Dalmatian - TOP 10 Interesting Facts

1) Dalmatia

The Dalmatians have their name from the Dalmatia – one of the historical regions of Croatia. It is certain, that Dalmatians had strong representation in this region, but scientist are not sure if this really is the place of Dalmatian origin. It is because Dalmatian traveled a lot with nomadic Romani people and they traveled across a lot of countries in their past.

2) Egypt

Another theory suggest, that Dalmatians have their origin in ancient Egypt. It is because spotted dogs have been found painted on the walls of Egyptian tombs and these dogs looked very similar to the Dalmatians we know today.

3) Firehouse dogs

Dalmatians are famous as dogs that served at firehouses. But they did not extinguish a fire, their purpose was different. They were used as coaching dogs for horse driven fire cars. Their job was to run alongside with the fire coach and clear the road for the horses. Today, there is no need for coaching dogs, but many firehouses still keep Dalmatians as their mascots

4) Other purposes

Coaching was not the only purpose dalmatians were used for. This is pretty versatile dogs and they were also used as herders, hunters, ratters and guards. They served as great guards during the war, when they protect the borders.

5) Spots

You definitely saw a Dalmatian with black spots. Black and white is the most common color of this breed, but did you know, that they can have spots in brown, lemon and blue color? And you can find the spots everywhere, some Dalmatians even have the spots inside the mouth! Another interesting fact is, that the Dalmatians puppies are actually born spotless, they are all white and the spots starting to show up when they are 4 weeks old.

6) Personality

Dalmatians are very intelligent dogs, but the training is not so easy as with for example Labrador Retrievers. It is because Dalmatians are pretty independent, stubborn and willful dogs. That is why you will need to be absolutely consistent and patient trainer to have obedient Dalmatian.

7) President dog

Dalmatian was favourite breed of many famous people, including two founding fathers of the USA – the George Washington and benjamin franklin. Other famous people who fall in love with dalmatians are Dick Clark, Gloria Estefan, Queen Beatrix and Ted Williams.

8) Circus dogs

Dalmatians are natural clowns – highly energetic, intelligent, fun to be around dogs with great memory. They make great performing dogs, because people love them for their adorable apperance and they are capable of learning a lot of different tricks.

9) Unique coat

Every human have unique fingerprints and every dog have a unique nose. Dalmatians have one more unique thing on their bodies, and it is their coat. There are no two Dalmatians, who would have the exactly same pattern of spots on their coat.
10) Deafness

Sadly, Dalmatians suffer from deafness a lot. It is believed, that around 30% of all dalmatians suffer from some kind of deafness. And it has something to do with their coat – white dogs are more prone to be deaf than dogs with a lot of black spots.