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British Dalmatian Club
British Dalmatian Club Forum
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Rich_Charlotte
Joined: 08 Apr 2013
Posts: 4
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 Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:35 pm Post subject: Hello all,looking to get a Dalmatian? Help/Advice |
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Hello all,
The reason I have joined is me and my partner are wanting our first dog (puppy) we have been researching all the breeds etc and been on countless forums etc asking hundreds of questions, and getting some really useful information, however most have been general! It was suggested we narrow down our search with regards to what we can provide for a dog and what might suit our lifestyle, and the two we have decided are our top two are Dalmatians and labs now I know they are quite different, but we are going to look into both and see what comes out of it!
Mainly I am looking for advice off Dalmatians owners to see if this dog will be fully suited and happy with us! And also I have had lots of people advising me on where to and where not to purchase a Dalmatian puppy from, but again these were just general answers.
Any advice would be fantastic and greatly appreciated! I look forward to hearing from some people on the forum!
Thanks  |
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Tim Lockett
Joined: 03 Jul 2012
Posts: 443
Location: Pensax, Worcestershire
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 5:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Where in the country are you R_C? A few owners like myself let people who interested in the breed, have a touchy feely introduction to them to get first hand experience of what they are like. At the top of these pages there are contact details. But there are a number of breeders and welfare/rescue people that take part in this forum that might give you some advice. |
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Rich_Charlotte
Joined: 08 Apr 2013
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:06 pm Post subject: |
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| Thanks, I'm from Sheffield South Yorkshire! Do the contacts have email or is it telephone? |
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Spotalot
Joined: 12 Sep 2010
Posts: 3185
Location: Essex
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 6:32 pm Post subject: |
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Hello Rich_Charlotte and welcome.
Firstly congratulations on doing your research before you buy. I just wish more people would do that.
I would say the best thing to do would be to meet some Dalmatians and labs and see how they behave.
I'm in Essex or you would be very welcome.
Dals are a high energy breed that very much enjoy the company of their humans.
Despite what some dog trainers will have you believe......they are very intelligent and full of fun. Therefore training needs to be fun or they get bored.
They most certainly do need training and in a class situation with other dogs is always best.
You will need to not mind at least one long walk a day....with an adult dog of at least an hour...mostly off lead, come rain, shine or snow.
They are extremely strong dogs and need to be taught to walk to heel on a lead unless you want dislocated shoulders..lol
They are a very clean, non doggy smelling breed that shed tiny white hairs all year round that cover your clothes and furniture and are difficult to remove as they are barbed.
I would say to think about how each breed would fit into your lives for the next 12 years plus.
My dogs are my hobby and I am lucky enough to be retired now, but when I was working I would be in the woods at 6.30 am before work, had to come home to let them out at lunchtime and then walk them again at the end of the day. None of which I minded as it was my relaxation.
Holidays revolve around places they can come too...that is not to say there is anything wrong with putting them in a good boarding kennel.
All that aside they are lovely dogs to own , striking to look at and like any dog nowadays fairly expensive to keep. Food, insurance yearly innoculations.
Hope this helps somewhat....any specific questions...keep posting. Others will be along with more advice.
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Carol and Daisy X |
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Rich_Charlotte
Joined: 08 Apr 2013
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 7:54 pm Post subject: |
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Spotalot,
Thanks for the advice, the main reason I myself have wanted a dog is due to the amount of time I'm outside walking cycling jogging etc if you ask my better half I spend 3/4 of the day out there haha I'm really looking forward to the experience and long term companion! I will try and look to meeting some Dalmatians and Labs, not sure where to start but will start looking! Just out of interest is there a huge price difference between the two? People have told me labs tend to be cheaper due to popularity?
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Maggi
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 3161
Location: Derbyshire
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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Hello and welcome. I think the best possible way is to meet some dalmatians in the flesh. There are plenty around where you live. I'm not far down the road near Chesterfield, and if you drop me a pm with a phone number I'll give you a call for a chat. If you can spare the day out can I suggest that you come along to the BDC show on 4 May at Ryton on Dunsmore near Coventry. A couple of hours own the motorway from you, but not diificult to get to (takes me just over hour from Jct 28 of M1) and you will be able to meet a whole load of dalis and their owners and see for yourself. It is worth taking a little time to meet some dogs before you make the big decision.
We're all committed nutcases here who are far too fond of spots for our sanity - but we wouldn't have it any other way  Keep asking questions and hopefully we can help you decide.
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Maggi, Caper & Poppy (Hon. Spot)- Banjoliers, Faithful Followers and Forum Wanderers. |
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KissCass
Joined: 18 Jun 2010
Posts: 1801
Location: Hampshire
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| Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2013 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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Dalmatians are excellent dogs for people who are sporty as they will go on forever. They have lots of stamina and will go forever. They are not generally recommended as a dog for a first time owner because they are strong dogs who need a firm hand but if you are going to provide lots of exercise and go to training then you would be fine. They like lots of attention and if you want a dog who will go to sleep and only appear for a walk then don't get a Dalmatian. They are great companions as they want to be a proper part of the family and will be where you are.
One note of caution though - if you want a dog to cycle/ run with then you can't do that until they are at least 18 months old to allow their joints to mature. However there are many dogs who need rehoming who would meet your needs so may be worth considering that. Have a look on the North of England Dalmatian Welfare website and see what you think.
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Valerie, Cassie and Alfred the Great |
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gillieworm
Joined: 03 Aug 2007
Posts: 1894
Location: Derby
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| Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:05 am Post subject: |
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| KissCass wrote: | | They are not generally recommended as a dog for a first time owner |
Sorry Val, but I am going to disagree with this point  Only because my first dog was a Dalmatian and I've never looked back 
At the end of the day you get out of any dog what you are willing to put into it. I have 2 well behaved Dalmatians, whereas I have a friend who has the naughtiest Lab I have ever met and she struggles to control him, he literally runs circles around her, yet we are always led to believe that dals are mad un-trainable, and labs are born well behaved.
I echo what others have said about dog training, regardless of what breed you do decide to have, puppy training I think should be top of the list of things to organise. Not only does it help you as an owner, it also helps you bring up a well behaved, well socialised dog.
Most people think dals are labs in spotty clothing, do not be fooled, they couldn't be more different. Both breeds need a lot of exercise, but Labs are more likely to let you get away with being lazy with them, a dal will let you know under no uncertain terms that not walking them is not an option, miss a couple of days out and they will drive you mad!!
Dals are in my experience (both me and my partner were brought up with labs as kids) much more intelligent than labs. They need to know why they are expected to do something, whereas a lab is more likely to obey you blindly.
Space wise, they are similar size so no different issues there, grooming wise they are both low maintenance, but I find dals moult much more than labs. Labs have their seasonal moults, dals shed hair ALL YEAR!! You literally find white hair everywhere!!!
I admittedly love both breeds, but dals do win for me. Mainly because their personalities are unlike any other breed I have come across, they are pig headed, challenging, demanding of your attention, and the only way I can describe them are, they are the sort of dogs you just know are there, even when sleeping.
We cycle with our dogs and they love it, but they are also happy with a local shlep around the fields at home on a steady walk.
Regardless of what breed, if getting a puppy, please do visit more than 1 litter. I know you will fall in love with all pups, but you need to compare what is a healthy litter and what is not. I made that mistake with our boy, being naive I didn't realise I was purchasing an under weight, worm ridden puppy that had a number of health issues. When we went to our girls litter, the difference was phenomenal.
It can be a mine field, but bottom line is, it will change your life, you now have this commitment at home you always have to think about, but it can be so rewarding.......... Have fun!!!
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Gill with my beautiful boy Logan & gorgeous girl Piper xxx |
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Hebemor
Joined: 20 Sep 2004
Posts: 399
Location: Appledore Kent
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| Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 10:23 am Post subject: |
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| Well put Gill. |
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Tim Lockett
Joined: 03 Jul 2012
Posts: 443
Location: Pensax, Worcestershire
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| Posted: Tue Apr 09, 2013 11:21 am Post subject: |
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| Rich_Charlotte wrote: | | Thanks, I'm from Sheffield South Yorkshire! Do the contacts have email or is it telephone? |
This is a family who were interested interested in a few breeds, had this dally experience, and then forgot about the other breeds. A dally was my first dog, I agree they do need a firm but caring hand. I a nipper my parents had retriever's, and in my experience after 7-ish the retrievers got to be old dogs. My first dog Wilf was a puppy from the day we brought him home at 12 weeks, till just before he died at 16.1/2, the same with Katie a rescue bitch who came to us at 18months. We now have three rescue dallies.
This is cuba, giving a Dally hug.
The boys seeing if these new people are fit and proper dally owners.
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Rich_Charlotte
Joined: 08 Apr 2013
Posts: 4
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| Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 6:10 pm Post subject: |
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First of all thanks for all input, I aim to take all your advice on board, I am however noticing that perhaps meeting a number of reputable breeders with pups available may be difficult, I will try and meet as many different dogs as possible but this wont influence me as surly each dog will be different due to influence of owner. Does anyone on here recommend a breeder?
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Maggi
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 3161
Location: Derbyshire
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| Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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We can't really recommend individual breeders on the forum but if you to the Club Info you will find a link to the puppy list and all breeders on there will be club members who abide by the codes of conduct. By meeting lots of dogs yu will get a general idea of the breed and you can also ask individual owners where they got their dogs from - nothing to stop them telling you privately. You will be surprised what a strong family resemblance there is in dogs - experienced owners can usually pick out their dog's relations at a show! Owners influence counts but the way the pups have been bred and reared is a huge factor too.
Puppies should be registered, BAER tested, their parents should be in good health and the pups should be kept in hygenic conditions and be plump, happy and scoiable. Most breeders will ask you more questions than you ask them and bore for England on their favourite subject - dalmatians. If you can attend a show you will meet breeders and have a chance to chat to them. Ultimately you have to feel comfortable with the person from whom you purchase your pup - if you visit puppies and there are things that bother you you don't have to buy.
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Maggi, Caper & Poppy (Hon. Spot)- Banjoliers, Faithful Followers and Forum Wanderers. |
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Tim Lockett
Joined: 03 Jul 2012
Posts: 443
Location: Pensax, Worcestershire
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| Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 8:55 am Post subject: |
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| Rich_Charlotte wrote: | First of all thanks for all input, I aim to take all your advice on board, I am however noticing that perhaps meeting a number of reputable breeders with pups available may be difficult, I will try and meet as many different dogs as possible but this wont influence me as surly each dog will be different due to influence of owner. Does anyone on here recommend a breeder?
Thanks |
Perhaps some years ago I would have agreed with that, and I certainly agree with everything Maggie has said. When we had our first puppy Wilf, it was as if we were being interrogated by the owner, and then she would only sell us the pup that had chosen us, rather than his brother who I was trying to pick. The owner turned out to be completely correct.
As far as the nature and nurture of different dog's is concerned. Our current three are all welfare/Rescue dog's, so have had their formative months/years with other owners. Though all the same breed, they are sooooooo different from each other in nearly all aspect's. Take for instance. We are introducing them to carriage driving. Louis (who was the most horrible nasty dog you would ever meet) is very keen and quick to learn and please. Dimmers can only be bothered in fits and starts. Cuba is very very keen to oblige us, she doesn't come to terms easily when what she thinks we want of her (and that's her excuse and she's sticking to it) Though like a dog called Dill, or a dill called Dog. She is very busy doing busy things and can't fit other things in to her busy schedule.
Dallies are strong minded dog's and they will have their way in some way, but each one goes about it in a different way to the others, even if they have to suffer the same owner.   |
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