How Dalmatians Became Known As Firehouse Dogs
Next week we begin America Comes Alive’s celebration of the Dog Days of Summer, stories of American dogs that provide a fascinating look at our country’s past. Here’s a great example–why Dalmatians are associated with firehouses. (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.)
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 18th 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.
Firefighting
People have fought fires since the beginning of time. In America, the first organized companies started with all-volunteer groups as early 1678. While many fires still had to be fought with bucket brigades, men began to devise hand pumps for powering the water spray. As pumps became bigger and better, the companies used wagons to transport the pumpers. Early on, few companies could afford horses so the men pulled the wagons themselves, but as some city companies began to gain more funding, they could afford horses to pull the fire apparatus. With this development, the dogs became useful.
At the sound of the alarm, a good Dalmatian would rouse the horses and then emerge from the firehouse, barking to clear the way. Once en route, the Dalmatian encouraged a fast pace by running alongside the team of horses.
The Dog’s Job Continues
When the wagon arrived at the fire, the fire fighters unfastened the horses and moved them away from the fire so that no stray sparks could land on these animals. During the winters, the horses were usually covered with blankets for warmth and fire protection; in summer blankets were still thrown over them to protect them from stray sparks. At that point, the Dalmatian assumed a new role: keeping the horses calm and keeping them together until it was time to go back to the firehouse.
Breed experts object to a rumor that people sometimes repeat–that Dalmatians are deaf and therefore the siren doesn’t bother them. While the breed has a slightly higher incidence of deafness than other breeds, that is not what made them well-qualified for working at a firehouse.
Today a few firehouses still keep a Dalmatian as a mascot. Many more have firefighters who wiill bring their dogs in for use in parades.
One has to agree that a Dalmatian on a fire truck is a wonderful sight to see.
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