DALMATIAN

The spotted Dalmatian is the most distinctly patterned breed of any dog, but the origin of its coat pattern is unknown.

In fact, although art evidence points to an ancient origin, the time and place of the breed's birth is also unknown. It gets it name from Dalmatia, a region in western Yugoslavia, but it probably did not originate there. Their ancestors may have included a small version of the spotted Great Dane or pointers, though this, too, is conjectural.

The breed's original function is unclear, but that is more likely because of its use in so many roles rather than any lack of employment, these roles included : 

• War dog
• Sentinel
• Shepherd
• Draft dog
• Ratter
• Retriever
• Bird dog
• Circus dog

The Dalmatian was as a coach dog in Victorian England, the coach dog served both a practical and esthetic role, it protected the horses from marauding dogs and added a touch of style to the procession.

Some of these early dogs apparently had cropped ears. With the advent of the automobile, the Dalmatian lost its place in high society, and its popularity declined. It continued as a coach dog for horse-drawn fire engines, and this association led to its adoption as the modern "fire dog." Its flashy coloration has always ensured that it has been popular as a pet and show dog; however, its feature in popular children's movies has catapulted the breed to one of the most popular breeds in America in the years following the movies' releases 

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