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14 Incredible Facts About Dalmatians

Published: by Elena Suslina · This post may contain affiliate links

Each of you must have seen this spotted dog in the back seat of a fire truck or a movie, but how much do you really know about an unusual breed? This sleek and athletic dog breed, known as Disney's Dalmatian 101 star, has a history, a colorful and diverse past. The subject of history and cultural legends, the beloved Dalmatian, boldly contributed to the history of dogs and the history of humankind.
Today I thought it would be fun to share incredible facts about this breed.

#1 History of origins are mysterious

Dalmatian sitting on top of the building rooftop
The Dalmatian's origins are unknown. Some people believe the dogs come from Dalmatia, a region in modern day Croatia. The canines were dogs of war and used as sentinels. Others believe the dogs are as old as the ancient Egyptians - paintings of spotted dogs running by chariots can be found in the tombs.

#2 Dalmatian Nicknames

two Dalmatians sitting on the grass while looking up and smiling
The old breed has taken on a lot of names over the years, including the English Coach Dog, the Carriage Dog, the Plum Pudding Dog, the Fire House Dog, and the Spotted Dick.

#3 ”101 Dalmatians” and popularity

black and white photo of Dodie smith drawing his Dalmatian sitting next to him
In 1956 Dodie Smith introduced the book The Hundred and One Dalmatians. After this event the numbers of adopted Dalmatians increased dramatically. The breed’s popularity continued when Disney released the animated movie version in 1961. Unfortunately, the Dalmatian boom led to a lot of Dals in shelters. Families found that they didn’t always get along with children. For many of them, they were not ready for the responsibility. As a result, many Dals found themselves without a home.

#4 Dalmatians are all-purpose dogs.

Dalmatian playing piano while howling
The breed is very versatile and has been used for many purposes over the years. They're talented sporting dogs, and are used as birding dogs, trail hounds, boar hunters, and retrievers.

#5 Firehouse Dogs

Dalmatian sitting on a firetruck
Although commonly portrayed as a firehouse dog in story and modern history, the Dalmatian was actually bred to be a coach dog. While running with the coach, the spotted dog protected the horses from other dogs.
Once the fire engine was not horse drawn but motorized, the Dalmatian became an associated mascot for the firemen.

#6 Company symbol

Dalmatian sitting next
The breed has been associated with the brewery since 1950, when a Dal was introduced as the Budweiser Clydesdales' mascot.
The Dalmatians were historically used to help protect the beer wagons and expensive horses during deliveries, thus earning their inclusion in the picturesque group that symbolizes the company.
The current Budweiser dogs are named Chip, Brewer, and Clyde.

#7 Circus Dog

a circus woman with jack russels and Dalmatians lying on the floor and on the chair
The Dalmatian was also used as a circus dog.This breed is both visually and behaviorally a great choice for a performance dog. They are natural clowns at times, the breed is happy to put on a show for an audience.

#8 Guard dog

Dalmatian standing on the concrete with its curious expression
Through training as guard dogs, the Dalmatian can trace part of that particular skill to the history of helping to guard the borders of Dalmatia, in what is now the Republic of Croatia. The name came from the Illyrian tribe called the Dalmatae in Greco-Roman times.

#9 Ratter or mousers

Dalmatian standing on the floor with a ball in its mouth
Dalmatians have a strong hunting instinct. They are great ratters or mousers and helpers in eliminating vermin in homes. It is funny to see a large, sleek Dalmatian chasing or cornering a small rat, and maintaining guard until the rat is detained.

#10 Spots everywhere

Dalmatian sitting on the pebbles while looking up
Spots can be found everywhere. Usually these spots are black or brown, but sometimes they can be lemon, blue or brindle. Every Dalmatian is different, but most have these marks all over their body. If you open up a Dal's mouth, you can even find spots in their mouth.

#11 Puppies are born snow white!

Dalmatian puppies snuggled up sleeping together
This news might come as a shock as it directly negates what the Disney movie ''101 Dalmatians'' might have suggested, but it's true. Puppies are born snow white. They don’t grow their trademark spots until about four weeks.

#12 The problem of Dalmatian is deafness.

Dalmatian lying on the bed with blanket over its head
Around 30 percent of all Dalmatians are inflicted with deafness as a result of their spotted markings. Breeding dogs with this coat can lead to a lack of mature melanocytes (melanin producing cells) in the inner ear. Without these, dogs can become hard of hearing.

#13 They are willful and independent.

Bichon Frise standing in the middle of the field of flowers
Don’t get a Dalmatian unless you’re ready to wake up early and go for long walks. Dalmatians are very intelligent and, as a result, very independent dogs. Without the proper training, they can be willful and stubborn.

#14 Celebrities love Dalmatians

Dalmatian sitting on the floor next to a girl sitting on the chair
The first president was an avid dog fan and was known to be an early breeder of Dals. His coach dog was a Dalmatian named Madame Moose.
The former Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, mother to the current monarch Willem-Alexander, and legendary baseball player Ted Williams are also among the many celebrities and politicians who have had Dalmatians as pets. Ted’s dog was appropriately named Slugger.
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