I'm back!!!

The next one is Dalmations, for our boy Blue. I got my information from, www.k9web.com/dogs-faqs/breeds/dalmations.html

Many people believe that the first established home of the Dalmation is Dalmatia, a section of Yugoslavia that was once part of Austria. References have been made to the breed since the mid 18th century, but its roots almost certainly go back a long time before that.

The oldest activity that the Dalmation is known for is coaching. Early engravings and drawings show spotted dogs accompanying Egyptian chariots. The size, stamina and guard dog abilities made them popular with the English aristocracy to accompany horse drawn carriages. their size allowed them to fit under the rear axle of the coach, where they often ran. Their stamina allowed them to keep up with the horses and guard dog tendencies allowed the owners to leave the coach without worrying about their possessions. It was often said that a coach was better left in the care of the dogs than the coachman, who could easily be distracted by highway robbers.

The Dalmation is most famous for being the fire house dog. this probably started in London where they were first acquired as "ratters", to kill vermin in London'ts stables and firehouses. Soon they were running alongside the fire engine. To this day, many firehouses in Great Birtain and the USA have a Dalmation, although now, they are more likely to be seen riding on the fire truck instead of along side it.

The breed's first appearance in a dog show was in Great Britain in 1860. The first American show appearance was in 1926, when the Dalmation Club of American held its first National Specialty Show.