Why the breed exists
The Dalmatian held a job no other breed ever specialized in: the coach dog, trotting for miles beside or beneath a carriage, guarding it at inns, and calming the horses it worked with — an affinity so strong that firehouses kept Dalmatians with their horse teams, which is how the breed became the firefighter's mascot. The spec was endurance at the trot above all; a correct Dalmatian moves like it could go all day, because it had to. The spots made it visible, distinctive, and famous. The engine made it useful.
The official written standard belongs to the breed's parent club.Read the official Dalmatian standard →
Choosing a Dalmatian on purpose
Every breed has its own list of required health screenings, kept by its parent club and published through OFA. A preservation breeder working in this breed tests to that list and shows you the results — including the ones that didn't go their way.
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