The Dalmatian is uniquely colored 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 recognized
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 socializing 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.
