Holding the distinction of being the only spotted breed, the Dalmatian is a medium-sized dog possessing a big reputation! Many people know this breed because of its Disney fame, admiring its symmetrical body, superior endurance, and lean, clean lines. Its short, dense coat is pure white with black or brown spots randomly scattered all over it.

The Dalmatian is lively, nimble, full of life and very smart. They are terrific performance animals, owing to their history as a working and sporting breed, but they are also superb family pets. They are reasonably territorial, but not blatantly aggressive, pleasant to live with, and are very devoted to their masters.

Because they are a hardy breed, they do not need a lot of fussing in their daily upkeep. They are best suited in a household environment, and should not be left on a chain or ignored for long periods of time. This is a people-loving breed, basking in the affection, attention, and care of their owners.

This dogs history is associated with the Croatian historical region of Dalmatia, although the exact origins are unknown, and spotted dogs have appeared throughout history in Asia, Europe and Africa, attributed with a dozen nationalities and equally many names. The dog we recognize today as the Dalmatian has done almost everything”his list of accomplishments including being a draft dog, a dog of war, ratter, firehouse mascot, shepherder, bird dog, trail hound and a retriever! Most importantly, however, he is the original and only coach dog, and his affinity for horses remains to this day as a basic instinct, rendering him a natural follower and guardian of the horse-drawn vehicle.

The Dalmatians expression is normally alert and intelligent, showing a tranquil but sociable nature and a lively, sociable temperament. With their ability to reach very high speeds, incredible stamina, and high levels of energy, they need lots of exercise everyday! They are extremely trainable, up to very high levels of obedience, but they also need firm authority figures who can consistently train them.

Young Dalmatians are very active and need a strong, authoritative hand from their trainers and exercise. In a few years, they will calm down, if they are shown the proper training and handling. Owners who stay on and keep them even after the active years will not regret their decision.

If you would like to adopt a Dalmatian, make sure you have the time, energy and are authority-driven enough to handle them! If not, they might become high strung, destructive, and hard to manage. If you lead a healthy, fit and active lifestyle, however, and you know what it takes to be a pack leader, then the Dalmatian is just perfect for you!