The British Carriage Dog Society holds several performance events over the year to demonstrate and test the ability of a Dalmatian as a Coach or Road dog. These events are known as the Carriage Dog or Road Dog Trials
Very briefly explained - The dog's physical condition is recorded (pulse, temperature, pad condition, respiration, etc.) by a veterinarian prior to the start of the competition.
The Dalmatian must perform several obedience exercises while the handler is either mounted on horseback or driving a Carriage. The exercises call for the dog to 'hock' alongside a trotting horse, keep up with a galloping horse, come when called, hock past a 'distraction' and remain seated or lying down for a set period of time. After completing these exercises, the dog must complete the endurance portion of the test. The distance and time allowed for this is determined by which level the dog is competing at, Bronze through to Gold.
At the end of the course, the starting veterinarian again records the dogs' vitals. The vet/fitness scores are combined with the obedience scores to rate the dogs placement. The time taken to complete the course does not count unless the dog goes over the maximum time allowed.
There is a total score awarded for each competitor, made up of
precourse soundness
recall
hock
hock with distraction
long sit/down
speed
distance completed in time
final soundness
total points are added together Carriage/Road Trials are fun to watch and truly allow the Dalmatian to show what he was bred to do!
Below is a pic of Caldecacre Cwite Contrary at Pjasdals (Daisy) and Julie at their fist Carriage Dog Trials in 2007. Daisy gained her Bronze Road Dog title that year and has since gone on to gain her Bronze Carriage Dog title too
Daisy has since gone on to have puppies of her own under the Pjasdals affix. She has passed on her fantastic working instinct and Clover and Rolex have already achieved Bronze Road Dog 1st and 2nd at the Nationals!!.
This year (2010) Daisy and the Pjasdals team will compete for Silver, we wish them well.
You can find out more info on the British Carriage Dog Society by visiting their website - click on their Logo below.
