Dalmatians are believed to originate from the historical region of Dalmatia, which is part of present-day Croatia along the Adriatic coast. The breed's name comes from this region. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognizes Dalmatia as the breed's country of origin, supported by historical references dating back to the 14th century in the area. Although there are various theories about the breed's ancient ties to places like Egypt and Greece, the most concrete early written and visual evidence ties Dalmatians to Dalmatia. Historically, they were used as hunting dogs, carriage dogs, and firehouse mascots, reflecting their strong association with the region and their versatile roles over time.
