Oh, Crud...Tell Me About Dalmatians, Please

[taraann81]

Deafness in dalmatians is an inherited state. Your son would know if his dog is deaf if he has had him for 5-6yrs. I had a deaf aussie and you can tell.
Your son said that he sleeps a lot? That would be unusual for a dalmatian. Dalmatians were originally bred to run ALL day under horse drawn carriages to protect its occupants from highway robbers. Knowing what they were bred to do gives you an idea of what most dogs in that breeds energy level would be like. Most Dalmatians would not be happy being confined to yard or house. This is a breed of dog which requires at least1 hr long walk at a brisk pace once yet preferably twice a day. As other have said they can be destructive, this is because they are not exercised enough and have to put that pent up energy and frustration some where.
A large yard to exercise in can not replace a walk.
Good luck with your decision and thought I would fill you in on why they are destructive, deaf and high strung, because I know I would want as much info as I could get before making a decision like this.
Let us know how it goes.

 

[Emzyyy]

A friend of mine is getting a Dalmation puppy soon their family loves them. I would keep him say 2 weeks and see if it works out. Our neighbors had their's for 14 years she smiled at you.

 

[speckledhen]

For now, my son says will try a harness and a dog house with bed for outside while he's at work. newly purchased today after we told him we really did not want to take on this new responsibility. He bought an extra large Igloo dog house for him. That way, Edward can be out and not in a crate. I did find out that he is 10 years old, so he's at the slowing down stage, I guess. Apparently, he is not deaf. My friend here who started the local Humane Society says she has a board member who loves Dalmatians, so there is on alternative if my son's attempts to keep Edward happier don't pan out so well.

 

[chickenzoo]

I had a Dalmatian for 13 years. She was a rescue, but was 3 months old when we got her. Dalmatians are very stubborn but also very intelligent. They will find several ways to do what they want w/o doing it the way you told them not too. That said, mine was loyal, good natured and a great guard dog. The vet loved her and told me she was one of the best Dalmations he delt with. She would smile when I came home, whipping that whip of a tail. I did not get chickens till later in her life and I could not break her of trying to kill them, but with larger animals, especially horses she was the best. Being with horses and having a job was what they were bred for. It saddens me when I see one in a small yard or apartment or tied up. This is where people get tired of their high energy and stubborn nature and get rid of them. They need a leader and a job and they will serve you greatly, as mine did for 13 years.

 

[Foxhound lady]

Dalmations health problems

deafness
urinary problems they tend to have blockages like male goats and cats

bred for racing/guarding the fire carriages, they need lots of excerise to help them be sane dogs (not hyper) and they also need smart owners

 

[BFeathered]

Cyn, glad you're off the hook (for now!). It doesn't sound like a good fit, even if Edward is slowing down and small for a Dal. After working at a vet's for 5 yr. I can honestly say that they are one breed that you have to be very prepared to do a lot of work with (stubborn, intelligent and unpredictable), and be heavily invested in. One of the other techs has a 3" in diameter scar on her arm from a Dal who was a real problem child (opened refrigerator, ate mayo etc and then had pancreatitis!). They can be lovely, but when dealing with an unknown, you're better to err on the side of caution. Hope Edward winds up in a happy place, whatever the outcome. (and Zane stays safe!)
M

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you all so much. You really did help us make that final decision, hard though it was to turn down my son. Yes, Zane must stay safe in his own home! I had to choose my own dog and my chickens (and my sanity) over this other dog, even if he is the sweetest dog on the planet.

 

[chickenzoo]

I think that was a very wise choice. It should not be your responsibility to care for his dog, he has lots of other options and I hope it works out for him.

 

[ozark hen]

You made the right decision, Cyn. And it wouldn't be fair to Kes, you know how scared he is of the chickens?? well, how would he react to another dog?

and like you said, what about Zane and the others? You did the right thing.

And hugs to your son, he has his parent's big hearts, too.

 

[onthespot]

By age ten, his biggest hassle will probably be just the incessant shedding. I would encourage your kid to put an ad on Petfinder.com and field the emails himself. He will have the priveledge of wading through Nigerian scam emails, sob stories, liars and weirdos. but sooner or later he will hear from a genuine nice family within driving distance that really REALLY is the right fit for that dog. If I were you I would NOT take the dog, for a trial period, or pending him paying anything. You will most likely never see a dime, and he will coneniently be unavailable to take the dog back if it doesn't work out.

The dog does not fit your plans and lifestyle. End of story. His dog, His problem. If he is big enough to hold a full time job that keeps him gone 17 hrs a day, he is big enough to post an ad and wade through responses and choose the lucky family for his beloved dog. It will build character and help him to think thrice before he gets another pet.