For starters, it’s spelled DalmatiAn—not DalmatiOn! Because they’re thought to be from Dalmatia.
The Dalmatian (Dal for short) was one of the first status symbol dogs, bred to make a statement trotting alongside carriages. But they also performed a vital function: guarding the horses from marauding strays. They still love to run, and still make a stylish statement wherever they go.
The Dal tends to be more of a jack of all trades rather than a specialist, and most are just happy to be an all-around member of the family, equally content to snooze on the couch or play in the yard—but always up for a run!
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