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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9. Firefighters
Dalmatians are also strongly associated with firefighting, particularly in the USA, where they would guard the horses who pulled fire engines - stopping them from fleeing the flames. Photo: Canva/Getty Images
10. Unique purpose
In Regency England, the Dalmatian was bred to be a coach dog - tasked with running alongside carriages and protecting the horses and passengers from dangers including highwaymen. It earned them the nickname the Spotted Coach Dog. Photo: Canva/Getty Images