DALMATIANS: AN OWNER'S COMPANION. By John Wholey and Gwen Eady.

1999 1st edition. 8vo (174 x 240mm). Pp224. B/w photographs and illustrations. Black boards, spine titled in gilt.

"Some evidence of the possible ancestors of the Dalmatian can be found as far back as Ancient Eyptian times, with other references from Ancient Greece and through the Middle Ages. But the Dalmatian we know today first came into prominence in England during the nineteenth century, as a picturesque ornament to the coaching teams of the wealthy. The dogs would accompany the coaches, keeping pace with the horses over long periods. It was in 1860 that Dalmatians first had separate classes in a show, and from then on the standard has evolved into the one we know today." Chapters include: History of the breed; The breed standard; Choosing a Dalmatian; Puppy management; Adolescent and adult management; Showing; Judging; Breeding; Pregnancy and whelping; Ailments and diseases; Dalmatians around the world.