British Carriage Dog Society

A Carriage Dog

The Dalmatian’s role as a carriage dog in this country began in the 17th century when young English aristocrats brought spotted dogs home from their travels in Europe.

Undoubtedly one attraction was the Dalmatian's striking appearance, but they also had a very practical use. Their feet and legs are strong and they could maintain long distances alongside a horse or carriage on rough roads. They also had or developed an affinity with horses. The Dalmatian's strong guarding and hunting instincts were useful when travelling, and in the inns at night they guarded the horses in the stables and kept the vermin down.

Carriage Dog Trials

Trials started in 2003 after founder Alison Burgess visited the US to observe the working trials sanctioned by Dalmatian Club of America. The UK Trials had to be adapted to suit UK tradition and modern working conditions for both carriage and road dogs.

The Trials provide a modern competition to demonstrate the Dalmatian's traditional role as a companion to horses and carriages. It is an endurance and obedience event and all competitors must do a basic obedience test, from their horse or carriage, with their dog as part of the Trial.

Trials test the dog’s willingness to work, its obedience, and its ability to keep up at speed. It is also a test of the dog’s endurance and physical condition is assessed by a vet judge during the test. Dogs which qualify earn the title of Road or Carriage Dog bronze, silver or gold depending on the distance covered (from 10km to 40 km).

National trials are held every year and occasional regional trials are held in different parts of the UK. Spectators are always welcome – there is always camping available to make a weekend of it and the organisers usually put on some fun events on the Sunday morning after the Trials.