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Why Dalmatians Are the Best Family Dog

female dalmatian sitting

Adding a dog to your family, especially if you have children, is a huge decision.  It's definitely not something you should just dive into without any careful planning or forethought; it's a big commitment. If you have kids, then it's very likely you already lead a pretty busy life, and while bringing a dog into the fold adds more responsibilities, it also adds a lot of rewards.

Obviously, one of your biggest questions is going to be how your future potential pooch is with children. You want a dog that is going to be more than just tolerable of kids, you want a dog that can be their best friend. You want your kids to have the ultimate pup playmate. Well, when it comes to a dog that loves to play and can hold its own with the most energetic of kids, there are few breeds that can come close to the fun-loving dalmatian.

black and white dalmation

Why a Dalmatian Is a Great Choice for Families

If you’re ready to add a dog to your family tree, the dalmatian is a great option!  Here are 6 reasons why a dalmatian makes the best family dog:

  1. A dalmatian has lots of energy, which means he can easily keep up with active kids. 
  2. A dalmatian is very loyal to his humans and can become a good watchdog, ever faithful to the whole family.
  3. A dalmatian is a stable breed, meaning he isn’t likely to engage in unpredictable behavior.
  4. A dalmatian can be a big goof once he’s comfortable with his pack, making him a great playmate.
  5. A dalmatian is a very sturdy dog, so he can handle the rowdiness that usually comes along with kids.
  6. A dalmatian is considered one of the quieter dog breeds; a good thing when you have sensitive kids or sleeping babies. 

Dalmatian running

Getting To Know the Dalmatian

Of course, a dog's temperament and personality are only a few pieces of the puzzle when it comes to choosing a canine companion that is a good fit for your family. You also need to consider the basics of the breed, like size, trainability, costs associated with things like grooming and health, and how much exercise the breed requires. 

Therefore, it’s always a good idea to learn as much as you can about any dog breed that you are considering making a member of your family.

Here are a few helpful stats about the dignified dalmatian:

SIZE

The average height of a dalmatian is approximate 19 to 24 inches, and the average weight is anywhere from 45 to 70 pounds. Since there’s quite a wide range between the smallest and largest of these pups, if you adopt a Dalmatian puppy, it’s best to prepare for the larger end of the spectrum. Although a 45-pound pooch falls within the range of a more medium-sized dog, you could just as easily end up with a dog that is 70-pounds and stands 24-inches tall. Therefore, if a large breed is not your preference, it’s important to keep this possibility in mind. 

LIFE EXPECTANCY

A Dalmatian’s average life expectancy is 11 to 13 years. It’s always a good idea to know the expected lifespan of any pup that you plan to add to your family; it especially becomes critical when you are deciding on whether or not to purchase or adopt a younger or older dog. For example, if you have a toddler at home that you want to grow up alongside your new canine companion, then your better option would be to look for a dalmatian puppy. However, if your kids are already closer to 10 or 11 years old, you might be okay with a dog that is already two or three years of age.

GROOMING NEEDS

The Dalmatian sheds frequently, but regular weekly brushing and occasional baths are enough to tackle the dead hairs that accumulate on your pup’s coat and keep him looking his best. As with any breed, it’s important to make sure the nails are regularly trimmed and to ensure regular teeth brushing is a part of the grooming routine. Since a Dalmatian has floppy ears, it’s also critical to frequently check the ears and keep them clean.

HEALTH ISSUES

The Dalmatian is generally a healthy dog breed, but it is prone to a couple of different health issues, including kidney stones and deafness.  If you get your dalmatian from a reputable breeder, then the breeder should have performed extensive testing and screened your pup for these various health issues. 

If a dalmatian does have hearing issues, how it affects him depends on several factors. If he only has deafness in one ear, the odds are good that he can still lead a pretty normal doggy life, but if he is deaf in both ears, there will be several special considerations and adaptations that you will need to discuss with your vet. Since the breed is also prone to kidney stones, this is something that your vet can also assist with, recommending a diet that is best for your pup and suggesting any necessary life changes. 

EXERCISE NEEDS

A Dalmatian has a lot of energy, and therefore, requires a lot of opportunities for exercise, play, and engaging in fun activities. This high-energy pup also requires a lot of mental stimulation, otherwise, your spotted friend can get himself into a whole lot of mischief. Since a dalmatian absolutely loves to be active and play, he’s a great match for energetic kids who can chase him around the backyard, play fetch, and are always willing to grab the leash and go for a walk. A dalmatian also benefits from having access to interactive toys, like the Rolly Cannoli, that can keep him working hard as he plays.

TRAINING

Overall, a Dalmatian is a pretty alert and agreeable pup, and therefore, he is fairly easy to train. However this breed can also be sensitive, so maintaining a positive reinforcement approach to training is of the utmost importance. As with any dog, proper socialization is key. Exposing your puppy to as many new people and places as possible early on in his life will help with his overall development and help him build a positive response to the world around him.  

close up of dalmatian

Dalmations and Kids

While a dalmatian is a good fit for most families, it's always critical to ensure that everyone in the home, both dogs and humans, know how to properly interact with each other. It's also important to consider the personality of your kids. For example, if you have a child that gets upset or frightened easily, an overly rambunctious dalmatian might not be the best fit. However, if you're vigilant about early behavior training for your pup, then this might not be an issue.  

Basically, it's always crucial to consider your own unique situation and the individual personalities of everyone in the home. Let your kids be a part of the whole process, from finding the perfect pooch to helping care for your new furry addition to the family.  

Whether you’re considering adopting a dog, purchasing your pup from a breeder, or perhaps looking into various breed-specific rescues, it’s always important to have a strong understanding of the dog you’re about to welcome into your life. If you decide to look into pet rescue or adoption, good starting points are The Dalmatian Club of America and petfinder.com. Once you find your new furry friend, don’t forget to check out the rest of our blogs for helpful insight into how you can be the best pet parent to your new pup!

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