Dalmatian: Breed Highlights

• Dalmatians need daily exercise or they will become bored and destructive.
• Dalmatians shed! Brushing frequently and thoroughly can help to keep shedding under control, but Dalmatians will shed.
• Dalmatians need training to help make them well-mannered members of the family. They can be headstrong, so without consistent, firm training you could end up with an unmanageable adult.
• Early socialization to other dogs, cats and other small pets, children, and adults is a must.
• Dalmatians do not like to spend long periods of time alone. They do best when they can be included in all family activities and sleep and live where their human family does.
• Families with small children should be aware that Dalmatians are very exuberant and active dogs and may accidentally knock small children down.
• The animated and live-action movies "101 Dalmatians," both by Disney, caused an extreme rise in the popularity of the breed. Unscrupulous people looking to cash in on the boom bred Dalmatians indiscriminately, paying no attention to health or temperament. Be a cautious and informed consumer when looking for your Dalmatian puppy.
• To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Look for a reputable breeder who tests her breeding dogs to make sure they're free of genetic diseases that they might pass onto the puppies, and that they have sound temperaments.

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