Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dalmatians hyper?
No, a well bred Dalmatian is not hyper! But, Dalmatians are a
very active breed. They were originally bred to run 20-25 miles a day with
a horse and carriage. This trait has stayed with them over the years.
Because of this, Dalmatians do require a great deal of exercise especially younger
Dals. A fenced-in yard is a necessity for every Dal. If you
don't have a fenced-in yard, plan on walking/running/biking your Dal a couple of
miles each day! A Dalmatian that does not get enough exercise will get
bored and may become
destructive.
Do Dalmatians require obedience training?
They sure do! Dalmatians are very intelligent dogs and are happy to do
whatever you ask of them. They also have a mind of their own and love
to try to "out smart" their owner. Even if you already know how to train a dog, every puppy
needs and deserves the socialization of a puppy kindergarten class and a basic
obedience class. Training classes are also a great time to bond with your dog.
We do not require you to enroll in puppy or obedience classes but we
highly recommend it for a well socialized dog.
How big do Dalmatians get?
A Dalmatian's height can range from 19" to 24" at the
shoulder. Males are generally taller than females. Because of the
height range, their weight can range from 35 pounds to 65 pounds. They are
a lean, muscular dog. We have had 20" girls that weigh 35 pounds and a 23
3/4+" boys that weigh 65 pounds.
Do Dalmatians shed?
Yup, they sure do! You won't see the spring and fall shed outs like in
many other breeds. Instead, Dalmatians shed 24/7/365! The shedding
can be minimized by regular brushing.
How long do Dalmatians live?
The average life expectancy of a Dalmatian is 11-13 years. Some
have lived as long as 15-16 years. We have a 15+ year old that
rules the roost!
What is deafness in Dalmatians about?
Unfortunately about 8% of Dalmatian pups are born bilaterally deaf
(deaf in both ears). Deaf pups do not
normally make good pets. While some people have owned deaf dogs, the
majority of people we have talked with said they would NEVER do it again.
Another 22% of Dalmatian pups are born unilaterally deaf (meaning they hear in
only one ear). Unilaterally hearing pups or unis as we call them, make wonderful pets but
we do not believe they should be bred. Unis can hear but their
directional hearing is compromised. Indoors most unis can compensate for
the their lack of directional hearing because sound waves bounce off the walls
of your home. Outdoors, in big open areas, they can hear the sound of your
voice calling them, but would not be able to distinguish where the sound is coming from. By waving your arms when calling a uni outdoors, this problem is
solved. Most people who own unis would not even know their dog had a
hearing problem if the breeder had not told them! This is why hearing
testing is so important in Dalmatians. Sometimes a uni can fool even the
most experience breeder.
What health concerns should I be aware of
before adopting a Dalmatian?
To help eliminate deafness, we believe only bilaterally hearing dogs should be
bred. BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) testing should be done on
all breeding stock and puppies. For more information about BAER testing,
please click here. All breeding stock should be OFA
(Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) clear of hip dysplasia. It is also a
good idea to have breeding stock cleared of any eye problems by CERF (Canine Eye
Registration Foundation). Any reputable breeder will be happy to provide
proof of these tests to you. Since Dalmatians have a tendency to form
urinary stone and crystals, it is wise to ask about the history of the line you
are dealing with. However, just because a dog has formed stones (or crystals) in
the past does not necessary throw that dog out of the breeding pool. For
more information about Dalmatians stones please
check here. Talk with your
breeder in great lengths about these issues.
Do Dalmatians make good family dogs?
Yes, they can as long as they are properly trained and
socialized. We are always a little concerned with toddlers and Dalmatians because
the Dalmatian's tail never stops waging! It has been known to clear off a
coffee table. It can also knock over an unsteady child. As with
any dog, children should be taught to respect the dog and not pull on tails and
ears! Never, NEVER leave a child unattended with any dog!
How much does a Dalmatian puppy cost?
You can expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,200 for a well-bred "pet" Dalmatian
puppy. Usually show quality dogs cost more. Remember the old saying
you get what you pay for. When buying a Dalmatian or any dog for that
matter, buy from a reputable breeder. For more information on reputable
breeders click here.
How do I go about adopting
a Dalmatian?
If you are interested in one of our litters (or adult dogs), please contact us
for a
Puppy Questionnaire.
We will email, fax, or mail it to you. Once you complete and return the
questionnaire, we will want to talk with you.
We are very particular about where our puppies go and like to discuss the
information provided on your questionnaire. Our puppies and dogs are not sold on a first come,
first serve basis. We place our puppies and dogs according to who we
believe will provide the best home/family. Once pregnancy is confirmed, we ask for a deposit to make sure
you are serious. Believe it or not, we have had people back out the week
before their puppy was ready to go home. The deposit is usually $250 and
applies to the adoption cost. If you decide not to get a
pup, the money is refunded once a new family is found for the puppy you decided
not to adopt.
Have another question? Please feel free to
contact us.
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