AN ANCIENT SPOT...

We all love Dalmatians thanks in no small part to the much loved Disney movies that they have starred in with such impressive success.  The reality is that Dalmatians are one of the oldest dog breeds known...and though they are not very common, they are also one of the most versatile breeds...  

From hunting game to guarding livestock, from providing calming companionship to horses and people to making us laugh at their fabulous antics and athleticism while being circus clowns...Dalmatians have been one of mans best friends for millinnia, perhaps as far back as 3700BC as described in the AKC article Dalmatian History: The Mysterious DNA of the Ancient Spotted Dog

The traits that historically made this breed so versatile still exist in the breed.  Some traits tend to be more pronounced in some of the breeds genetic "lines" than others.  And it is important to understand that even then, each dog is definitely an individual and may naturally exhibit one or more of these historical breed traits, in many cases even if those traits were not very evident in one or more of their parents.  

For example, as a small working ranch with livestock, we have Dal's that work as LGD's (Livestock Guardian Dogs) which requires a vigilant, protective and territorial personality in a dog.  The other end of the spectrum is that we have also placed our Dalmatians in several homes that are working as Therapy dogs (primarily to help with anxiety in both children and adults) which requires a dog to have a calm, easy-going and accepting personality.

Whether you are looking for what we call a "Velcro" personality and want a dog attached at your hip (or by your side on the couch)...or a "Protective" personality that is more likely to guard their "family or property" including livestock such as ours...or an "Independent" personality that often makes a great hiking partner, travel buddy or "all around horse and farm dog"...these traits all still exist in this breed and can often be found in various puppies in the same litter.  

This is just one reason that we believe that trying to fit an individual puppies personality to their family is worthwhile, rather than simply allowing folks to fall in love with a cute "eye-patch" on a puppy or have a fondness for a particular spot pattern, we attempt to guide our puppy families to the pup we believe is the best match for their family for the long term.

Whether you adopt one of our pups, or find one from someone else, careful puppy selection is always advised, but PLEASE don't forget that pups are a "work in progress" and they rarely (if ever) go to their new home and automatically just "fit in" or "know the household routine".  They will need time to adjust to all the changes in their life when they leave for their new home.  Training and your patient guidance during those first few months will help your new pup to become the best furry family member that they can be, so regardless of the pup you bring home, expect that you will need to invest time and effort especially during the first six-months to a year that your pup lives with you, the rewards for such patience can be over a decade of love and laughter with your new Dalmatian by your side.  

For more guidance on bringing home a new Dalmatian into your household, check out our guide HERE!