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It's spelled "D-a-l-m-a-t-i-a-n" not "D-a-l-m-a-t-i-o-n". (Doesn't it drive you crazy when people spell your name wrong?) | |
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Dalmatians have been associated with fire departments for many years. Why? Many years ago, Dalmatians were used to chase rats out of the fire stations and horse stables of London. The dogs also guided the horse-pulled fire wagons through city streets. Some modern firehouses still keep Dalmatians as pets. | |
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During World War II, Dalamatians were used to carry secret messages and emergency supply kits. | |
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Did you know that some Dalmatians are circus performers? They work well with horses, love to be the center of attention, and are natural clowns. I've seen circus Dalmatians walk on top of barrels, jump through hoops, climb ladders, and even walk the tightrope! | |
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Dalmatians have been around for hundreds of years, but historians aren't sure where the spotted dogs first appeared. | |
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Dalmatians are also known as English Coach Dogs, Carriage Dogs, and Plum Pudding Dogs. | |
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A Dalmatian's spots are usually black or brown. And here's something interesting: Dalmatians are born with pure white coats - they "grow" their spots as they get older. | |
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Did you know that most dogs (including Dalmatians) are color-blind? That means they see things in black and white. But most dogs have excellent eyesight. | |
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Dalmatians have great ears. They hear about four times better than humans. | |
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Full-grown Dalmatians usually weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. Male Dalmatians are bigger than female Dalmatians. | |
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Dalmatians are "people dogs." They like nothing more than spending quality time with their owners. | |
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George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and painter Pablo Picasso all owned Dalmatians. | |
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Dalmatians are extremely smart, stubborn, and may be easily bored. Like some children, they like to see how much they can get away with! | |
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Dalmatians love to swim! | |
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Although Dalmatians have short hair, they shed quite a bit and must be brushed regularly to avoid a "snowstorm" of hair in the house. | |
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If your family is thinking about getting a pet Dalmatian (or any kind of dog), ask your mom or dad to read the Pet Care Guide for Dogs by my friends at the ASPCA. | |
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Click here to be connected to the Web site of the Dalmatian Assistance League, a national organization dedicated to providing a source of shelter and adoptive placement for Dalmatians in need of loving homes. | |
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