ALL ABOUT DALMATIANS

The Dalmatian has been around a long time -- since the 1700s. Another name for the Dalmatian dog, from Dalmatia, Austria, is "Coach Dog."

The dogs were used to run along between the wheels of coaches and carriages, as companions to the horses. The Dalmatians were trained to protect the horses.

Dalmatians have also become popular as "passengers" (riders) on fire engines and beer wagons.

The Dalmatian is not born with the familiar spots they are famous for. As puppies, they are pure white. The spots start appearing about three to four weeks after birth.