Originally, Sparky was bred to be an undercarriage dog, meaning he would happily lope alongside and under horse-drawn carriages to keep the horses calm, and he retains that affinity to this day. He became known as a firehouse dog exactly because of this breeding; back before coaches were motorized, Sparky would accompany the fire carriages to a raging scene, where the dog was put in charge of maintaining horse morale, as it were, so the horses didn’t spook and run away with the water. Sparky also ran ahead of the horses, to clear a path and act as a guide to the fire. Even when a fire wasn’t burning, the good dog would guard the horses from thieves, and see to it that equipment wasn’t stolen while fire fighters slept. Easy to understand now why such a loyal and useful creature was kept around as mascot even after horses were no longer used.

Iconic Features
Dalmatians have a definitive look about them, with expressive, intelligent faces. They are medium-sized dogs with a well-muscled physique, bred to have almost bottomless stamina and endurance. All puppies of this breed are born white, spots slowly coming in over a course of weeks. While black and liver brown spots are the most commonly seen, spots occur in other colors, too, including lemon, orange, brindle, tricolor, and blue. Eyes are often bright blue, amber, or brown and it’s not uncommon for Sparky to have both blue and brown. Dalmatians stand between 19 and 24 inches, depending on sex, and they weigh between 35 and 75 pounds, full grown. They are a slender, good-looking breed.

Possible Health Issues
This breed has a relatively high percentage of deafness in puppies, 10%-12%, and they should be BAER-tested at 6 weeks old, with deaf puppies being spayed or neutered. Breeding deaf Dalmatians is avoided, but raising a well-adjusted dog that is deaf is very possible. Uric acid levels in this breed are higher than any other breed, so Sparky is prone to urinary stones, which can cause blockage. They are susceptible to skin allergies from synthetic fibers, as well.

Temperament and Personality
Dalmatians are highly energetic dogs and they don’t like to laze about. They get bored easily, needing the attention of a human pack member, and definitely need lots of exercise. Boredom can lead to barking and hole digging, while being ignored or left as an outside dog can lead to behavioral issues. Certainly, if you live in an apartment, are not inclined to high activity yourself, or have children under 10, Sparky is not for you. The Dalmatians’ need for high activity levels does not mix well with younger children, who run the risk of being bowled over often. Older, well-behaved children would be fine.

Sparky needs a lot of training, from early in life, and a lot of socialization (which all dogs need); he is headstrong and independent, will know when a human is not strong enough to lead the pack, and he’ll exploit it. This does not mean he’s a conniving dog, it just means he’s a dog. That’s what they do, as it is the order of things in their world. Sparky needs a firm, commanding voice, not a screamer and not a mouse. Even when well trained, Sparky is apt to push the envelope and see how much he can get away with. Not unlike a human child, if you give him an inch, he will try to take a mile, and he’s smart enough to do it. Dalmatian puppies are boundless in curiosity and shoe-chewing energy, and many new owners lose heart with their often destructive nature, not realizing baby Sparky needs schooling that early. He does, and it is wise to provide it.

Dalmatians are high-maintenance dogs, even in their shiny spotted coats. They shed a lot, year-round, and need to be groomed regularly unless you like hair explosions. They can be trained in to making excellent watchdogs, too. They demand a lot of attention and activity, but are loyal, highly intelligent companions who will stand or run beside you for all their 15 years.

Pit Bull Information

There are many types of pit bulls, with several breeds being related to them. The most common type in the United States is the American Pit Bull Terrier. This dog began its life as most of them do, as a mixed breed. They are a blend of different types of stock dogs brought to the United States from Ireland and England. For years they were used to herd cattle and horses, to assist their owners whilst hunting, and be a general companion for the family and children. They were considered the “Old Family Dog” by those of Irish decent, because they were extremely loyal, affectionate, and good with children. The American Pit Bull Terrier also gained the nickname “nanny dog” due to their easy relationships with and devotion to the children in the family.

Training Your Pit Bull

The training issue is one that is often the brunt of the problem with pit bulls. They are often trained to be fighting dogs by people who find this either amusing or a good money maker. Their strength, agility, and willingness to do anything for the parents that they love makes them more likely to fall into this horrible pattern. These same qualities are what make the pit bull such a desirable addition to any loving family. These dogs are an asset to the people who love them, because they have so much love to give in return.

When training a pit bull, you will want to muster a lot of patience, because the breed is known for being just a little hard headed. It’s safe to safe that he needs consistent direction and repetition. Sounds a lot like most small children, doesn’t it? This is the key to successfully teaching your furry family member the ins and outs of life in your home. They are extremely intelligent and easy to train when the right techniques are used.

Bad Press

The press and the general public have begun to eagerly await the news of yet another big, evil pit bull who has again done something horrible. There are many other violent acts being committed by dogs of all breeds, but these rarely make the news because they are not as controversial and won’t get the really big headlines and viewer response. Another thing left out of the reports would be the owner information for these dogs who have done whatever they are being accused of. One story a few years ago focused on a pit bull puppy just a few months old who “chewed the toes off a baby’s foot”. To clarify, this is not quite the whole story. First of all, this puppy did not eat this child’s toes. It simply chewed on them, when the child was left in a carrier on the floor alone. We all know puppies chew. Puppies chew anything they can get into their mouths. If you leave your hand near where the puppy is playing long enough, he will get your fingers into his mouth and chew on them, no matter what breed he is. Perhaps your furry companion has gnawed a pair of your favorite shoes or a mobile phone. You, as the grown up in the situation, are responsible for taking your fingers out of his mouth and disciplining him properly. The question that ought to have been asked in this situation is: “Where were this child’s parents and why did they leave their infant alone with a puppy prone to teething?” This should have been a story about bad and neglectful parenting, not about a four inch tall, less than ten pound, evil, man-eating dog.

If you are considering owning this breed, please take the time to read all the unbiased literature available about it. Please do not let the attention hungry press make it up for you. There are many loving Pit Bulls in shelters who are just dying to come home with you and give you unconditional love.

At the end of the day, though the dog committed the crime, the human owner is ultimately responsible. Breed bans may temporarily get rid of dog attacks, but sooner or later a new large and powerful breed will arise to take the pit bulls place. Ultimately we will only be left with tiny Yorkies and Chihuahuas. If we want to stop dog attacks then we must place the burden of responsibility on the owners, and have more control over who can own animals. After all, we don’t let felons have guns, why would we let dangerous persons have deadly dogs? We need to ensure each dog has a loving home where he will be brought up to think that people are good and the world is friendly. Only then will breed bans become a thing of the past.