Where the Dalmatian came from is up for debate, with some attributing its early ancestry to what was formerly known as Dalmatia, located on the eastern coast of the Adriatic sea, in what is now Croatia. Spotted dogs aligning with our modern perception of the breed feature prominently in uncovered Egyptian pictorials, supporting its ancient heritage. Falling within the non-sporting 'utility' branch of canines, the Dalmatian rose to great popularity during the Regency period, wherein it was utilised as a carriage dog, leading or flanking the coaches of the nobility and acting to deter troublesome stray dogs, warning of highwaymen and guarding the carriage in the absence of the coachman. The versatile breed was traditionally employed in cattle droving, as a show and guard dog, as a draft dog during both World Wars, and as a 'Firehouse Dog' in the Victorian era.
Perhaps the most distinctive of all canine breeds, the Dalmatian is easily identifiable for its liver spots that show up against its pure white, sable, blue or lemon white coat. Boasting a muscular and athletic build, the Dalmatian is highly energetic and requires regular exercise, thus being best suited to a countryside setting where there is ample space for movement and play. Deep-chested, the breed has a large lung capacity for stamina when in exertion, strong, straight legs, triangular hanging ears and dark brown or blue eyes. The Dalmatian's characteristically short coat makes it easy to groom and manage, rendering it a low maintenance breed choice for the modern family. Another characteristic trait of the Dalmatian is its natural affinity with horses, perhaps arising from its earlier usage as a carriage dog.
Possessing an easy temperament, the breed is sweet-natured, compatible with children and other domestic pets, as well as intelligent, vigilant to change and threat and obedient to its owner when trained. The average weight of a healthy Dalmatian is 25 kg, although there are discrepancies across gender, with a life expectancy of 10-12 years when shown appropriate care. It is not uncommon for the breed to exceed this life expectancy average.
Despite being generally healthy and resilient, the Dalmatian is vulnerable to certain breed-related ailments, including skin allergies arising from certain synthetic fibres in carpets and upholstery fabrics, as well as urinary stones accumulating within the urinary tract. Besides this, Dalmatians are especially prone to early-onset deafness, a genetic condition, with 10-12% of dogs being born with the affliction.
![[REDACTED] [REDACTED]'s Dalmatian - Rufus](http://static1.viovet.co.uk/opt/s=kr/petphotos/29497_21a9ecdc5e1b0d6c5e8c3bade0166f5e.jpg)
From Rhondda Cynon Taff, United Kingdom
My dalmatian is as loving as they come! Absolutely adores kids and loves attention. She's been very easy to train but requires constant and on going training or she can get a little boisterous and forget her manners! She definitely forgets how big and strong she is when she's excited and leaping around the place like a kangaroo but she can also curl up on her poofy and sleep for hours.. she will run miles when she's out, luckily we live on the edge of a forest with mountains right behind so she has all the space she could need and she certainly uses it! She could easily do a lot of damage if she ran into myself or the kids whilst she's in full sprint. She is the worlds worst pouter! If she gets told off she will pout for days on end! Unbelievable... She's worse than the kids! She will slowly but surely demolish my house if left unattended for too long, chews and eats anything she can get..clothes are her favourite and she also likes ripping wallpaper off! She is however very clean and will let me know when she needs to go out to toilet. She is by far a wonderful dog and we wouldn't be without her... BUT.. Dalmatians really are a lot of work and they take up a lot of your time and energy! They look pretty and cute but they can push you to within an inch of your sanity haha
From Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
Having had the enormous honour of training 3 litters of Dalmatian puppies for the 1996 film production of 101 Dalmatians, I felt suitably qualified to own one. It wasn’t until 6 years ago when I gave up full time office work that I was able to have a Dalmatian. She is wonderful! She loves the horses and has even helped us round up our small flock of sheep when required. Always willing to please, incredibly obedient and gentle with our grandson. I trust her implicitly and she gets along famously with her extended family of Teddy our Shih Tzu x Poodle 8 yr old boy and our adorable Rottweiller’Marmite’ who celebrates her first birthday this week. We also have 4 horses here at home and she has an incredible connection with them. Having in fact let us know on two separate occasions there was something wrong with a horse. We love her to bits and wouldn’t be without her, or in fact any of the remaining menagerie!