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Dalmations are an ancient breed that has been seen in Egyptian tombs. They were originally used as protectors of carriages and horses. Their affinity for horses lead to their use as the leads with horse drawn fire carts. They can live to 15 years and are healthy dogs. The only real health issues are deafness, gout and bladder stones. The Dalmation is not a breed for a first time dog owner and is in need of a lot of exercise. Dalmations became even more popular due to the book, "The Hundred and One Dalmations." Don't buy a dog because you see it in a movie. Get a dog based on your lifestyle and living situation. |
The Firehouse Dog
By: Tony Rogers
This is a a breed that goes back to ancient times. The Dalmation's origins are not clear, but have been seen in Egyptian tomb drawings. Pretty impressive if you ask me. The dogs have been tied to the Croatian province of Dalmatia. But, the evidence isn't strong enough to prove its origins. The breed has been seen all over Asia, Europe and Africa.
Dalmations are believed to be related to the English Pointer. They are an older breed developed to defend carriages and horses. They get along with horses extremely well. The breed continued to show that compatibility in being used to lead the way for horse drawn fire carts. They were also used to protect the firehouses from theft. Thus, their strong identification with Firemen. Dalmations typically stand about 19 to 24 inches tall and weigh about 45 to 70 pounds. They live to an age of about 11-13 years. These dogs need a lot of exercise. They can be quite hyper if not trained properly.
 If considering a Dalmation for a pet, things to consider. This dog is filled with energy, and needs a lot of exercise. They are very loyal to their owner. This is not a breed for an impatient or inexperienced dog owner! They are typically good with other pets and children. They are easy to groom and an average shedding dog. This is a very healthy breed with little to worry about like some other breeds. They can go deaf due to genetics, and get gout and bladder stones.
Dalmations are a bundle of energy and very animated! Animated indeed! The breed became even more popular when British author Dodie Smith wrote, "The Hundred and One Dalmations" in 1956. One thing that is always upsetting, is to see people stupidly buy dogs because they see them in a movie. People learned the hard way that a Dalmation is much different in reality to the live action film. They also learned this when people stupidly bought Saint Bernards after seeing "Beethoven." When you think about getting a dog, don't buy it because of how it just looks, or that it was in a movie, do your homework and get a dog based on your lifestyle and living situation. Then you'll be happy and your dog will too! |
