HISTORY OF DALMATIONS
(IN FIREFIGHTING)
The Dalmatian's affinity
for horses led them to their well-known name "Coach Dog"
or "Carriage Dog." Their ability and agility to run
between the carriage wheels and the horses hoofs and their stamina
to run great distances made them ideal for traveling long and
far with a coach. They guided the horses through the streets and
guarded the occupants of the coach against the notorious highwaymen.
This ability to run with horse and carriage is the reason the
Dalmatian was so widely used with the fire carriage of yesteryear.
They would carefully and aptly guide the firemen through streets
of busy traffic. In addition, it was observed that Dalmatians
formed an amazingly tight bond with horses. Today, with no horse-drawn
carriages for fire trucks, the Dalmatian has become the firehouse
mascot. Contrary to popular belief, the Dalmatian was not used
because he could see through smoke or because he liked the color
red, but because he was a useful tool in guiding the carriages.
