DALMATIAN

The Dalmatian is a breed of dog,which has a white coat marked with black or browncoloured spots.

Originating as a hunting dog,it was also used as a carriage dog in its early days. The origins of this breed can be traced back to present-day Croatia and its historical region of Dalmatia. It is thought that early ancestors of the breed were certain breeds of pointers and a spotted Great Dane.

Today, it is a popular pet and many enthusiasts enter Dalmatians into kennel club competitions.

Dalmatian puppies are born with plain white coats and their first spots usually appear within 10 days; however, spots may be visible on their skin from birth.

They continue to develop until the dog is around 18 months old. Spots usually range in size from 2 to 6 cm (1.25 to 2.5 in), and are most commonly black or liver (brown) on a white background. Liver is the recessive colour in dalmatians, meaning that both parents have to carry the liver gene to produce this colour of pups. If both parents are liver, then all puppies will be liver-spotted.

A dog who is dominate black is defined as being BB, a dog who is black spotted but carries liver is Bb and a liver dog is bb. Black spotted dogs always have black noses, and liver spotted dogs always have brown noses.

People have put Dalmatians to work shepherds, and guard dogs, but debut on stage and in the circus. retentive memory made them natural clowned and performed tricks to work as hunting dogs, draft dogs, perhaps most notable was their Their distinctive appearance and natural performers, and Dalmatians to the delight of their audiences.

Dalmatians make outstanding guard dogs and watchdogs.

They keep a vigilant eye and ear out for possible dangers, and will bark to warn their pack when people approach and to scare off would-be intruders.

With strangers, they are slightly reserve and will become protective only if they sense a threat.