I have the choice of re-homing an English Springer Spaniel 10 weeks old or a Dalmatian male 9 months old, both are adorable. I am not sure which breed would be best. Please help and advise me.
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I would go with the English Springer Spaniel because Dalmations are more hyper and are always eating things.
I had an English Springer Spaniel female who lived to be about 12 years old. She was a great dog; however, she lost her hearing as she got older. Another thing you need to watch is that you have to clean their ears because they can smell. Also, you will need to brush their coat often to prevent matting and fur balls.
I had a male Springer Spaniel for a short time and that did not work out. We had gotten him from someone else, and he would urinate on the floor when he had to be corrected. He also tried to bite.
A lot of that depends on your family. Do your research on both breeds. Dalmations tend to be more hyper and need to be exercised every day.
By all means do some research but be aware that either breed needs a lot of training, daily exercise with you, training and all purebreds will generally require more vet bills as time goes on than mixed breeds due to poor breeding/backyard breeding and intensifying of breed specific problems even in the few good breeders out there.
In general I've seen Dalmations can be a little hyper (especially when not adequately exercised) and I've seen Spaniels can be nippy.
Any dog you get will need to be bathed, have nails clipped, ears and teeth cleaned, etc. It's basic dog care just like all dogs need LOTS of daily exercise with walking and running at least 1 hour a day.
Although it sounds like you're intent on a purebred bargain dog; I'd really look at your own schedules, lifestyle and expectations from owning a dog BEFORE I decided between two available status symbols. TONS of great dogs need homes everywhere but you need to get one that will fit in with your abilities and availabilities so you aren't another irresponsible owner dumping their pet after a few weeks.
Also be very certain you can afford vet care as needed. Under the best of circumstances you're looking at a few hundred dollars a year WITHOUT any breed specific or congenital problems. Flea protection alone can cost an extra $50+ a month. One emergency can easily cost you a few thousand dollars. Sure it may not happen for years but you have to be prepared and plan on a budget for your pet now.
Getting a dog is a LOT like dating. Looks and impressions can carry you through the first few dates but after that it's all about the individual and how well you deal with each other when you aren't putting on your best "first date" efforts.
All the breed info sounds great because it's basically advertising. The #1 thing that causes pet adoptions or purchases to fail is unrealistic expectations. Puppies will pee, poop and chew your most beloved items even if they are taking well to their training. It's like expecting to have a child in your home thinking nothing would get broken...NOT realistic.
It is very FALSE to think that the younger you get a dog; the better they will bond with you or that will help you eliminate bad behaviours. More often than not, it is the owners who insist on the youngest pups possible that have the worst training problems.
Dogs can bond closely with people at any age. They can be trained at any age as well. You have to look at whether or not you have adequate time for a younger dog also. Try getting some additional info on why those dogs are available to help in your deciision making.
It sounds like you might be better off with a dog that is 2 years + that needs a home to start off with.
springer spaniel would be my choice, dalmations have a tendency to be problem dogs...good luck. i know 2 people that have springer spaniels and love them. they tend to be clowns. good luck!
We currently have three Springers... one registered, two are her off springs that we had from an unregistered Springer. I say all of this because the registered one has been more of a problem (urinating in the house) than the unregistered ones. I think it is the inbreeding that comes with pure breads.
We love our Springers. They are great with children, are hearty enough to stay out in some cold weather, are wonderful house dogs, and very smart and lovable. I did learn how to groom them myself though because it was getting very expensive maintaining three of them. I've never had a Dalmatian, but came close to getting one once and a friend of mine that had one talked me out of it. He loved his but it was a "cat killer" and I couldn't stand the idea of that.
I depends on your family. People say that the Dalmation often becomes a one person dog. They also have shorter hair, but are a larger dog than the spaniel. If the Springer is anything like our Brittany Spaniel, they are active, great with children and love all people. They make great family dogs. They do shed, but it the vaccum will pick it up.
Do on line research on both breads. Also observe the parents and see if they are friendly dogs.
Dalmations also can be deaf, and neither breed is exceptionally good with small children, something to think about if you have a family or lots of children around.
I don't know anything about Spaniels, but I had a roommate for a year with a Dalmation and I couldn't stand that dog. He was so high strung and barked alot.
The Dalmation is an athletic dog that needs HOURS of exercise per day or else they go psycho, causing damage and all sorts of behaviors. They were never a pet breed!!
I think you will get as many different answers as there are people. Both dogs (all dogs) have their good points and their challenges. You need to be honest about what will the real living situation be for your family and the dog. If you will be able to exercise the dog regularly (long walks, playing, etc..), train the dog and be consistent, then either dog will probably work just fine. But if you are not able to offer that time and effort, both dogs can become a cause for trouble for you.
As far as the fact that one is fresh out of the littler and the other is a bit older, that could also impact the initial behavior when they come to your home. Training will be a key to both (and all) dogs. Whichever one you decide, make sure you are ready to commit to the time, money and love the dog will need.
I think you will get as many different answers as there are people. Both dogs (all dogs) have their good points and their challenges. You need to be honest about what will the reali living situation be for your family and the dog. If you will be able to excercise the dog regularlly (long walks, playing, etc..), train the dog and be consistant, then either dog will probably work just fine. But if you are not able to offer that time and effort, both dogs can become a cause for trouble for you.
As far as the fact that one is fresh out of the littler and the other is a bit older, that could also impact the intial behavoir when they come to your home. Training will be a key to both (and all) dogs.
Whichever one you decide, make sure you are ready to commit to the time, money and love the dog will need.
PLEASE take this advice into consideration, steer clear of Dalmations. From experience I rescued one from a fireman. Yes he was older than 9 months, BUT ask any vet and I learned the hard way. Dalmations are a breed that DOES NOT forget and relates to association. Long story short, this Dalmation I rescued lasted only a few days in my home because when my 4 year old at the time went to hug him, the dog turned and wrapped his mouth around his throat, but THANK GOD my husband was there to pull him off. This dog had been hugged by a child before, BUT during that time also we found out that while the hugging was going on through a bobbed wired fence, the dogs neck was being pushed into the fence. This breed ASSOCIATES and NEVER forgets.
Even though there is a stereotype that Dalmatians are family dogs, they are not. They DO NOT like children (as someone said here before). My sister bought a Dalmatian last year, and had to give her away to a military kennel because she was biting the kids (not "playful" bites). I am not saying it's a bad breed - they are great dogs, but not with kids. (Even if you don't have kids, think about neighbors;)
Other than that, I told her about that (I went to a cynology school), and she didn't listen. If I were you, I would get a spaniel. Once again, it is entirely up to you)
Good luck, Susan!
We had an English Springer Spaniel that lived to 14. She was the most gentle loving dog I have ever had the privilege of knowing. In the summer, she spent many hours outside. She allowed our little neighbor girl, who wore heavy leather corrective shoes, to climb all over her AND in her dog house! In the winter, I did not walk her much due to the cold. In the spring, she remembered everything she was taught from the year before. Very smart, clean, gentle and loving pet. Excellent breed. We miss her!
On the other hand, friends who have owned Dalmatians have told us they are stubborn and just plain dumb.
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