Would a dalmatian make a good first dog?

Yes – a very nice dog.

They are also watchful and protective over children.

if you have done all your homework, then yes!

I would suggest you consider a different breed for a first dog. Dalmations are fairly demanding dogs, from what I understand, and maybe not the best choice for a first time owner. Perhaps a couple of owners can tell you more.

Before getting any dog, be sure to learn as much as you can about that breed, to find the best fit between the dog and your home environment.

NO!!

Don’t believe Disney, these are NOT sweet little children’s companions. Dals have strong tendencies to be nervous or aggressive, they are work-oriented and get very stressed without a job to do, and they are NOT good with children. They aren’t good ‘first’ dogs either, they need a lot of training, exercise, a stable household, etc.

I strongly suggest one of the classic child-friendly breeds for a first dog in your household. Labs, Golden Retrievers, St. Bernards, Newfoundlands, etc.

EDIT: Spaniels are questionable, they tend to have a strong odor, frequent ear and skin problems (which is unsanitary to have around children, and also means more work for you, and it sounds like you have a lot on your plate already!), and in general, spaniels can be nippy. Still not a particularly good choice for your family.

Because you have children, one being quite young i wouldnt. Dalmations have a reputaion for being aggressive and high strung. We had raised one from a 7 week old puppy and we spent time w him and trained him well. Even had him fixed. But to our dismay, he was territorial and aggressive. After talking to others about my problem i learned other peoples similar experiences. Seemed that both male and female dalmations were problematic. Hope this helps some.

Although a wonderful breed, I don’t recommend it for the first time dog owner. They have a lot of energy and have high training requirements. I would select a breed that is lower maintenance than a dalmation.

UGH! I hate dalmations. They are so hyper and sketchy. I wouldn’t trust them around my kids.
The BEST kind of dogs are mutts, especially ones that need a good home. They are healthier, and smarter than purebreeds. Also, they are totally unique, no one will have a dog like yours. Look on Petfinder.com for homeless dogs in your area. Both of my pets were homeless (I found them on the streets) and they,seriously, are the best animals I know, It’s like they know I saved them. And, you would be teaching your kids a valuable, life lesson about helping animals, instead of teaching them to just go out and pay (usually way to much) for an animal when SO MANY are put to death daily.
Think about it, but if you insist on having a purebreed, all I can say is do A LOT of research about the breed you are interested in.
Good Luck

check out my sweet rescues…
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/devony30/August2007003-1.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/devony30/July2007008.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc227/devony30/July2007086.jpg

no i would choose a small dog like a Yorkie because it makes a good easy pet

Hi there. I agree with most of the other posters that Dalmation would probably be a poor choice at this point. They are notoriously high energy, frenetic and nippers even in the best of scenarios. I know someone who loves theirs who lives up the street but they have no kids and A LOT of dog experience.
The thing is that if this is your first dog, pick a breed or a mix of two breeds where you have a great chance of getting a dog that is easy to deal with. You really can give yourself a great chance if you do some research. This is in no way eliminates the shelters or adoption since there are frequently mixed dogs there and even puppies. There are also purebreds there and many times you have histories from previous owners to alert you if they arent good with kids or to clue you in when they are. So go easy on yourself in picking the dog by choosing one that will be easy to handle and train. No need to be a hero here and choose a difficult dog thinking you can work around it and just put in extra time. You will already be scrambling as it is! And this is normal for first dog owners no matter how prepared they are.
Even the easiest most lovable dog to handle and train is a ton of work. You will be surprised how much and IMO everyone is always surprised. It is hard to anticipate how much time it takes to love, feed, walk, bathe, socialize, train, and raise a dog. It is quite an undertaking! the good news is you will get rewarded for these efforts with a wonderful new addition to your family.
adding; to the poster who breeds them. Sorry if we offended you. Here is the real deal though – a dog that is considered high energy and intelligent must be with the RIGHT owner who can stimulate and take care of that extra energy or else you have a destructive, overanxious dog – hence, one who is a bit difficult and may nip. Whenenever the owner and the dog breed dont match up correctly you have this problem. Not everyone has the time to deal with the challenges of a dalmation. If they have a very active lifestyle and are willing to take it along a lot and exercise with it and will be vigilant with obedience making sure it doesnt get bored, sure a dalmation is a great choice. But sorry – three kids and for a first dog? Um, it seems like a no brainer to me. Nobody said dalmations were bad!

To all you people who have answered this question saying things like, aren’t good with kids, were bred to bite, are unhealthy and have high vet bills, prone to blindness, Hip Dysplasia, only live to 7-9 years, are nervous/aggressive & territorial, I am sorry that you have NEVER known a REAL Dalmatian, as they are the COMPLTETE opposite.
Firstly Dalmatians make GREAT family dogs, they don’t just bond with one person but everyone, my dalmatians are great friends with my cousins kids, 3 & 5 years, they have known them since they were babies & have NEVER hurt them. Dalmatians are Faithful, Affectionate, Easily trainable, and Exceptionally intelligent, the Dalmatian is a very versatile breed, which has been used as a hunting dog, war dog during both World Wars, carriage dog and has been used as a guide dog, and fire dog in the U.S.A. They were originally breed to follow the carriages on long distances, catching food for their owner, guarding the horses & carriage from robbers & checking everything was safe ahead for the couch.

He is a gentleman by character, forthcoming and anxious to please. Dalmatians are good-natured and even-tempered with happy dispositions that are easily trained. I have not met a Dalmatian that has biten a human in aggression, nor one that has really gone for another dog. They are good with other animals, if socialised well & brought up with them, of cause, & I have known quite a few in my life.
They are a healthy breed, are not prone to blindness or hypdisplasia, & live to around 12-15 years. There is a small percentage of deaf Dalmatians, therefore the breed is Hearing tested at around 6 weeks(Baer tested), The breed can also produce urinary stones, like people, & therefore are fed a low purine diet which is not more expensive than other dog foods. Dalmatians require a strong leader & are not recommened for first time dog owners because of their intelligence.They also shed alot & all year round, a weekly brush will limit the amount of hair shed but be prepared to find white hairs around the house & on your clothes if you don’t want this then dalmatian might not be the breed for you.
They also require lots of walks & runs to burn off all their extra energy, & obedience training is a must.
Some Breeders prefer the new families to have older children instead of young ones under 6, but it depends on how you bring up your dalmatian and the maturity of the children. If you feel you’re family is ready for a Dalmatian then all means go for it, if not then I would recommend a different breed. If you choose a Dalmatian contact you nearest dalmatian club, you can get their number from the Canine Council, & either adopt a dalmatian that needs re-homing or choose a repretable breeder, not someone advertising in the paper or pups at a pet store.
Because your husband had a dog previously, I cannot see a problem with owning a Dalmatian.
Good Luck with whatever decision you make.