A summary of how to find a healthy puppy from the right breeder.
That's it, I love Dalmatians and I want one now!
Here's the thing, we totally can relate - however - don't rush!!! There are so many reasons to take your time when deciding to get a Dalmatian Puppy not to mention that it may just be the best decision you have ever made and we'll go over them below. Keep in mind that it's totally okay to do your research about Dalmatians and come to the conclusion that your lifestyle is not compatible with the needs of the breed or they're just simply not for you. Either way, read on to be informed when making these life changing decisions.
Things you should know before getting a Dalmatian.
Dalmatians are a High-Energy breed - they need to exercise!
Leave Dalmatian Glitter everywhere (aka sheds a lot!)
Dalmatians, like most dog breeds are prone to some specific health issues and it is vitally important that you understand this when choosing a breeder.
Velcro breed - they pick their person and simply won't accept not being able to cling to their person.
Let's go over these points individually below...
How to Find the Right Breeder - Ma, I've got the zoomies!
One of the most fun things about the Dalmatian breed is their ability to go -go - and go some more! Their ability to maintain their high energy likely stems from innate characteristics that are long embedded in their genetics from their extravagant history as reliable traveling & working dogs - in the modern world it can be a task to keep up with their high output needs.
Does every Dalmatian have this level of energy? Not necessarily - like people, all dogs are just not the same. Could you end up with a couch potato? Of course, however it is not as likely. Either way, it is important to keep your Dalmatian fit and exercised as it is best for their health and natural physique - a Dalmatian with too much weight on him/her can experience further health detriments which can ultimately lessen their life expectancy, and no Dalmatian owner ever wants to lessen the short time we do have with them!
How does this affect your decision in choosing a breeder? Well, most traits are genetically inherited and passed down the lines from Dam & Sire to puppies - What you want to know is whether or not your puppies parents are exercised - do they run, play, etc. Are they fit? Are they conforming to breed standard in terms of weight and height? Provided your breeder has a social media presence and is able to send you photos and videos you should be able to judge pretty quickly whether or not Dam & Sire are fit. Additionally, ask the questions! Ask all of the necessary questions you need to, the right breeder for you will be happy to answer them.
So, black clothes - totally not a thing anymore?
For some maybe wearing black clothes has become a thing of the past after getting their Dalmatian puppy, and I mean - rightfully so in most cases because the Dalmatian Breed sheds a ton! This helps to keep their coats soft, healthy, and silky smooth but can quickly become frustrating if you do not have the proper means of managing the fur (AKA a good vacuum!) For me, the vacuum and lint roller are my go-to Dal glitter remedies because I simply cannot give up my black clothing!
Questions for your breeder regarding hair - a good breeder will have no issue telling you all of these things and answering your questions in an honest manner - example, a breeder that says "oh no, they don't shed a lot" is either not informed or not honest and those are two qualities you do not want when deciding who to adopt your puppy from.
The Dalmatian and their pre-disposition to hereditary conditions
This is the one guys - this is the one that will give you the most insight into whether your prospective breeder is reputable and doing the right thing by the Dalmatian breed.
Health testing is an absolute necessity from a breeder standpoint and should indefinitely be required by puppy buyers! If puppy buyers hold breeders accountable - we can help to weed out the bad ones.
Puppy families have the power to make a world of difference when deciding to purchase a puppy. If all puppy buyers required health testing, and refused to buy a puppy that was not from health tested and CLEARED parents, breeders would have little choice to do anything except actually test their breeding dogs! Read more about health testing
What questions should I ask my prospective breeder?
What does HUA mean and how can it affect my puppy?
What is LUA and how can it affect my puppy?
What is the difference between HUA and LUA
What is BAER testing and do you BAER test your puppies and provide proof of completed BAER?
Have your dogs been OFA certified and cleared according to standards of the nationally accepted Kennel Clubs and Veterinary Associations?
Why is it important to test for thyroid, elbows, hips, and eyes? Do you test your breeding dogs for the potential for conditions associated with known hereditary conditions in the Dalmatian Breed?
Are there any other health considerations I should be aware of before deciding to purchase my Dalmatian puppy from you?
What is my puppy a carrier for - coat color, eye color, long/short coat, etc.?
There are a few other notable considerations but this depends mostly on whether you are searching for a companion or a showing/competing/breeding dog. Check back for our article regarding choosing a puppy specifically based on breed standard.
If you don't like to cuddle, just get a cat!
I cannot iterate this enough - The Dalmatian Breed LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their families. This is not just from my experience - Dalmatian owners everywhere will tell you! Dalmatians love to be pet, cuddled, be involved, be a part of your every. single. move.
I've been keeping score and we're winning over here
Dalmatians - 1,000,000,000 and counting!
Humanity - in the negative, and on the brink of collapse
What questions should I ask my breeder? Your breeder should be able to clearly iterate the typical Dalmatian personality traits and advise you whether or not the Dalmatian breed is a good fit for you after learning a bit about you, your family, and lifestyle. If they don't ask you questions or explain common traits and habits witnessed and often exhibited in the Dalmatian - this is a red flag.
You'll really provide LIFETIME Breeder support?
As long as me and any progenies from my breeding program are alive - I will provide lifetime breeder support. Does every breeder offer lifetime support? No, but in my opinion - they really should! It is so important to be responsible for the puppies you bring into the world and part of that is ensuring they have a safe, healthy, happy home for the entire duration of their lives as long as you are alive.
What does lifetime breeder support mean and why should we require it?
Lifetime breeder support includes the ability to contact your breeder for advice, with questions, issues, concerns, and more. It includes the option to return your puppy to the breeder at any point in their lifetime regardless of the reason. There should be a clause in your contract regarding this circumstance specifically - for example, breeder should have first right of refusal - if you can no longer care for the dog, your breeder should be your first point of contact to either have you return the puppy to them or to ensure proper vetting of new potential homes. We'll discuss this in depth in our Lifetime Breeder Support Blog.
Health Guarantees
Having a Health Guarantee on adopting your Dalmatian puppy is necessary! Many people get a little weary when we get into the language of health guarantees and the like but it really should not be an issue or a weird conversation. If you are buying a puppy from a reputable breeder a health guarantee should be included.
Usually, a standard health guarantee protects the buyer from any issues arising from disabling hereditary defects for the first year of life or until the puppy turns one year old. I've seen guarantees up to two years which is also fine. There also should be a clause in your potential breeders contract for hereditary defects outlining the terms and conditions and breeder policies.
Are health guarantees a necessity? Well, technically no, but they should be! Not only do health guarantees offer you a form of protection when making a major investment in purchasing a puppy - but they also attest to the type of breeder you are purchasing from and how much faith they have in their breeding lines.
Other things to pay attention to when screening breeders
Some other things to make sure you pay attention to:
Do they have an active social media presence?
How long have they been breeding?
Do they have any reviews?
Can you contact previous buyers (without the breeder) that can attest to their experience with the breeder and the puppy they purchased?
Are they registered with the AKC, CKC, do their breeding dogs have OFA certification and/or CHIC numbers?
So I put a deposit on a puppy and now they want more money for other expenses....
Holy red flags!!! Reputable breeders do not require payment in excess of the discussed terms! This is usually deposit, balance less the deposit upon transfer of puppy, registration fees, and transportation. Sometimes no registration fees, other times breeders require you pay for registration - any of these mentioned are NORMAL FEES! Anything outside of these fees are more likely than not A SCAM! No reputable breeder will require you to pay extra for "special crates for traveling" or "changes of flight information or itinerary", etc.!
This has been a rampant social media scam lately where the seller accepts a deposit from the buyer and then last minute (usually right before the puppy is set to ship) all of the sudden there were flight changes, insurance changes, etc. and now the seller requires more money for this puppy that does not actually exist. Scams come in all shapes and forms pulling at the heart strings of vulnerable buyers - we'll discuss this more in depth in our Beware of Scammers post - in the meantime BUYER BEWARE and for the love of happy puppy homecoming experiences - vet your breeder!!!
Summary
Finding the right breeder may seem like a daunting task, but I promise it does not have to be! Do your due diligence and research, research, research! Buying a puppy is a long-term decision accompanied by satisfying commitment with immeasurable return on interest in the form of companionship for many years so ensuring that you do your research and find the puppy and breeder that are right for you is necessary! You can help support reputable breeders by holding them to the standards required by the National Kennel Clubs, health testing, and proper breeder practices.
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