Interested in helping out? Consider a donation to DCAF. DCAF is the official foundation dedicated to funding health research for the Dalmatian breed. With their research we can improve the health of the bred for generations to come.
Preserving working dogs for the future
"We are not makers of history. We are made by history."
– Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic preservation is a way for us to transmit our understanding of the past to future generations. History has many facets, and historic preservation helps tell these stories. Preservationists, in all facets of history, dedicate their lives to researching and understanding the past; they work tirelessly to keep traditions alive. Continuing purpose-breeding of Dalmatians for use as coaching dogs is necessary or the historical breed type could be lost forever. Together we can prevent the extinction of the coaching dog and preserve these beautiful animals for future generations to enjoy. "The camera is no more an instrument of preservation, the image is." - Berenice Abbott There are many ways to own a piece of history. For some, it's anything from coin collections or artwork to traditions passed down for generations. To own a preservation-bred dog is to own a piece of history. These dogs are more than just purebred- they have been carefully preserved by dedicated historical preservation breeders over centuries to maintain their historical function, type, and temperament. “A generation which ignores history has no past – and no future.” – Robert A. Heinlein Dalmatians were historically bred to be used as coaching dogs. This meant they had to stay close to the horse-drawn carriage/cart in a way that would not interfere with forward motion. This typically meant trotting under, behind or beside the horse-drawn vehicle. They had to maintain their positions through miles of roads, countryside and through busy, bustling streets. Average journeys could be upwards to 30+ miles per day. In cities, they would be used as the "car alarm" and "parking brake" in that they would help head the horse (park it) and protect the carriage/cart, horses, and cargo from thieves. A proper historical working Dalmatian had equestrian sense, protective instincts, endurance to keep pace, and a biddability to perform complex tasks around livestock in high-pressure environments and situations. |
Proving Preservation
Although the historical job of the Dalmatian went largely extinct with the invention of the automobile, there are ways to prove they are bred with their historical instincts and structure:
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More than just a
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RESPONSIBLY
PURPOSE-BRED
CHIC NUMBERS / Health Tested
Health testing is the number one thing all puppy buyers should expect from their breeders. Breeding dogs are tested for all recommended health screenings by the national parent club. In America, our dogs earn an OFA CHIC number that can be looked up in the OFA online database with all test results- good or bad. Breeder options are always checked. We never hide any results. No dog is perfect, but if everyone works together and shares results, we can make the breed stronger and healthier for future generations. |
WORKING TESTS / Temperament Evaluated
Creating puppies with sound temperament and natural horsemanship is the goal. For the Dalmatians, at least one parent has earned a RD (12.5 mile) or higher title to prove their working ability with horses. Parents ideally will have minimum of two different temperament tests (i.e. TT, ATT, FDC and/or CGC+) completed with excellent results. |
CHAMPION TITLES / Show Proven
Showing dogs is the true test of their breeding and value to the breed. Outrider dogs have titles in a variety of sports, preferably focused on the historical use of the breed. Sports/working are the main focus of my program but the conformation of the dogs is important as well. We prefer IABCA to AKC simply because we receive full written critique from licensed judges (usually they're AKC judges), and a rating of the dog directly based on their conformation to standard, completely independent of the politics. We do show in AKC as well, but we don't personally value an AKC CH alone as merit for determining quality for breeding. |
Why "OUTRIDER"?
An outrider is the one who escorts or clears the way for a vehicle/horse/person. They can also be a forerunner, harbinger of a new (political) movement. In horse racing, the outrider is a mounted official who escorts racehorses to the starting post. On ranches, the outrider is the one who prevents cattle from straying beyond a certain limit. Essentially the outrider is the guard or escort and preservation breeders are guardians of the breed.
About the breeders
LOCATION / Oakland, TN
Name:
Maggie Nicole Moore Relevant Memberships and other qualifications: Member of the Dalmatian Club of America DCA Road Trial Judge Grand Patron sponsor of the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation Show Chair & Board Member of the Memphis Kennel Club Member of the Nashoba Carriage Club Member of the American Belgian Malinois Club Member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America Member of the Sighthound Club of the MidSouth Member of the MidSouth Herding Club of MS Member of the American Driving Society Name: Emily Sue Allen Relevant Memberships and other qualifications: Member of the Dalmatian Club of America Grand Patron sponsor of the Dalmatian Club of America Foundation Member of the Memphis Kennel Club Backed by breeders with over 100 years of combined experience in the breed. |