Dalmatians

Every city child knows the medium-sized, distinctly-spotted, short-coated canine formally called the Dalmatian as the "Fire Dog." American firemen have made the breed their own, but the dog's love for wheeled vehicles traces back to long ago, some even say to ancient Egypt. 

The breed is not, of course, the exclusive possession of the fire house. It is prominent at dog shows, outstanding in obedience competition because of superior intelligence and, in recent years, the dog used in road trials by clubs anxious to perpetuate and foster the breed's old-time usefulness with horses.

You can read about "bulldog" here

The English have called him the Coach Dog, the Carriage Dog, the Fire House Dog, the Plum Pudding Dog and Spotted Dick. His uses have been many, ranging from shepherding through field sport and vermin killing. He naturally takes to the horse, however, and has won his main honors in coaching, for which his fair speed and great stamina fit him admirably. The name comes from Dalmatia, a province of Austria, one of the places where he gained distinction as a dog of war. 

There is no mistaking the Dalmatian. No other breed is spotted like this clean-limbed dog. The spots are sharply defined, either deep black or brown, ranging in size from that of a dime to a half-dollar. The spots on the extremities should be smaller than those on the body. The dogs are from 19 to 23 inches high and weigh from 35 to 50 pounds. 

Researchers have been unable to trace conclusively the original abode of the breed but are certain it spread through Europe, Asia and Africa at a very early date. 

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