Friends of ours had two Dalmatians: both purchased, at separate times, from two very well-respected breeders. They weren’t really any more hyper than our terrier or German Shepherds. They were very intelligent and kind.
However, the male, after four years or so started developing neurotic tendencies and started becoming aggressive and snappy towards humans. After he had run through the gauntlet of medical and temperament testings, it was determined that he be euthanized (he had already broken the skin on two adult family members.) The female never developed any sort of tendencies.
Be sure to buy from a breeder that not only health tests but temperament tests their dogs and does so regularly.
Alagirl covered everything else - lol.
