Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dalmatians live with children & other pets?
Yes, in fact a big yes. They are a medium to large breed and sturdy enough for the rough play of children, and will tolerate teasing from your pet cat. As with any dog they should not be left alone with small children as they will not tolerate food or toys being waved in front of them and will “snatch” which can be misidentified as aggression (be honest if you were being teased with someone waving your favourite food in front of you would you snatch the food in irritation?) Children need to be taught not to tease your Dalmatian, and need to be taught to eat food at the table not sat on the floor with the dog.
Families are a great way of socialising your new pet, and your new pet will adore the love and attention your new pet gives them.
Are Dalmatians easy to train?
Yes, because they love food and will do anything for a treat. They also have a strong desire to please their owners, however because they are intellegent they get bored easily: throw a ball and they will bring it back, throw it a second time and they will think “well you obviously do not want it” .
Training classes are recommended, mainly to teach the owner how to handle the Dalmatian as they will quickly train the owner if they can get away with it. Plus training classes give your Dalmatian social stimulation and will help use up some of their energy.
Are Dalmatians hyper?
Only if they are bored: they do have a high energy level but a couple of good walks and a pile of £1 shop rope toys will keep them amused. You will find that with a couple of good walks they will spend may a happy hour sound asleep on the sofa or bed – in fact anywhere they can get away with. Be warned if allowed to sleep by the radiator or fire they will not move even if too hot, you will have to tell them to move as they love warmth.
Why are the spots on my Dalmatian different from those of my friends?
No two Dalmatians are the same; some from the same sire (dad) or dam (mum) might have a series of spots on their head that look similar but one from the litter could be heavily spotted, while another have next to no spots. Some people like very spotted Dalmatians while others like there to be lightly spotted, it is personal choice, and to be honest a good nature is far more important that the amount of spots.
Which is rarer Black or Liver spotted?
In the UK neither are rare, and neither is worth more than the other. There are some who will try to sell you a “rare” lemon or orange Dalmatian, please do not buy these, they are a genetic hiccup and cannot be registered with the Kennel Club and cannot be used for breeding. Also do not buy any pup that is a “rare tri-coloured” Dalmatian, there is no such thing, it is a quirk of nature and a fault where a pup can be black and white with the odd liver spot, or liver with the odd black spot.
What is a patch?
Dalmatians are born white, without spots, however occasionally a pup is born black and white, the black being referred to as a "patch". The patch is often on an ear or the face but could be anywhere on the pup. If you want to show your pup then the patch is regarded as a fault, however there is no reason why a patched pup cannot be a pet, in fact it is often the patched pup that gets picked first for a new home.
Are all Dalmatians deaf?
No; about 10% are deaf due to the Piebald gene, however an Accredited Kennel Club Breeder and / or a member of the UK Dalmatian Clubs would automatically have their puppies BAER (hearing) tested, and will give you a copy of the test results. If by chance the puppy they are selling you is deaf, or partially deaf, they will tell you and will guide you regarding training etc. Never buy a puppy who has not been BAER tested, and do not believe anyone who says the test is not necessary.
Do Dalmatians have health issues?
All breeds have some sort of health issue, Dalmatians are no exception however their main problem is Uric Stones which can be avoided (in most cases but not all) with a good diet that is low in purines. They can also suffer from “Dally rash” due to having sensitive skin. Thankfully both can be treated and both can be covered by insurance.
How do I know a breeder is reputable?
A good breeder with be a member of the Kennel Club’s Accredited Breeders Scheme, and should be a member of at least one of the UK Dalmatian clubs. You will see adverts for puppies that are cheaper however these tend to be from people who have bought Dalmatians with the aim of making money and often have no idea about hearing tests, health checks etc. You pay more from an Accredited Breeder as your new pet would have had a health check from the vet, be hearing tested, Kennel club registered and microchipped, they will also come with a “puppy pack” (different breeders put different things in their pack). You can find a reputable breeder either by visiting the breeders section on the UK Dalmatian club sites or by visiting the Kennel Club
My breeder says that my pup does not need to be KC registered?
All pups need to be Kennel Club (KC) registered, a good breeder will do this automatically. They may sell the pup with “endorsements” on the registration stopping you from ever using that puppy for breeding, however if they do there will be a reason and a good breeder will be happy to explain why they have done this.
My friend says not to buy form someone who has “show dogs”?
You will see adverts that say “bred for pets, not for show dogs” (some adverts are very rude about show dogs) however someone with show dogs is more likely to be a member of the Kennel Club’s Accredited Breeder Scheme, and a member of one or more breed club that someone who breeds “pets only”. Anyone with a show do will tell you that they have pets with a social life, and that is the basic difference between a “pet only” and a “show dog”. There is no such thing as a perfect show dog, and no breeder can say they will sell you a show dog as it is up to nature what the pups look like when born, and up to the Dalmatian at six months if they want to be shown or not, and if they do not want to be shown there is no way you will get them in the ring.
Can I buy a Dalmatian from a shop?
I hope not, and if a shop is selling Dalmatians I would report them to the appropriate authority.
Where can I get an older Dalmatian not a pup?
Can I suggest Dalmatian Welfare? You are guaranteed the Dalmatian has been assessed for the most appropriate new “home for life”. Sadly there is always a long list of Dalmatians needing new homes for no fault of their own.
Can I foster a Dalmatian for a trial before buying one?
Please contact Dalmatian Welfare.
My breeder has offered to deliver my pup?
Ahhh! This is a classic “puppy farmer” trick; they will offer to save you the distance of travelling so you do not get a chance to see the awful conditions the pups have been born in. Puppy farms often sell several breeds, the poor bitches being used for one litter after another until they are too old or too ill to carry on then if lucky given away or sold cheaply, or worse still destroyed just because they are no longer of use. Never ever buy a pup where you have not seen the mother and pups together.
My potential breeder is vetting me, is this normal?
Yes. A good breeder should ensure you are going to be a “for life” owner, and have an idea of what you are letting yourself in for, and have an idea about exercise and care for your new family member.
What are “endorsements”?
An “endorsement” is something a good breeder will use for assorted reasons: it could be that they choose who you use as a stud dog in two or more years if you are buying a bitch, it could be the Dalmatian is hearing impaired and is being bought for a lower price and under no circumstances are you to use it for breeding. Your breeder should be happy to explain what “endorsements” they have used and why.
Should I have a “contract of sale”?
Yes. A good breeder will have no problems with a contract, and it will be where you find any endorsements, which should have been explained to you.
If I make a mistake can I return my puppy?
This depends on the breeder. Your breeder should have vetted you, as you them before any sale was agreed. Most breeders will accept a pup back up to about six months, however they will not give you a refund as they have now got to find that pup a new “for life” home, and it is much harder to find a new home for an older pup that it is to find one for a tiny, cute pup. If you are not sure about buying a pup do not do it.
Can I breed my Dalmatian straight away?
No! A bitch cannot be used for breeding if under the age or two, and a dog cannot be used for stud under the age of one. Both need to be in good health, have no deafness, and no obvious defects from the breed standard, for example born with missing toenails, as faults can be bred on. Both bitch and dog must also be of very good nature with no aggression or nervousness as again these traits can be bred on.
Should my Dalmatian be neutered?
This is personal choice; if you are going to show your new pet then you cannot have them neutered, however if you want a pet only then get them neutered, but not under the age of six months. Speak to your breeder as they will give you a lifetime of help and advice.
My new pup has an upset stomach?
Please take it straight away to the vets, with details of where you bought it. The upset stomach could be something simple like a change of surroundings or new food, however it could be something so much more serious such as Canine parvovirus (Parvo), which can kill you pup in hours!
Why should a vet see my new pup?
Your vet will explain about their injection policy (some vets use two injections, others three), and will advise about flea and worming treatments. Plus, depending on your vet, they can offer advice about training and socialisation classes.
Why should my Dalmatian be microchipped?
This is not a legal requirement (yet) but should be done in case your favourite new pet gets lost or stolen; puppies will wander off if the front door or gate is accidently left open and you do want them back.
Why do I need insurance?
Generally Dalmatians are a healthy breed but you could have one who forms urinary stones or suffers from Dally rash, both are painful to your pet, and can be very expensive to treat. Your pet might get involved in a traffic accident, or injured chasing a rabbit when out, again expensive to treat.
What is a responsible owner?
A responsible owner is someone who cares for their pets, feeds them good, healthy food. Ensures their pets have plenty of fresh water to drink. They ensure that their pets are groomed, and their nails clipped on a regular basis. They ensure their pets are walked at least twice a day, and that they clean up after their dogs when out.
Will my Dalmatian be good with horses?
Being good with horses is the same as being good with children or other pets’; it depends on the particular Dalmatian. Their history is as a carriage dog so nature says “yes” however it depends totally on their temperament and nature; if they are nervous by nature they are not going to be good with horses as the horse will sense their nervousness.
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