The post What is the Dalmatian Temperament Like? by Megan Arszman appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Known exclusively for their spotted coats and depictions with firetrucks, Dalmatians are the kind of dog who gets you noticed quickly. Aside from the show-stopping black and white coat, Dalmatians have big personalities. They are intelligent, affectionate, active and protective.
Dalmatians as family dogs
Sara Krieger has owned Dalmatians for 11 years and has bred two litters. The dogs are a large part of her family, and they appreciate the vast space they have to run around the family farm.
“Dalmatians are great family dogs and are great with children,” says Sara, although adult supervision is always recommended.
As with any breed of dog, a tired Dalmatian is a happy Dalmatian — and that means a happy family. Plenty of mental and physical stimulation is key for these dogs, who are known to be very smart.
Dalmatians thrive with active families who understand their intelligence and include them in their daily activities, whether that is hiking, running, biking or traveling.
Are Dalmatians aggressive?
One thing Dalmatian fans might not know is that the Dalmatian can become protective of their home and their families. “Especially of their kids,” says Sara.
Working with your Dalmatian on manners and socialization at an early age will help Dalmatians learn when it’s acceptable to show protective tendencies. It’s never too late to enroll your dog in manners classes and socialization; older Dalmatians will benefit from this training, too.
Dalmatians are highly trainable and need access to regular exercise. A well-exercised Dalmatian (both mentally and physically) will be a great house companion and easy to live with.
“They will nap on your couch and be ready to go when you are,” says Sara.
And lastly, choose a Dalmatian breeder who does all necessary health testing, such as BAER (Brainstem Evoked Potential), a hearing assessment that’s used to evaluate the hearing in dogs on the parents and puppies. Have more questions about the Dalmatian temperament and what it is like to live with one? Go to the Dalmatian Owners of America Facebook page to have all your Dalmatian questions answered by actual Dalmatian owners.
The post What is the Dalmatian Temperament Like? by Megan Arszman appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
One question that a potential dog owner should ask is how much exercise their new dog will need. If you want a dog that fits into your lifestyle, you should do your research on the breed first.
Walking your dog is a necessity, but sometimes life gets in the way, so you might find yourself considering asking a friend for help or hiring a professional dog walker. The most important thing is that your dog gets their daily exercise.
Since dog walking is such an integral part of taking care of a dog, here are interesting and potentially helpful statistics about dog walking in Canada.
In 2022, approximately 7.9 million Canadians owned pet dogs.
In 2022, there were 4,691 businesses in the pet care industry in Canada, which includes dog walkers.
In 2019, 90% of Canadian homes had greenspace within 10 minutes of their homes.
The average dog walker walks an average of 300 minutes every week.
Canadians with dogs walk an average of four times a day.
Dog walking has a positive effect on mental health.
Professional Canadian dog walkers make an average of $29,250 per year.
Canadian dog walkers charge between $10 to $40 for each walk.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, dog walkers were considered an essential service in Ontario.
People returning to work after the pandemic caused an increased demand of 137% for dog walkers.
Dog Walking Statistics
1. In 2022, approximately 7.9 million Canadians owned pet dogs.
(Financial Post)
This statistic was taken from a nationwide survey, and it also states that cats outnumber dogs in Canada. In 2022, there are about 8.5 million cats. From 2020 to 2022, 200,000 dogs were adopted primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Image Credit: absolutimages, Shutterstock
2. In 2022, there were 4,691 businesses in the pet care industry in Canada, which includes dog walkers.
(Statistics Canada)
These businesses also include pet sitters, animal shelters, trainers, and groomers.
3. In 2019, 90% of Canadian homes had greenspace within 10 minutes of their homes.
(Statistics Canada)
The most popular activity for Canadians in 2019 was walking. About 72% of Canadians walked to these close-by parks and greenspaces, many with their dogs by their sides.
Image Credit: Mabel Amber, Pixabay
4. The average dog walker walks an average of 300 minutes every week.
(Research Gate)
This statistic is based out of Victoria, B.C., and the study found that compared to the average of 300 minutes a week for dog walkers, those without dogs spent an average of 168 minutes walking. Dogs are a great way to get more exercise!
5. Canadians with dogs walk an average of four times a day.
(CBC)
Canadians are recommended to get a minimum of 1 hour and 50 minutes of exercise every day. Dog walkers do at least 10 minutes more walking than this.
Image Credit: Piqsels
6. Dog walking has a positive effect on mental health.
(Frontiers)
A 2021 study found that not only does dog walking provide physical exercise, but it also keeps us mentally healthy. Your blood flow and circulation increase in the body and the brain, which helps boost your mood. Walking is also known to help with depression.
Professional Dog Walker Statistics
7. Professional Canadian dog walkers make an average of $29,250 per year.
(Talent)
This annual salary works out to about $15 an hour, but how much you make depends on how many dogs you walk and how long you walk them. Entry-level positions might start at $25,545, and experienced dog walkers could make up to $50,850 annually.
Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock
8. Canadian dog walkers charge between $10 to $40 for each walk.
(Finder)
The longer they walk, the more they make. 30-minute walks will cost less compared to walks that are 1 hour or more. Additionally, dog walkers in more densely populated cities, such as Vancouver or Toronto, will charge more than those in smaller cities and towns.
9. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dog walkers were considered an essential service in Ontario.
(CP24)
This was accomplished with a petition signed by just over 5,700 dog owners asking the provincial government to call dog walking an essential service, which was granted. This enabled professional dog walkers to continue working.
Image Credit: Tomasz_Mikolajczyk, Pixabay
10. People returning to work after the pandemic caused an increased demand of 137% for dog walkers.
(CBC)
Many people adopted dogs during the pandemic for company, but when they had to return to work, this left many dogs with a very different home environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Walkers in Canada
Do professional dog walkers need a license?
Big cities like Toronto require a Commercial Dog Walker Permit if you regularly walk four to six dogs. This includes paying fees. Beyond this, some pet owners might expect some kind of training, particularly in animal first aid, as well as insurance and references. (City of Toronto) (Canadian Dog Walkers Association)
What if you can’t take your dog for a walk?
Interactive puzzle toys can keep your dog occupied for a while. You can also use treat dispensers or just fill up a Kong with peanut butter. Beyond this, play your usual games with your dog, like a game of tug, or try teaching them a new trick.
If you have a highly energetic dog that needs a walk, call upon your neighbours, friends, and family, or hire a dog walker until you’re ready to take them out yourself. (Vetstreet)
Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock
How should you walk a dog with a health problem?
If a dog has health issues, taking them for a short and light walk can still benefit them. But always speak to your vet before having your dog do any exercise. They will give you ideas on safe ways to ensure that your dog gets the right exercise safely.
How else can you exercise a dog?
Beyond taking walks or playing tug, there are so many options that will give your dog the right amount of exercise, and both of you will have a blast doing it! Swimming, agility trials, herding, playing fetch, and just old-fashioned running will give your dog amazing exercise!
Conclusion
Taking your dog out for regular walks is a necessary part of dog ownership. Some dogs require just a short trip, while others need hours! Not only do dogs greatly benefit from your daily walks, but you also do.
That said, there are times when you can’t take out your dog, which is when hiring a dog walker can be valuable. Be sure to check their references and credentials and otherwise do your due diligence before placing your fur baby into someone else’s hands.
Double-check with your vet before you change any of your dog’s exercise routines, particularly if they are a senior, a puppy, or have a health condition. We all want to keep our best friends around for a long time!
Canada has an abiding love for pets for so many reasons: They keep us company, motivate us to exercise, and help relieve stress and depression, and their unconditional love can help with our general mental well-being.
When looking at the statistics for the pet industry in Canada, you can see how much we spend on pets, which shows how important they are to us.
The cost of owning a dog is an average of $4,000 per year.
The cost of owning a cat is an average of $2,500 each year.
Canadians spent $1,200 on dog food in 2022.
Canadians spent $743 on dental cleanings for cats in 2022.
Between 2016 and 2020, pet food sales increased by 5.8%.
Dog food is the biggest and fastest-growing pet food on the market.
Cat food had almost $1.4 billion in sales in 2020.
Other pet food is growing but at a slower rate.
The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on Canadian shopping habits.
Canadians spent an average of $765 on pet expenses in 2019.
Over 92% of Canadian pet owners prefer to purchase pet food in retail stores.
By the end of 2021, Ontario had the most pet and pet supply stores in Canada.
Canadians spend about $6.6 billion annually on their pets.
In 2021, only 1.2% of Canadians had pet insurance.
The first year of a kitten’s life can cost Canadians $1,921.12.
Image Credit: Josep Suria, Shutterstock
Canadian Pet Spending Statistics
1. The cost of owning a dog is an average of $4,000 per year.
(Statista)
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that we spend more on dogs than on cats. This amount averages about $330 every month, with the most significant expense for dog owners being dog food.
Image Credit: Karolina Grabowska, Pexels
2. The cost of owning a cat is an average of $2,500 each year.
(Statista)
Cats cost less because they are smaller than most dogs, eat less, and have fewer vet visits and procedures. The amount averages $208 per month, with the highest expenditure being for dental cleaning.
3. Canadians spent $1,200 on dog food in 2022.
(Statista)
This means Canadians spend an average of $100 a month on dog food — we have hungry dogs! The next biggest expenditure in 2022 was pet insurance at $1,160, followed by dental cleanings at $743.
Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock
4. Canadians spent $743 on dental cleanings for cats in 2022.
(Statista)
Canadian cat owners spent the most on dental cleanings, with pet insurance just behind at $638 in 2022. The third largest expenditure is cat food at $576, which is less than half what dog owners paid ($48 per month).
Pet Food Market Statistics
5. Between 2016 and 2020, pet food sales increased by 5.8%.
(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
The pet food market has increased by almost 6% within 6 years, and it’s still growing. It went from $3.4 billion in 2016 to $4.2 billion in 2020. It’s projected to increase to $5.3 billion by 2025 (an extra 4.9%).
Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock
6. Dog food is the biggest and fastest-growing pet food on the market.
(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
In 2020, the dog food market was $2.7 billion, which was a growth of 6.3% from 2016 to 2020. Dry dog food was the largest category of dog food, with a value of $2.1 billion in 2020, which represents a 74.8% market share.
7. Cat food had almost $1.4 billion in sales in 2020.
(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Cat food saw an increase of 5.1% since 2016, which is actually a decent number considering that it shows that cat owners are spending more on their cat’s food. This is notable because between 2016 and 2020, there wasn’t a big increase in cat ownership.
Image Credit: Photo_Olivia, Shutterstock
8. Other pet food is growing but at a slower rate.
(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in Canada, but many Canadians also own fish, small mammals, and birds. Fish food had the most sales at $36 million, followed by birds at $30.6 million and small animals at $15 million.
It was found that many owners of reptiles and small mammals purchased high-quality food for their pets.
Canadian Shopping Statistics
9. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on Canadian shopping habits.
(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
In 2020, retail stores still saw most of the sales for pet care, with a 76.6% market share, and e-commerce or online stores had a 21.7% market share. What changed is that the retail stores’ sales declined by 6.9% in 2020, while online stores had a huge increase of 30%.
Image Credit: Andrey Popov, Shutterstock
10. Canadians spent an average of $765 on pet expenses in 2019.
(Statista)
These expenses include pet food, toys, travel accessories, veterinary care, and clean-up products.
11. Over 92% of Canadian pet owners prefer to purchase pet food in retail stores.
(Statista)
In early 2022, e-commerce in general saw about $3 billion each month! But while e-commerce is becoming increasingly popular, 92% of Canadians prefer a physical store to buy pet food.
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock
12. By the end of 2021, Ontario had the most pet and pet supply stores in Canada.
(Statista)
Ontario had approximately 776 physical pet-related stores, while Quebec had 506, and British Columbia had 347. These three provinces are also the three most populous in the same order.
13. Canadians spend about $6.6 billion annually on their pets.
(Square One)
This number is bound to go up. Urban couples are increasingly becoming pet owners, and it’s believed that there’s a link between couples waiting longer to have kids and adopting dogs.
14. In 2021, only 1.2% of Canadians had pet insurance.
(HelloSafe)
Canada’s 1% hardly compares to the United Kingdom’s 31% and Sweden’s 48%.
15. The first year of a kitten’s life can cost Canadians $1,921.12.
(WorldAtlas)
Perhaps not too surprisingly, the first year of a puppy’s life can cost Canadians $2,600.10. Most of these expenses come from first-time supply costs, such as a carrier, bowls, leash and collar, bed, and crate.
Image Credit: Anna Hinckel, Pexels
Frequently Asked Questions on Pet Spending in Canada
How many Canadian households have pets?
More than half of Canadian households own at least one cat or dog. From 2020 to 2022, there was a significant increase in pet ownership, with dogs increasing to 7.9 million from 7.7 million and cats going from 8.1 million to 8.5 million. (Pet Food Processing)
How many Canadians visit a veterinarian?
About 86% of dog owners brought their dogs to see the vet without any significant change in numbers from 2020 to 2022. Cats saw an increase in numbers from 58% in 2020 to 61% in 2022. (Pet Food Processing)
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock
How easy is it to find a vet in Canada?
It should be easy to find a vet in certain parts of the country. However, Canada currently has a shortage of animal health technicians and vets. One in five pet owners needed care for their pets from 2021 to 2022 but weren’t successful due to the shortage and inability to afford it. (Pet Food Processing)
How many Canadians feed their pets high-quality food?
About 26% of dog and cat owners said that they were willing to spend more on a certain food if it proved to provide their pets with extra health benefits. (Packaged Facts)
Conclusion
More than half of Canadians own at least one pet, and these statistics show how much we love them. What we spend on our pets will continue to climb as we bring more animals into our homes.
The Canadian pet food market reached up to $4.2 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow an extra 4.9% by 2025. So, the need for unconditional love and support from a pet will continue to flourish.
