The Dalmatian is an ancient breed whose heritage is hotly disputed, it is thought by many to date back to 2000BC and to have come through the centuries relatively unchanged. Paintings of Dalmatians running alongside chariots have been unearthed in Egyptian tombs as well as in the remains of ancient Greece and Rome. Some believe that the breed originates from Dalmatia, Croatia but there is little evidence to prove this. Over the years Dalmatians have been used for a wide variety of jobs including dogs of war, border patrols, sheep herders, cart pullers, circus performers and coaching dogs. The Dalmatian breed has always been closely associated and retained a strong affinity with horses. They became popular with aristocracy after the breeds' introduction to Britain in the 18th century and often ran along side ornate carriages. Their strong bodied athletic build and limitless energy and stamina reflect these years as a coach dog.

Dalmatians were also adopted by fire departments in the 1800's and were trained to run through the streets clearing the way and guiding the horse drawn water wagons and fire fighters to the fires. They were sometimes also used as rescue dogs to locate victims in burning structures. Dalmatians make good watchdogs and were employed by fire brigades to guard there firehouse and equipment. As the fire engines were often the targets of thieves. As a result, many modern day fire fighters in the US have Dalmatians as pets and they are commonly known as firehouse dogs.

To this day the Dalmatian retains its guarding instinct but while they are friendly and loyal to those they trust, they are often aloof with strangers and other dogs. The breed also has a strong hunting instinct which makes it an excellent exterminator of rats and vermin, in the past they were used as bird dogs, trail hounds and retrievers as well as in packs for stag and boar hunting.

The Dalmatian breed had a massive surge in popularity as a result of the 1956 novel 'The hundred and one Dalmatians' by Dodie Smith and later due to the Disney and live-action films that followed. But the breed suffered when unscrupulous breeders began breeding high numbers without ensuring the health, quality and temperament of the dog.
Although Dalmatians are relatively easy to train as they have a willing nature and an eagerness to please, many well-meaning owners purchased Dalmatians without learning about the responsibilities and commitment required. Since the dogs were originally bred to run with horses they have high levels of energy and stamina and need frequent exercise. As many owners found themselves unable to provide the adequate care many Dalmatians were abandoned and left with animals shelters. This left the breed with a bad reputation of being difficult to manage.

Most health problems in Dalmatians are as a result of old age and they can live for up to 15 or 16 years. Although the one common problem found with the breed is deafness, this occurs in several dog types that have light pigmentation including bull terriers, poodles, boxers and boarder collies. Puppies can be tested after five weeks to see if this defect is present and reputable breeders test their dogs prior to breeding. Research shows that Dalmatians with larger patches of colour at birth, and brown eyes rather than blue, generally have less hearing defects.
One other health issue with the breed is Kidney and bladder stones which occur due to the lack of an enzyme called uricase which is not present in the Dalmatians gene pool at all. Males over 10 years old are prone to kidney stones and should take preventative medication. Owners should be careful to limit the intake of purine which is present in organ meats and animal by-products.

In America the Dalmatian is associated with Budweiser beer and 'Busch Gardens' theme parks as the famous Anheuser-Busch horse drawn beer wagon is always accompanied by a Dalmatian carriage dog. The brewer maintains several touring teams and claims that Dalmatians were historically used by brewers to guard the wagons while the drivers made their deliveries.