Introduction

This compendium comments and explains the Dalmatian breed standard (FCI No 153, 1999-04-14). The document is above all intended for use in the education of breed judges but it can also serve to provide breeders with better knowledge of the breed standard.

At the European Cooperation of Dalmatian Clubs (ECDC) meeting in July 2001 it was decided that this compendium is valid in all ECDC (WAFDAL) membership countries. The commentaries to the standard will be provided in three languages: the national language, German and English. Translations to other languages can be made but in such instances the translator must be careful and diligent so as to achieve a correct a translation as possible.

The comments to the standard clarify the variation that falls within the standard for various details of conformation. Comments are also provided that point out what is desirable with regard to various details. With respect to some details no comment is offered since the text of the breed standard is so clear that comments are not needed.

For those clubs that wish to extend the compendium so as to incorporate more detailed commentaries it is of utmost importance that such revision should be clearly stated so that an extended version of the document will not be mistakenly substituted for the official ECDC (WAFDAL) document.

We all hope that we by the help of this Dalmatian breed compendium can achieve a more unitary view of our breed and that international contacts and exchange (especially within ECDC, WAFDAL) continues to develop the quality of our breed.

December 2001

Åsa Boholm & Åke Cronander