Why are Dalmatians Fire Dogs?

So, you’ve seen all the fire-fighting posters with the little black and white canine mascots on them. We agree that they look dashing on them but spoiler alert! – Their looks aren’t the reason they are on them. There is a fascinating history behind how these spotted wonders became the unofficial mascots of firefighters.

Here’s the entire story for you!  

The History of Dalmatians

It all started back in the 1700s when wealthy aristocrats sought out these unusual-looking spotted dogs for use with their coaches. Now, the thing about Dalmatians is that apart from their unique looks, they are very strong, and muscular and can run long distances without breaking a sweat. So, they would run behind or alongside the coaches. This gave a superior touch to the wealthy carriages.  

But their purpose didn’t stop there. Horses are gregarious and feel the need for company. Dalmatians became their companions as they were stable and provided comfort to the horses. They became an important part of any stable that housed teams of pulling horses. They would run alongside the horses or under the axle of the coach and keep up with the team for as much as 20 - 30 miles per day. They would also help to clear the way for the team and keep other dogs from interfering with the horses. ⁽¹⁾

If these benefits weren't enough, Dalmatians also acted as guardians of the stables as horse theft was common back in the days. 

You may be wondering that this yet doesn’t show their association with firefighting. Don’t worry, we are coming to it. It wouldn’t be a good story if it had no suspense and a build-up. 

There was a time when firefighting service was not provided by the government but was privately operated. The companies had to compete to provide the services. Insurance companies paid the fire company that put out the fire. The first truck to reach, hook up the hydrant and complete the task was paid. We are talking about trucks pulled by horses here. 

Some of the firefighters were recruited not only for their strength in fighting fire but also for their fighting abilities to protect the company and its equipment. Dalmatians came to the rescue then. They protected not only the horses but also the equipment in the stations and on the fire ground. They even helped clear the way in front of the horses so the carriages could reach the location faster. ⁽¹⁾

And this is how these wonderful dogs became the pride of firefighting services!

Why Do Dalmatians Like Horses?

You know when something just clicks without any specific reason? Dalmatians and horses are something like that. “Dalmatians have always gotten along well with horses,” says Esmerelda Treen of Milwaukee, a recognized authority on the breed. ⁽²⁾ And given their history, they were bound to develop a strong bond with them. 

If you search the internet, you’ll find small babies having a strong bond with tigers and lions. It’s probably because they’ve grown up with them. We can assume something similar here. The only difference is that today’s Dalmatians are more house companions than stable ones. But then some things just become a part of genetics.  

Are Dalmatians Still Used as Fire Dogs?

Motorized cars and fire engines became the reason for the end of the Dalmatian era for firefighters. However, you may still find them on duty as companions to the firefighters. 

Should I Get a Dalmatian?

Dalmatians are like the rockstars of the dog world. They come with charisma and flair. But coupled with those, does come a little bit of a rebellious streak. They can be very protective of their owners. And hence, they may not greet all strangers and other dogs nicely. Leaving them alone for a long time can also cause problems as they tend to develop separation anxiety which can result in destructive behaviors like excessive barking or chewing. ⁽³⁾

So, if you’re looking for an intelligent, energetic, lively, sometimes rebellious dog that makes everyone on the road turn their eyes, then you should definitely go ahead with getting a Dalmatian home. 

More About Spot Pet Insurance

Before you get a Dalmatian home, there is something you need to know about them. Dalmatians are highly prone to deafness. Dalmatians are born with normal hearing but as time passes, some start becoming deaf. This condition is inherited in them. The disease process seems to be linked to an abnormality of the function of melanocytes – the cells that produce and contain the black skin pigment. ⁽⁴⁾  

Apart from deafness, they are also prone to some other medical conditions. These include – ⁽⁵⁾

The treatment cost for these can sometimes put a big dent in your savings. With pet health insurance, you can save up to 90% of them. With Spot Pet, you can save many more costs. 

Spot accident and illness plans can be used with any licensed vet in Canada or the U.S. Whether you are home, or traveling to the U.S., veterinary services your pet receives for the diagnosis, treatment, or management of covered conditions can be eligible for reimbursement. Spot’s accident and illness plans can help cover a variety of conditions including broken bones, lacerations, aggression, kidney disease, diabetes, and more. With the addition of Wellness Riders for an extra cost, you can also receive reimbursements for wellness exams, certain vaccinations, dental cleanings, and more. 

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