ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, November 23, 1996 TAG: 9611260130
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CHRIS HENSON CORRESPONDENT
THEY LOOK SO IRRESISTIBLE scampering across the screen, little Patch and Pepper and Lucky and the rest of Disney's spotted brood, melting hearts across America as they flee the villainous Cruella DeVil.
But ``101 Dalmatians,'' which opens Wednesday, really has two endings: the movie version that leaves the little spotted bundles safe and snug, and the real-life one that begins with the cry, ``Can we get a puppy for Christmas?''
When the original "101 Dalmatians" animated film was released in 1961, the popularity of Dalmatians among dog breeds soared from 40th to ninth. Sure, the spotted canines are bright and beautiful dogs. And sure, they likely will be popular presents this holiday season.
"Dalmatians are wonderful," says Julie Dubner from Montgomery County. She's a concerned member of the Dalmatian Club of America. "But they are not for everyone. And I'm just afraid that everyone's going to want one after they see the movie. We're gravely concerned that a lot of animals might suffer because of it."
"When you come out of the movie and the kids are just pining for a Dalmatian, the best thing to do would be to buy them a stuffed one," Dubner says.
Popularity often spells disaster for dog breeds, according to an Internet website produced by the Dalmatian Overpopulation Taskforce To Educate, Research and Save (DOTTERS).
When a specific breed of dog becomes fashionable, the number of dogs bred increases as people try to capitalize on the new demand, according to DOTTERS. Some commercial breeders (and a lot of back-yard breeders) will take advantage of that demand and just breed for quantity, not quality.
Often, no thought is given to the bloodlines, health or temperament of the dogs.
Another problem with the rise in popularity of the breed is the growing number of uneducated owners. As with any breed, Dalmatians have specific personality traits and care requirements.
"They are so cute!" says Dubner, a lifelong Dalmatian owner. "The movie will communicate that they are incredibly friendly, sweet, playful."
But Dubner and others say the movie fails to convey that Dalmatians are basically high-energy dogs, that need constant exercise, attention and extreme patience.
"They're not what you'd call soap opera dogs," says Dr. Bridget Quatmann, a veterinarian with the Roanoke Animal Hospital. "They don't lay around on the couch all day eating bon-bons''
While there is some debate over the precise lineage of the Dalmatian, it is known that they were bred in 19th-century England to run alongside horse-drawn carriages, to kill vermin and to act as watchdogs. The breed is by nature very intelligent, responsive to training and good with older children.
However, they can prove unpredictable with smaller children and other dogs, and have a reputation for being aloof and even skittish.
"They have to have a job," Quatmann said. "They are creative thinkers and love to work, but if you don't keep them occupied the creativity turns destructive." Bored Dalmatians are known to tear up furniture, linoleum and even wallpaper. "If you leave them alone, they'll find something to do. And you're not going to like it."
If you are going to buy a Dalmatian, the experts say it is important to know who you are buying from. "Reputable breeders do not breed for Christmas," Dubner says. "They plan their litters for spring or fall. They will also give you a guarantee of the dog's health. That's very important."
Even well-bred Dalmatians shed profusely and sometimes suffer from deafness, skin disorders and kidney stones.
As a result, when unsuspecting puppy owners find themselves caring for a high-energy dog, or one with serious health problems, the solution is often the dog pound. Dalmatian rescue services around the country are bracing for a much greater than usual number of orphaned dogs.
"A dog is a 10-to 14-year commitment. Research the real ones, take your time, contact a Dalmatian club or kennel club in your area. It really helps to know what you're getting into," Dubner advises.
- The Associated Press contributed information to this story.
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: AP. 1. Underneath an advertisement for the new Disneyby CNBmovie, a litter of Dalmatians is for sale at a New Jersey pet store.
2. Suddenly being in the spotlight can be harmful to animals, say
Dalmatian lovers, who anticipate a surge in popularity of the
spotted breed when the Disney film opens Wednesday. color. KEYWORDS: 2DA