Dalmatian

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History/Origin
The origin of the name Dalmatian is quite unclear. One belief is that this dog got its name from a place in Croatia named Dalmatia. Another belief states that the source is a painting entitled "Dalmatica" made by Andrea Bonauiti. This said artwork depicts dogs whose looks are close to that of present-day Dalmatian?s.

But whatever its name's history may be, this dog was bred as a work dog and was most useful in herding and hunting. It started to gain reputation for its distinct appearance and remarkable stamina during the Victorian period. This breed is also known to be fast runners in their own right.

Today, it remains one of the most recognizable breeds of dogs. In pop culture, this breed gained immense popularity among adults and kids alike when film studio, Disney, released the movie "101 Dalmatians."

Description
The Dalmatian is most popular for its unique coat of white fur dotted with dark spots, which are often brown or black; other shades may appear, but when they do, it is considered an abnormality. Though the body is usually the one covered with spots, this dog's nose is also dotted, though the color combination on that area is reversed with dark base and light-colored spots.

Aside from its unique spots, this dog's medium built is also an attention-grabber. Primarily made for endurance, many people admire the dog's frame for its elegance. In fact, its slender built is quite reminiscent of human models.

Together with its built, another description similar to human traits is the dog's facial expression. The Dalmatian can move its facial muscle into an expression that resembles a smile. The Dalmatian usually does this when it is submitting itself to a person or another animal.

Temperament
The Dalmatian is very friendly, especially toward humans. The fun-loving manner it possesses makes it an ideal pet for active people who also enjoy going outdoors. Unlike other active breeds, it is not known for being a guard dog; but once its loyalty to its owner has been solidified, it will put up a good fight against those who are perceived to be intruders.

This dog has a lot of energy and needs to exercise on a regular basis. It would be best to let it roam free outdoors even if it's already domesticated. The Dalmatian is happy and content with a companion so avoid leaving it alone for long periods of time. If leaving this dog alone can't be avoided, it must undergo training to be able to deal with temporary solitude.