How
did that spotty black and white dog known as a Dalmatian come to be
associated with fire fighting? Dalmatians have been around for about 600
years. So, to understand how the Dalmatian became the number-one
firehouse mascot in England and the United States, we must take a long
look back in history. The exact time and location of the dog's origin
are unknown. However, because Dalmatians appear in an Italian wall
painting dated about 1360 A.D. and because these spotted dogs were named
after Dalmatian, an Adriatic coastal region, one may assume that they
originated somewhere in this area. But, it wasn't until 1780 when the
name "Dalmatian" was used in the English language. Weighing 25 to 55
pounds (11 kg to 52 kg) and standing 19 to 23 inches (450 mm to 377 mm)
high, the Dalmatian was the perfect size to serve as a coach dog. (In
fact, in Great Britain, Dalmatians are still nicknamed "English coach
dogs" and "plum pudding dogs.")The Dalmatian is a very physical breed,
with a strong, muscular body, and able to run great distances without
tiring. The Dalmatian also has what seems to be a natural calming effect
on horses. This trait about the breed was seen very early on, and soon
the Dalmatian was identified with horses. Possibly horse mounted
warriors or hunters first used the breed in their activities. During the
17th, 18th, and 19th centuries when the mode of travel was by horse or
by carriage, the Dalmatians became a society dog, and trained to run
along side women's carriages. They became known as Coach dogs or Ladies
dogs because of this. In fact, the term coaching is referring to how the
Dalmatian will take up position just off the side and towards the rear
of a horse and run with them.
In the 1700's,
Dalmatians were used to protect horses that pulled English stagecoaches.
Typically two Dalmatians would run next to the horses as they pulled the
coach. When other dogs tried to run out and scare the horses, the
Dalmatian team would chase them away. Over the years, Dalmatians formed
a close bond with horses. During this time, horse theft was very common.
Because of the potential for theft, stagecoach drivers would typically
sleep in a hammock strung between two stalls where they would watch for
thieves. However, because of the bond between the Dalmatians and the
horses, the driver could sleep in a hotel or house if he owned a
Dalmatian. Why? Because the Dalmatians would sleep with the horses and
guard against horse theft. It is during the era of horse drawn fire
apparatus that the Dalmatian becomes forever tied to the Fire Service.
These fire house horses were required to spend hours at a time at a fire
scene, or hours inside the fire house waiting for a call, and despite
many disbeliefs, these fire house horses were not broken down old hags,
but fine spirited horses. The Dalmatian became the horses’ pet as it
were, to help keep them calm. There are many reports and stories of
seeing a fire team rushing to the scene of a call, with a Dalmatian or
two running between the horse teams.
Once on the scene of the call, the Dalmatian took over as guard
dog, insuring that nothing was stolen from the apparatus. The Dalmatian
is a very loyal breed to its owners, and an admirable foe when
challenged. Because of the dog/horse bond, the Dalmatian easily adapted
to the firehouse in the days of horse-drawn fire wagons. Since every
firehouse had a set of fast horses to pull the pumper, it became common
for each group of firefighters to keep a Dalmatian in the firehouse to
guard the firehouse and horses. When the alarm came in, the Dalmatian
led the way for the horse-drawn pumper. In this way, the Dalmatian
became the firefighters' companion and a symbol of the fire service.
Today, Dalmatians are still found in many firehouses in England, Canada,
and the United States. Because of this loyalty, the Dalmatian continued
in the Fire Service once the horses were replaced with mechanical
apparatus. Today, in many large cities, the Dalmatian is the guard dog
of the fire truck while at the scene of fires and rescues. In its long
history in the Fire Service, there are also reports of how the Dalmatian
has rescued trapped firefighters or victims. Overall, the Dalmatian is a
brave and valiant dog.
With all these
wonderful things said about the Dalmatian breed, it should be noted that
the Dalmatian is not for everyone. They are a non-stop bundle of energy,
and when not given a release for this natural energy, they often become
bored and destructive. Many people have the misconception that the
Dalmatian is a hyper breed. They are not hyper, but when not given the
chance for proper exercise and activity, they send their energy in other
means. When given the chance to run, exercise, and spend their natural
energy, their incidence in destructive mannerisms reduce greatly. If you
are not able to give a Dalmatian the time and effort required, this
breed is not for you. Get a different breed instead. If you do though,
the joys of having a Dalmatian in your life are many, and your quality
of life will be increased because of them.
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