Dalmatians: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em (2024)

FAQs

Dalmatians: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em? ›

Some Dalmatians greet strangers with enthusiastic jumping, while others are politely reserved. Some have mild protective instincts. Unfortunately, skittishness and/or aggression are seen in some lines, and plenty of socialization is required to promote a stable temperament.

Dalmatians have a very even pro and con split. They are energetic, loyal, family-oriented, and clean. But they can also be stubborn, shy, or deaf. They don't require a lot of grooming, but they do shed a lot.

Some Dalmatians can be reserved with strangers and aggressive toward other dogs others are timid if they are not well socialized, and yet others can be high-strung.

dalmatian. noun. dal·​ma·​tian dal-ˈmā-shən. often capitalized. : any of a breed of dogs that have a white short-haired coat with many black or brown spots.

Dalmatians have a strong hunting instinct and are an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin. In sporting, they have been used as bird dogs, trail hounds, retrievers, or in packs for wild boar or stag hunting. Their dramatic markings and intelligence have made them successful circus dogs throughout the years.

The Dalmatian is a fun-loving companion for active people of all ages, but the breed may be too boisterous for very young children. It is generally affectionate, especially toward family, and typically gets along well with other household pets. Some Dalmatians, however, can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs.

Dalmatians are intelligent, playful, active, protective, gentle, social and relatively non-aggressive. They're patient and generally good with children, too. When Dalmatians are left alone too much or improperly socialized, their impressive intelligence can lead to digging, scratching and chewing.

They can be extremely excitable or nervous. Some are destructive chewers and occasionally Dalmatians can be born with a shy temperament which can lead to serious behavior problems. They are instinctive guard dogs and very active both indoors and out.

Physical Activity - Dalmatians are a fairly active breed. While they love to snuggle up and nap with their family, they require quite a bit of daily exercise. Puppies can be especially rambunctious and will need age appropriate exercise to keep them from becoming destructive.

Dalmatians aren't known as vocal dogs, but they can start barking if they're bored or lonely. This is their way of communicating with you that they aren't happy. Dalmatians like to get out and about. They're great for active families and love to spend time with their people.

Why do Dalmatians have blue eyes? ›

In the Dalmatian, deafness is associated with the extreme piebald gene (Strain 1996), which causes the whiteness of most of their coat and their blue eyes (in those that have blue eyes).

Dalmatians smile for many reasons, including to appease their owners, to show respect, and to display excitement as well as frustration. Usually, this behavior is nothing to be concerned about and may be accompanied by content body language like a wagging tail, a relaxed face, and short yaps.

The Dalmatian is a calm and gentle—but very active and intelligent—breed. As a result, Dalmations tend to make good-natured, relatively easy-to-train, and obedient dogs. They're also very loving, affectionate, and devoted to their families.

Dalmatians make outstanding guard dogs and watchdogs. They keep a vigilant eye and ear out for possible dangers, and will bark to warn their pack when people approach and to scare off would-be intruders. With strangers, they are slightly reserved and will become protective only if they sense a threat.

Dalmatians are known for their high adaptive intelligence, as they are quick learners and have an excellent memory. This makes them adept at picking up commands and tricks.

The only breed known for smiling - they will occasionally flash you the famous 'Dalmatian smile'. Their happy, playful nature makes them excellent family pets. Generally sensitive and loveable, they need gentle but consistent training to become the perfect companions. They make great watchdogs, too.

It takes a special kind of person to raise a Dalmatian. Sure their spots are adorable, but this breed can be aggressive and a bit stubborn. Constant training is needed to help them mind their manners. Dalmatians are also high energy and need a healthy dose of daily exercise.

These beautiful dogs are extremely energetic and are not likely to be able to calm down unless you take the steps needed to get there. Your Dalmatian starts learning from the moment they are born.