- Dalmatian
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/dal may"sheuhn/, adj.1. of or pertaining to Dalmatia or its people.n.2. an inhabitant of Dalmatia, esp. a member of the native Slavic-speaking people of Dalmatia.3. Also called coach dog, Dalmatian dog. one of a breed of short-haired dogs having a white coat marked with black or brown spots.4. a Romance language of Dalmatia, extinct since 1898.[1575-85; DALMATI(A) + -AN]
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Breed of dog named after the Adriatic coastal region of Dalmatia, its first definite home.The time and place of the breed's origin are unknown. Though it has served as a guard dog, war dog, fire-department mascot, hunter, shepherd, and performer, it became best known as a coach or carriage dog, functioning as an escort and guard for horse-drawn vehicles. Sleek and short-haired, it is distinguished by its dark-spotted white coat. It stands 19–23 in. (48–58.5 cm) high and weighs 50–55 lbs (23–25 kg), and is generally even-tempered and friendly.
Dalmatian.© Ron Kimball* * *
▪ breed of dogdog breed named after the Adriatic coastal region of Dalmatia, Croatia, its first definite home. The origins of the breed are unknown. The Dalmatian has served as a sentinel, war dog, fire department mascot, hunter, shepherd, and performer. It is best known, however, as a coach or carriage dog, functioning as an escort and guard for horse-drawn vehicles. A sleek, symmetrically built, short-haired dog, the Dalmatian is characterized by its dark-spotted white coat. The pups are born white, and the spots develop a few weeks after birth. The Dalmatian stands 19 to 23 inches (48 to 58 cm) and weighs 50 to 55 pounds (23 to 25 kg). In general, it is even-tempered and friendly. Among its nicknames are English coach dog, firehouse dog, and plum-pudding dog.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
