If the thought of ending up with 101 pooches doesn’t fill you with dread and you love all things canine, the chances are that you may have considered welcoming a Dalmatian or two or three into your home. While not as popular as the Labrador nor as small and cute as the dachshund, a Dalmatian could be the perfect mutt for your family.
If you head down to your local park, you may not even see a Dalmatian being taken for a walk by his faithful owner. This is because, while they are part of popular culture thanks to a 1956 novel and numerous movie adaptations, they aren’t actually a common breed. You’ll be much more likely to spy a pug, a whippet or a golden retriever taking his daily constitutional. However, Dalmatians are a wonderful breed of dog and deserve to be celebrated, revered and adored. Take a look at these four reasons why you should consider welcoming a Dalmatian into your home.
- Their Dopiness Is Adorable
From the moment you welcome that spotty little puppy into your home, you will have invited the most dopey, laid back and chilled out creature in to share your environment. This is a breed of dog that really does go with the flow of the household. If you wake up on a Saturday morning and draw your curtains only to see a tent of grey in the sky, the wind howling and the heavens open, you probably want to retreat into your comfy bed and embark on the next installment of the latest boxset you’ve been watching. Your Dalmatian pal will be only too happy to fit in with your plans and will enjoy curling up next to you as you watch your guilty pleasure.
They will fall asleep in the most unlikely of spaces and will contort into the most seemingly un-relaxing poses you’ve ever seen. However, they are adorable, lovable and will simply melt your heart. Because they are quite so chilled out, going to the vet can be a breeze. When a dog ear infection strikes, you can take your Dalmatian to the vet without fear of wailing, howling or biting. Your canine will be the most relaxed one in the surgery.
- They Are Loyal
You never have to worry about heading out for a game of fetch only for something more feline to catch your pal’s eye leading him to running amok and not returning to you. Dalmatians are loyal and want to please their owners. They will adore chasing a stick and returning it to you slobber and all. Their tail will be wagging like a piston as they wait for you to launch the missile once again. Easily pleased, they’ll never get bored of such a simple game. At the same time, they love long leisurely walks. You don’t have to be thinking on your feet and forever trying to use up your mutt’s energy. A Dalmatian is happy on the lead and loves a stroll with strokes aplenty.
- The Family Pet
Just like in the film, Dalmatians are wonderful with kids. As long as you introduce them to your family as a puppy, they will fit snugly and calmly into your household. They enjoy rough and tumble and will be equally happy playing for hours with your little ones or simply chilling out lolloped in front of the fireplace. It goes without saying that there should always be adult supervision when any pet is spending time with younger human beings. They will be a much-loved addition to your family, and you will find it hard to remember a time when they weren’t part of your household.
- They Are Clever
While you might not want a pet that rivals you in the intelligence stakes, it’s good to get a hound that keeps you on your toes. A dalmatian will analyze every situation, be able to play those tactical skill games you set up for him and could partake in a spot of agility if he wanted to. Alongside their intelligence is an emotional instinct that is second to none. They will sense when you’ve had a tough day, or you’re feeling down and will come over to you, sit with you and try and ease your worries. A dalmatian really will be your most faithful friend.
If you fancy welcoming a mutt into your home and you haven’t quite decided on the breed that will suit your family the best, you should consider the joys of owning a Dalmatian. Having this pooch as your newest family member could be the most spot on idea you’ve ever had!