Are they really?

[I_LOVE_ROTTS]

I have heard that dalmations are not good children dogs,is this true?

[Karen]

No and yes both. Dalmatians are a high-energy dog. With the right training, they can be great with kids, and run and play with them till they both drop!

They are a high-energy breed, though, and NEED to be trained, to have their "job" in the family well established, and to be kept busy, too, or they can get destructive - like any bored dog or child can be!

Like any breed, though, it can also vary from dog to dog. I would ask the shelter or breeder if the dog has been socialized around children, or bring a child with you to see how the dog reacts. When we got the Saint Bernard that my family had when I was growing up, the breeder warned us that the father of the puppies was nervous around children. That surprised my parents greatly - Saint Bernards are known to be absoilutely fabulous with children! The breeder then explained that when the male was a young dog, they lived near a toddler that - when not supervised - would walk up to the dog and grab him by the jowls and pull - not to be mean, but that's just what he'd do. The dog never reacted badly, just whimpered and tried to squirm away, but after a couple of encounters of this sort, would avoid toddlers at all costs. Would could blame him, poor thing? So you need to be clear on any dog's background before you make any assumptions, no matter what breed it is!

[TheAntiPam]

Good points, Karen!

One question, in my opinion, does not get asked often enough: What is the temperament of the family? Be honest! Do you have children too young to understand rules? Do you have a child that is often mean and disruptive? Does your family cooperate, or does everyone do their own thing, with Mom coming along behind to clean up the mess?

Of course, no family is perfect...but facing some tough questions about your family is very important BEFORE getting the dog. Your new dog will learn from ALL the family members. Choosing the right dog depends on knowing the dog AND knowing the family. A good match will make for years of love and happiness!

[ilovehounds]

I heard that too, after the movie 101 dalmations came back out, shelters and people were saying that they were not good with kids so don't go out and get one ??

The dalmations I know are wonderful, lovable dogs that wouldn't hurt a flea.