What makes a good Road Dog?

I've competed in a lot of Dalmatian Road Trials, and have trained several dogs of my own and three dogs belonging to others. I have Hosted, co-chaired, and judged Road Trials. I have chaired the national committee on Road Trials for over 15 years now. I think you could call me "experienced" in this matter. Sometimes people ask me "what makes a good Road Dog?" I would answer: temperament & structure. I would also answer: "Crosby".

I was able to "get my hands" on Crosby (Ch Quicksilver Rhythm & Blues, RN, RD) for a few months last fall to train him for his RD. Not only does he have a GREAT temperament, but his STRUCTURE is the most correct I have ever seen for the purpose of coaching; Crosby was "built" to be a Road Dog.

As someone with a bit of experience in the Dalmatian "field trial" sport of Road Trials, I can testify to the fact that Crosby has the correct movement, the correct structure, and the correct temperament to embody the Dalmatian Standard's description of a dog that was bred to "coach".

I was honored to be able to work with a Dal that so closely matches the Standard and the theoretical ideal that he was actually able to fulfill his "destiny" (become a Road Dog) at the age of 10.

Good job Cros! (and kudos to breeders like Barbara Lyons!)