ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT
The Dalmatian takes its name from Dalmatia, part of former Yugoslavia, but its origins are not very clear. Its basic roots may be the English Pointer.

The Dalmatian has had many uses: hunter, watchdog, and shepherd. A coach dog, its job was to run underneath a coach and keep at bay any dogs that might attack or frighten the horses pulling the coach. Dalt-natians are also known as Firehouse dogs in the tjnited States. Before the introduction of the fire engine, horses were used and kept under control by Dalmatians. The breed remains the mascot of many fire fighters to this day.

TEMPERAMENT
The Dalmatian is energetic and athletic. It adapts well to family life but should I-)e exposed to children when it is very young.

HEALTH MATTERS
The Dalmatian is prone to inherited deafness. Also, urinary stones are a problem and the breed has an unsightly but not lifc-threatening tendency to have allergic skin reactions, hives or redness of the skin.

SPECIAL CARE AND TRAINING
Short coated, the Dalmatian is easy to keep clean but it does shed, thereby necessitating a brushing and rubdown with a rough, damp towel several times weekly. It must have exercise and is a prime candidate for obedience work that exercises both its body and mind.

ADAPTABILITY
Because it is quite a large dog, in an urban situation the Dalmatian should have access to large open spaces for regular exercise.

ESSENTIALS OF THE BREED
Dalmatian puppies are born all white except for those born with a patch of liver or black coat color. Spots vary from about 3/4-1 1/4 inches/2-3 cm in diameter and should be evenly distributed. The white of the coat should be clear and very white. White must show in the ears and there must he only black or liver spots, not a combination of the two. Eyes are dark in the black spotted and a lighter brown in the livers. in both black and liver spotted Dalmatians, blue eyes are only acceptable in the United States. The Dalmatian should have normal balance and proportion, good shoulders and running gear. In the United States the breed should be about 19-23 inches/48-58 cm (with Dalmatians over 24 inches/61 cm being disqualified in the ring). In the United Kingdom, dogs should stand about 23-24 inches/58-61 cm, and hitches 22-23 inches/56-58 cm. The tail should be carried well but not over the back and reaching only to the hock. A gay, happy demeanor, hard muscle, good feet and a brilliant color pattern identify the Dalmatian.

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