BUYING A DALMATIAN PUPPY?
 
Hopefully you have already researched the breed and feel you and your family are suited to the needs of a Dalmatian.
Hopefully you have all met some adult Dalmatians so that you realize what you are taking on.
Hopefully you are in a situation where you have the time and money that taking on a Dalmatian puppy involves.
 
If so, the actual finding of a good breeder and a good, healthy Dalmatian puppy can be a bit of a minefield!!
 
Contacting one of the Dalmatian Clubs is probably your first step.
Members of the Dalmatian clubs register their litters with the Joint Dalmatian Clubs puppy lists and the secretary will be able to pass on this information.
All members of the Dalmatian Clubs have a code of conduct to use as a guideline when breeding a litter.
 
Alternatively, attend local dog shows or one of the Dalmatian Club's shows to meet a few breeders and have a chat with them. Even if they don't have a litter at present, most breeders will have a waiting list.
 
It's VITAL that you look around. Invest time in meeting and talking to a few breeders and ask LOTS of questions. Even if you go to see a litter of cute puppies, if you don't like the situation or you are not getting the answers you would like, leave well alone.
This puppy will be a member of your family for many years. It's vital its temperament and health are sound!
 
QUESTIONS TO ASK
 
Will the puppies be BAER hearing tested?
Have the parents been hearing tested?
Can I meet both parents (or be put in contact with the owner of the sire)?
Have the puppies been born and brought up in the home?
Have they been well socialized?
Will they be microchipped?
Will they have had their first vaccination?
Will I be given guidlines on feeding and care of my puppy?
Have they been wormed and flea-treated?
Has a vet checked the litter over for any defects?
Will they be Kennel Club registered?
Have any relevant health tests been done on the parents?
How old is the mother and how many litters has she had?
Etc
 
Remember, a good breeder:  
Will provide lots of information and advice.
Will let you visit more than once.
Will offer follow up advice when you have the puppy at home.
Will be interested in how you are both getting on.
Will provide all paperwork and certificates for the puppies and explain it all to you.
Will probably have a contract to make sure the puppy will be returned to them if anything happens in the future.
Will ask you LOTS of questions about your lifestyle and will be genuinely interested in whether the breed is right for you.

THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
 
The mum should be happy and healthy.
 How is her temperament? Some mums are slightly protective of very young puppies, but by 6 weeks old they should be returning to normal. If mum is too thin or looks poorly she will not have been able to feed her puppies properly.
 
The puppies should look happy and healthy.
They should have round tums (not pot-bellied), and a covering of puppy fat. They shouldn't be cold or huddling in a corner. They should be inquisitive and playful, not shy or barking (under 8 weeks) at you. Beware the puppy that ignores you and squeals to itself.
 
There shouldn't be any runts. A good breeder regularly weighs the puppies and ensures that any puppies underweight are supplemented individually, so that they are all doing well.
 
It should smell clean, with that warm, yummy puppy smell, where the puppies are. The environment must be cleaned properly and regularly for puppies to thrive.
From 4 weeks onwards, there must be toys to play with and the puppies should spend some or all of their day in an environment with plenty to see and hear (such as the kitchen).
Some breeders will put the puppies outside at this stage, for some of the day. Check they are not left out all day, unattended without any stimulation.
 
Socialization of puppies with humans and the human environment is vital when the puppy is still with the breeder. This will make a much better all-rounded pet as they grow. Lack of socialization can lead to shy, nervous or aggressive puppies in later life. 

If you are looking for a Dalmatian as a pet and a companion, you may wish to consider a puppy that is patched, lemon/orange spotted or unilateral hearing. Whilst none of these would be suitable for showing and also should not be used for breeding, they still make excellent pets and will still give their owner as much pleasure as one that is not.
Dalmatian puppies are born white and develop their spots later. A puppy born with a liver or black mark is called 'Patched'. The patch will be made up of solid colour with no white hairs in amongst it and feels like velvet (Not to be confused with a few spots that have run together - they will still have a few white hairs intermingled).
Rarely a different colour combination of spots will occur, such as lemon or orange spots. Again, not acceptable for showing or breeding, but still a perfect pet!!
Unilateral hearing puppies should not be bred from ( they have a higher chance of passing on total deafness). They do however still make excellent pets as a dog's hearing is already so much better than a human's, they adapt really well, are as easy to train and are usually unrecognisable as a partially deaf puppy.
Please read the 'Deafness' page - under the 'Breed information' page .

 
Ultimately, you must 'get on' with your chosen breeder. After all, they will be providing help, advice etc throughout the Dalmatian's lifetime.  If for any reason you are not happy walk away!
 
You may need to travel a good distance or wait a while before you find your perfect puppy.  But believe me it will be worth it!!