Dog Articles
Past and Present: The Dalmatian or Coach Dog
The
Dalmatian was originally a ‘Pointer’ and in his native country was
used for sporting purposes. But in England he was found to be very
inferior to the native pointer, and, as he showed a marked fondness
for horses and stables, he was specially trained as a ‘coach’ or
‘carriage’ dog.
For more
than a hundred years before the day of the automobile, it was a
common thing on English roads to see one of these muscular,
deep-lunged, spotted dogs trotting easily between the hind wheels of
a fashionable ‘turnout’ - so close, in fact, that it had the
appearance of ‘weaving’ in and out as the horses' heels flew back.
The automobile has virtually done away with it as a vehicle guardian
and companion; still its unusual appearance has been sufficient to
maintain it among the fancy and a goodly number find their way to
the big shows.
The Coach
Dog strongly resembles a small, straight-legged Pointer in general
conformation, and differs chiefly in the shorter ear, straight
front, and less arched stifle.
In color
it must be white, evenly spangled all over with round, clearly
defined spots of black or dark brown. Black is preferable and more
usual. These spots must be sharp, and the more even and uniformly
distributed the better. They may be confluent on the ears - it is a
virtue to have dark ears - but elsewhere on the body it is a fault.
In size they should be from half an inch to an inch in diameter,
roughly.
The legs
should be strong and straight, of good bone, for speed and
endurance. The feet should not be large, but compact, and with toes
well arched and pads deep and elastic.
The coach
dog should be from 19 to 23 inches high and weigh from 35 to 50
pounds.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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