The Presa Canario is one of the most intense of the guarding molosser breeds. Most of the time the breed is cool, composed and self-assured. If a threat appears, this confident and determined beast will take care of it. As such, he is wary of strangers (not fearful, but suspicious) although obedient to his family, including children. This is a strong-minded and very powerful animal (often over 100 pounds) that should only be owned by owners experienced with formidable breeds. In the right home, he is intensely loyal and bonds quite deeply to his owner/s.

Presas can exhibit many dominant behaviors and will try to rule the household if they feel the owner isn’t doing so. As such, obedience training and early socialization is extremely necessary, as well as some sort of job to engage his mind/body frequently! The size of the owner doesn’t matter as long as they are experienced with instilling firm “house rules” and can keep up with regular training on a consistent basis (ideally starting when the dog is still young and small). Not normally an “obedience breed”, while they can be taught a number of things they aren’t the easiest for a novice. This dog is intelligent but can be extremely headstrong.

Many Presa Canarios do not get along with other dogs – either strange canines or household companions. It is possible for some to co-exist with another but there are a number of factors that come into play – the age at which they join the family, the genetics of the dog, the sex of both dogs, the skill of the owner, etc, etc. The breed is also not known to get along well with smaller pets such as cats. When outside, his territorial nature can take over and he may try to maim or kill strange dogs near the property so a tall, secure fence is an absolute must. While not insanely energetic, the athletic Presa does require regular exercise in addition to all the training and care described above. He can live in an apartment in some situations but increased exercise will be necessary, as well as evaluating whether or not other tenants let their dog run off-leash at the complex. For obvious reasons that would not be a good situation.

The Presa was originally bred to do several things: act as a guard dog, a worker of livestock, as a fighting dog and finally as a companion. Because of this, he can be a versatile dog. No matter what, however, he will always have a deep instinct to protect the home and will take this job very seriously. A well-bred Presa will not act aggressively without reason, although poorly-bred and/or raised Presas have the potential to do serious damage – as has happened in the past and resulted in bad press for the breed. Unfortunately because of these “bad eggs”, the breed is on a number of BSL (breed specific legislation) lists and cannot be bought or owned in many parts of the world.

Presa Canarios are calm in the house. They are not a dog to run wildly around the living room for no reason; they are peaceful and observant of their surroundings, including the people in the home. This is a dog that most certainly will notice if something is “off”. This is also a fairly quiet dog who won’t make a big show of barking if someone comes to the door. He may bark a couple of times – a low and powerful sound, but is not excessively loud. Interestingly, in situations where he actually needs to apprehend an intruder it is likely he will do so quietly, without a sound.

Presas do have a number of genetic health issues in the breed. Susceptibility to demodectic mange, eye conditions, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia and other growth-related skeletal disorders have all been reported. Make sure to do your research when looking for a breeder! Responsible breeders do their best to weed out problems although nothing is foolproof when it comes to mother nature. It also wouldn’t be a horrible idea to purchase dog health insurance. Average age of Presas is 10-12.

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The Broholmer is a molosser (Mastiff-type) breed from Denmark, originally bred to guard estates and cattle, as well as doing a bit of herding duty when needed. Devoted to his owner and friendly to those he meets, this giant breed has a confident and stable nature. While guarding was one of their original purposes, today most are too friendly to be serious guard dogs. Although they will bark… many want nothing more than to love and be loved by strangers that enter the home. This said, their giant size is almost always enough of a deterrent for most would-be intruders! The Broholmer tends to get along well with children as well as the elderly, and will defend a beloved family member if absolutely necessary (if it’s an actual, absolute threat – they prefer not to drop their friendly nature unless it’s unavoidable).

Some are surprised to learn that the Broholmer is actually an incredibly affectionate dog who prefers to spend his time as close to his owner as possible – even if that means turning himself into a lap dog! This may also make him more prone to separation anxiety. He is more openly affectionate than other molosser breeds and is also more social to strangers. Many Broholmers make excellent therapy dogs! Another surprising difference – despite his giant frame, he is actually quite athletic and is able to participate in all sorts of physical activities. One last trait that sets him apart from other similar breeds is his ability to get along with other dogs. Although he may need supervision around smaller breeds, he has less dog-aggressive tendencies than many molossers.

Broholmers don’t require very much grooming and therefore are very easy upkeep. They also rarely drool and keep themselves fairly clean. In terms of exercise, although they are able to keep up with almost any type of physical activity (even including hiking and camping) they don’t actually need very much exercise to keep them happy and calm in the house. A walk every day is highly recommended, however, especially for dogs that don’t live with a fenced backyard. Lastly, although they have a somewhat short lifespan (8-9 years is average), they are generally quite healthy throughout their lives with few health issues seen in the breed.

The Broholmer usually does very well with obedience training, although he often requires an owner who stays firm and doesn’t budge on the rules. He is intelligent but can be stubborn when he wants to be. Although he isn’t known for being aggressive, all giant breeds must be socialized early and given boundaries. An owner must train with confidence and respect! Make sure to keep sessions short, and vary the order of the commands in each training session to keep the dog on his toes.

The Tosa is a courageous mastiff-type breed originally bred in Japan as a fighting dog. In fact, members of the breed were treated with great honor during and after a fight, even being outfitted with ceremonial sashes. Nowadays they are used primarily as watch and guard dogs. And they get the job done… these guys can pack a punch as they weigh anywhere from 100 to 200 pounds! Individuals may take up to 4 years in order to become fully mature and reach these heights, although it should be noted that dogs in Japan are often a little smaller.

Tosas are obedient when trained – a good thing, because such a large breed definitely needs early (and continued) obedience training. Without it, they can easily overpower most humans! Seeing as how they are already on “restricted breed lists” in many places, it is vital that those who own them make sure they are good citizens both inside and outside the home. They do best with plenty of positive reinforcement but firm, fair corrections have their place when done correctly. These intelligent, yet dominant dogs do want to please their owners, however they have several quirks that make them ill-suited to being trained by a novice.

The Tosa shouldn’t be ferocious unless he absolutely needs to be. In the home he is calm, quiet and composed. He is always watching vigilantly to make sure his people and property are protected, but he won’t make a huge display unless it is warranted. If it is warranted… he can do a lot of damage. This is a breed that will show loyal affection to his master in an unassuming way, and will treat strangers with aloofness. Outright aggression for no reason is not typical of the breed but it is vital that he be well-bred and given regular training and socialization to make sure this holds true. A poorly bred or untrained Tosa in the wrong hands can be unpredictable and quickly become a liability.

Tosas are easy to groom and are considered a low-shedding breed. Despite this perk, for the many reasons listed above this is still not a breed for a novice dog owner! Their fearless nature and natural protective instinct, combined with their easy grooming, may make them sound perfect to some people but there must be plenty of knowledge, skill and time put into these dogs.

Because of their fighting lineage, the Tosa doesn’t always get along with other dogs, especially if it’s a strange dog coming onto their property (or a dog of the same sex). Many people have a hard time living with multiple dogs when they own this breed. Owners must make sure that their Tosa never gets out to roam – a territorial breed like this one could prove dangerous to other dogs, cats and animals. The breed can even be iffy around livestock. Not every dog works for every person’s situation, and this is a breed that is not adaptable to just any living situation! Another scenario that is less-than-desirable… for many reasons, the Tosa does not work well in an apartment.

Although the Tosa is a low-energy breed, he still needs some exercise. Walks around the neighborhood are great, as well as having access to a fully fenced yard. Electronic fences are not a good idea for this breed. Although they are low energy, they still have a ton of athleticism and are capable of jumping a short fence, or running right through an electronic one with little issue. Seeing a cat running on the other side of the property, for example, is enough of an incentive for most to leap right out of the yard.

Tosas can get along well with children although it is important that he is raised with them from puppy-hood. Furthermore, supervision is 100% necessary whenever the kids and dog are playing together – small kids with flighty movements may invoke his fighting instincts. Furthermore, his sheer bulk makes it easy for him to knock over or accidentally hurt a very small child. Assess the situation carefully before bringing this breed home.

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The Dogo Argentino is known – not only for his impressive appearance – but also his fierce hunting instincts and devoted nature towards his family. The breed was created in the early 1900’s by two brothers who set out to create “the ultimate big game hound” for the rugged Argentinian countryside. Using the (now extinct) Fighting Dog of Cordoba, they added at least 9 other breeds ranging from several other molosser breeds, to the Pointer, to the Irish Wolfhound.

Because the Dogo is an endurance hound, he possesses both physical as well as mental capabilities of tracking and hunting wild boar throughout the day. While he can sprint fast if needed, he can sustain a slower gallop for longer periods of time. For potential owners, this means they must be able to give this dog the vast exercise that he needs – a tough task for many! He also must be given a job to do in order to exercise his mind as well. A versatile breed – one doesn’t necessarily need to hunt boar with their Dogo. Tracking, schutzhund, obedience, and search and rescue are popular outlets for Dogos around the world. In Argentina he has been used in both military and police work, as well as a guide dog for the blind!

Some might be surprised to know that this powerhouse of a dog also possesses a distinctly sensitive nature and will show almost human-like concern towards his owners, especially children. The Dogo Argentino wants most to be near his family at all times and prefers to lay where he can see (if not even touch) them at all times. He is friendly towards new people however if need be, he will defend that family to the death if the situation arises. He should never be needlessly aggressive, however, and most have very steady and almost humble temperaments.

Dogos are a slow-maturing breed, particularly the males. It may take up to 3 years before they are fully mature. While not hyperactive, young Dogos are very curious and inquisitive – sometimes getting into things they shouldn’t. Early obedience and supervision is necessary to curb any possible destruction that could arise from these traits! Other than this, the breed is fairly laid-back and enjoys happily laying on the couch in his free time (provided he has been given enough exercise).

Dogo Argentinos are always solid white in color (although may have a small black patch on the head), and white dogs are known to frequently have sensitive skin. Care must be taken with the shampoo that is chosen, however other than that the grooming is simple. Their sensitive skin also makes more prone to sunburn. One more trait often seen with all white dogs… about 10% of Dogos are born deaf. A potential buyer should be prepared to obtain their dog from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs and can provide proof that the puppy has normal hearing.

Very intelligent, the Dogo takes quite well to training, including housebreaking. Many members of the breed find obedience exciting – both in the task itself as well as pleasing their owners! One caveat though, they can be exceptionally distracted by interesting smells – a throwback to their hunting genes. It is up to the owner or trainer to make sure to keep the training positive without letting the dog take over and decide to follow a scent instead – there must be a balance of being firm yet fun. Too much firmness could result in extra stubbornness from the dog but too much “fun” could result in the dog completely blowing you off! It goes without saying that such a large, strong breed must have obedience training from puppy-hood.

The Dogo Argentino was built to be tough and agile. He needed to withstand not only getting scratched up in the field, but potentially getting majorly wounded by the boar or puma that he hunted. He was also built to be a silent hunter – not warning his prey that he was near. When it comes to protecting his family, many Dogos use both of these traits. He will naturally protect anything that he thinks is his, which also includes the person’s house, belongings and car. It is of utmost importance that he be raised with rules, boundaries, and obedience training so that these natural traits don’t get out of hand.

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The Greater Swiss Mountain Dog is a versatile working breed, capable of being a fantastic companion for the right owner. These large, big-boned workhorses have a lot of strength and were originally designed as all-around farm dogs. As such, they do best when living with owners who will give them a job (or several jobs) to keep them mentally and physically fit. Swissies are a confident breed that are both strong and agile. Their sheer size and intimidating appearance means that even the smallest owner will feel safe when walking with them late at night. Despite their large frame and serious nature, however, they are gentle and polite even with children.

Swissies are often enthusiastic and happy. They love to be around people and to meet new friends, and many don’t realize their large size makes them difficult lap dogs. This means that young dogs might be a bit too much to handle for frail or elderly owners… at least until they are trained. They should also be socialized as young puppies in order to grow into their unshakeable temperaments, although many require less socialization than other breeds. When trained and socialized, these dogs are usually unfazed by new situations. Additionally, most get along great with other dogs as well as other pets (although same-sex aggression is something to watch out for).

The Greater Swiss is usually active in short bursts throughout the day. He is not a lazy dog, nor is he on-the-go constantly, provided he gets the required exercise. This means he is adaptable to many different living situations (although he doesn’t tend to thrive in apartments). Usually, the more active the family – the more active the dog because he always wants to be in the middle of the action, if at all possible. Younger dogs have more energy – and will mature slowly both physically and mentally. So while a puppy will take about a year and a half to grow to his full height, it will take even longer before his brain “slows down”. Owners should be cautious about giving a puppy too much forced exercise, however, as doing so can be physically taxing to his joints.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are territorial and make great watchdogs. They will bark to alert when people come on the property. They will also bark when they notice anything out-of-place, which means they can be a loud breed in certain homes. They are not guard dogs, however. It takes a lot for a Swissy to actually bite someone, and they will do their best to keep a bite as a last resort. Most owners rely on their dogs intimidating presence to be a deterrent to intruders, rather than counting on them to actually defend them from a robbery.

Swissies were bred to work with people and therefore expect to have structure and rules placed upon them. It is a good idea to obedience train every breed, but Swissies tend to take extra-well to being trained as they have strong work ethics. Many of them are submissive in nature and love to be given instruction, although others have more of a dominant personality. It depends on the dog. In homes where the owner does not take on a leadership role, Swissies tend to become stressed. They will take on the role themselves, although most don’t want to. Work with them from the time they are puppies to satiate this need, as well as to curtail potential issues such as leash-pulling. The versatile nature of this breed means that they thrive when working in many different events such as obedience, agility, herding, draft work, conformation, rally, tracking, backpacking and weight pulling. The list goes on and on… 

Some Greater Swiss have high prey drives while others have less. The high-drive dogs are often more apt to chase smaller animals, and so should be taught from an early age that this is not allowed. This may also translate to chasing small children – therefore training and supervision is highly recommended for families that have toddlers. A strong fence is a requirement of many Swissy breeders because the instinct to chase small animals can be so high. Dogs with a higher prey drive are usually dogs that also have high herding drives – those particular individuals do much better when allowed to fulfill this need. Whether herding, pulling carts or working in another manner, it is important to remember that Swissies are working dogs first and foremost. They are not decorations and must be given jobs to fulfill.

Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs have short, easy-to-care-for coats although it is worth noting that these dogs do shed year-round. Their tricolor double coats have a couple of heavy shedding seasons (often in the spring and fall) with a low, constant shed in all other times of the year. Keeping the dog brushed out will help somewhat. As with all other breeds, keep the nails trimmed, teeth cleaned, and check the ears regularly to make sure they’re clean as well. Luckily, the Swissy’s coat doesn’t hold on to dirt for very long and therefore doesn’t have too strong of a doggy odor.

Swissies don’t tend to handle heat very well and should be monitored closely when outside on hot days. This means that they should never spend too long outside in hot Texas summers, nor should they be exercised in the middle of the day when the temperature is too warm. If you feel like you need to be inside with your air conditioning… so should your Swissy! These dogs do much better when living inside with the family anyway – they don’t do well when kept kenneled or out in the yard all day.

The Greater Swiss is generally a healthy breed but there are a few health problems that are seem occasionally, such as hip dysplasia and other orthopedic ailments, epilepsy and bloat. Make sure to buy from a reputable breeder who health tests the parents, rather than buying from a pet store or backyard breeder. This won’t eliminate your chances of getting a puppy with a health defect, but it will lessen the chances. Bloat, in particular, is a condition that many large, deep-chested breeds are prone to.

Due to their working nature and high need for activity and a job, Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs are not a good choice for those who have never before owned a dog. They can be pushy and even bossy with individuals who don’t know what they’re doing. They must be worked regularly, and their sometimes sensitive nature means they must be treated fairly. They always want to be in the middle of the action – regardless of whether or not they’re in the way. Finally, they can be agonizingly slow to housebreak. For experienced owners who put the time in, however, the Swissy is a dependable and loyal companion.

The Great Dane is the national breed of Germany and holds a proud heritage as a boar-hunting dog. Rarely used for this original purpose nowadays, today they serve as both guard dogs and companions. Despite their giant size, this friendly breed is incredibly loving and gentle – making them excellent pets. Prospective owners should be prepared to socialize them extensively as puppies, and lay down firm household rules, if they expect them to reach their full potential. Well-socialized Danes are friendly and love to meet new people, although will retain a protective instinct when the situation calls for it.

Although they have been used as estate guards, Danes should never be expected to live completely outside. These are social animals that need plenty of indoor time with the family. When they are outside for play and potty time they should be kept in a secure fenced yard. Danes do best in homes that have enough room for them to stretch their legs, both inside and outside. This giant breed may also need a bigger-than-average car to ride around in. It can be difficult to fit a Dane into a compact car for vet trips! Upgrading the car is only one of the expenses of owning a giant dog – they eat more and generally cost more to maintain than smaller breeds.

Great Danes get along very well with children, although the children must be need to be taught to be polite (as with all dogs). Because of their size, it is not unusual for a Dane to knock over a toddler accidentally while zooming around. Parents of small children must supervise all interactions to be sure that nobody gets hurt. Because of their patience, most Danes are still able to live with even young children provided that the parents keep a steady watch, and know that a young dog is still likely to knock the kid down every now and again.

Unfortunately, Danes are predisposed to a number of health conditions including bloat, which is the #1 killer of the breed. Bloat involves the stomach filling with gas and then twisting, cutting off the blood supply. Studies have shown that bloat seems to have a genetic component, although there are certain environmental factors that also often come into play – such as exercising the dog right before or after eating. Danes are also at risk of cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia, which means that puppies should only be acquired through reputable breeders that run health tests before breeding. Puppies bought from pet shops and backyard breeders are much more likely to have health issues. The average life expectancy of most Danes is 7-10 years.

Like most puppies, Great Danes can be destructive when they are young. The difference is… their size means that they can do a lot more damage to a house! It is not unheard of for an adolescent Dane to destroy couches, walls and doors while they were left alone unsupervised. For this reason, crate training is highly recommended, at least until they reach an age where they are less destructive.  In addition, obedience training is an absolute must. A dog this big with no training or manners can be a disaster or even a liability to live with. Luckily, most Danes are eager to please and love learning! Although they tend to have stubborn streaks, overall this breed is quite trainable as long as the owner is consistent and understands that Danes may take a little bit longer than the “standard obedience breeds”.

Danes are athletic dogs requiring daily exercise. Despite their mellow nature, this is an energetic breed although most will not exercise themselves, even if they have a large yard. This means the owner needs to commit to regular walks. The one exception to this rule is when it comes to puppies. A puppy’s joints are not formed completely until they grow older, and therefore they should not be given forced exercise until the growth plates have closed. Furthermore, Danes shouldn’t be taken jogging until they are at least two years old. Although adults should ideally be walked at least once, if not several times a day, the walks do not need to be strenuous.

The smooth coat of the Great Dane doesn’t shed very much and is easy to care for. Twice a year the dog will blow the coat, meaning that there is more shedding, but this is rarely a problem for the majority of people as long as they increase the brushing during this time. Baths only need to be given when needed, and take very little time. Danes also need their nails trimmed throughout the month so as to not scratch floors and people. All in all, they are very low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

Danes come in six recognizable colors – fawn, brindle, blue, black, harlequin (black patches on a white background) and mantle (black and white, marked like a Boston Terrier). Any other color is considered a disqualification. While mis-marks can show up in a litter, a prospective buyer should be wary of breeders intentionally breeding non-standard colors. Some colors, such as solid white, come with additional health problems so it’s best to buy only from responsible breeders who don’t breed strictly for “rare colors”.

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The Saint Bernard, in all his giant glory, is truly a stunning sight to behold! These gentle giants make loving companions for those who have the money, strength and living space to take care of one of these huge dogs. Remember before you buy that teddy-bear-like puppy that you will be buying a dog who may end up being the same size as you (males can reach 180 pounds)! A common reason for Saints to end up in rescue was the owner not realizing how big a commitment their size would actually be. Researching a breed before buying is so important.

Saints also shed… a lot. Although they come in two coat types, rough and smooth – both varieties of dog will leave hair clumps throughout the house. Between this and their propensity to drool, they do not make good matches for neat freaks! Although some breeders claim that their dogs are “dry-mouthed” and therefore not prone to slobber, this is rarely ever the case. The dogs might drool less, but they will still drool. When it comes to grooming – although both coats will need regular care, the smooth variety is a little easier to maintain. Interestingly enough, all Saint Bernards used to be short-haired but Monks from Switzerland used Newfoundlands to introduce new bloodlines and that gave us the longhaired dogs seen today!

Saint Bernards are not as active as many other breeds of dog and therefore do not eat as much food as one might think. Plan on feeding about the same amount as you might feed a large breed. Although younger dogs might eat more while they are still growing, it normally evens out as they get older. Saints can take up to 3 years to fully mature. Because of their fairly sedentary nature, the breed doesn’t require huge tracts of land to live on. They will be happy and well-exercised as long as they are provided with walks and enough space to stretch their legs at least once a day.

The Saint is usually excellent with children. Most are very gentle and patient – even playful – leading to many people referring to them as “nanny dogs”. Although this may sound great, it is never suggested to leave a dog unsupervised alone with small kids. Furthermore make sure the kids don’t take advantage of the dog’s good nature, as that’s just not fair for the dog. Bullying or teasing should never be allowed. 

Because the Saint Bernard will grow into a giant dog, obedience training must be a priority! It is much, much better to start while the dog is still a puppy rather than waiting until he might be able to overpower you. Luckily, unlike some molosser-type breeds, the Saint does not tend toward being dominant and instead takes very easily to training. Use his inquisitive nature to grab and hold his interest!

Many Saints make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert when people come near the house, but his jovial nature does not lend to him actually guarding the house. Very friendly with strangers, most are just excited to meet someone new – regardless of whether or not the person is a friend or a burglar. This said, if an owner is being outright threatened, some Saints will defend the person they love. All in all, they have stable temperaments but are usually enough of a size deterrent to keep most criminals away.

Saint Bernards, although developed in the cold region of Switzerland, are able to live in most climates as long as their needs are met. Keeping the coat brushed out to provide them insulation and air-flow to the skin, and making sure they always have access to shade and water, are two ways to keep them happy in warmer weather. It is also very important to never put them in a situation where they go from one temperature extreme into another – they need a bit of adjusting time. Keeping a Saint safe in hot temperatures as well as lowering a Saint’s risk for bloat (a condition wherein the stomach fills with gas) are the two major health goals an owner needs to be aware of with this breed. Although they are generally healthy otherwise, these two factors must be monitored. As with most giant breeds, be aware that the lifespan of a healthy Saint Bernard is 8-10.

The Dalmatian is known by many as “the firehouse dog” because of his work clearing the path for olden-day, horse-driven fire wagons. Because Dals have always had an affinity for horses, the job was a great fit. In addition to this very specific task, the breed has also been employed as war dogs, herding dogs, draft dogs, vermin hunters, tracking dogs, boar hunters, bird dogs and even circus dogs! Very few breeds have ever been assigned this many roles. The breed’s other (often more obvious) trait is his beautiful array of either black or liver spots on a white body. No two Dalmatians are marked exactly the same!

Dals are easy to take care of – their smooth, short coat doesn’t mat like longer-haired breeds and their coat tends to stay fairly odor-free. Bathing is only needed every couple of months unless the dog will be shown. This said, they breed does shed year round and will require regular quick brushings to minimize this somewhat. Because their coat doesn’t afford them a lot of protection from the elements, they may need to wear a coat when outside on very cold days.

Dals are great dogs for families who have children, as long as the kids are taught to respect the dog. Ideally, the Dal should have been raised around kids while still a puppy, and also been given obedience training so he won’t be unruly when playing. Overall their medium size is ideal for most kids – not too big to hurt children nor too small to be hurt by them. They are also athletic and sturdy – always ready to bounce and play in the yard with the smaller members of the family.

While the Dal should never be a hyper dog, he is a high energy dog. What’s the difference? A high energy dog has the ability to lay down and chill when his exercise needs are met, while a hyper dog often has a hard time settling down mentally as well as physically. This said, the Dalmatian was bred to jog all day and thus does need a good deal of exercise every single day to stay happy. It has been said that you can never give a Dalmatian too much exercise – 2 hours a day, spread into 2 or more sessions, is ideal.

When it comes to training, the Dalmatian is willing to please and quite intelligent. He should be given rules and boundaries which need to be followed through consistently, but this doesn’t mean that obedience needs to be a boring and drab. Dals learn very well when the training is exciting and fun! Keep in mind that the breed can be quite strong-willed when they want to be, and plan ahead. Sometimes the trainer needs to be more stubborn than the dog!

The Dalmatian is loyal to his owner and can be somewhat territorial. He needs to live inside with his owner and can develop behavior problems if made to live outside, especially if tethered. As long as the dog is able to be with his owner he will be happy in any type of residence – whether it be a house, apartment, or large ranch. The smaller the home, however, the more he will need to be exercised. As he tends to wander, a fence will be necessary when he is off-leash. While inside, be prepared for a shadow – Dals love to follow their owners wherever they go! As such, they make horrible pets for people who spend their whole day at work.

The temperament of the Dalmatian can vary quite widely from individual to individual. Because of this, prospective owners are advised to study the temperaments of different lines to find a kennel that produces what they are looking for. Furthermore, let the breeder help you choose the right puppy for you! It is very unwise to buy a Dal puppy from a pet shop as you run the risk of getting a dog with poor temperament as well as health. Because this is a long-lived breed for their size (13 or 14 is not unusual – with some living even longer), it is pretty important that an owner chooses a dog that they will enjoy living with!

Every breed of dog has certain health problems that are associated with that breed and the Dalmatian is no exception. Deafness and bladder stones are the two most commonly seen conditions in this breed. Luckily, there is a test for deafness that will let you know whether or not the puppy you plan to bring home can hear – called the BAER test. While there is not a test for bladder stones, it is normally a condition that can be managed fairly inexpensively.