The Dalmatian is uniquely coloured with its slick white coat decorated with well-defined round spots of black or liver brown. They make devoted family pets but need lots of love and devotion.
The name of this breed is taken from Dalmatia, a province of Austria and part of the former Yugoslavia; however, there is no certainty as to how the spotted dog first appeared in Europe, Asia and Africa. It is said that the dog was often seen in bands of gypsies, but it was in England where it first became well established as a dog of the British aristocracy, running alongside their horse-drawn carriages.
By the 18th century the breed was recognised as a ‘fire house dog’, nicknamed because they were used by the fire wagons to lead the horses through the misty streets of London. The breed not only boasted good eyesight, but the horses were able to see the dogs’ spots and differentiate them from other dogs. They were also nicknamed ‘plum pudding dogs’, ‘carriage dogs’ and ‘coach dogs’ and they were prized for their natural ability to bond with horses together with their great endurance and speed.
This breed has also been recorded as a dog of war, a sentinel on the borders of Dalmatia and Croatia. It has been employed as draft dog and as a shepherd. They are excellent ratters and have been used in sports as a bird dog, a trail hound, retriever, or in packs for boar or stag hunting. Their dignified temperament and excellent memory meant they were also used in circuses and on the stage.
However, it was the movie 101 Dalmatians that catapulted this breed to stardom and sent thousands of children in search of their very own spotted dog. Unfortunately many Dalmatians became homeless as a result and Dalmatian rescue centres were established to re-home this beautiful dog.
While Dalmatian puppies are very cute indeed, they grow into a medium sized energetic dog that is both alert and athletic. They have a high energy level and can be too excitable for small children. It is important that the Dalmatian is provided with a consistent, gentle training program commenced from an early age. Their environment should be stable and plenty of socialising will ensure they do not become shy of strangers. Regular exercise is necessary. They made wonderful watchdogs and generally live for up to 11 to 13 years.
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