No reputable breeder will sell puppies through a pet shop. Pet shops tend to get their dogs from puppy mills, which are large commercial breeding establishments which cannot possibly give the personal care to properly raise and socialize a litter and provide long-term guidance to every owner. Pet shop puppies should certainly be avoided. Because of the Dalmatians high uric acid excretion, they should not have an excessive amount of protein in their diet. Commercial dog foods are usually well tolerated, but extra proteins, such as meat and table scraps, should be avoided.
Older Dalmatians can make wonderful pets.
There may be a period of adjustment to a new home, but they quickly bond with their new owners and learn their new routines and environment. Acquiring an older Dal has the advantage of avoiding the sometimes-challenging puppy stages of chewing and housebreaking. Some Dalmatians who are no longer wanted by their owners become Rescue Dalmatians. Dedicated volunteers try to find a better home environment for the abandoned dog. While not every Rescue dog is appropriate for every environment, and some dogs with severe health or temperament problems would not be suitable for any placement, Rescue provides a wonderful opportunity to acquire a loving Dalmatian who needs a better home.