A short history of the speculative origins of the Dalmatian
The Origins and History of the Dalmatian Breed
Have you ever seen one of those "Swab your Cheek, Find out where you're from" ads? Well, of course you have, we all have. Better yet, have you swabbed the cheek, submitted your test and got the resulting "I'm from here, and there, and wow I didn't know about that one....or that one either?! Well, same for me and apparently for my Dalmatians too! Let's go over the speculative history of the origins of the Dalmatian together.
It is widely speculated that the Dalmatian originated in Dalmatia, Croatia - however, this likely is not the case. In fact, there is very minimal information if any at all actually regarding the Dalmatian breeds true and evident origins.
Dalmatians have been depicted as present across many geographic locations and in artifacts throughout history - Ancient Egypt, Europe, Africa, Asia and more.
It is believed that they spread far and wide by traveling the world with Roman Gypsies spreading from the Mediterranean through Europe and so on.
So the Dalmatian is well-traveled. This we know to be true - astounding physiques, unbelievable personalities, loyal, protective, and intelligent too! What could lead to such an established and reliably pure temperament? Well I wondered the same thing, and my research has brought me on a global adventure!
The Working Dog
While the Dalmatian has been witnessed throughout much of the world dating back as far as 3700 B.C. - the breed is most famous for its history in working.
From guarding borders as war dogs, hunters, exterminators, carriage dogs, and plenty more - The Dalmatian, regardless of its elusive origins, has been versatile, efficient, and in-tune with their human counterparts in mysteriously ancient terms.
I mean, just put yourself there . . . suited up, ready to go to war with your "spotted dick" by your side.... HA! I know, silly, but that is one of the historical names bestowed upon our spotted friends in Europe - along with the Fire House dog, Plum Pudding dog, Carriage Dog, Coach Dog. The Dalmatians extensive history , as shady as its origins may be, have carried the breed through cultures everywhere as a reliable working dog.
You have a Dalmatian who is protective? Well, it is likely and even probable that many of the Dalmatians characteristics and personality traits are innate from a long history of working beside horse-drawn coach. It is speculated that Dalmatians were likely the dog of choice due to their ability to guide the horses and protect those on board - along with having a stature short and sleek enough to maneuver around and underneath the coach.
A barker, huh? Same here - my girl, is more quiet, reserved and thoughtful in her intent, my boy however - let's just say there is a lot of woofing going on regardless of how minimal the cause for alert. While trying to convince myself I had done something terribly wrong in raising him - I learned the actual intended purpose for Dalmatians working along side Firefighters was to bark, literally. - tuh! Mind blown. Here I have been judging my poor baby for being born his way all this time *puts self in time out and gives the dog a treat* !
The 101 Dalmatians Fad
While being the Firefighters colleague for decades has given much notoriety to the breed - the Dalmatian is also well known for riding along the ever famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales since the 1950's, and lastly the utterly dreadful 101 Dalmatians Era....
Okay, the movie is not dreadful - its people, people with bad intentions are dreadful. This right here - this one historically monumental Disney blockbuster has decimated the reputation and the history of the Dalmatian breed for many many people.
Here's a quick timeline -
101 Dalmatians is released - Everyone Wants a Dalmatian - Not many people cared to understand the needs of the Dalmatian - Back Yard Breeders began pumping out as many inbred, poorly bred, mistreated, un-loved Dalmatians as possible to meet the ever rising demand of the Dalmatian puppy - Dalmatians are mistreated, in the wrong families, in the wrong places, being neglected, abused, and labeled as AGGRESSIVE, BITERS, BAD DOGS, UN-TRAINABLE, DEVILISH.... the list goes on and on.... and it breaks my heart but it is a part of their history so we must visit the topic.
This increased supply and demand hurt the Dalmatian breed in so so many ways and if we fast forward to present day there are many wonderful and tireless breeders doing everything they can to preserve the breed standard. Don't get me wrong, there are still TOO MANY back yard breeders looking to make a quick buck - not to mention the countless scams ready and available in the age of social media commerce but we'll talk about those in our How to Find the Right Breeder blog post!
Summary
The Dalmatian has an elusive, mysteriously ancient history and has long been revered as an excellent high energy working dog with a reliable temperament , intelligence, obedience and compatibility with humans. The notoriously spott
ed Dalmatian has been a generously praised, one of a kind breed worth loving and cherishing for their innate capabilities and one of a kind aesthetic for centuries when well-bred by breeders that are informed and specific in their breeding intent and practices.
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