In many parts of the world today, the Dalmatian primarily functions as what in relation to its naming region, Croatia?

Answer

A national symbol or historical reference point

The dog functions as a potent symbol of the region of Dalmatia, appearing in local lore, even though the bulk of the modern pedigreed population resides elsewhere.

In many parts of the world today, the Dalmatian primarily functions as what in relation to its naming region, Croatia?
locationDogDalmatianbreed