The other day my daughter asked me why Dalmations are fire dogs. I realized that I really didn’t know the answer. So I did some research and learned why. Then I figured, why not share that information, since many of you may not know the answer.
Dalmations are a dog breed that originated about 600 years ago in Italy. They were found to be friendly, strong, and remarkably good with horses. Soon they became popular in England as coaching dogs…they ran along side the coaches (horse-drawn carriage) and protected the horses from other dogs and thieves.
Fire apparatus (aka fire trucks) were drawn by horses until the early 192o’s. Dalmatians performed similar functions as they did for coaches protecting the horses and apparatus both on the way to the fire and while the firefighter were busy battling blazes. Also, the horses that were tasked to move the heavy wagons were high-spirited and the Dalmatians slept in the stables to not only protect the horses but to help keep them calm as well.
Once the horse-drawn apparatus was replaced by a motorized one, the Dalmatians stayed, both as loyal friends and protectors of the firefighters and a mascot and reminder of the tasks performed.