Dalmatian

Dalmatian, breed of hardy, strong-bodied nonsporting dog probably developed in the Austrian province of Dalmatia (now Croatia) several hundred years ago. It stands from 19 to 23 in. (48.3-58.4 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 35 to 50 lb (15.9-22.7 kg). Its short, dense, hard coat is glossy white with black or dark-brown spots. Long associated with horses and valued for its speed, endurance, and dependable nature, the Dalmatian has also been called the coach dog and the firehouse dog. In addition to its historical service as protector and companion to carriages, it has also successfully assumed many other roles, e.g., sentinel, draft animal, shepherd, sporting dog, and circus performer. Today it is largely raised as a companion and pet. See dog.

Breed of dog named after the Adriatic coastal region of Dalmatia, its first definite home. The time and place of the breed's origin are unknown. Though it has served as a guard dog, war dog, fire-department mascot, hunter, shepherd, and performer, it became best known as a coach or carriage dog, functioning as an escort and guard for horse-drawn vehicles. Sleek and short-haired, it is distinguished by its dark-spotted white coat. It stands 19–23 in. (48–58.5 cm) high and weighs 50–55 lbs (23–25 kg), and is generally even-tempered and friendly.

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Dalmatian may refer to:

• Dalmatae, an ancient bellicose people mostly classed as an Illyrian tribe
• Dalmatian language, an extinct Romance language
• Dalmatian (dog), a breed of dog, noted for its white coat with either black or liver spots
• Dalmatian Pelican, a large bird native to central Europe.
• Dalmatia, a region mainly in the southern part of modern Croatia