The Breed:    

The Dalmatian

THERE ARE SEVERAL THEORIES concerning the origin of the Dalmatian, none proven. One is that the breed originated in northern India and was brought to Dalmatia, now a part of the Republic of Croatia, by bands of traveling gypsies. Certainly the breed has been known throughout Europe since the Middle Ages as a sporting dog, as evidenced by paintings dating from the 16th century which depict dogs of the Dalmatian type in hunting scenes. This is the only breed of dog with spots, and this is the reason for many of the Dalmatian's nicknames: among them "the Plum Pudding Dog," "Spotted Dick," and ''the Bengal Harrier." Other nicknames relate to the breed's affinity for horses. These include "Coach Dog," "Carriage Dog," and "Fire House Dog." It is in these roles that the Dalmatian is most familiar.

A dog of extreme stamina capable of traveling great distances, the Dalmatian trotted with the carriages, at first to protect the travelers from highwaymen. Later their function was strictly ornamental. The Dalmatian also enjoyed life as a fire house mascot, particularly in the United States. At the first alarm the dog would race onto his perch on the horse-drawn fire wagon and often did his bit by locating fire victims and helping in their rescue.

These are but two of the useful careers the Dalmatian has followed over the years. He's been used as a cattle drover, as draught dog, and ratter. In wartime he's served as tracker and sentinel. In Australia he's been used to hunt wild pig, and because the breed is so adaptable and easily trained he has often been seen as a circus performer. In 1890 in Britain, a group of fanciers organized a club for the breed and in the same year the Dalmatian breed standard was drafted. But, despite all his talents, when the automobile replaced the horse-drawn carriage, the Dalmatian's popularity dwindled. Then, in the mid-1950s, the breed was swept into prominence with the publication of Dodie Smith's book 101 Dalmatians, later made into a Disney motion picture. Since then the breed's popularity has been assured.

The Dalmatian was first registered in Canada in 1902.