How Dalmatians Became Known As Firehouse Dogs

I am preparing my list for this year’s Dog Days of Summer, and in going through last year’s posts, I thought this one bears repeating… We all associate Dalmatians with firehouses. (And if you’d like to receive the dog stories by email, check off “American Dogs” in the box on the right. The series starts in July.) Here’s why:

The Dalmatian is described as a strong, active dog capable of great endurance and considerable speed.  When we look back at their history it is clear that they have been well-suited for many jobs for which they were used, including as a firehouse dog.

These handsome, short-haired dogs have always been working dogs.  They have served as sentinels along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, protecting the borders of Dalmatia and Croatia; they have been used as shepherds and hunting dogs, and their strength has permitted them to be used pulling wagons or carts.

Their use with horses goes back to the early days of coach travel in Europe.  It is said that the aristocrats who rode in coaches during the 18^th century had seen the regal black-and-white dogs and thought they were a good addition to their retinue.

As a breed, the Dalmatian soon demonstrated an affinity for being with horses.  They were happy running alongside them, or bedding down in the horse stalls at night–horse and dog seemed well-suited to each other.

Coach drivers came to appreciate the dogs for their protective qualities.  If a coach driver wanted a good night’s sleep without worrying about theft of his horses, he could leave a Dalmatian on guard in the stable.

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