The last few years have seen many of us welcome a new four-legged friend into our homes, as the Kennel Club saw dog ownership soar – and demand for puppies remains high.
But, with 221 different breeds of pedigree dog to choose from, there’s plenty of thinking to do before you select your perfect pup.
Those with active lifestyles might want to consider a larger dog, while somebody with allergies will be looking for a hypoallergenic dog.
There’s even academic guidance to seek out, with Psychologist Stanley Coren’s book ‘The Intelligence of Dogs’ ranking breeds by instincts, obedience, and the ability to adapt.
One dog that often appears at the top of people’s canine wishlists is the Dalmatian – a breed with range of positive attributes that make them a great family pet.
Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the breed.
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5. A furry fingerprint
No two Dalmatians have the same number or sizes of spots, meaning that they create a pattern unique to the dog, much like a human fingerprint. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
6. A dog of many names
Other nicknames given to the Dalmatian over the years include the Firehouse Dog, the Carriage Dog, and the Plum Pudding Dog. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
7. Coat of many colours
While the popular image of the Dalmatian is of a white dog with black spots (made famous in the series of Disney '101 Dalmatians' films), the breeds spots can also be liver-colored, brindle, blue, orange, or lemon. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
8. Famous fans
Famous Dalmatian owners include US president George Washington, Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, actor Glen Ford, singer Gloria Estafan, and playwright Eugene O'Neil. Photo: Canva/Getty Images