Welcome

Welcome to the British Carriage Dog Society
'''The Society exists to help preserve this working heritage of the Dalmatian as a coaching dog. In past centuries Dalmatians would often accompany horses and carriages on their travels. They acted as guards and decoration, protected the passengers, reassured the horses and killed vermin in the stables each night. The Dalmatian is an endurance dog and its efficient trot enables it to cover long distances without tiring.'''

'''The Society runs the annual national Carriage Dog Trials. The trials test and demonstrate the Dalmatian's traditional role as a companion to ridden and driven horses. The trials demand both control and fitness, as dogs are judged on their obedience and capacity for endurance. Our principal trials sponsor is Fenix Carriages and we are immensely grateful for their continued support.'''

Follow the Society on Facebook here

Why not join the Society and support our work - just £9 per annum - click Membership

If you'd like to get started with your Dalmatian please contact Alison Burgess.







LATEST












'''THIS YEAR'S NATIONAL FENIX CARRIAGE DOG TRIALS - NEW DATE! 6th-7th September 2014. Never been to a carriage dog trial? This is the year for you. The National Trials is the highlight of the BCDS year and it showcases the dogs at the very pinnacle of training. But we also want it to be a weekend for those just starting out with their road and carriage dogs, so we have made some changes to the weekend which we hope will reflect this better.

Have a go Sunday You want to have a go, but don’t know where to start? You would really like to see if your dog has the instinct for following the horse? You feel ready to try an obedience round, without the pressure of competition? Or would you just like to know more about the trials, the endurance course, how the dogs are vetted and how to get your dog fit to have a go? Sunday 7th September is dedicated to you. Experienced competitors will be asked to buddy up with a novice for the Sunday morning, to accompany them and tell them all the things they really wanted to know but have never had a chance to ask.

An Autumn Trials The National Trials have been re-scheduled to later in the year. We decided to change the date to allow more time during the year for regional trials, for training days, and for developing new ventures. We also wanted to extend the period for prospective competitors to get their dogs and horses fit for the trials, whilst avoiding what can often be the hottest time of the year.



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2013 National Trials results here

With thanks to Paul Tester and www.swingletreephotos.photoshelter.com for the pics. More here.

2013 National Trials pictures You can see from the faces of some of the dogs out on the course that it was a very hot weekend this year. The canine and equine vets were particularly careful about checking all the animals for stress and extra rest periods were advised where necessary.

















The link to BBC1 'The One Show'  shown on 23rd August 2011 and featuring Dalmatians has been restored. If you missed it first time round, watch it here here.

Ever thought about joining the DaliMiles club?
'''Now DaliMiles has a new target - the 2,000 mile challenge to become a Galloping Dali. Jasper and Amber have!''' Have fun recording your dog's mileage when out walking, running, cycling, riding or driving and work your way through the levels. Click here for more information.



Paul Tester has a site with many photos from the Nationals and numerous other BCDS events - you can see more of his pictures [here http://www.flickr.com/photos/dotty_dalmations/]

Some pics of carriage dogs at work over the years. Lots more on the events pages!














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