they also moult like crazy

I have Jack Russells and mine are great with kids, but not all are ... they dig huge holes in the garden, bounce a lot and again need quite a bit of exercise (they are working dogs at the end of the day). I had standard daschunds when the kids were small and they had lovely temperaments and were extremely lazy so didn't need a lot of work - the smaller versions are snappier though.

Collies need a lot of time, stimulation and exercise....

I'd perhaps choose a smaller docile breed - bichon frise don't moult, aren't as snappy as poodles and don't need loads of exercise... or perhaps a (well bred) pug/french bulldog or similar. Shitzhu are sweet but grooming costs need to be taken into account.

Do some research into different breeds - what they were bred for, common inherited faults/problems, good and bad points - go to the breed websites and find out what the breed you are looking at is really about. At the end of the day you are going to be living with this dog for 15 years plus, so it pays to make sure you know everything you can before you commit yourself

 

[jenny82]

My OH told me before that dalmations are prone to a lot of illnesses - don't know whether thats true or not

I have a beagle and I love him to bits, despite our rocky first 6 months (eating the couch, eatin the back gate, eating OH's state of the art movieplayer thingy, eating money etc). He doesn't do that anymore...well, not much. And he's very very good with LO. LO watches him all the time and whenever I have them close together, LO now slaps him (in that exploring way they slap everything). Max is perfect though and either sits there in boredom or walks off. I'm very proud of him

I've always wanted a basset hound though - like beagles, but less energetic and less frantic!

 

[broody_mama]

This is another reason I like Schnauzers....my sister clips them with standard clippers and it's simple to follow the schnauzer lines once a proffesional has done it. Though most groomers will only charge about £20 for a standard Schnauzer cut. There are minimal health problems witht his breed too! Awesome temprament! Love me schnauzers. Going to get a couple in a year or two when mum has a litter with Maisie (our future breeding bitch...Freddie is snipped sadly...I want a mini Freds!)

 

[broody_mama]

I've always wanted a basset hound though - like beagles, but less energetic and less frantic!

I used to have a Basset! Sooooo stubborn. Forientated so fun to train but VERY stubborn. If they don't want to do something, they won't do it!

 

[jenny82]

Heh, my beagle is soooooo stubborn. And persistant. Infuriating at times but I also find it really funny...which doesn't help!

 

[jenny82]

LOL! Also, I feel the need to say that I am currently watching Marley & Me...and so is Max

After 3 years, I still find it funny that he loves watching dog tv.

 

[Lu28]

I think that the best way to approach choosing a breed is to decide on what you want from a dog, and just as importantly how much time you have to spare for exercise etc. Whatever you do don't choose a breed just because you like the look of it!

Dalmations were bred as carriage dogs - they need a LOT of exercise and can be a bit scatty. I'd avoid them to be honest unless you are very confident and prepared to put in a lot of time with them.

Poodles don't moult, but they can be prone to attaching themselves to one member of the family and then 'protecting' them from everyone else - including other family members.

Labradors are great family pets, but again they need a lot of exercise and they can be very destructive as youngsters - they often don't even start to calm down until they are over 2 they also moult like crazy

I have Jack Russells and mine are great with kids, but not all are ... they dig huge holes in the garden, bounce a lot and again need quite a bit of exercise (they are working dogs at the end of the day). I had standard daschunds when the kids were small and they had lovely temperaments and were extremely lazy so didn't need a lot of work - the smaller versions are snappier though.

Collies need a lot of time, stimulation and exercise....

I'd perhaps choose a smaller docile breed - bichon frise don't moult, aren't as snappy as poodles and don't need loads of exercise... or perhaps a (well bred) pug/french bulldog or similar. Shitzhu are sweet but grooming costs need to be taken into account.

Do some research into different breeds - what they were bred for, common inherited faults/problems, good and bad points - go to the breed websites and find out what the breed you are looking at is really about. At the end of the day you are going to be living with this dog for 15 years plus, so it pays to make sure you know everything you can before you commit yourself

I was going to do a long post but this has said most of it!

For any working dog, you need to be realistic about the amount of time you will have to exercise the dog - if they don't have alot of exercise they can become destructive and snappy etc and none of that would be their fault.

My sister works in dog rescue and says that lurchers can be great if you don't have tonnes of time to exercise. 2 relatively short walks a day where they can be let off the lead and really run is generally enough and they're pretty lazy the rest of the time!

 

[SKATERBUN]

I'd go to the dogs trust and find a poor unwanted puppy

 

[NicoleLJ]

Dalmation info:
https://www.thedca.org/freq_ask.html

1. Why are they known as “Firehouse Dogs”

The Dalmatian breed is very old, with somewhat obscure origins, but Dals have always had a strong affinity with horses. When fire departments began, their fire wagons were horse-drawn. Dalmatians cleared the path for the horses to travel. At the fire, where there is always a lot of commotion and confusion, the Dalmatians would be there to help calm the horses and to be their mascots. Although horses are no longer seen in the modern firehouse, the Dalmatian may still be there.


2. Are Dalmatians a good breed for a family with children?

Dalmatians are a wonderful breed for a family with children. They are medium-sized, sturdy enough to tolerate children's horseplay, yet not so big as to be over powering. As with any dog, small children need to be educated about their pets likes and dislikes, and the dog should be trained to have proper behavior, especially around small children. It is important to purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who has socialized the puppies with children, teenagers, and adults.


3. Are Dalmatians easy to train?

Dalmatians are intelligent and strongly desire to please their owners. With positive reinforcement techniques and consistently setting limits for appropriate behavior, the Dalmatian quickly learns to be an excellent canine citizen. Training classes are highly recommended for any dog, helping the owner learn how to train their new dog.


4. Do Dalmatians tend to be “hyper”?

Properly bred and raised Dalmatians are usually not “hyper.” Dalmatians do have high energy levels, as they have historically been bred to trot all day with the horse and carriage. Dalmatians should have daily physical exercise to help maintain their health and happiness.


7. What health problems do Dalmatians have?

A well-bred Dalmatian is a generally healthy dog requiring little special care. Dalmatians do have a unique uric acid metabolism, with high levels of uric acid excretion in their urine, which can make kidney and bladder stone formation a possibility. By paying attention to the dog's diet and providing plentiful water, the knowledgeable owner can usually prevent serious problems. In the rare severe cases of stones, established medical treatments are available.


8. What about deafness in Dalmatians?

A small percentage of Dalmatians born are born deaf in both ears. These dogs should never become a health problem for anyone, as the responsible breeder should have them euthanized before they are old enough to leave the litter. Dalmatians who are deaf in only one ear make perfectly good pets, but are generally inappropriate for breeding. The hearing status of any Dalmatian puppy should be documented by BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing, which is highly reliable and usually done in the puppy's second month of life.


9. How can I tell if a breeder is responsible?

The chances are, a responsible breeder will be a member of the Dalmatian Club of America, abiding by their code of ethics, and also be a member of a local Dalmatian Club or an all-breed dog club. The responsible breeder will supply detailed education and guidance about the breed, but will furthermore likely ask the prospective buyers many questions about the puppy's prospective home and family environment. The responsible breeder will have a written sales contract with a health guarantee, a four or five generation pedigree, and the shot and worming records of the pup. Of course, the litter should be AKC registered, and companion animals will usually have a limited registration or spay/neuter contract. Responsible breeders are very careful where they place their pups and keep in contact with the buyers for many years.


11. Why do responsible breeders require spay/neuter?

Responsible breeders require spaying or neutering of companion animals because they do not want to see the indiscriminate or uninformed breeding of Dalmatians, which could lead to a degradation of the breed's quality and reputation. Only the top quality show specimens should be considered for breeding, and the rest of the litter should be spayed or neutered. Spayed or neutered dogs make wonderful pets, and the owner never has to worry about a female coming in season or the male becoming an unintentional father.


12. What testing and evaluations should be done on puppies?

All reputable breeders will have done hearing testing of the puppies and both parents. The parents and ancestors also frequently have had general canine screening tests, such as OFA, CHIC, CERF, thyroid, etc. The breeder will have assessed the puppies' temperaments to best match each one to its future environment.


13. Should I expect or demand a written contract?

Yes, a written contract is expected of a responsible breeder. This includes the A bill of sale,” the health guarantee, a statement about AKC papers, and any spay/neuter requirements.


14. Should I buy a dog from a pet shop?

No reputable breeder will sell puppies through a pet shop. Pet shops tend to get their dogs from puppy mills, which are large commercial breeding establishments which cannot possibly give the personal care to properly raise and socialize a litter and provide long-term guidance to every owner. Pet shop puppies should certainly be avoided.


15. Should Dalmatians be kept on a special diet?
Because of the Dalmatians high uric acid excretion, they should not have an excessive amount of protein in their diet. Commercial dog foods are usually well tolerated, but extra proteins, such as meat and table scraps, should be avoided.

 

[Chasley]

We had a dalmation and it was a hyper dog also a bit dippy... couldnt say dumb just off with the fairies. If you are happy to exercise them a lot then they are fine. We also use to own a toy poodle. She was so smart she use to convince our rottie to dig under the fence then once the rottie was out she would run inside and sit on the lounge waiting for the rottie to get in trouble!

Personal dog of choice are Rotties and leonbergers. Rotties have a bad rep but if brought up right they have the most beautiful temperment. but between the dalmation and poodle I would go poodle xx

 

[TattiesMum]

Thank you that would be great ... i deffo haven't ruled out rescue centers, im quite the believer in helping an animal in need etc etc i used to work on an animal unit(at a college) and we sometimes had the rspca bring in the "overflow" that they had no space for.. and we used to house them until they had the room was such a shame to see all those poor cats being dumped ...

Tbh i am weary of a rescue dog ... as i was in the opinion that you can never tell where they have came from/been through etc.. and they haven't got the resources to stick every dog thro screening to see if its suitable etc... is there a way of putting you're name down for certain breeds etc? .. sorry im rabbling x

Most breeds have their own rescue centres ... just Google the name of the breed and 'rescue' and they will come up

One of the advantages of individual breed rescue centres is that the dogs are fostered out and their histories and temperaments are pretty well known, so you would be getting more of a known quantity iykwim. I'd still say do your homework on the breed though - breed rescue centres will be wanting to see that you know your stuff

I do know someone at the moment who has a litter of shitzhu x poodle pups ... non moult with docile temperaments - and this particular litter has been raised with small children so are used to noise and being handled by little ones. If you are interested then I can put you in touch.

 

[Lu28]

We also use to own a toy poodle. She was so smart she use to convince our rottie to dig under the fence then once the rottie was out she would run inside and sit on the lounge waiting for the rottie to get in trouble!

Our collie does this sort of thing to our labrador, I thought it was just us!!

 

[Rhi_Rhi1]

Toy poodles are the cutest thing.. oh says they are "rubbish family dogs" (cos they are small) and that he doesn't want to be seen walking it ! lol!!

MEN!