I had a female Dalmatian Sparky when my 3rd child was not quiet 3 years old . My other two were almost 6 and 5. I live in Illinois, and I wish I could remember the breeders name. But then this was wow quite a while ago. These three right now are 24 26 and 27. well that pup we got her at 2 and 1/2 months old, the breeder would not let us have her until then and this pup was already trained to go to the bathroom outside along the fence she was the most well trained dog I have ever had. She didn't go on couches she didn't go in the living room or up the stairs. She listened better than any dog eve and she had a heart of gold. Is she the exception to the rule then with Dalmatians maybe. We took her everywhere camping, stores that accepted dogs, visiting relatives, she was that kind of dog one you could trust and one that minded her own business never bothered with any other dogs. She loved the kids, I had two more after the three and she was their friend, their playmate. Did I get lucky then I guess so. She was the nicest friendliest dog , so when I hear of people who have lost of problems with the breed I wonder if its because of the breeder they got ! that are aggressive can be in any breed. You need to get to know the breeder and the breeders standards. That is the best thing! Good luck with finding a great breeder and a great Dalmatian. They are out there. I know because I had one!

 

Unfortunately due to a lot of inbreeding/overbreeding of Dalmations, they have turned into a dog that is very prone to health and behavioral issues including aggression and bladder stones.

I've met one nice dalmation but he had bladder stones and had to be catheterized to urinate several times a day :frown:

The others I have met were super high strung or really aggressive/unpredictable.

I think they are one of those dogs that you really need to find an excellent breeder who tests extensively for health as well as temperament.

 

I know there is another memeber here that has two Dalmatians. I hope she will post and give some insight.

Dalmatians are a breed where every dog is affected with Canine Hyperuricosuria. This is a condition where they produce urate bladder stones. Males tend to have more of a problem due to the shape of their urinary tract. Diet is a very important factor when you are dealing with a dog that has this condition, as well as the dog having more than adequate water intake and bathroom breaks. My BRT pup has this condition and I have researched it a lot.

For sure do your research if this is a breed that you are interested in. Finding a very reputable, honest, quality breeder is a must. :smile:

 

Several people at my work jokingly refer to them as "damnations".
We actually see quite a few. There are a handful who are unpredictably aggressive, several who are not mean just super high strung, and a handful who are absolute sweethearts. Sadly all of them either have heart issues or bladder issues.

All I can say is to do LOTS of research. The right dog for you may be the wrong dog for somebody else. Before I got Quinn several people were trying to sway me away from getting a doberman. Many of the reasons given were based on unfair stereotypes. Other reasons were behavioral traits that while seen as negative by some are an asset to me.

 

All I can say is to do LOTS of research. The right dog for you may be the wrong dog for somebody else. Before I got Quinn several people were trying to sway me away from getting a doberman. Many of the reasons given were based on unfair stereotypes. Other reasons were behavioral traits that while seen as negative by some are an asset to me.

True. Unfortunately, Dobermans are another breed with a lot of health issues and can have temperament problems as well. Luckily, I've literally only ever met one other dobe that was kind of mean, but I think that was just cuz he'd been at our clinic being poked and prodded all day and he was sick of us. Currently, my Doberman is staring at me with her adorable brown eyes, whining at me for more kisses and lovings so so much for her being anywhere near vicious :biggrin:

Screw stereotypes. I think that if you do enough research and spend enough time with a certain breed, and take the time to find a really great breeder, then you will know whether or not that breed is right for you.

 

There's only one breeder of them here (that I know of) otherwise I'd have to ship and that would work my nerves to death let alone the dog's. I do like them, but I either here nothing but horrible things or nothing but fantasic things with some minor cons. The stone thing worries me considerably. I don't plan on adding another dog for several years, the two current pound puppies are enough to deal with in my current residence. But they are one of the breeds I am interested in when the time comes to get a dog from a breeder. Thank you for all the input.