We all know having a dog while your children are young is great. By adopting a companion, kids are able to take on the responsibility, care, and love of having an animal in the home. However, some breeds are often a bit more suited than others to having children around. While a Dalmatian can certainly be a great family pet, there are considerations to be taken. Here are three reasons parents should caution getting a Dalmatian.

#1: Dalmatian’s Large Size

The Dalmatian is always an extremely popular breed for parents of small children, thanks in part to Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. However, the Dalmatian’s large size could pose a challenge for parents of children under the age of seven. Many families have seen their children being knocked down by an excited pup or an overly wagging tail. While this seems minimal, it could cause the child to become frightened of the dog or even all dogs.

#2: Dalmatian’s Temperament

Dalmatians have an extremely excited personality. Many of these dogs can also turn that energy into aggression, if the energy is not channeled properly. While having an energetic dog to play with children is beneficial, the Dalmatian’s excessive nature may pose a problem is some households.

#3: Dalmatian’s Need for Constant Obedience Training

While Dalmatians are incredibly smart dogs, it is important to note that they need constant obedience training on a regular basis throughout their lives. A successful Dalmatian household is one that is able to provide frequent and lengthy walks. The dog must also not be left alone for lengthy periods of time, as the separation could lead to lashing out in the form of chewing or other household damage.

If you do decide to add a dalmatian to your family, it is important to remember that it can be successful. However, this requires extreme amounts of patience, obedience training, and attention in the right household for the pairing to work well.