A strange opening title, but there are so many thing we do not think of when it comes to dogs, especially the DALMATIAN. We tend to be a bit too” ignorant” perhaps about how versatile the DALMATIAN really is.We are also constantly told how useless the Dalmatians are. In fact they are extremely versatile and as you can see, have many “hidden” talents.They are in fact very able to do what ever we teach them to do. Another proof of this is the 101 Dalmatians movie. Obedience and agility comes quickly to mind.Last but not least..What was the Dalmatian actually bred for in the early days ? Guarding the coaches!! Many people are of the misguided impression that Dalmatians do not know how to guard. Oh how wrong you are.It is in their blood.We just try to suppress it.My own dog are no exception.Extremely friendly but they will however guard the house when the post man ,the bin men , the window cleaner or anybody else comes along.The same happens when you take your dog for a walk.Bark first to give the impression of being agressive then wagg the tail as it is a friend.So never under estimate you “friendly” Dalmatian. He will protect you when you least expect it or on the other hand he might invite them in but not let the out again...

The Dalmatian was in its early days used to guard the postal coaches. They would run under the horse drawn carriage with the head near or resting on the axle. If you read the breed standard on the height of the Dalmatian, just remember that in theory the dogs that are too tall will not be able to run under the horse carriage. Running beside, in front of and at the back of the coach was also part of the Dalmatian’s job.The Dalmatian is an endurance runner. It will keep pace with the horse and you are more likely to change the horse before the Dalmatian gets too tired.

Dalmatians enjoying themselves with horses and carriages

Sadly we have lost the interest for the dogs and horse teams. But there are a few enthusiasts in the USA and here in GB who are trying hard to bring in the event of CARRIAGE DOGS TRIALS.  It is truly an amazing site. The Dalmatian, the Horse and Carriage doing what they were meant to do.Work together as a team.

Dalmatians have a natural instinct and love for the horse and take very little prompting to learn the ropes. If you think you want to have a go at eventing or want to come and have a look and see what can be done, then contact  www.carriagedog.org for further information.

The Dalmatian seems to be a natural partner of the horse, and the riders enjoy their company.Some dogs, even though they have never seen a horse just trot behind or to the side of the horse. They soon learn to stay away from the horses hooves.

There are actually Dalmatians used as Sniffer dogs working for the police and with game keepers. They are looking for drugs or even weapons. They have a super nose and are keen to “play” the game. This handsome liver dog was a very successful drugs “sniffer dog” in Norway.  ”Spotniks Landmark”  and his police handler /owner certainly put Dalmatians up there with Alsatians,Springer Spaniels and Labradors.

This handsome dog is a qualified sniffer dog searching for injured big game (like deer, moose ,etc) This is another Spotnik Dalmatian   

(Photos provided by Helle Hoie)

There are Dalmatians who are qualified guide dogs for the blind. Some of these are in Norway, and in New Zealand a Mr. Lockett trains Dalmatians full time for this purpose.

In Norway there are Dalmatians who pull sledges during winter and go cross-country skiing with their owners. They are very proud when they pull the sledge.

         A wonderful picture of Helle Hoie and her Spotnik sledge dog in Norway.

We even have a search and rescue dog in connection with avalanches.

The Dalmatians are also capable of carrying their own food in their saddle pack and the dogs soon learn how to handle the extra weight. (You have to be careful NOT to overload as this might cause problems.) This we use during hill walks in spring and autumn. The dogs actually enjoy it and as soon as their back pack comes out they know we are going for a serious hike. Excellent for the many hills here in South Wales

The dogs are gradually trained to do this. You cannot just put a harness or saddle on without training.

                                                 Sky knows when we are about to go for a proper hike.

Do not let anybody tell you that the Dalmatian is STUPID, THICK or DUMB. They are smart dogs. Obedience training however is a MUST and they do learn to walk to heel, sit, down, leave, come and all that. This you will find out sooner or later. They tend to watch what you do and if there is any food in there somewhere they are even quicker to learn.

I have some very good personal experiences on the latter part.

Just let us consider the kitchen pedal bin. You would think that is safe from the dog. Oh no! We were in the living room and heard this strange sound, a soft bang then quiet, a soft bang, then quiet. We tip-toed into the kitchen and were astounded to find IDA  Hk Ch Dalregis Celeste Aida To Chandhally with paw on pedal and head in BIN. So we thought SWING BIN!! Well that was a waste of time. Head straight in and bin lid around the neck.

We finally decided on a bin built in, in the cupboard. Yes. She even opened that door but she couldn’t open the lid. Great. Best bin we have ever had.

Food on the work bench.!! Now you see it- now you don’t. They can always reach it. Do not even think that food on the BBQ is safe. It’s food so therefore Oops!! Gone. It doesn’t matter how hot.

When you take your dog for a walk they soon learn where you cross the road and start to turn towards that part of the pavement. If you continue on they are a bit puzzled, then think! Oh great a different way today.

There are dogs that will not go past their normal crossing and it can be a bit annoying when that happens.

Most Dalmatians love to swim and play in the water. This is Duke-HK Ch.Dalrannoch Citizen Kane to Chandhally taking the plunge in the river in Hong Kong..On the beach or in the stream. The dirtiest puddle and they charge through. But why do they hate having a bath or get splashed? When it rains they just stick the head out and come back in.? But show them the lead and YES a walk? Just don’t understand that.

They know when you are expected home. Some will pace up and down; others will sit at the door or look out of the window.

They certainly know when feeding time is near. It’s like being in a whirlpool. Round and round and up we go. Where’s my FOOD.! You don’t dare to be two minutes late. Then all hell breaks loose.

Then the next minute the food is gone.!!

I think the most fantastic thing about the Dalmatian is their SMILE. It’s so wonderful to be greeted with a wagging tail and a full set of TEETH. And they know it. The more you fuss the more they smile. Wonder if they get pains in the jaws from all this grinning. You know yourself if you smile a lot.

How do they know when you are upset? They seem to walk and behave more quietly. Sit at your feet and put their head on your lap and look up at you. And you automatically start to stroke their head. Did you know that DOGS are wonderful for your stress. It is a proven fact that the dogs will reduce your blood pressure and stress level. How? Because you take them for walks, you probably speak to them, cry or laugh with them.

Have a serious think about that dog that you sometimes shout at and find a pain at times - he might actually save your life one day. You don’t know where or when but never underestimate your DALMATIAN. They will always protect you and be there for you.

No wonder we love our dogs and pamper them.

Just remember to LOVE your DALMATIAN as much as your DALMATIAN loves you.