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antipodi
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Joined: 25 Jan 2006
Posts: 1141
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Thu Mar 23, 2006 3:41 pm
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Spots on the Dalmation
Spots on Description
With its unique spots, no dog is more easily identified than a Dalmatian. It is also the only known animal to be born pure white, the spots appearing some 10 to 14 days later. Why the distinctive marking? Camouflage possibly, for a dog bred to hunt in desert country, where the white coat blends with the sand and the spots are lost among the pebbles.
Spotted History
The earliest history of the breed begins in 3.700 BC with King Cheops, the builder of the Great Pyramid, who owned a spotted pet dog. Wall paintings and friezes found in Greece and Crete show hounds were imported into Greece to create a breed with size, speed and elegance, suitable for hunting deer. This resulted in a dog closely resembling today's Dalmatian. Collectors of pottery will have found that early Staffordshire figures show groups of Dalmatians hunting fallow deer. Even the origin of the name can be found here - a corruption of Dama (Latin for Fallow Deer) and Chien (French for dog) became 'Damachien', akin to Dalmatian, which evolved later. In the late 16th century, the style of hunting changed and the 'Damachien' went out of fashion. Gypsies and wandering players on the Continent, attracted by the dogs' unusual appearance incorporated them into their troupes. They were also noticed by English aristocrats on their travels in the 18th century, who brought a few back to England. They soon discovered that the spotted dogs had feet and legs strong enough to run on the rough roads for 30 miles or so without breaking down. So it was then they became carriage dogs, and many contemporary prints showing them trotting happily behind their masters' carriages.
Spot Advice
An adorable puppy in the house is one thing, an adult member of a highly complex breed another! Spend some time with adult Dalmatians if you're considering owning one. Seek medical advice if any member of your family has asthma, or a related breathing disease. Then double check by spending some time in close proximity to a Dalmatian. They have a constant moult, losing little white hairs everywhere which can cause problems for asthma sufferers.
A Spot of Patience
Whatever the outcome of your discussions - never rush. Your Dalmatian is going to be part of your family for 14 years or so. I cannot better the words of a very wise friend, now sadly dead, who wrote; 'If you are prepared to value your dog as a member of your family, give him wise training, companionship and the stable home life you would wish for your children, the Spotted Dog will reward you lavishly with his own special gift of affection and lifelong devotion'.
_________________
Antipodi
May one day man and Animals live together in harmony and peace
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