 |
| [Previous stamp] [Next post stamp] |
|
| CROATIAN INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF DOGS | Serie: 405 | Type: P | Stamps in serie: 2
The stamps have been issued in 20-stamp sheets, and the Croatian Post has also issued the commemorative First Day Cover (FDC).
|  | | Stamps no: 406
CROATIAN INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF DOGS | | Value: | 5 kn | | Author: | Ratko Janjić, academic painter, Zagreb | | Size: | 36,9 x 24,14 mm | | Paper: | white 102g, gummed | | Perforation: | 14, comb | | Tehnique: | Multicoloured Offsetprint | | Printed by: | "Zrinski" - Čakovec | | Date of issue: | 4.10.2001 | | Quantity: | 350000 |
|
The stamps have been issued in 20-stamp sheets, and the Croatian Post has also issued the commemorative First Day Cover (FDC).
DALMATIAN DOG
Even ancient Egyptians have known these white dogs covered with small black specks and regularly shaped spots. On paintings originating from the late Middle Ages we can also find dogs with similarly coloured fur. They were spread all over Europe on account of their unusual pigmentation but also because of their distinctive disposition.
The first description and drawing of a Dalmatian dog that we have encountered in our times was published in 1792 by the Englishman Thomas Bewick. Much credit goes to him for this breed to be considered Croatian by the whole world. Among the many names used for this breed during his lifetime, he has chosen the one that has continuously and undoubtedly marked its geographical origin.
Nowadays Dalmatian dogs are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. Many people call them the Croatian indigenous breed though through centuries they have undergone different breeding influences.
The basic features of the breed are the regularly spread black or brown round specks on the short white hairs, their built is similar to the group of pointers, and they have a strong though harmoniously rounded and very elegant body.
Spread all over the world through many centuries, the raising of the breed targeted at the esthetic features has caused the Dalmatian dogs to be removed from their old, long forgotten usage as hunting dogs. As a rule, nowadays they serve either as exhibition dogs or pet dogs. With this target in raising, the hereditary body features of the breed have been brought to a high esthetic harmony. This rather one-sided and limited selective attitude has still been unable to destroy the decisive psychological characteristics of Dalmatian dogs. In principle, they are of a clever, adaptable disposition, ready and willing to be taught. Many of them achieve good results when trained for work or sports. On account of their exterior, lively nature and readiness to learn, we can encounter them as mascots of the American firemen who call them St.Florian's dogs. They can often be found among the animals performing in circuses, too.
These dogs show a remarkable devotion to horses. Some people think that this is the consequence of customs from the early stage of existence of the breed - when Dalmatian sheep-dogs have been employed as escorts of riders, horses and coaches.
The contemporary dog breeding in Croatia is relatively recent. Though reintroduced at the beginning of the 70s, it is a fact that in 1994 the International Kennel Club Federation has administratively acknowledged Croatia as the domicile of the breed, and then, in 1999 Dalmatian dogs have finally been put under the full authority of the Croatian Kennel Club Union. This has given great stimulus to a number of our experts for thoroughbred dogs and their breeders. In recent years some of them have joined the world breeding trends on an equal footing. They have achieved excellent international success in a tough world competition with the results of their breeding.
The distinctive world popularity of Dalmatian dogs, and particularly their origin from the southern sea coast, clearly show the demand for a greater number of Dalmatian dogs in Dalmatia and for a more creative exploitation of this breed in the promotion of Croatia. | | |
| | Other stamps in serie: | | | |
|
|
Search
Print
