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Dalmatian Facts
- Group
- Non Sporting
- Affiliations
- AKC, CKC, UKC
- Height
- 19" - 23"
- Weight
- 45-60 lbs.
- Lifespan
- 14 years | Add yours
- Exercise Requirement
- Training Requirement
- Grooming Requirement
- Colors
- Breed Characteristics
Alternate Names
firehouse dog, English coach dog, carriage dog, plum pudding dog
Origin
Greek friezes over 4,000 years old show hunting dogs that are similar to the dalmatian. Although Dalmatia, on the coast of the Adriatic, is described as this breeds home, there is convincing evidence that it originated in India and was transported to ancient Greece by Indian merchant traders.
Date Of Origin
The AKC recognizes this dog when it was first brought to Great Britain in the 1700's however it is believed that they have been in existence for thousands of years.
History
The complete history of the dalmatian is unknown, but it takes its name from the place where it was first recorded as existing, the Eastern European coastal area of Dalmatia, along the Adriatic sea. The modern dalmatian was most likely brought to Great Britain during the eighteenth century. There it was developed as a coach dog. The dalmatian's job was to guard passengers and property. Later, its affinity for horses made it well suited for leading house-drawn fire carriages. This lead to the perception of dalmatians being firehouse dogs. They are still used at fire houses as mascots and for fire awareness education. The dalmatian has been in the U.S. since the country's beginning; George Washington was a breeder.
Description
The dalmatian is a large, muscular, and square dog. Its head is pear shaped from above, with the skull and muzzle parallel to one another. The skull is almost flat with a slight center grove. The nose is large, broad and black. The eyes are medium sized and brown or blue or a combination. The ears are a medium size drop. It has a deep chest and compact, well arched feet. The tail is naturally long and tapered and carried in a slight upward curve. The coat is short, glossy and close-fitting with a ground color of white and spots of black or liver.
Temperament
The dalmatian is an active, lively dog that has an affinity for horses and running, especially with vehicles. It is wary with strangers, but friendly and affectionate with family and friends. It makes an excellent watch dog. It has a strong work drive but can be stubborn.
Uses
In the middle ages, it was used as a hound. In the nineteenth century it became a carriage dog and its popularity shot up. It followed its master with exceptional reliability and hardiness whether its master was on foot, on horseback or in a carriage. Later it found wide acceptance as a companion dog that could also be used as a watch dog. It is generally clean and neat, avoids puddles and loves soap ans water.
Health Concerns
Deafness, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, kidney and bladder stones, skin allergies.
Additional Information
Sparky the Fire Dog Mascot of the American National Fire Protection Association.
Sources
The Howell Book Of Dogs
Publisher: Wiley Publishing Inc, 2007
Website: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Author: Liz Palika
Dog Bible
Publisher: BowTie Press, 2005
Website: http://www.bowtiepress.com/bowtie/
Authors: Kristin Meuh-Roe, Jarelle S. Stein
Simon & Schusters Guide to Dogs
Publisher: Simon & Schuster inc, 1980
Website: http://www.simonandschuster.com
Author: Elizabeth Meriwether Schuler
The New Encyclopedia of the Dog
Publisher: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, 2000
Website: http://www.dk.com
Author: Bruce Fogle
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