The Dalmatian got it's name from a province of Western Yugoslavia, Dalmatia.  It is speculated that this is the area where the Dalmatian became a distinct breed of dog.  The country of origin is guessed to be India. This distinctive spotted dog was also known to have accompanied gypsies (Romanies) in their travels. The Dalmatian is referred to in written manuscripts that date from the mid-18th century.  They were portrayed before that in engravings, paintings and models found in Asia and Europe.
    These dogs were, and are, very intelligent and were trained to be watchdogs, shepherd's dogs, and used as draft animals.  They were also seen performing with circus clowns.  The Dalmatian is also a remarkable bird dog, retriever, and tracker.  They have even been used in pack to hunt for boar and deer.  It is easily deduced that from this description that the Dal possesses a high aptitude and remarkable stamina. The Dal also has a wonderful sense of humor, and loves to play.
     The Dalmatian possesses the distinctive title as the world's first "coach dog".  It was the Dal's ability to accompany coaches over long distances in Europe that first brought the Dal to the English aristocracy's attention.  The Dal was used not only for show, but also as a guard dog against highwaymen (highway robbers).  The Dal would assume a position just under the axle of the carriage, or at the bar that joins the first two horses pulling the carriage, and trot with the carriage for 25, or more, miles.  Then the owners could leave the coach with their possessions inside and know that these items would remain safe with the dog(s) on guard.  Remember also that the European and English carriages were built higher from the ground than the American counterparts, so it was easy for this above medium sized dog to fit under the carriage.  The British royal travelers were impressed with the distinctiveness of the Dal, and brought the Dal home to Great Britain to show off their newly acquired oddity.  It was in Great Britain that the Dalmatian achieved wider popularity.
      In Great Britain the Dal would accompany the carriages, but it found another use.  Most Dals got along famously with horses and they would stay together in the barn.  The Dalmatian became known as a really fine ratter, and would control the vermin that would inhabit barns.  It's next job, and possibly the one it is most widely known for, is that of a firehouse mascot. Eventually, the Dal was accompanying the fire wagon to the scene of fires as well.
     The first show that the Dalmatian appeared in was in Great Britain in 1860.  This show was the second show held in Great Britain and only a total of five breeds were in conformation.  The British Dalmatian Club was established in 1910.
     It is not known exactly when it was that the Dalmatian first came to the United States, however, it is known that George Washington, first President of the U.S., did possess this  very unique looking dog.
     According to one source the Dal has also been referred to with nicknames such as "Plum Pudding Dog, Spotted Dick, and Bengal Harrier."  The author has only heard the dog being referred to as a "Dal".

Return to Dalmatian Directory
Return to Bark Bytes Home