Dalmatians are family oriented and do not do well as back-yard or kennel dogs. A Dalmatian that spends too much time left to his own devices may become a barker or a digger. Dalmatians have a uric acid anomaly that may lead to the formation of urate stones. They do best on a lower protein, non-beef based food. Many owners feed lamb and rice foods.
Dalmatians can be deaf.
Responsible breeders will have hearing tested the puppies as well as the parents. A Dalmatian can be unilateral hearing, that is, normal hearing in one ear and deaf in the other. A unilateral Dalmatian is perfectly acceptable as a pet. Dalmatians require early, motivational, consistent training. Puppy kindergarten and basic obedience are highly recommended.