The Dalmatian is the only spotted dog breed. Its true origins are veiled in mists of time, and these dogs have been
credited with many nationalities and names. The spotted dog we know today has gotten its name from Dalmatia - a
historical region of Croatia close to the Adriatic sea - but dogs of this type have appeared all over Europe, Asia, and
Africa. Many believe that the breed originated in India, and
there are dogs looking like Dalmatians on Egyptian tombs
and in ancient ruins as old as 5,000 years.
Dalmatians have had many purposes through history. Some
have been used for hunting, some as dogs of war or border
guardians, and others worked as shepherds. Many dogs can
do these things, but Dalmatians have a unique trait: no other
breed share their talent for running with horses.
Most Dalmatians will fall in behind a horse and cart, or trot
beside the shoulder of a horse even if they’ve never seen one
before. This probably created the breed’s original association
with firemen; it was natural for the dogs to follow horse-drawn
fire engines.
These dogs are energetic and require daily exercise and training. They learn quickly and have excellent memories, and excel
at obedience, agility, and other dog sports. Their endurance
also makes them great search-and-rescue dogs. If you’re considering a Dalmatian, remember their past as coach dogs; they
require a lot of exercise and something to occupy them.
Dalmatian puppies are born white, and their first spots appear
around three weeks after birth. After a month they have most
of their spots, but new ones can appear throughout life.
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