| |
The Dalmatian: A brief history of this breed
By Hector Sanchez
The breed was named after Dalmatia, a place in Western Yugoslavia on
the Adriatic sea, which at one time was part of Austria. However, the
dogs were known in other parts of the world as well long before they
acquired the name of Dalmatians.
Historians have found references of this beautiful dog since the mid
18th century but also in other parts of the world the historians found
that the breed was shown in several types of unique art like
engravings, paintings, models and early writings which have accounted
for the presence of spotted dogs of the same size throughout Africa,
Asia and Europe. History also tell us that ancient gypsies carried
these dogs in their trips around the world, which also explains the
great widespread and popularity of the breed.
Later on, dalmatians were brought to Great Britain by members of the
British upper classes who made trips to Europe and would often come back
accompanied by some of the striking spotted dogs. After dalmatians were
adopted by the British aristocracy who used them to accompany their
carriages, the dalmatian soon became a feature of these processions.
The dogs were taught to station themselves beneath the rear axle of the
coach, and in some cases to trot underneath the pole separating the
horses. They were also taught to lead the procession, trotting along
ahead of the first horse, which was an impressive sight to see!
When, in 1860, Great Britain held its second dog show there were only
five breeds represented. These included Dalmatians, and so far as
history records, this was the breed's initial appearance in dog show
competition. Were it not for a gentleman named Fred Kemp, who was
President of the British Dalmatian Club and a third generation owner of
this breed with which he himself was involved for more than half a
century, Dalmatians might not have survived World War I.
Mr. Kemp is credited with having kept alive dogs in his kennel through
the difficult and in many cases devastating period between 1914 and the
Armistice in 1918, providing breeding stock at the end of this period.
It is exciting to contemplate what happened to Dalmatians in England at
the close of World War I. They fairly leaped ahead in popularity, the
two Dalmatians registered with the Kennel Club in 1918 having increased
to 125 by 1925 and to 889 by 1932. When the world famous dog show
resumed, following World War I, there were two Dalmatians entered. In
1934, no fewer than 199 Dalmatian entries filled the classes for the
breed, of which 15 were provided.
The dalmatian also became known for his very famous role of being a
"firehouse dog". This was said to have started with the dogs being used
as ratters, for the function of killing vermin in London's stables and
firehouses, which they did with expertise. Today, many Dalmatians can
still be seen riding on the fire trucks with their masters. Dalmatians
are still considered as the mascot and are often found in firehouses
around the world.
But the Dalmatian is not only known as the "firehouse dog", he also
worked in war times as a sentinel, served as shepherd's dogs and as
draft dogs. They also have been seen in circus shows as "assistant" of
the clowns, their intelligence, aptitude, and showy appearance having
fitted them particularly well for this activity.
About the Author
Hector Sanchez runs the online store My-dog-supplies.com specialized in electronic dog fences . To see how you can benefit from electronic dog fences check the free video here
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/25078.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/25078.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| |
|
