Origin
Dalmatians are known the world over for their distinctive looks and beautifully spotted coast. Over the years these elegant dogs have become a popular choice both as family pets and companions. They were once known as carriage dogs because they were bred to run alongside carriages which included horse-drawn fire engines, earning themselves the name of Firehouse Dogs.
Dalmatians are active, muscular and strong dogs that boast a lot of stamina and they like nothing more than to be given lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They are the perfect choice for people who lead busy outdoor lives and who live in the country, but they also do well living in town as long as their owners have a nice, big secure garden for them to roam around and they are given lots of exercise.
Dalmatians boast being one of the most ancient breeds on the planet with evidence of them being found on Greek friezes and tablets that date back 2000 BC. Dogs are seen running alongside chariots in Ancient Egypt, Rome and Greece. Records have also been found of these dogs in Dalmatia, a region of Croatia which is how the breed earned their name.
Over the years, these striking dogs have been given many jobs and this includes being used to herd sheep, hunt, perform in the circus, pull carts and to run alongside coaches. The actual true origin of the breed may be lost in time, but one thing that is known of Dalmatians is that for centuries they have worked comfortably alongside horses and that they first arrived in the UK back in the 18th century.
It was during this time that the breed became a popular choice with Britain's aristocracy and Dalmatians also started being used as carriage dogs working alongside horses. At the same time, they became popular with fire departments with Dalmatians running ahead of the horse drawn fire trucks making sure the way ahead was clear.
Today, Dalmatians remain a popular choice with people who live in the country and who own horses because of the breed's affinity with their equine counterparts. They are also often seen in Field Trials where they show off the natural abilities as working dogs, but they are also a popular choice in other parts of the world, thanks a Dalmatian’s kind nature and their wonderful spotted coats.
