Dalmatian X

[Kuchi]

Well I visited the rott x last week and I couldn't let her near Kuchi, she was showing teeth and just trying to get to him. She seemed to be fine with larger dogs but seems not smaller ones. I did see a dalmatian x last week though as well. She is about 40 lbs and maybe 2 inches taller than Kuchi, they met then they pretty much walked down the street fine, even though she definetly needs leash manners. We left them loose in the foster's backyard and they chased each other then pretty much did their own thing. Neither one was obsessing over the other. Kuchi did mount her, but she corrected him and bucked him off, which is good. Good to know she won't put up with him. Since she is a mix, she doesn't shed as much as dalmatians, but she seems to be as active as one, so that should tire Kuchi out. I do walk daily and run when the weather isn't too hot for Kuchi so the activity level is fine. They give a trial period which is nice just in case its different in my house. Oh and she already housebroken and crate-trained which is a plus.
Anyone with experience with dalmatians?

Anything I should know about two dogs vs. having one? I'm expecting going through food and treats faster.

[IceyBlueSibes]

Well I'm glad to hear you have found a potential partner-in-crime for Kuchi

You may notice for a while that they might "step on eachothers toes" for a few weeks, only because they're learning each others boundaries and such. I'd just be sure to never leave them alone together for the first few weeks. But I'm sure you already know that!

You may notice your dalX to bond quicker to Kuchi before she bonds to you. Just make sure you periodically give each of them their own individual time together with you. This doesn't necessarily apply to every dog, but it does to quite a few. Kelso bonded with the dogs MUCH faster than he did to any of the humans in the house.

Hope to see some pictures when you get a chance!

[Camz]

OoO! Congrats and can't wait to see pictures!!!

Sorry the rot mix didn't go well. At least you were able to find a good friend for him.

Our alterior motive is also to help wear Orchid out, LOL!

[DallyGirl]

Hey dalmatians are wonderful dogs!!! I had 2 and my female was the most loving dog i have ever owned except for my male dal Baxter(in Pic). they are a litle high maintence and have a lot of energy. dals are very smart also. during the day we kept them in the garage with a door open to the back and Lady was able to figure out how to open the garage door!!! i have been told that dal love the water but mine didn't. They also have the smarl (smile+snarl) it was very cute. good luck with your new Dal!!!!

[Kuchi]

Thanks guys, I'm still in the contemplating mode, but I thinking yes. I'm just worried if there's going to be a lot more work with 2 dogs than with one.

[Kris]

Dalmations are great dogs IF you understand them. As a dalmation owner at the time the 101 Dalmations movie came out it was incredibly sad to see the over-breeding and gifting of this breed that became prevalent. They don't make a great first dog in my opinion because they can be incredibly stubborn, but persistence will win out. They also remain very puppy-like for much longer than other breeds, mine finally calmed down at about 7yrs old. They are very loving and their smile is incredibly sweet. Mine loved water and she would demand to be let out so she could go lay on the top step of the pool for hours at a time, swimming a lap every so often. Medically, mine was very healthy until she got older when she developed a severe systemic allergy problem, but I have heard of others having a multitude of medical issues (perhaps due to the over-breeding during the 101 craze? I had mine before that began).

[Kuchi]

Well I picked her up yesterday. First night went okay, she's a little hesitant before going in a crate but usually follows the treat. Her and Kuchi got along okay, a lot chasing each other in the yard. I bought a gentle leader because I knew I would need it for the walk this morning, and I did. She started getting the hang of it after 10 min, and didn't pull as much. Luckily Kuchi doesn't pull so I only had to worry about one. She does whine a lot, but I haven't gotten her tired out yet, so hopefully when she's tired, so won't whine.
We still don't know what to name her. I'll post pictures after bathtime.

[Camz]

Oooh! Congrats!!! Share photos soon!!!!

[Kuchi]

Well a dog that said good with cats wasn't good with cats at all. I sent her home today. I know I didn't give enough time for adjustment, but I was starting to fear the cats' safety. If I trained her she might've been okay, but she was fixated on the cats and when she got loose she went right after them, not friendly at all. I had to fight her off of them.
For now, I'm happy with one dog that I know will never harm any other animal in the house. And having another dog that doesn't have as much obedience shows me how good Kuchi is and how much time I probably don't have to train an older dog to my standards at the moment.
But for some advice, if you're looking for a dog that is good with cats, I would go with a dog that presently lives with cats so you can see how they interact and see if the foster actually KNOWS the dog. I have talked to some foster parents and they answer "I dont' know" for questions that they should easily know like: How does he behave on a leash? How are they with your other pets? Are they aggressive towards cats or dogs? I have gotten I don't knows to these questions and I kept looking for possibilities.

[GreyhoundGirl]

Aww! Sorry to hear you couldn't keep her. You'll find the perfect match someday.

[Camz]

Yikes! Sorry, Dee!

I was hoping that things would go well for you all. I guess that's the danger of trying to adopt. Maybe your Dal X did do well for her foster mom in regards to cats, but the change of environment caused her to forget herself.

And I agree, they should have been much more honest with you. How frustrating.

I keep going back and forth on adopting a cat/kitten or another, older dog. Like you, I would just worry that I wouldn't have enough time to devote to two dogs. Orchid is a "diva" and keeping her in prime condition takes quite a bit of effort, especially for someone who works, goes to school, and volunteers like I do.

Well, I'm really sorry things with the dal x didn't work out. Perhaps you'll have better luck next time (if in the future you decide there is to be a next time).

[Kuchi]

I guess the two days taught me that I wouldn't have as much time as I would like with Kuchi. I do enjoy doing agility and would like to start rally. If I got another dog, the dog would be at home while we did these things. So I think one dog is good for me since I enjoy doing a lot of activities where only one dog could go at a time.
I brushed Kuchi out for 2 hours yesterday, something else another dog would have to leave us alone for. I might devote a few hours a month to volunteer at a shelter, but my zoo is complete at home for now.

[Camz]

Originally Posted by Kuchi

I brushed Kuchi out for 2 hours yesterday

Nice! Orchid's out of coat, and I've decided to stop showing her until she totally sheds out the rest of this puppy crap and finally gets into an impressive adult coat.

I think all in all you made the best choice, even if it was a difficult experience. I know what its like to have a dog with alot of potential, but one which you also have to work with to make sure that potential happens the way you want it to happen.

I'm sure the Dal x will find a home that will be a better fit for her. Your current pet family must come first, and I would have done the same thing.

Btw- Congrats on doing well in Agility! I would eventually love to get Orchid in that. Rally looks easy to me, especially if you have a dog that's a natural pleaser and picks up on commands quick (as most keeshonden are and do).