Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Dot Wiggins wrote: "I wonder if today's Dalmatians (used to be called coach
dogs) would still do what they were originally bred for, run with the
carriages/drays/ fire wagons and keep street dogs from spooking and chasing
the horses? Anybody know?  "

Have several coaching neighbors with Dals -- my neighbor across the road
takes his Dals out with his 4-in-hand all the time. The dogs still do what
they've been bred to do. Not aggressive unless they have to be (they can be
nasty fighters), and they stick with the carriage.  In the "old days" two
Dals is the preferred number: one for defense from cur dogs and to guard the
carriage at night (dog always slept with the coach); two for defense against
highway men.

They are headstrong, however, and can be "creative" at times. During the
marathon class (4-in-hand) division at Devon a few years back there was one
Dal who took great joy at leaping playfully at the face of one of the
leaders, trying to nip the poor horse's nose while the team was trotting
around the ring.  Horse was very tolerant and would simply raise it's head a
bit higher at each leap of the dog. Was funny and very entertaining for the
crowds to watch, but I know the grooms and whip (driver) ... and the poor
harassed leader...were not amused.



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