Spotted
History
The earliest history of the breed begins in 3.700 BC with King Cheops,
the builder of the Great Pyramid, who owned a spotted pet dog. Wall paintings
and friezes found in Greece and Crete show hounds were imported into Greece
to create a breed with size, speed and elegance, suitable for hunting
deer. This resulted in a dog closely resembling today's Dalmatian. Collectors
of pottery will have found that early Staffordshire figures show groups
of Dalmatians hunting fallow deer. Even the origin of the name can be
found here - a corruption of Dama (Latin for Fallow Deer) and Chien (French
for dog) became 'Damachien', akin to Dalmatian, which evolved later. In
the late 16th century, the style of hunting changed and the 'Damachien'
went out of fashion. Gypsies and wandering players on the Continent, attracted
by the dogs' unusual appearance incorporated them into their troupes.
They were also noticed by English aristocrats on their travels in the
18th century, who brought a few back to England. They soon discovered
that the spotted dogs had feet and legs strong enough to run on the rough
roads for 30 miles or so without breaking down. So it was then they became
carriage dogs, and many contemporary prints showing them trotting happily
behind their masters' carriages.
Dalmatians have been a pure breed for a long time. Some even claim that
Dalmatian figures are depicted in Egyptian pyramids. It is known that
the Dalmatians travelled with the Gypsies throughout Europe. Thus, they
developed a special relationship with horses, being able to calm their
larger friends.
When the British began to breed Dalmatians, they found the dogs useful
as carriage dogs. The Dalmatians travelled under the axle or alongside
the carriage, depending the dog's size. This beautifully decorated breed,
with its large round spots, added flair and style to the nobleman's coach.
When the gentleman and his guests would rest for the night at the traveller's
Inn, the Dalmatians would keep the horses calm while guarding the possessions
of the entire party.
Our first president, George Washington, raised Dalmatians. So did Benjamin
Franklin, who was also a fireman. Other famous people who have owned Dalmatians
are Arthur Fiedler, Glen Ford, Gloria Estafan, Richard Simmons and Eugene
O'Neil.A beloved tribute to his dog "Blemie", in "The Last
Will and Testament to an Extremely Distinguished Dog", was written
by Eugene O'Neill about his Dalmatian.
When Dalmatians came to America, thanks, in part, to Ben Franklin, fire
engines were horse drawn. Which dog would be the mascot as friend and
courageous rescuer of animals and small children? Naturally, it was the
Dalmatian. And what a handsome addition to the shiny red fire engine he
was! When motorized vehicles were introduced and fire engines were no
longer horse driven, Dalmatians remained the favorite mascots and friends
of the firehouse.
Dalmatians have been noted in the "AKC Dog Book" as the "best
all around dogs". Males and females are equally affectionate. The
"Dally", who is good with children, shares his affection with
the entire family. The Dalmatian is an excellent watch dog and companion.
Very cat-like in cleanliness, he manages to keep his white coat clean
with little effort.
Ever see a fire truck in a parade without a Dalmatian in the seat up
front or in the lap of a smiling fireman riding in back? Ever visit a
firehouse without having one of those black and white spotted dogs come
wagging up to you?
Why is that? Why do Dalmations and firehouses go together like smoke and
fire? The answer is interesting, and one you'll likely recall every time
you see the Dalmation/firehouse combo from now on.
It all began in the days of stagecoaches. Horse theft was so common back
then that many stagecoach drivers strung a hammock between two stalls
at night, then slept behind their horses to guard against thieves.
But, if the driver owned a Dalmatian, he could sleep in the house or the
stagecoach hotel. Why? Because it was observed that Dalmatians formed
an amazingly tight bond with horses. When they became close as with a
team, no stranger would dare lay a hand on them.
Once the knowledge of this trait spread, more coach drivers went to great
lengths to get Dalmatians to watch their teams. In fact, this practice
became so common that Dalmatians were first called "coach dogs".
They were used by coach drivers centuries ago in England, Scotland and
Wales. 
Horse's Best Friend?
"Dalmatians have always gotten along well with horses," says
Esmeralda Treen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a recognized authority on the
breed. "Horses are gregarious and feel the need for company. You
can't leave them alone too long. Dalmatians take to horses and become
'companions'. Back in the stagecoach days, the 'Dals' would run alongside
the coaches, or under the rear axle of the moving coach. They'd keep up
with the team as far as it ran, sometimes over 20 or 30 miles a day. "
When the coached reached the inn, the coachman left the dog to guard the
team as well as luggage in the coach," Esmeralda explains. "IF
the coachman stayed to guard, a robber would sometimes distract him in
conversation while others pilfered the goods. They couldn't pull that
ruse on the Dal, since they're very alert dogs."
When horse numbers grew here in the New World, the number of Dalmatians
grew with it for the same reason they were popular in the Old Country.
And, since every firehouse back then had a set of fast horses to pull
the pumper wagon, it became common for each group of firemen to keep a
Dalmatian.
Again, the spotted dogs not only guarded the firehouse horses, they kept
them company during their long, boring waits between fires. And, when
they took off for a fire, the dog would run alongside the pumper.
The horses are gone from the fire stations today, but the Dalmatians aren't.
The tradition has been carried on, and it may be as much for the looks
and appeal of these beautiful dogs as it is for their nostalgic tie to
yesteryear.
While all the facts are well founded, there is a common but false rumor
that these spotted dogs that breed enthusiasts would like dispelled. It's
that Dalmatians are kept at firehouses because they're deaf and therefore,
the siren does not bother their ears nor make them "spook" like
it would other dogs. "
I once heard that on national TV and could not believe my ears,"
says Chris Benoit, president of the Chicagoland Dalmatian Club. "It's
true that there is a problem with deafness in the breed, but that story
is totally false!"
What is true is that Dalmatians are the fastest growing breed of dog in
America today. A relative rarity until recent years, Dals are expected
to soar into the top ten soon, right up there with beagles and dachshunds.
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