Dalmatians are believed to originate from the region of Dalmatia, which is a historical area along the Adriatic coast in present-day Croatia. The breed's name likely comes from this region, though their exact origins are somewhat debated and shrouded in mystery. Historical references and artwork dating back to the 14th century and earlier depict spotted dogs resembling Dalmatians in Dalmatia and other ancient cultures such as Egypt and Greece. However, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) officially recognizes Croatia as the country of origin. The breed was historically used for various roles including as carriage dogs, guard dogs, and companions to nomadic peoples, with documented presence in Dalmatia since at least the 1300s.
