The ultimate book on Dalmatians. McCoubrey tells what it is like to own a Dal, pointing out that they are not right for everyone and discretion is advised before buying. If the breed is right for you, this book has everything you need to know to select, care for, train and compete with a Dalmatian, plus information on breeding and raising puppies. McCoubrey focuses on the versatility of the breed in different events and activities. Perfect for new and prospective owners.

 

 

 

Dalmatians aren’t only fascinating because of their splendid black spots. They are intelligent, attentive, athletic, and becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. McCoubrey provides detailed insight into this wonderful breed.

Some might say Kathy McCoubrey became involved with Dalmatians accidentally. She prefers to think of it as fate. Her thirty-plus year love affair with the breed started when she adopted an adorable liver and white Dalmatian from the county shelter. She enrolled “Tammi” in obedience classes, where she soon became a star student. The instructor encouraged Kathy to apply for an ILP number and show in obedience.

 

Eventually Tammi the rescue dog became Ravenwood Tammi, UD. Although she was spayed, Kathy still thinks of her as the foundation for Ravenwood kennels—it was because of Tammi that Kathy decided to make these wonderful dogs part of her life.

 

When Kathy decided to go into conformation, she purchased a young male Dalmatian and began showing him in both conformation and obedience. CH Atlantis Conquestador, CDX, AD, finished his championship and his CDX the same day. He is found in the pedigree of every Ravenwood Dalmatian. “Monte,” as he was known to his friends, produced many well-known offspring, including: CH Ravenwood Knight Games, CD; AM/BAH CH Ravenwood China Clipper, AM CDX, BAH CD; CH Ravenwood Polished Pebbles UD; and specialty winner CH Random Jazz From A To Z. Monte was the grandfather (China Clipper was the sire) of group winning AM/BAH CH Ravenwood Yankee Clipper AM CDX, BAH CD. Monte’s linebred great grandson, CH Ravenwood Stop The World, CDX, NAJ, CGC, TDInc, VCCX, known to his friends as “Newley,” completed his Novice Jumpers agility title just a few days before his twelfth birthday. Newley’s sister, Ravenwood Tricks of the Trade, CDX, MX, AXJ, RD, PAC, CGC, TDInc, although not shown in conformation, is one of the breed’s finest ambassadors through her work as a therapy dog in nursing homes and hospitals. She exemplifies the versatility of the breed. One of the McCoubrey’s latest additions is Gwynmor Power Point, a wonderful young male imported from the Netherlands.

 

Kathy’s real love, however, is competing in the performance events. She has titled dogs in obedience, agility, and road trials, and is currently working on tracking. Kathy is licensed as an agility judge for AKC and approved to judge non-regular obedience classes. She is also a Canine Good Citizen evaluator and a Tester/Observer for Therapy Dogs Incorporated. Kathy has received an AKC Community Service award as well as a Dog World award for her efforts in public education. She is a member of the Dalmatian Club of America, currently serving as chairperson of the Rescue Education committee and a member of the Study Group on Urate Stones in Dalmatians. Over the years she has been a member of and served on the Board of the Orlando Dog Training Club, the Colorado Springs Kennel Club, the Warrenton Kennel Club, and the Greater Washington Dalmatian Club. She was a founding member and served on the Board of the Mid-Florida Dalmatian Club and the Greater Denver Dalmatian Club. She currently serves as as Public Education Coordinator, breeder referral contact person, and agility chairperson for the Warrenton Kennel Club.

 

Kathy and her husband, Lee, reside in Virginia.

 

 

Kathy McCoubrey is a well-known Dalmatian breeder and exhibitor. For the past thirty years she has exhibited under the “Ravenwood” prefix and takes great pride in owner handling her dogs to championships. Her experience is not limited to the breed ring alone, but includes obedience, agility, road trials, and pet therapy.

 

All About Dalmatians should appeal to the novice owner and established breeder  alike.  It will serve as a valuable guide for the average owner. She includes an in-depth discussion of the history of the Dalmatian gleaned from old and rare dog books, a European trip for that express purpose, and discussions with long time fanciers both here and abroad. There is excellent advice about selecting a puppy, health concerns, training, and activities to enjoy with your Dalmatian.

 

The author has served the breed in many ways. She is the chairperson of the Dalmatian Club of America Rescue Education committee and a member of the DCA Study Group on Urinary Stones. She now adds to the lore of the breed with a book that will make an excellent addition to anyone’s library.

 

David G. Doane, M.D.

Green Starr Dalmatians

 

 

 

“…informative breed book and guide…a great resource for those interested in the breed.” (Dog & Kennel Magazine)

 

 

“…a superbly organized and fact-filled resource which is a simple “must read” for those who own a Dalmatian…” (The Bookwatch)

 

 

About the Author

Introduction

Meet the Dalmatian

History of the Dalmatian

Understanding the Standard

Health Issues

Choosing the Right Dog

Caring for a Dalmatian

Training Your Dalmatian

Breeding Dalmatians

Showing in Conformation

Showing in Obedience

Showing in Agility

Follow that Track!

Road Trials

More Exciting Activities

Dalmatians Around the World

The Future of the Dalmatian

Other Sources of Information