Dalmation?

[Aggie4Bar]

For some reason, my yard is a dog magnet. Whereas my big dogs cannot squeeze between the gate and fence post to get out, smaller dogs are able to get in.

Case in point: About 3 weeks ago, I got up one morning and discovered a hound-type dog and a Chinese crested hanging out with Turbomutt. A hound-type dog in this area isn't surprising, but the Chinese crested thing threw me for a loop. I'd only seen them on Animal Planet. To have one show up in my yard... ?!? It was weird. We ran the dogs off and haven't seen them since.

Starting on about Friday, I noticed a Dalmation sniffing around in the ditch in front of our property. I saw him several days in a row at different times of the day all weekend and earlier this week. He'd scope out the fence and driveway and then take off. Well, I guess he decided his investigation is complete. He wandered into the garage this morning, where Mr. A4B found him happily taking a nap. Mr. A4B ran the dog off... but dog squeezed into the backyard. He ran it off again, and it disappeared. Mr. A4B left to run some errands, returned home, and the Dal was in the yard again. And now refused to be run off.

Stray Dalmation Photo Op: Picture (http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e93/aggie4bar/StrayDog.jpg)

Dalmation is male. Mr. A4B reports, "He has big balls." :rolleyes: He and Turbomutt are having a marvelous time playing. Dal is also very friendly toward the kids. He hasn't shown any interest in bothering the horses. And he apparently thinks he's home... at least for this evening.

We'll put out some signs today and hope someone claims him. If not, are there any Dalmation lovers here? I have a sneaking suspicion this guy was dumped. :(

[dalpal]

Just a side note....Dalmatian is spelled with an A, not an O

Where are you located...I have several rescue contacts.

All large intact male dogs have "big balls" :lol:

PS..thank you for letting him stay temporarily...I am happy to help if I can.

Edited to add...I see you are in TX. Keep me posted, I will post on my showdals list if you can't find his home. I know the rescues in TX are usually swamped....but I will do my best to help you. Pretty boy.

They are very good with horses and good family dogs. They were bred to guard the carriage houses/horses

[Laytian]

In the photo, he looks like he's a dark liver -- are his spots jet black or very dark brown (liver)? (The spots match the nose color, which also looks to be liver in that photo, though he is missing a little bit of trim, and his eye color is also typical of livers.) I'm betting LIVER. :lol:

Does he have dewclaws? (Toenails on the inside of the front legs, about four inches up from the ground.) Most (not all) breeders remove them, but backyard breeders rarely do.

I don't recognize the bloodlines (though I have a suspicion or two on what lines may be back a generation or two! :winkgrin:), but he looks fairly nice, with decent markings. :yes:

Many Dalmatians are OUTSTANDING with horses, have a natural affinity for horses, and will *coach* automatically with a moving horse. :yes::cool: The breed is the one and only *horse dog*. :yes:

I *love* livers! :cool:

[Aggie4Bar]

Ah, I did not realize it was with an "A". I was, however, aware that all male dogs have big balls. ;) It's just funny that when you ask a man if it's male/female or neutered, they have to comment on the package. :lol:

He is a liver. And he's very, very sweet. He's also very thin. :no: He desperately wants in the house. The kids accidentally let him in, and he immediately parked himself on the living room floor as if it was his normal, everyday routine to lay in front of the TV. He's back outside now.

He does have front dewclaws. I wasn't aware anyone ever removed the front ones. Rear ones, yes... but what trouble do the front ones pose (other than clawing the hell out of your arms if the dogs is a jumper)? I would guess he's probably 3-4 years old.

[dalpal]

Yep....mine has all dew claws removed.

If you can PM me your location, I'll post on Showdals.

[Laytian]

Dalmatian don't have rear dewclaws, in fact, very few breed do. Of those that do, a couple of them are *required* by their breed standard to leave them on.

Dewclaws frequently get torn out, especially if the dog is very active, so they're commonly removed at three days of age or so when it's still cartilage and not yet bone (puppies barely even whimper when it's done). Also, many pet owners fail to keep them trimmed properly and if left (particularly on a coated breed), they *can* grow in a circle to the point that they will cause a sore on the dog's leg. :eek: I've had dogs with and without dewclaws. All in all, removing them is preferable.

Dalmatians ARE house dogs. They do not do well as *outside* dogs at all. They are VERY people-oriented and need to be WITH their owner, not segregated outdoors, in any weather/climate. :eek::no::confused:

[dalpal]

Dalmatian don't have rear dewclaws, in fact, very few breed do. Of those that do, a couple of them are *required* by their breed standard to leave them on.

Dewclaws frequently get torn out, especially if the dog is very active, so they're commonly removed at three days of age or so when it's still cartilage and not yet bone (puppies barely even whimper when it's done). Also, many pet owners fail to keep them trimmed properly and if left (particularly on a coated breed), they *can* grow in a circle to the point that they will cause a sore on the dog's leg. :eek: I've had dogs with and without dewclaws. All in all, removing them is preferable.

Dalmatians ARE house dogs. They do not do well as *outside* dogs at all. They are VERY people-oriented and need to be WITH their owner, not segregated outdoors, in any weather/climate. :eek::no::confused:

Yep..they are glue. :lol: Mine is under my desk at my feet right now. My first dog as an adult was a stray dalmatian.....I knew nothing about them, and he stole my heart instantly. He was supposed to be for my husband, but he ended up being my dog. There is just nothing like a dalmatian...loyal, comical, sweet dogs. And VERY SMART...sometimes they use their intelligence for good and sometimes not. :lol:

[Aggie4Bar]

Interesting. I only thought of rear, paricularly doubles, being issues. We had them taken off our Pyrs for fear of snagging and injury.

He seems to have three different names at the moment. Mr. A4B has taken to calling the dog Ruh-Roh. One child likes Jack (as in Jackpot) and the other is calling him Rocky. I fed him just a few minutes ago, and he with enthusiasm. He's one exhausted pooch though.

[dalpal]

Interesting. I only thought of rear, paricularly doubles, being issues. We had them taken off our Pyrs for fear of snagging and injury.

He seems to have three different names at the moment. Mr. A4B has taken to calling the dog Ruh-Roh. One child likes Jack (as in Jackpot) and the other is calling him Rocky. I fed him just a few minutes ago, and he with enthusiasm. He's one exhausted pooch though.

I smell a keeper. :lol:

[Milocalwinnings]

I smell a keeper. :lol:

Yup, me too! Once they have a name, there's no turning back!:winkgrin:

[Aggie4Bar]

No way! I admit, I'm a little partial to Jack because he has sort of hit the jackpot here. :D Poor guy is out there panting up a storm with a fan on him. He needs an indoor home and someone's feet to lie under.

He's had a collar on within the past two weeks. He's got just the slightest hair ridge remaining. Our neighbours said they saw him for the first time on Sunday but had already seen some "Found Dog!" signs with his picture. I guess visitation time ran out for whoever hung those signs. We're going to be out of town this weekend, so we've decided to wait until Monday to hang our own signs up. My critter-sitter was ecstatic when I called her and told her she had one more animal to feed and play with.

Anyway, in spite of all you enablers... and you know who you are ;)... my home is not a match for what this dog seems to want and need. He's so stinkin' sweet that it's tempting! But I'd rather see him happy and indoors than being an outdoor dog here. He doesn't seem cut out for the farmdog life.

[dalpal]

They definitely need to be indoors. Mine would be very sad outside.

But, now I have to ask....why can't he be an inside dog (wink, wink). Dalmatians are like potato chips, once you start, you can't stop. :lol:

[beesknees]

Many Dalmatians are OUTSTANDING with horses, have a natural affinity for horses, and will *coach* automatically with a moving horse. :yes::cool: The breed is the one and only *horse dog*. :yes:

This is true, my spotty loves the horse and is great around them...she's really good on hacks too :)

Our Dal was dumped :( we were very happy to get her from the shelter, but she was a terror for the first year--terribly abused...she's becoming a normal dog though. Still petrified of children (not a growly way, but a runaway in terror way :[). They are incredibly loyal and totally sookie. She is a little sissy in the winter and need a blanket for walks, but she is an indoor dog...she would LOVE to live on a farm though.

Someone will take him...if you don't keep him :P

[Drive NJ]

How to have fun with your dalmation and horse :D

http://www.redrockdalmatians.com/Page_3.html

http://www.carriagedog.org/index.php?title=Home

http://www.bottomsupdals.com/trials.html

He could help you fit up your horses

[Aggie4Bar]

Ask me why I'm smiling? :D :D :D :D :D :D

My mother-in-law is in love with the dog. :) :yes: :)

If no one claims him... and sadly I think no one will... he has a home. And it will be a pampered indoor home. :cool:

<<<happy dance>>>

[dalpal]

Ask me why I'm smiling? :D :D :D :D :D :D

My mother-in-law is in love with the dog. :) :yes: :)

If no one claims him... and sadly I think no one will... he has a home. And it will be a pampered indoor home. :cool:

<<<happy dance>>>

Give your mother in law a big hug for me......and if you want any info, I'm happy to help. You do need to be careful with the dals diets.....stick to a lamb or poultry food.....anything high in purines such as beef or vension can reak havic on their urinary systems....creating crystals and blockage.

[seeuatx]

Ditto everything DalPal said. Sadly, it seems that Dals are a commonly dumped breed. People see those stupid movies and don't realize that these dogs are very people oriented but also energetic. Most *need* certain amounts of exercise (walking 20 min. minimum works quite well for mine) to be happy, or they can get antsy and kind of obnoxious (though I LOVE mine regardless).

We suspect mine came from a puppy mill as she appeared to have had many, many, many litters when she came to the rescue. She was about 25 lbs at the time. She has been glued to my heels every since.

Good luck and congrats to your Mom-in-law... she'll have a friend for life with this breed :D

[vineyridge]

My dal, who came to me thanks to Dalpal, seems to think that my tractor is a carriage or a horse. She gets in her running in front position while I'm mowing and will keep at it for hours. Makes me tired just to watch her.

She is also a snuggle bunny. And a truck riding fool. :D

[seeuatx]

My dal, who came to me thanks to Dalpal, seems to think that my tractor is a carriage or a horse. She gets in her running in front position while I'm mowing and will keep at it for hours. Makes me tired just to watch her.

She is also a snuggle bunny. And a truck riding fool. :D

Noel would do that if I let her. She loves to sit shotgun in the car... hops right in and sits so alert and proud. I taught her the sit/stay command in one day at the barn... she has to wait at whatever gate and she would stick her head under the gate and watch. She always managed to look so dejected when I left her at the arena gate, as though I were keeping her from her duties ;). She can't go to the current barn because of a territorial barn dog... but it sure was fun back then.

[Serigraph]

Just beware if you do keep the dal he might end up like this:

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk58/luccimia/Ash035.jpg

And mine would absolutely shrivel up and DIE outside. They're velcro.

[Hannahsmom]

Oh Serigraph, that picture makes me laugh. I've had Dals all my life and they were all bed hogs. And under the covers of course.

This liver boy looks lovely. My last Dal was a liver boy so I'm very partial. I'm amazed he was dumped. You may want to take him into your vet so they could check for a microchip. Many reputable breeders chip them before they even go to new owners. Also check for deafness, just in case.

If you do end up keeping him, you'll enjoy him. I did the Road Trials with my last Dal and he got best conditioned. I showed in conformation and obedience with Dals and was very successful as long as I remembered to keep it fun for them as they learn very fast and then want to move onto something more fun to do rather than doing the same thing over and over.

I haven't had a Dal for about 8 years now. I miss them but as I have gotten older I moved onto a smaller breed that doesn't require as much exercise and room but a pretty spotted dog still turns my head. And I ditto to eeryone who talks about their horse sense. They are great riding pals.

[Serigraph]

Bed hogs for sure. I had the best Dalmatian Rescue T-shirt once. I cannot remember all it said but something like this:

A Dalmatian is a 50+ pound hair shedding, tail-smacking, cat-chasing, yard digging, bed hogging, trash eating, counter cruising, slobber slinging, paw planting, loud barking, shoe chewing, leash pulling, always plotting bundle of non-stop energy.

In his younger years, mine fit just about all. Now that he is 12, he's outgrown about one or two :)

[lauriep]

Another Dal person here. I've owned them since 1975. Currently have 2 livers, mother and daughter.

With a male, you have to be EXTREMELY careful of diet, as the fact is that Dals produce uric acid rather than urea (the ONLY breed of dog that does this) which lends itself to formation of stones/crystals in the bladder. What needs to be completely eliminated is organ meats as they are high in purines. Beef is ok, but chicken/lamb/turkey are best. Females seldom have problems due to the plumbing, but males can. Don't settle for a grocery store food. Purina Pro Plan seems to be the most popular kibble (read labels, some of the newer natural foods are also good), but even more important is LOTS of water intake (feed the kibble with copious amounts of water) and LOTS of pee breaks. It has been observed that males with limited potty breaks, or kenneled dogs, seem to have more problem with stone forming.

Some breeding lines show more propensity to stone formers than others, but since you don't know his breeding, take the above precautions so your MIL has a long, happy relationship with the dog.

A couple of links:

http://www.thedca.org/index.html

http://www.geocities.com/paisleydals/

http://www.edalmatians.com/

[Aggie4Bar]

I'm amazed he was dumped. You may want to take him into your vet so they could check for a microchip. Many reputable breeders chip them before they even go to new owners. Also check for deafness, just in case.No chip. I've been doing things to test his hearing since he arrived, and he seems to be just fine. Mr. A4B was shocked to learn that deafness is common in Dals. A friend of mine had one that was deaf when I was younger.

The dog has officially been named Shadow by his new human mama. As his energy level picked up and he began "helping" me around the place, I dubbed him Elmer. (He's seriously like glue!) My MIL was very quick to give me a name for him once she heard that. Frankly, I thought Elmer was clever and fitting. He's a bit of a goofy dude and clingy... so it sort of fits. But so does Shadow.

Re: Dumped
We've discovered that if you make any sudden move toward Shadow, he cowers reflexively. Particularly when Mr. A4B reaches to pet him, he sits very submissively with his head down and tail tucked until the petting session is over. I reached for him too quick for some rough-house loving like I give Turbomutt earlier and he hit the deck. Literally. Then he realized it was a good thing and got all bouncy and excited. But that was the moment when it first dawned on me that he's seen a heavy hand at some point in his life. I don't think he's comfortable around men. He's a sucker for the ladies though. ;)

[Hannahsmom]

We've discovered that if you make any sudden move toward Shadow, he cowers reflexively. Particularly when Mr. A4B reaches to pet him, he sits very submissively with his head down and tail tucked until the petting session is over. I reached for him too quick for some rough-house loving like I give Turbomutt earlier and he hit the deck. Literally.

There is a very hot place reserved in wait for whoever did that to this poor dog. I get so mad when people tell me how stupid Dals are. I have to bite my tongue in two.