Groups like the Dalmatian Club of America are warning consumers in advance to do a little research before buying this breed, which is poorly suited to family life and should live only with experienced dog owners committed to investing lots of time, effort and money into obedience school and veterinary care. The book Your Purebred Puppy by Michelle Welton paints a picture of Dalmatians that doesn't resemble the Disney version of the dog. Real Dalmatians shed constantly, love to dig, and have a tendency toward aggression and skittishness. In the best of times, the breed suffers from high incidence of deafness, kidney disease, seizures, allergies, low thyroid and hip dysplasia. The breed, in general, is still suffering from the damage caused by that population explosion.
Dalmatians are unusually smart, extremely trainable, athletic, dependable, devoted and dignified.
In the hands of experienced adult owners willing to spend lots of time with trainers and veterinarians, Dalmatians can make terrific companions. Rural owners who can allow these dogs to spend most of their time outdoors are well suited to own this breed. Folks looking for a family dog would be better off considering other breeds. Cocker spaniels, dachshunds, bichons, beagles and schnauzers are all better suited to life indoors. Plain old mutts are usually healthier than purebreds, although it's harder to predict what kind of temperament you can expect when you get a mongrel puppy.