Based on the ATTS’ test, we know that they are stable and dependable dogs. Similarly, pulling on their tails may cause pain, and as a result, cause the dog to “attack” back. According to the ATTS, they have one of the best passing rates (83.3%) for temperaments. Usually, these dogs never roar when poked by owner kids, but nothing can be said when their mood is off. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And while this may seem like a “cool” fact of this breed, it can be troublesome for your kids. When you walk by the door and you see your dog wants to jump on you or is jumping, use the command sit to have him stop jumping. Family Life. They understand that children are “essential” to the pack, and as a result, shower them with love. Don’t expect too much in a short time, set reasonable expectations. We have already discussed that with proper training in obedience and socialization skills Dalmatians can get along very well with children. They are loving towards them and enjoy being with children. To get your Dalmatian well-adjusted to playing with children, they’ll need to meet as many kids as possible – not just your family’s children! Instead, always approach the dog slowly. Overall, the positive characteristics of Dalmatians far outweigh any possible negative ones. Need gentle, motivational obedience training as early as possible. Don't know about allergies, but the Dalmatian is a very active dog. His courtesy never fails with approved visitors, but his protective instinct is highly developed. You also need to keep your Dalmatian busy. Smaller kids can easily be knocked down by a full-grown dog. Anyone have a Dalmatian? Repeat this process a couple of times and finish with treats to reward him for his good behavior. And according to the American Temperament Test Society, Dalmatians scored a 83.3% passing rate – right around average rate. However, Dalmatians *are* extremely stubborn without proper training. Dalmatians are also sensitive dogs, so it’s best to always use positive, reward-based training when teaching your dog. Dalmatians are a good choice for first time dog owners because they are so amenable to learning new things and love nothing more than to please. The ATTS conducts their test by letting the Dalmatian onto a field with a long leash. There are a number of things that we do to assure that your experience with us is a positive one. Other pros of owning a Dalmatian include the breed's innate affinity with horses. When it comes to all medium-to-large dog breeds, training is essential when you have kids in the home. Considerations: As with any dog, no two are the same. Are Dalmatians good hiking dogs? Think this one is half deaf. Dalmatians are also good with other dogs and pets. According to the ATTS, they have one of the best passing rates (83.3%) for temperaments. Are Dalmatians Good with Kids? Their reactions can be sudden and might scare your little kids. It’s worth mentioning that Dalmatians can be high-strung and sensitive. Most owners argue that they’re not just physically capable of dealing with kids, but also have the personality for it. Dalmatians are highly energetic, playful and sensitive dogs. Dalmatians make good family pets in the right situation. I would not recommend it unless you have a fenced yard and can devote plenty of time to exercise. Hi, I’m Erwin. You also need to keep your Dalmatian busy. You might get discouraged if you try yourself first. For hundreds of years, Dalmatians run along with carriage horses. Thisismysfaaccount says YES: “I done a lot of reading on Dalmatians before we picked ours up. Are Dalmatians Good With Kids? It’s why both kids and Dalmatians tend to get along very well. In a way, they’re very much like children: energetic, fun-loving and spirited. They love running, and they socialize well with horses. That is, they’re can be easily upset. Teach your children that “the safe place” is off-limits for them. Be aware that dalmatians don’t like to be carried around. I can advise you at least 2 hours of activity a day, twice a day one hour is fine. If you want him to behave better when around children you can train your Dalmatian to “go to his place”. Deafness is more common under Dalmatians then it is for other breeds. Preventing him from learning is easier than unlearning bad behavior. They will feel confident around your kids, be playful with them and not aggressive in their presence. When they’re exposed to various factors as a puppy, (such as people, sensations, sights, sounds and noises) they’re less likely to be scared of them as adults. As great as Dalmatians may be for children, there are some things to consider as a parent. You can take something like a tennis ball that he can play fetch with. When playing, try not to make loud noises at or around the dog. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be careful and supervise all interactions, but the chance of mishaps may be unlikely. Dalmatians are intelligent, playful, active, protective, gentle, social and relatively non-aggressive. Your children might get so enthusiast they want to bring over their friends and have them meet with your dog. Dalmatians were the dog of choice for this job. Especially when you have little children around. Recent Posts. .hide-if-no-js { You as an adult can give a short hug and if your dog’s reaction is a good one then give him a small treat. Make sure that your Dalmation is safe when off the leash. You can take your dog to training classes to get assistance from a professional. Adaptability: Dalmatians adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. In general they have good memories and kindly natures. When you take home your dog for the first time everyone wants to meet him. If your child is afraid of the dog, getting them to play with each other will be that much more difficult. So, elderly supervision is always needed while letting both of them interact. I grew up with two cats, but I always wanted to have a dog. In order to keep this dog in good shape (physical and mental), Dalmatians need tons of exercise and plenty of activities. Dalmatians can become angry after being hit. Constant heavy shedding. Dalmatians are intelligent, playful, active, protective, gentle, social and relatively non-aggressive. As such, socialization training is the best way for your Dalmatian to learn that kids aren’t prey. The consequence is big breeding farms where puppies are bred for sale often with poor or even without proper obedience and socialization training. While a dalmatian is a good fit for most families, it's always critical to ensure that everyone in the home, both dogs and humans, know how to properly interact with each other. Almost everyone knows and has seen Walt Disney’s animation movie 101 Dalmatians and maybe even the sequel 102 Dalmatians. Dalmatians became popular in the 18th century. Since my wife and I lived together, we have Mayla. These pets are energetic and happy, and they thrive on human interaction. Been thinking of getting a dog for a while but finding it hard to choose. Child Friendly: Dalmatians are very kid-friendly dogs. Dalmatians make great family pets. Dalmatians are not born with the spots, they are completely white when born, the spots develop weeks later. Are Dalmatians Good With Kids? Dalmatians have a high energy level. Give your pup a treat every time his reaction is good. But as a parent, bringing home a lively and active 60-pound dog can be a concern. This place allows your dog to interact with your children and take a break when he wants to. The worst ours has had is a tv remote and the worst i've heard is a frozen chicken. If they obey the command sit, you can use that to teach them to sit and not jump up. They're great dogs, and when socialized properly are friendly, but they aren't very accepting- for example, a curious toddler or small kid pulling on their tail would most likely result in a growl, whereas a curious kid pulling on a … The friendly and playful nature of the Dalmatian makes them great playmates for older kids. Although due to their very playful and energetic nature, they might accidentally knock over small kids and hurt them. Mini Rottweilers: Everything You Might Want To Know, Mini American Shepherds: Everything You Could Want To Know. Young Dalmatians (up to about two years old) romp and jump with great vigor, and things can go flying, including small children and infirm people. Where Dalmatians Came From. By doing these steps, we can keep our kids safe as well as it’s essential to have a happy and safe pet experience. Never had a problem with him and the kids. Dalmatians are great companion dogs for children. The movie “101 Dalmatians” made the breed so popular it is difficult to meet demand. The last piece of advice would be to give your dog a safe place. Why Dalmatians Are the Best Family Dog; ... Dalmations and Kids. The friendly and playful nature of the Dalmatian makes them great playmates for older kids. These beautiful dogs attract many peoples attention, but Dalmatians are definitely not a dog breed for everyone. This dangerous behavior can lead to aggression should any other friendly people come close to the kids. A nice extra is with every training session the bond with you and your Dalmation grows. Also I want to add that socialization is more than just dogs interacting. Yes, Dalmatians were originally bred for protection and guarding. Other behaviors, such as whining or tail-wagging, are also communication signs that your kids should look out for. Other things Dalmatians don’t like are ear and tale tugging, arms around his neck and hugging. At Dalmatian Paradise, we understand the things that you are looking for in a companion. display: none !important; In other words, obedience training shouldn’t be too hard – even for first-time owners. Oliver meeting kids: We get this question a lot, and it's an important one. Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog. I don't know if they are good around small children, but I definitely wouldn't trust a small child … For timid and small kids, the personalities may not mesh well. Remember, without sufficient exercise Dalmatians will just invent new, and possibly destructive for your home, ways to burn off their physical and mental energy. If your dog is jumping on your child, a simple “down” command tells them the behavior isn’t okay. In a way, they’re like the canine version of children: always wanting to have fun and enthusiastic about life. 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