The History Of The Dalmatia Breed of Dalmatian

Dalmatia identifies the Dalmatians bred, owned, and/or shown by noted professional handler Wendell J. Sammet, who back in the 1940's at Hingham, Massachusetts, laid the foundation for a highly successful breeding program which produced, and to this day, stands behind some of this country's most notable Dalmatians. Now located at Bryantville, Massachusetts and most widely associated with the other breed he loves. Poodles, Wendell has never lost his interest in Dalmatians. In fact it would be difficult to say which breed has brought him most enjoyment over the years as he has a host of truly notable successes in both.

The early names in the history of Dalmatia Kennels include, from the late 1940's, Champion Dalquest Rhythm from Dalmatia, born in 1947, by Champion Williamsdale Sunstar ex Champion Hamilton Belle. Wendell bred this splendid dog to the well known Champion Colonel Bones, son of Champion Williamsdale Sunstar, and in February 1951 she produced a litter which included the dogs Bellehop From Dalmatia and Blue Bolero From Dalmatia, and the dog who was to become Champion Boot Black From Dalmatia.

This black spotted dog, breeder/owner handled by a Mr. Sammet, had nine Group wins to his credit (in the days when dog shows were far and away less numerous than in modern times), and won Best of Breed at Westminster, Morris and Essex, and the Southern New England Dalmatian Specialty in 1954 and 1955 as well as the Chicagoland Specialty in 1955 and 1956. But it was not only as a show dog that Boot Black was outstanding, for among his ten champion offspring was the litter that included Champion Roadcoach Roadster and Champion Roadcoach Roadmaster, bred by Mrs. Mary P. Barrett.

Boot Black's son, Roadster, was, like his sire, black spotted. He completed his championship at age 13 months and was sold to Mrs. S.K. Allman, Jr., of In The Valley Dalmatians at Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Handled by Charley Meyer, he climaxed his show career by winning Best in Show at the legendary Morris and Essex Kennel Club classic, which was one of a total of 17 Best in Show honors for this memorable dog. His 64 Group wins included such shows as Westminster, Eastern Dog Club and Chicago International in 1957. He was Best of Breed at the Dalmatian Club of America National Specialty in 1956, and at the Chicago Specialty in '57. His champion progeny included Champions Tioga Sportscar, Roadcoach Random, and Kiss and Tell From Dalmatia. Another of Wendell's earliest female dogs, Roadcoach Frou Frou, C.D.X., was bred by him to Champion Roadcoach Racing Colors, producing, in April 1947, the lovely dog Champion China Doll From Dalmatia.