I'm the breeder behind Tongwood Dalmatians located in Binghamton, NY. Hello my name is Sue Tong and I have had Dalmatians since 1987. I love the breed and I’ve spent basically the last 30 years learning all I can about them and they have enriched my life. I don’t breed very often. I think it within the last 30 years I have bred seven litters but I plan to in the future. The most important thing to me is that my puppies go to a good home. This means a fenced in yard, someone to watch over them 24/7 and train them. include them in their family not tie them to a tree or ignore them. What’s also important is the future owner knows about the breed, their good points and bad points. Knows they’re high energy, they shed, and that they crave constant human contact. If your first question to me is how much? I probably will reject you immediately so do your research and then get back to me. I belong to the Dalmatian Club of America, the Dalmatian Club of the Finger Lakes, and the Susque-Nango Kennel Club in Binghamton, NY. Is a Dalmatian Right for You? There’s nothing cuter than a Dalmatian pup, except perhaps two Dalmatian pups! The adult Dalmatian is a handsome stylish dog that is sure to attract attention wherever he goes. If you’re thinking of buying a Dal, please take the time to consider all aspects of that decision. Each breed has its good and bad points, and no one breed is perfect for all situations. You must pick the breed that has the right characteristics to fit your needs and your lifestyle, then raise and train the dog correctly. Dogs don’t just grow up to be great family companions. They require much time and effort on your part, as well as lots of patience. Think it over carefully. Dals DO Shed, as do all smooth-coated breeds. Dal hair is stiff and abundant and will work its way into the fabric. Although it’s easy to sweep or vacuum, Dal’s hair is hard to brush off. If you’re bothered by dog hair, the need to groom a dog regularly, or the necessity of extra sweeping or vacuuming, you’ll probably be unhappy with a Dalmatian. Shedding is heaviest in the spring and fall, but there are some loose hairs year around. Also, if there are allergies in your family, a shedding breed like the Dalmatian can be a serious problem. Dals ARE Active, especially during puppyhood (which can last until 18 months or more). You will need a fenced yard or the time and energy to take the dog for regular walks. A Dal that is confined too much, or that receives too little exercise, may become noisy and destructive. They should never be allowed to run free, without supervision. Dals need to be a part of the family, require lots of time and attention, and do not do well kept outdoors and away from the family. They should always be house dogs. Dals Are Basically a Guard Dog Breed and need to be raised with firmness and discipline. Although they are related to pointers, Dals were originally guard dogs in the stables and ran with the horse-drawn carriages to protect them from stray dogs and highwaymen. ALL Dals need basic obedience training and they need to know the rules of the household from the very beginning. If you are unwilling or unable to function as “pack leader”, your Dal will quickly step in and assume the role. Dals are smart and stubborn and quickly learn what they can get away with. This can be a very dominant breed, and permissively raised Dalmatians often become problem dogs. Dals Are Clowns and can be exasperating. You MUST have a sense of humor to enjoy living with a Dalmatian. Adolescent Dals are particularly trying. The Positive Side, Dals are delightful and intelligent companions, VERY affectionate, excellent family dogs if raised properly, clean in the house, have very little doggy odor, and are generally quite easy to house train. They are not normally barkers but are good watchdogs. They are easy-keepers, not expensive to feed, generally healthy, and easy to keep neat and clean. They love to ride in the car, run with horses, bikes, or joggers, and often love to swim. They have enormous amounts of energy, endless enthusiasm, and will play with the kids for hours. They can be taught to hunt game birds and make excellent ratters. Most Dals are quite sensitive to human moods and will do their best to cheer up gloomy human friends. They can be great fun for the entire family, but they don’t just “grow up” that way. It takes time, patience, consistency, and a firm commitment to raising any dog properly. Especially a smart, dominant, energetic one with a sense of humor! A Few Statistics Size normally ranges from 20 to 24 inches, weight from 35 to more than 60 pounds. Females are normally about 22 inches tall and 45 pounds. Males are somewhat larger at 23 inches and 55 pounds. Color is either black-spotted or liver (brown) spotted. Eyes are black, brown, gold, or blue (one or both eyes may be blue). Black-spotted dogs have black noses and eye trim and dark (or blue) eyes. Liver-spotted dogs have brown noses and eye trim, and brown, gold (or blue) eyes. Patching is quite common, and a large area of color around an eye or over an ear means the dog can’t be shown and shouldn’t be bred, but can still be a handsome pet. Neutered males make especially good companions, so size is often the determining factor when deciding whether to get a male or a female pup. Dals are normally quite healthy and long-lived, males often living to be twelve or more, and females often at least fourteen.
About Sue
Dalmatians are my passion, and I can't imagine spending life without them. I am dedicated towards achieving excellence and healthy family pets, and I love to raise puppies and prepare them for their forever homes. My dogs are my family and I can't wait to welcome you into my community!
What makes Sue’s program special
My dogs are an integral part of my family and daily life. This creates the ideal environment for puppies. From birth, they grow in a secure, loving environment where they know that they matter to their family -- that they have a purpose. I can’t wait to connect with you!
Sue is a member of 2 clubs
Dalmatian Club of the Fingerlakes, Dalmatian Club of America
Sue has been certified by Good Dog's screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you're ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies. You'll also have the chance to share a bit about yourself and what you're looking for in a new companion. Together, you'll choose the puppy that's right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Please contact the breeder to get more information about pricing.
“The price includes a two year guarantee for hereditary defects diagnosed by a medical professional. Also includes BAER testing, puppy wellness visit, microchip, and AKC registration. Not required until puppies are on the ground.”
Sue may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Sue offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sue directly.
I do everything I can to socialize my puppies. I want them to be easily trainable and have a smooth transition to their new home. I utilize the following enrichment methods: Basic Manners, Initial House Training, Various Surfaces, Sound Stimulation, Various People, and Socialized with Adult Dogs.
I follow all appropriate puppy health protocols to ensure happy, healthy puppies.
Your puppy may come with extra benefits, like a small bag of food or a toy carrying the scent of their littermates. While Tongwood Dalmatians hasn’t shared specifics yet, we encourage you to reach out directly to learn what thoughtful extras they may include to help your puppy transition comfortably into their new home.
Sue offers options to help you easily get your new puppy home.
If you’re nearby, you can visit in person to pick up your pup. If you’re far away, you can travel by car or plane.
Why Sue started breeding
I have always been passionate about the well-being of animals. I wanted to put my passion to good use! It's been a joyful commitment, and it is a pleasure to live with, work with, and share with others these wonderful dogs.
Sue has been a member of Good Dog for over 3 years
Sue was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Tongwood Dalmatians meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
Dalmatian
Excellent level
Tongwood Dalmatians reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Dalmatians.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
Congenital Deafness (BAER, registered with OFA)
A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.
DNA Profile
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).