Spotting Trouble for Dalmatian Fans

Your article “It’s a Ruff World After All” (Calendar, Nov. 25) says that Disney has turned a possible public relations problem into a plus by putting out information about responsible pet ownership on its Web site.

Have you actually seen this Web site? The information is nothing more than a few vague statements about feeding, watering and loving a pet. There is no information specific to the Dalmatian.

Properly trained, socialized and exercised, Dalmatians can be wonderful companions. But people who buy a Dalmatian without knowing what they are getting into can end up with a frustrated, unruly and destructive dog. Dalmatians are energetic, high-maintenance dogs. As ancestors of coach dogs that ran beside horses for long distances, Dalmatians require extensive exercise on a daily basis. The breed is headstrong and requires training to be kept under control. Dalmatians like companionship and can become needy and possessive. They are also susceptible to health problems, such as deafness, skin allergies and a distinctive urinary tract problem. Because they have short coats, they cannot be kept outdoors overnight. They also shed.

Dalmatian puppyhood--which can last two or three years--can be especially trying. Although the dog is loving and friendly by nature, in the worst circumstances those that are not trained and exercised properly can become so rambunctious that they could harm children or other animals. For exactly these reasons, the Dalmatian is a breed that too often ends up in the pound and is put to sleep, causing grief for the family that could not handle its new friend.

Adding to the problem is that some disreputable or inexperienced breeders plan to cash in on the hype “101 Dalmatians” has created. They may breed dogs with physical or behavioral problems or place dogs in inappropriate homes.

If any of your readers are tempted to bring Dalmatians into their homes, I encourage them to research the breed first. I’ve found a number of informative Web sites that outline exactly what to expect from a Dalmatian and give tips on finding a good breeder and picking the right dog. I suggest checking out https://bcf.usc.edu/ ~thaase/DOT/ dot.html, for example, or searching by the keyword “Dalmatian.” Many Web sites also give good information on how to survive Dalmatian ownership. There also is a site dedicated to finding homes for older Dalmatians, a good option for someone who does not want to deal with an energetic puppy.

As the owner of Molly Marie, a 3-year-old Dalmatian, I can attest that these dogs can be faithful and loving pets. Molly is fun-loving, gentle and affectionate and a great guard dog. But the Dalmatian is not the right breed for everyone. Education can prevent heartache and misery for both dogs and families that may not be suited to each other.