| The Dalmatian is an ancient breed whose heritage | | | | hunting. |
| is hotly disputed, it is thought by many to date | | | | The Dalmatian breed had a massive surge in |
| back to 2000BC and to have come through the | | | | popularity as a result of the 1956 novel 'The |
| centuries relatively unchanged. Paintings of | | | | hundred and one Dalmatians' by Dodie Smith and |
| Dalmatians running alongside chariots have been | | | | later due to the Disney and live-action films that |
| unearthed in Egyptian tombs as well as in the | | | | followed. But the breed suffered when |
| remains of ancient Greece and Rome. Some | | | | unscrupulous breeders began breeding high |
| believe that the breed originates from Dalmatia, | | | | numbers without ensuring the health, quality and |
| Croatia but there is little evidence to prove this. | | | | temperament of the dog. |
| Over the years Dalmatians have been used for a | | | | Although Dalmatians are relatively easy to train as |
| wide variety of jobs including dogs of war, border | | | | they have a willing nature and an eagerness to |
| patrols, sheep herders, cart pullers, circus | | | | please, many well-meaning owners purchased |
| performers and coaching dogs. The Dalmatian | | | | Dalmatians without learning about the |
| breed has always been closely associated and | | | | responsibilities and commitment required. Since the |
| retained a strong affinity with horses. They | | | | dogs were originally bred to run with horses they |
| became popular with aristocracy after the breeds' | | | | have high levels of energy and stamina and need |
| introduction to Britain in the 18th century and | | | | frequent exercise. As many owners found |
| often ran along side ornate carriages. Their strong | | | | themselves unable to provide the adequate care |
| bodied athletic build and limitless energy and | | | | many Dalmatians were abandoned and left with |
| stamina reflect these years as a coach dog. | | | | animals shelters. This left the breed with a bad |
| Dalmatians were also adopted by fire | | | | reputation of being difficult to manage. |
| departments in the 1800's and were trained to | | | | Most health problems in Dalmatians are as a result |
| run through the streets clearing the way and | | | | of old age and they can live for up to 15 or 16 |
| guiding the horse drawn water wagons and fire | | | | years. Although the one common problem found |
| fighters to the fires. They were sometimes also | | | | with the breed is deafness, this occurs in several |
| used as rescue dogs to locate victims in burning | | | | dog types that have light pigmentation including |
| structures. Dalmatians make good watchdogs and | | | | bull terriers, poodles, boxers and boarder collies. |
| were employed by fire brigades to guard there | | | | Puppies can be tested after five weeks to see if |
| firehouse and equipment. As the fire engines were | | | | this defect is present and reputable breeders test |
| often the targets of thieves. As a result, many | | | | their dogs prior to breeding. Research shows that |
| modern day fire fighters in the US have | | | | Dalmatians with larger patches of colour at birth, |
| Dalmatians as pets and they are commonly | | | | and brown eyes rather than blue, generally have |
| known as firehouse dogs. | | | | less hearing defects. |
| To this day the Dalmatian retains its guarding | | | | One other health issue with the breed is Kidney |
| instinct but while they are friendly and loyal to | | | | and bladder stones which occur due to the lack of |
| those they trust, they are often aloof with | | | | an enzyme called uricase which is not present in |
| strangers and other dogs. The breed also has a | | | | the Dalmatians gene pool at all. Males over 10 |
| strong hunting instinct which makes it an excellent | | | | years old are prone to kidney stones and should |
| exterminator of rats and vermin, in the past they | | | | take preventative medication. Owners should be |
| were used as bird dogs, trail hounds and | | | | careful to limit the intake of purine which is |
| retrievers as well as in packs for stag and boar | | | | present in organ meats and animal by-products. |