07/11/2022
The Dalmatian ~ Beloved “Fire House” dog…
One of the most enduring symbols of the fire service is the Dalmatian dog, particularly in England, Canada and the United States.
The Dalmatian is a very physical breed, with a strong, muscular body, and able to run great distances without tiring.
Canine experts are unsure how old the breed is. Some reports date 600+ years. Their roots are often said to trace back to Dalmatia (a region of Croatia) where the first illustrations of the dog have been found.
The Dalmatian, because of its poor hunting abilities, was historically often relegated to the stable area of homes.
It was in these stables that the Dalmatian became acquainted and associated with horses.
The personality of a Dalmatian lends itself naturally to be a calming effect on horses. The Dalmatian as it were became the horse’s pet.
The use of Dalmatians as carriage dogs was then easily transferred to horse-drawn fire engines.
It was during this era of horse drawn fire apparatus that the Dalmatian becomes forever tied to the Fire Service.
Dalmatians were adopted by the fire service in the days of the horse-drawn fire wagons because of their gifted agility and because they were unafraid of the horses.
The Dalmatian, with its superior physical capabilities would often run out in front of the horses and clear the streets for the approaching fire wagon.
Horses were eventually replaced by gasoline-driven fire engines, but the Dalmatians, by tradition, have stayed.
In some rare areas you can still see the Dalmatian in the fire station and even still standing proudly on top of the fire engine as it races to another emergency.
Dalmatians are still chosen by many firefighters as pets, in honor of their heroism in the past.
The Dalmatian is also a very loyal breed to its owners, and an admirable foe when challenged.
Overall, the Dalmatian is a loyal, brave and valiant dog.
Brotherhood of 🔥
