| First references to Dalmatians as a breed of dogs | | | | The Dalmatians loved horses and fire engines and |
| are found in history since mid 18th century. | | | | their role expanded to include racing along with or |
| However, the breed was well known throughout | | | | ahead of the fire engines when the alarm was |
| the world long before the 18th century. Spotted | | | | sounded. The dogs became associated with fire |
| dogs of the same size and type have been found | | | | engines and firemen. Even today, you can find |
| in paintings, engravings, models and early writings. | | | | many Dalmatians ride on fire trucks. They are still |
| These dogs were commonly found in Africa, Asia | | | | considered as mascots of firemen and are found |
| and Europe. These dogs probably accompanied | | | | in the firehouses in Great Britain, United States |
| ancient gypsies, which can explain their vast | | | | and other countries as well. |
| spread and popularity. The term Dalmatians is | | | | Dalmatians captured the hearts of the public by |
| derived from the place of origin of the dogs, a | | | | performing their duties with diligence and |
| region known as Dalmatia. Dalmatia is located in | | | | dedication during the war times. Dalmatians were |
| the Adriatic region in Western Yugoslavia. | | | | preferred for sentinel duty during the wars. They |
| Although a favorite pet of man since ancient | | | | also served as draft dogs and dogs for the |
| times, Dalmatians became truly famous after the | | | | shepherds. |
| elite class of Great Britain brought them home. | | | | Dalmatians are very commonly used in circus |
| The upper class of the British society used to | | | | shows. Dalmatians are intelligent animals and have |
| tour Europe in the 18th century. They often | | | | the aptitude for learning tricks. Their showy |
| brought back these spotted dogs. The breed | | | | appearance also makes them very popular. They |
| attracted attention of the masses due to its | | | | are used as assistants for the clowns. Needless to |
| striking looks. The English aristocracy used the | | | | say, they are a hit with children. |
| Dalmatians to accompany their horse drawn | | | | Some tips for feeding your adult Dalmatian dog |
| carriages. They were placed below the rear axle | | | | Given below are some tips and guidelines related |
| of the coach. They also trotted below the pole | | | | to the diet of adult Dalmatians. These tips and |
| separate the two horses. Many a times, they led | | | | guidelines are the result of various researches |
| the procession by trotting ahead the horse up | | | | conducted over the years. |
| front. Such impressive sights and feats drew the | | | | One should not feed any organ meat such as |
| attention of the public and made the breed even | | | | liver, sweetbreads, brains, kidneys or any such |
| more popular. | | | | organ in any form to the adult Dalmatian. Organ |
| Another reason why Dalmatians are very popular | | | | meat should not be given raw or cooked or as an |
| is that they are firehouse dogs. Dalmatians were | | | | ingredient in any food or snack. |
| used in 18th century England as ratters. They | | | | One should not feed any game meat such as |
| were experts in locating and killing the rats that | | | | venison or elk meat in any form. |
| infested the stables and firehouses of London. | | | | |