I won't be getting another dog for a very long time (not until one or two of my current dogs pass), but I want to know a bit about Dalmatians anyway. I've read a whole bunch of info online, but hands-on info from people who know or own the breed is always hard to find. I had a Dalmatian when I was younger, and I loved her. She was incredibly quick to learn, highly energetic, and a total velcro dog. I haven't had much experience with the breed aside from her and minimal interaction with a couple of others though.
I love the current two breeds I own, but the Dobes' health problems really scare me. They don't really have that many, but the ones they do have are awful. I'll probably always have a Doberman regardless, but it'd also be nice to find another breed that is similar but with less issues. Dals have their fair share of health issues as well I've read, but they don't seem to be as serious as the Doberman's. I contacted a couple of Dal breeders hoping they could give me some information, but I didn't hear back from either for some reason.
What I'm looking for is a dog that is pretty easy to train and biddable, but it needs to have a bit of an independent streak as well. I like a dog who thinks and can solve problems. I absolutely need a dog with an off-switch. I also want an active, energetic dog but one who is still willing to be a bit lazy on occassion. I like the energy level of my current dogs -- take them out for an hour or two everyday for a run/play, and they come home and aren't totally exhausted but are easy to live with. I also prefer dogs that are reserved (but not shy) around strangers, and dogs who tend to prefer a certain person over everyone else. A smooth coat is also important -- I'm not a fan of short double coats (like Labs and Rottweilers). I don't mind long coats, but I'm prefering smooth coats these days. From what I've read, Dalmatians appear to have all those qualities but I could be wrong.
I'd love to hear of your own experiences with the breed, and of anything you think is important to know about them. Also whether you think a Dal would suit me or not. I'm sure I've left out some important info about myself/what I want in a dog, but I can't think of what at the moment. Also, if any of you have any other breed suggestions for me to look into that's always good as well.
I love the current two breeds I own, but the Dobes' health problems really scare me. They don't really have that many, but the ones they do have are awful. I'll probably always have a Doberman regardless, but it'd also be nice to find another breed that is similar but with less issues. Dals have their fair share of health issues as well I've read, but they don't seem to be as serious as the Doberman's. I contacted a couple of Dal breeders hoping they could give me some information, but I didn't hear back from either for some reason.
What I'm looking for is a dog that is pretty easy to train and biddable, but it needs to have a bit of an independent streak as well. I like a dog who thinks and can solve problems. I absolutely need a dog with an off-switch. I also want an active, energetic dog but one who is still willing to be a bit lazy on occassion. I like the energy level of my current dogs -- take them out for an hour or two everyday for a run/play, and they come home and aren't totally exhausted but are easy to live with. I also prefer dogs that are reserved (but not shy) around strangers, and dogs who tend to prefer a certain person over everyone else. A smooth coat is also important -- I'm not a fan of short double coats (like Labs and Rottweilers). I don't mind long coats, but I'm prefering smooth coats these days. From what I've read, Dalmatians appear to have all those qualities but I could be wrong.
I'd love to hear of your own experiences with the breed, and of anything you think is important to know about them. Also whether you think a Dal would suit me or not. I'm sure I've left out some important info about myself/what I want in a dog, but I can't think of what at the moment. Also, if any of you have any other breed suggestions for me to look into that's always good as well.