THE DALMATIAN 



381 



O'Bryen's Melton (Fig. 84). Dalmatians are not often very high 

 priced, the largest sums paid for them being 120 for Champion 

 Acrobat, and 40 for Champion Doncaster Beauty, but the 

 generality do not exceed ,25. The writer had about ^50 for 

 his Lurth and Lizette when they were exported to India some 

 years since. 



The Dalmatian has been accused of concentrating all his 

 affection on the horse, and showing none to his master. This is, 

 however, an unjust charge. Dalmatians, like all other dogs, are 

 very much what they are made, and if the owner forgets that the 



FIG. 84. DR. WHEELER O'BRYEN'S LIVER-SPOTTED DALMATIAN MELTON. 



Dalmatian is an animal appreciative of caresses and kindness, and 

 treats him merely as an ornament to his establishment, he cannot 

 reasonably complain if the dog bestows his affections on his fellow- 

 occupant of the stable ; and strong are the friendships sometimes 

 seen to exist between this dog and the horse. 



The Dalmatian, when made a companion, is faithful and 

 affectionate, if less demonstrative than some breeds, and therefore 

 may be recommended to the cyclist. As to whether Dalmatians 

 show the same pleasure in accompanying a cycle as a carriage, the 

 writer is unable to speak ; but if they did not at once take to the 

 iron steed, they could very soon be brought to do so, and the cycling 



