One of the most fascinating things about Dalmatians is their history serving alongside firefighters. This breed is believed to have been first recorded about 600 years ago. They have served many purposes through the years including chasing rodents and shepherding livestock, but it is their association with firefighting that has left the most lasting impression.
Dalmatians are well muscled, very strong, and can run for long distances without stopping. It was this ability along with the dog's pleasant disposition that prompted owners to begin using them as carriage dogs in the 1700's. The dogs were trained to run alongside and protect the horses pulling English stage coaches. If an animal attempted to run into the road or spook the horses the Dalmatians would chase them away, which protected the stage coach from accidents and damage.
It was observed that Dalmatians seemed to have a soothing effect on the horses that they protected so owners began to use the animals in new ways. The stage coaches and luggage no longer had to be guarded by a human throughout the night but could instead be watched over by the Dalmatians who were very protective of the horses. It was around this time that the breed became involved in firefighting.
At one point during history firefighters rushed to blazes not in shiny fire engines, but pulled by a team of horses. Since Dalmatians had proven to be excellent carriage dogs the firefighters began using them to clear the way when they were rushing to a fire. Once at the scene the horses often had to stand for hours while the blaze was fought and they would sometimes become skittish. The Dalmatian protected the equipment from thieves and helped to keep the horses calm until the firefighters returned.
The firefighters also had to spend many hours at the fire station and the Dalmatians served as companions and entertainment for them while they were waiting on calls. The dogs became the mascots of the fire station and people began to associate them with firefighting, which resulted in the nickname Fire Dog.
As time passed fire engines began to be used but the Dalmatians didn't lose their positions at the fire station. The dogs often rode along with the firefighters and continued to protect equipment while fires were being fought. In some places the dogs still serve this purpose today.
There have also been instances of the dogs rescuing firefighters or victims. These dogs are extremely loyal and brave, especially when the people that they are attached to are in danger. The Dalmatian is still the official mascot of many firehouses all over the world. Their loyalty and devotion won them a lasting place in the hearts of firefighters. Even though they are no longer needed to clear the way to the scene of a fire, the dogs are still a fixture at many fire stations where they continue to offer companionship and entertainment to the firefighters while they wait on their next call.