No matter what you have heard, Dalmatians make excellent pets. They are strong, energetic, smart and noble dogs. They do mature slowly and are somewhat strong-willed so the correct training is a must. Training them does take a lot of patience but both you and your pet Dalmatian will be better for it. Like all breeds, they have certain needs and limitations. With the right start they can become a pet that will be much loved and will make any family proud.

Pros:

Dalmatians are very intelligent. They, historically, were trained as hunters, herders, carriage dogs, firehouse mascots and even circus dogs.

Their short coats make them fairly easy to care for as a daily brushing and bathing them 3 or 4 times a year will suffice to keep them looking and smelling good without a lot of shedding.

Dalmatians are energetic and love to play. Make sure they have plenty of toys to play with so they don’t get bored when you aren’t around.

They love a challenge and do well in competitions, like obedience contests and obstacle courses. Their memories are long and accurate.

This breed loves their families and wants to be with them as much as possible.

Crate training your pet Dalmatian is a good idea as it gives them a safe place to go. It will ease your mind, when you have to leave them behind, to know your pet isn’t getting into trouble.

Usually, Dalmatians get along with other family pets. They especially love horses as evidenced by many pictures of them riding on horse drawn wagons of all types.

Most of the time your pet Dalmatian will be polite and well-mannered, but can have occasional lapses.

If you like to run, jog, or walk, your pet Dalmatian will be happy to go along with you.