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The dalmatians background is somewhat of a mystery. No one is exactly sure on the origin of the dalmatian. Most of the dalmatian history was recorded in Dalmatia, a province of Austria on the eastern shore of the coast of Venice. It is believed that the breed received it's name from this area. No breed had such a disputed heritage than that of the dalmatian. Perhaps some of the divergences in opinion as to the origional home of the dalmatian can be accounted for by the fact that the dalmatian had been frequently found in roaming bands of gypsies and like his masters, he has been well known but not located definately in anyone place. References were made of the dalmatian as far back as the eighteenth century, there is no question that his lineage is anchient. The dalmatian has been noted as a dog of war, a sentinal on the borders of Dalmatia and Croatia. The imaginative might say that his coaching days go back to an engraving of a spotted dog following and Egyptian chariot!. Even the practical minded will find no end of proof, centuries old, of the Dalmatian, with ears entirely cropped away and padlocked brass collar, plying his natural trade as follower and guardian of the horse-drawn vehicle. He is physically fit for road work. In his makeup, speed and endurance are blended to a nicety. His gait has beauty of motion and swiftness, and he has the strength, vitality, and fortitude to keep going gaily till the journey's end. The instinct for coaching is bred in him, born in him, and trained in him through the years. The Dalmatian takes to a horse as a horse takes to him, and that is to say, like a duck to water. He may work in the old way, clearing the path before the Tally Ho with dignity and determination, or following on with his ermine spottings in full view to add distinction to an equipage. He may coach under the rear axle, the front axle, or most difficult of all, under the pole between the leaders and the wheelers. Where ever he works, it is with the love of the game in his heart and with the skill, which has won him the title of the only, recognized carriage dog in the world. His penchant for working is his most renowned characteristic, but it in no way approaches his capacity for friendship.