Dalmatian
Dignified / Smart / Outgoing
Facts
The dignified Dalmatian, dogdom's citizen of the world, is famed for his spotted coat and unique job description. During their long history, these "coach dogs" have accompanied the horse-drawn rigs of nobles, gypsies, and firefighters.
The Dalmatian's delightful, eye-catching spots of black or liver adorn one of the most distinctive coats in the animal kingdom. Beneath the spots is a graceful, elegantly proportioned trotting dog standing between 19 and 23 inches at the shoulder.
Dalmatians are muscular, built to go the distance; the powerful hindquarters provide the drive behind the smooth, effortless gait. The Dalmatian was originally bred to guard horses and coaches, and some of the old protective instinct remains.
Reserved and dignified, Dalmatians can be aloof with strangers and are dependable watchdogs. With their preferred humans, Dalmatians are bright, loyal, and loving house dogs. They are strong, active athletes with great stamina and a wonderful partner for runners and hikers.
Why Care about our Friends with Paws
There are about 70 million stray animals living in the U.S., and of this 70 million, only about six to eight million cats and dogs enter the nation’s 3,500 shelters every year, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
The two main reasons animals end up in shelters are because they’ve either been surrendered by their guardians or picked up off the street by animal control officers.
Only about three to four million cats and dogs are adopted from shelters each year. This means that nearly half of all animals that arrive in U.S. shelters are euthanized because there is a lack of space and adopters, amounting to roughly 2.7 million dead animals every year or five out of every ten dogs and seven out of every ten cats.
Helping vulnerable animals and keeping our friends with paws in safe and loving homes requires a commitment from all of us—advocates, pet owners, shelters, leaders, and entire communities.
