Omega-3 Improves Your Pet Health

I much prefer the Dalmatian over a Lab. Don’t get me wrong, Labs are wonderful dogs, but they are so popular and overbred it’s difficult to find a reputable breeder of well-bred Labs.
I own 2 Dalmatians and I can tell you know that mine are nothing like what other posters have said about them. Domino and Dice are loving, kind, affectionate to everyone they meet. Having said that, Dice is aloof to strangers (he came from the RSPCA) but once he gets to know you, he’s on you like velcro. They do require plenty of exercise with the opportunity to run.
I find Dallies very trainable, obedient fast learners, definately not dumb. I take mine to obedience training very week (have done as soon as we could) and they excel at it. While they aren’t up to par with say a Border Collie, with patient and practice, Dallies have the ability to be very competitive at Obedience, Flyball and Agility Trials.
101 Dalmatians did this breed absolutely no favours whatsoever, and the Dalmatians many people meet are a result of BYB’s or puppymills. These are the dogs who have weak temperaments, unstable natures, and hyper attitudes. Buy one from a reputable breeder who genetically health clears and CH titles their breeding dogs and you will end up with a well socialised, genetically sound, even tempered pup who will bring you and your family joy. As with any dog, you should socialise and start obedience training early.
Yes Dalmatians do suffer from urinary problems. They should be fed a food low in protein (around 20-25%) and no liver, beef, or anchovy. These foods are high in purine which contribute to the forming of bladder stones. I feed my Dalmatians Eagle Pack Holistic Select (lamb, duck and chicken formulas). It’s protein levels aren’t too high, no corn or wheat. They also enjoy RMB’s (raw meaty bones) and the occasional heart and brain.
Here’s a pic of my dogs:http://www.flickr.com/photos/kahlia_dalm…

I don’t “think about” either breed……completely unappealing to me….nothing about either.
Your “criteria” involves TRAINING… is not breed specific!!

Dalmation
Dalmatians are a fun loving and very active breed. The breed is intelligent and needs a lot of companionship and exercise. Dalmatians love children but young dogs are probably too exuberant for toddlers. Some lines of this breed have been known to have aggressive or protective tendencies and therefore need a lot of socialization when they are puppies. Dalmatians can be trained to a high level and advanced obedience and/or agility training is recommended. Young Dalmatians can be rowdy and difficult to control and need early obedience training. Dalmatians left alone too much can become destructive and will dig large holes in the backyard. This breed is not recommended for the novice dog owner.
Dalmatians should live from 12 to 14 years. The breed has some genetic health problems the occurred then the movie ‘101 Dalmatians’ resulted in over breeding by unknowledgeable breeders. These problems include deafness, bladder and kidney stones, and allergies. Buyers should also be aware of aggressive/protective tendencies in some Dalmatian breed lines.
my friend owns one called Harley and they can be quite difficult to train.
Labrador
There are not enough superlatives to describe this breed. Labrador Retrievers are one of the best family dogs in the world. The Lab is gentle, loyal, intelligent and extremely reliable with children. These Retrievers are not apartment dogs but can adapt well to city living if they are given sufficient exercise. These dogs love to swim and should be given lots of opportunities to retrieve sticks from the water in all kinds of weather. The Labrador is good natured and eager to learn and can be easily trained to do everything from competitive obedience and field trials to becoming a “seeing-eye” dog for the blind. Most Labs love to chew and they should be provided with lots of chew-toys that they can carry around in their mouths. Some male dogs can be stubborn and try to dominate the owner. Early obedience training will make this breed much more manageable. Despite welcoming most burglars into your house, the Lab will let you know they are breaking in. Labs make pretty good watchdogs and do well with first-time dog owners.
Labradors should live for 10 to 12 years and have some common health problems including hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, low thyroid, heart disease, epilepsy and cancer. There is an overabundance of breeders trying to meet the demand and as a result there are poor quality Labs being produced. Ask to see the parents’ health clearances before buying.
Sadly no breed is free of health issues, its just one of the biggest cons of owning a dog. My dogs a Labrador x Golden Retriever + i believe something else. She 13, she had crucial ligament injure and surgery when she was 2 1/2years. She had a tooth pulled out due to exposed root, and growth off her eye removed. She has mild arthristis since she was two year old, but i have yet to medicate her as she isn’t bad and doesn’t appear to be in any pain

labs would be more of a way to go for a family pet, the Dalmatian breed tends to be aggressive and destructive if not properly trained and well socialized. which has to be started at a very early age. labs are more friendly and have great temperments. brands of dog food to try would be nutra, wellness, or eukanuba is what i recommend but i am not a vet, if your still stuck on the dalmation i suggest doing some extensive research through the akc or at least wikipedia to learn a little more about what you are getting into before you bring your new puppy home