260 THE DALMATIAN 



institute comparisons which are not justified. The 

 structure is very different, while the black mark- 

 ings on a harlequin Dane appear in the form of 

 irregularly-shaped patches. If we wish to liken the 

 Dalmatian to any other dog, surely it is the Pointer 

 that would be selected. Indeed, the Dalmatian Club 

 states specifically that in many respects he much 

 resembles the Pointer, more especially in size, build, 

 and outline. 



No trustworthy evidence exists as to when this 

 dog was first imported into England, or whether he 

 came direct from his native country, Dalmatia, or via 

 France. Although at home he is used for sporting 

 purposes, 'here he has always been regarded as a 

 suitable appanage to a carriage, and his love for 

 horses is firmly implanted. For the first half of 

 last century or still later one or more of these dogs 

 was almost always found in a stable of any impor- 

 tance. They seem to have varied very slightly 

 in type, old prints showing much the same animal 

 as we see to-day. This is very remarkable when 

 we remember how, the majority of other varieties 

 have been improved or otherwise almost beyond 

 recognition. As befits his duties, the Dalmatian must, 

 of necessity, stand on the best of legs and feet, 

 while his muscular development must be great. 



The description drawn up by the Dalmatian Club 

 is as follows : 



IN GENERAL APPEARANCE the Dalmatian should 

 represent a strong, muscular, and active dog, sym- 

 metrical in outline, free from coarseness and lumber, 

 capable of great endurance, combined with a fair 

 amount of speed. 



THE HEAD should be of fair length, the skull 



