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Dalmatian Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Dalmatian so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank63
Reviews1
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Compare the Dalmatian With Other Dogs
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Dalmatian dog profile picture
OriginCroatia flagCroatia
Other Names
What other names does the Dalmatian have?
Carriage DogDallyFirehouse DogPlum Pudding DogSpotted Coach DogDal
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred The Dalmatian is considered a purebred dog breed, but many mixes and hybrids have been created from this breed. We have compiled a list of Dalmatian Mixes.

Dalmatian Size and Weight

Size
Is a Dalmatian small, medium or large dog?

How big do Dalmatian get?

What is the average size of a Dalmatian?

Large
Weight
How much does the Dalmatian weigh? How much should a Dalmatian weight? What is the normal weight of a Dalmatian? How much does a full-grown Dalmatian weight?
about 55 pounds (25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Dalmatian?
about 55 pounds (25 kg)
Height
How tall is the Dalmatian? Dalmatian height:
Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Dalmatian?
Male: 22 - 24 inches (50 – 60 cm), Female: 20 - 22 inches (50 - 55 cm)

Dalmatian Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Dalmatian puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Dalmatian in the United States? How much money is a Dalmatian?

Where to buy a Dalmatian with a good pedigree?

$500-$600
If you choose to purchase the Dalmatian, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Dalmatian for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Dalmatian gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Dalmatian? How many Dalmatian are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Dalmatian is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Dalmatian Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Dalmatian? Is the Dalmatian breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The Dalmatian dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The Dalmatian is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are Dalmatian dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Dalmatian?
Dalmatian dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Dalmatian good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Dalmatian dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Dalmatian dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Dalmatian dogs are average defenders. Some dogs are very protective of their territory, while others easily let a stranger to trespass. This breed is not sure to defend its territory in every situation.

Dalmatian Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Dalmatian have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
ActivePlayfulEnergeticSensitiveIntelligentFriendlyOutgoing
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Dalmatian sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Dalmatian dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Dalmatian a good family dog?
High: Dalmatian dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Carriage Dog need? Dalmatian social needs:
Dalmatian dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Dalmatian to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Dalmatian roam?
The wanderlust potential of the Dalmatian is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Dalmatian have high prey drive?
Dalmatian dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals.

Dalmatian Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Dalmatian is a highly playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Dalmatian dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Carriage Dog bark?
Average: The Dalmatian barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Dalmatian good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Dalmatian in an apartment?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dalmatian breed. If you don't have a garden, think carefully about your decision, keeping Dalmatian indoors can cause a lot of problems.

Dalmatian Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Dalmatian dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Dalmatian be left alone? How long can you leave a Dalmatian alone?
Dalmatian dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Dalmatian Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Dalmatian has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Dalmatian? How much bite force does a Dalmatian have? How strong is a Dalmatian bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dalmatian bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Dalmatian measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Dalmatian is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Dalmatian bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Dalmatian bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Dalmatian puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Dalmatian, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Dalmatian bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Dalmatian can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Dalmatian bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Carriage Dog? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Dalmatian? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Dalmatian do?
Dalmatian dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Dalmatian dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Dalmatian Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Dalmatian dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
Dalmatians are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Dalmatian breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Dalmatian breed? Most common health risks of Dalmatian:
Hip Dysplasia AllergiesDeafnessSkin AllergiesIris Sphincter DysplasiaUrolithiasis
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Dalmatian breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Dalmatian see the vet?
Rare
The Dalmatian should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Dalmatian dogs live? How old can a Dalmatian be? What is the age limit of the Dalmatian? How many years can the oldest Dalmatian live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Dalmatian?

How long is the lifespan of a Dalmatian?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of Dalmatian: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

Dalmatian Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Dalmatian have? What is the activity level of the Dalmatian?
Dalmatian dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Dalmatian need? How much exercise do Dalmatian dogs require per day?

Do Dalmatian dogs need a lot of exercises?

Dalmatian dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Dalmatian breed need?
Dalmatian dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

Dalmatian Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Dalmatian need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Dalmatian breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Dalmatian? How much food should I feed my Dalmatian?
Recommended daily amount: 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Dalmatian risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dalmatian's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Dalmatian weight regularly.

Dalmatian Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Dalmatian have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
Fine
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Dalmatian coats?
Black White BrownLiver
Grooming
How to groom the Dalmatian and how often? How often should I take my Dalmatian to the groomer?
Effortless: The Dalmatian requires minimal grooming. Seasonal flea treatment is needed, but cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't necessary.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned sometimes to avoid infections. Dalmatian is one of the best choices if you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of a high-maintenance dog.

Highly recommended for beginners.
Shedding Level
How much do Dalmatian dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Carriage Dog? Do Dalmatian dogs shed a lot?
Dalmatian dogs are heavy shedders. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Be prepared for the daily vacuum cleaning. The amount and frequency of hair loss mostly depend on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Dalmatian need a bath? How often should you give a Dalmatian a bath? Can I bathe my Dalmatian every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Dalmatian breed hypoallergenic?
No
Dalmatian dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Dalmatian has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Dalmatian drool?
The Dalmatian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Dalmatian could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Dalmatian.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Dalmatian Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Dalmatian dogs get along with other pets? Are Dalmatian dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Dalmatian dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Dalmatian temperament with other people:
Dalmatian dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Dalmatian dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Dalmatian temperament with children:
Dalmatian dogs are very kid-friendly dogs. This breed enjoys being surrounded by children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Dalmatian dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Dalmatian breed live with a cat?
Dalmatian dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Is Dalmatian good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Dalmatian dogs get along with other dogs?
Dalmatian dogs are very dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Dalmatian can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Dalmatian breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Dalmatian breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Dalmatian dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Dalmatian dogs good office canines? Do Dalmatian dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Dalmatian is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Dalmatian dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Carriage Dog temperament with senior people? Are Dalmatian dogs good for elderly owners?
Dalmatians are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Dalmatian As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Dalmatian be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Dalmatian breed is a good choice for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Dalmatian be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Dalmatian be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Dalmatian breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Dalmatian be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Dalmatian is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Dalmatian be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Dalmatian is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Dalmatian be a boat dog?

Not really

Dalmatian breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Dalmatian be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Dalmatian is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Dalmatian dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Dalmatian Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Dalmatian pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Dalmatian breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Dalmatian: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Dalmatian have in a litter? How many puppies can the Dalmatian breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Dalmatian have? How many puppies can a Dalmatian give birth to?
6-9 puppies

Dalmatian Recognition

AKC Group
Is Dalmatian recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1888 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Is Dalmatian recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Scent hounds and related breeds group, in the Related breeds section.
Breed Recognition
What kennel clubs and organizations recognize or register the Dalmatian breed?
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilContinental Kennel ClubNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel Club

Dalmatian Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The Dalmatian dogs have great intelligence.
  • Health Issues: Dalmatians are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Grooming: Effortless: The Dalmatian requires minimal grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Dalmatian is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Dalmatian has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Mouthiness: Dalmatian dogs have a lower than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Adaptability: Dalmatian dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Child Friendly: Dalmatian dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
  • Dog Friendly: Dalmatian dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Dalmatians are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Dalmatian dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Service Dog: This breed makes good as a service dog.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Dalmatian dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: Not an apartment-friendly dog the Dalmatian breed.
  • Shedding Level: Dalmatian dogs are heavy shedders.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dalmatian's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the Dalmatian is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Dalmatian dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
  • Office Friendly: Dalmatian is not the best dog breed for office environment.

Dalmatian History

Origins

The Dalmatian is probably known by everyone, as the breed is best known as the star of Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.

However, the Dalmatian’s origin is unknown. What is known is that they are not the first of their sort, as spotted dogs have been found throughout history in a variety of places.

Egyptian relics dating back to several thousand years B.C. depict spotted dogs, as well as more recent artifacts from Africa, India, the Middle East, and various regions of Europe.

As back in the time, there were no breeding records kept, the true origin of the Dalmatian will likely never be known, however, there are speculations and theories about the origins of the breed.

Part of the mystery surrounding the Dalmatian is that its spotted appearance and other attributes make it so unique among dog breeds.

The earliest record of a dog generally agreed upon to be a Dalmatian comes from around 1360 A.D. Around this period, a fresco was painted in the Spanish Chapel of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, Italy, which resembled a dog somewhat similar to the modern Dalmatian, however, others have suggested that the breed portrayed is actually an early Italian Greyhound.

 

Which dog breed got its name from a region in Croatia?

Of course, the Dalmata dog breed is named after it! Furthermore, it is unclear exactly when, but sometime between the 15th and 17th centuries, spotted dogs became connected with the region of Dalmatia, which consists of a strip of Adriatic shoreline and numerous neighboring islands.

Until the 20th century, Dalmatia was occupied by a series of powers, including the Roman Empire, Hungary, Austria, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Yugoslavia. Due to its location, Dalmatia has been a borderland for many centuries and for almost 500 years was on the frontline of the endless conflicts between Christian Europe and the Islamic Ottoman Empire.

It was about this time when the Dalmatian gained attention as a war dog. The breed was used by Croatian, Austrian, and Hungarian forces in battles against the Ottomans.

However, it is still unclear how the breed found its way to Dalmatia, but the most common theory is that the breed was introduced by the nomadic bands of Romanies who traveled through the region.

 

The breed’s job

The Dalmatian is thought to have initially arrived in England in the late 160ss or early 1700s, though the exact date, as well as who was responsible and where the dogs came from, have all been lost to history.

According to experts, the dog was most likely first seen by British traders while doing business in Austria, France, or the Netherlands, and they were drawn to its appearance.

Prior to 1737, there are no written records of Dalmatians. Moreover, unlike British guard dog types like the English Mastiff from the 1700s, the Dalmatian was a relentless athlete, who could run long distances without tiring.

This was quickly noticed by English carriage drivers, who put the breed to work as a carriage dog in teams of two or more. The breed was used to protect both the carriage and the horses that pulled it.

Depending on the circumstances and the driver’s choices, Dalmatians ran in front of, underneath, and to the sides of the carriage as it traveled.

When the carriage was moving, Dalmatians would nibble at the horses’ heels to make them go faster and drive pedestrians out of the way. To this day the Dalmatian has always had a natural affinity toward horses.

Although very useful to a carriage in transit, the Dalmatian was mostly kept for its guarding qualities while the carriage was stopped.

In the years before current law enforcement tools were created, horse theft was one of the most common and serious types of crime in England.

Horses were both incredibly valuable and extremely easy to get rid of quickly. Dalmatians were more than capable of using violence to drive off a potential robber.

However, this affinity took the Dalmatians on a different career path in the United States.

The breed became a firehouse dog, running with the horses to the fire, watching over the equipment during a fire, and sometimes even helping and rescuing people from burning buildings.

When the excitement was over, they accompanied the fire wagons back to the station and resumed their duty as watchdogs.

Dalmatians were also used by British firefighters, but not on the level that they were in America.

Moreover, the breed began to be used by American breweries as well.

Their carts were loaded with big quantities of beer, making them an attractive target for casual thieves. Dalmatians became associated with a number of American breweries, most notably Budweiser.

 

Modern form and development

Although the breed was naturally gifted with several benefits, English breeders worked tirelessly to improve the breed.

The English are credited for shaping the Dalmatian into its contemporary shape nearly universally.

They made the dog faster, increased its endurance, refined its appearance, and mollified its temperament.

However, it is unclear how exactly the Dalmatian came to be in its contemporary form, it is almost certain that blood from native British breeds was introduced to Dalmatian lines.

According to some, such hybrids were uncommon, and the Dalmatians remained nearly pure.

On the other hand, others argue that only a few Dalmatians were transported to England and that British dogs accounted for the vast majority of the breed’s genetic composition.

There is also a lot of disagreement on which breed is employed.

The probability that the Dalmatian was crossed with the Pointer is very high as the Pointer was both common throughout England and is probably more similar to the Dalmatian in terms of build, appearance, and physical abilities than any other breed.

Some fanciers also believe that the last surviving examples of the Talbot and Northern Hound were introduced to the Dalmatian.

 

Dalmatian Recognition

Furthermore, the Dalmatian was considered purebred even before the creation of pedigrees and kennel clubs.

When dog shows became popular in the United Kingdom, the Dalmatian was a regular participant.

The breed was especially liked by members of the upper class who were the most common participants at early dogs shows.

The Dalmatian was one of the first breeds to be registered with the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom.

The breed was also a regular entrant at early American dog shows and was first granted recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1888.

Rate The Dalmatian Breed

Dalmatian Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Ba

    Dec 22, 2019, 10:55:42 PM:

    I had one, love them ❤️