Let’s talk about a breed that’s been making spots in your hearts for decades – the one and only Dalmatian!
You’ve likely seen them in Disney’s iconic ‘101 Dalmatians’ or maybe as the mascot of the local firehouse – well, what do I say! These guys are everywhere!
But, before you go running to the nearest breeder or shelter, you gotta know that these dogs come with their own set of quirks and challenges.
So stick around cause by the end of this video, you’ll know all about the Pros and Cons of being a Dalmatian parent.
Let’s begin with the pros!
1. Suited to Farm Life
Who needs a horse whisperer when you can have a Dalmatian as your equine wingman, right? Yup! Believe it or not – these spotted pups have a natural talent for becoming besties with horses – it’s like they were born to speak the horse language or something. And it’s no surprise, cause they were practically bred for it!
You see, back in the day, Dalmatians were trained to run alongside horse-drawn carriages and no wonder they look absolutely fabulous doing it. This is why these guys are the go-to dogs for the job of accompanying horses. So if you want a farm pup with a little bit of style and a whole lot of heart, you can’t go wrong with a Dalmatian. Trust me, your horses will love them!
2. Ideal for Warmer Climates
Dalmatians are the ultimate summer loving dogs. These pups are built for the heat with a short, smooth coat that has no extra layers to weigh them down. Now, talk about a serious summer bod!
But don’t go packing your bags for the Bahamas just yet though – Dalmatians can hang in colder climates too! Just like how you’d bundle up in a cozy sweater, make sure to keep your Dalmatian warm with some stylish jackets and clothes.
3. No Doggy Odor
Dalmatians are basically the doggy version of Mr. Clean! That’s right, these pups are all about cleanliness. So, how do they do it?
Well, their skin doesn’t secrete much oil in the first place and their short, sleek coat doesn’t hold on to the smell, making them practically odorless. Who knew cleanliness could be so simple, right? But don’t go thinking you can slack off on your grooming duties.
These pups still need regular baths and grooming to maintain their clean and fresh look. It’s like the old saying goes, “cleanliness is next to dogliness.” Or was it “godliness”? Well, either way, you get the idea.
Also check out: Dachshund – Pros and Cons.
4. Loving Family Pets
Here’s some more heartwarming news – Dalmatians are the perfect family pets! These pups are so affectionate and loving, they might as well have a PhD in snuggling. And the best part? They’re not just one-person dogs! Their sociable and friendly nature means they’ll make friends with your kids and other pets too! Just a little bit of socialization and your Dalmatian will be the most popular pup at playdates.
And these pups have energy for days. So better to keep an eye on them when they’re playing with smaller kids and pets, ’cause they might accidentally knock them over.
5. Watchdog Capabilities
Not only are Dalmatians the ultimate snuggle buddies, but they’ve also got some serious watchdog skills! So move over ADT – Dalmatians are the real home security heroes! They’ll always keep their ears and eyes open for any possible danger.
With their strong sense of hearing and smell, they’ll detect any intruders long before they even reach your property. And if they detect anything suspicious, you better believe they won’t hesitate to sound the alarm!
But every pup has their quirks and cons, and these spotted ones are no exception. So here are some of the cons of owning a Dalmatian:
1. Common Health Issues
Alright folks, it’s time to face the music.
First off, let’s talk about the ears of the Dalmatian. Those floppy things might be cute, but they’re also prone to infections, so you’ll have to take extra care to keep them clean. And if that wasn’t enough, around 30% of Dalmatians suffer from some form of deafness, so make sure you speak up when you’re giving them commands.
On top of that, they’re at risk for a few other conditions, like kidney and bladder stones. But hey, with proper care and attention, these spotted sweethearts can live up to 10 -13 years or even more.
2. Need Lots of Space
Dalmatians are not your typical couch potatoes, and they need a lot of exercise to keep their tails wagging. Unfortunately, living in a cramped apartment or condo might not cut it. They need ample space to run around and let loose.
But hey, if you’re a city slicker and absolutely must have a Dalmatian in your life, don’t fret. It’s not impossible to keep one in an apartment; you just need to be extra diligent about taking them to the dog park to let them stretch their legs.
3. Shed A Lot
Dalmatians might be all about keeping themselves clean, but they won’t give a second thought to shedding all over your pristine white carpets and fancy furniture. If you’re not a fan of playing “Spot the furball” every time you step into your home, you might want to think twice about adopting a Dalmatian.
These pups shed throughout the year like it’s their job, and nothing will prepare you for the fur explosion that happens twice a year during spring and fall. So, invest in some top-notch vacuums, lint rollers, and a good brush, and be prepared to put your back into brushing and cleaning every day.
And hey, who knows, maybe you’ll even be able to knit a sweater or two from all that fur!
4. Difficult to Train
When it comes to training Dalmatians, just think of it like trying to teach your teenage kid to clean their room – it’s not gonna be easy, but it’s not impossible either. These pups are notorious for being independent thinkers, so don’t be surprised if they give you the cold shoulder and ignore your commands every now and then.
But don’t worry! With a little bit of patience and persistence, you can turn your sassy teenager of a Dalmatian into a well-behaved adult. Just remember, these guys have a history of working as firedogs, so they’re capable of doing some pretty impressive things. You just have to be willing to put in the time and effort it takes to get them there.
5. Prone to Separation Anxiety
Get ready to add “professional dog sitter” to your resume if you’re thinking of getting a Dalmatian. These pups need companionship like they need oxygen, so they’ll never leave your side. But here’s the thing, if you decide to leave your Dalmatian alone for more than 2 – 3 hours, you better believe they’re gonna get anxious and start to freak out.
A panicked Dalmatian might even leave your house looking like a set from “The Purge”! And when you do finally get home, get ready for a Dalmatian who’s so clingy that they’ll basically try to become one with your leg. Better to make sure you can offer some serious companionship before you get a Dalmatian.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading!
So do you think a Dalmatian is too much for you or are they well worth the investment? Leave a comment to let us know! And before you make the final leap, watch our video on the Top 10 Interesting Facts about the Dalmatian to learn more.
Here are other articles on the Dalmatian if you’re interested to know more about the breed.