Despite the fact that the Dalmatian breed was originally referenced in the mid-18th century, the breed was well documented throughout the world prior to this. Earlier writings, engravings, models, and paintings have all displayed white dogs having black spots, and evidence of them was found in Africa and Asia as well as Europe. Their popularity coupled with how vastly they were spread globally was probably due to traveling with bands of gypsies.
The Adriatic Region of Western Yugoslavia known as Dalmatia is the area in which the dogs are believed to have originated from, hence the name Dalmatian. The breed itself only achieved its notoriety once the elite British class adopted the animal and brought them home, so to speak, despite the fact that they had been considered and kept as pets since ancient times. The Dalmatians striking appearance made them extremely popular with the masses but they held a particular allure for the aristocracy of the day.
It was not uncommon for them to accompany their owners on horse and buggy rides so as to be shown off in the process. Typically, the dog would trot in cadence with the buggy located either below the rear axle of the coach, or below the crossbar that separated the two horses. Additionally, they would be spotted being in the lead trotting ahead of the horse at the horses pace. As a result, their popularity grew even more.
Another reason for their popularity is their use with fire departments, however, they were initially introduced to England in the 18th century as ratters. At the time, they established their proficiency because of their remarkable ability of locating and killing rats which had infested the firehouses and stables throughout the country. Dalmatians loved both the fire engines and the horses that pulled them and it was common to see them racing either ahead or alongside the fire engines as they responded to an alarm, hence their storied association with fire departments that is still the case today.
By performing their duties with the fire departments, they captured the hearts of an admiring public in the process, especially during times of war. They also became the preferred dog for sentinel duty when wars were going on and were also used as draft dogs and sheepherding dogs. Today, they are still viewed as a fireman’s mascot being found in firehouses throughout Great Britain, the United States and many other nations as well.
Feeding Tips
These tips and guidelines for a proper Dalmatians diet have resulted from numerous studies over many years so we can safely recommend these tips with confidence.
First and foremost, avoid feeding adult Dalmatians any organ meat, including:
• Brains
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Sweetbreads
These organ meets should not be fed to the dog in any form -cooked or raw and should never be given as food or even a snack. Additionally, you should never feed them elk, venison, or any other game meat.
Written by Jeff Nenadic from
My Dog Shop
