Dalmatian / Carriage Dog, Spotted Coach Dog, Firehouse Dog, Plum Pudding Dog, Dal, Dally

Breed history:

The name of this breed supposedly comes from the region Dalmatia on the shore of the Adriatic Sea, but in the respective area, this breeds ancestors were not found. It's admitted that the Dalmatian comes from the crossbreeding between the Bengal Pointer and Bull Terrier or English Pointer. In the 18th and 19th century, this dog was used to guard stage coaches, the passengers and their goods. They were also used to herd the horses which were dragging the tanks of water for firemen. The appearance of the car led to the decline of this breed. After the presentation of the animated cartoon "101 Dalmatians" the interest for this dog was revived. The president of the USA - George Washington was a lover of this breed.

Description:

It is a large-sized, strong, brawny dog, with symmetrical lines and with a square shape. The head is medium-sized, rather long, the skull is flat, broader between the ears, it has a strong muzzle with a big, black or brown nose, the same colour as the spots. The eyes are round, medium sized, hazel or blue. The ears are placed high, medium-sized, with pointed and folded tips. The tail is long, conical, with the tip slightly bent. The fur is short, smooth, soft, thick and glossy. The coat is white with round spots that don’t overlap. Due to its coat, it is the most easily recognizable breed.

Personality:

It is an intelligent, active, fast, well-disciplined, energetic dog, friendly and sometimes stubborn. It was created to catch pests (mice, rats). Today it is a good watchdog and a pleasant companion. Devoted and friendly to its master, tolerant and loving with children (it being a big dog, care should be taken when it plays with children) it is cautious and vigilant with strangers. It gets along well with other dogs and other household animals (it has an innate affinity for horses). 

Grooming:

This dog's fur needs a more frequent brushing during the shedding period. For the rest it doesn't shed much.

Living conditions:

It is a dog with a high level of activity which likes to have space to move freely, to live with to an active master with experience in raising dogs. Is a large-sized dog and it's hard to keep in a flat, but it can adapt, if it gets its daily exercise (long walks, running by a bicycle, in wide open spaces, swimming, playing). 

Training:

It needs a firm, consistent, well-balanced training that must be done with a lot of patience to overcome potential stubbornness.

Usefulness:

It is a good watchdog and an elegant and pleasant companion.