The History Of Dalmatians And Firehouses Explained

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a Dalmatian (after spots)? It's probably one of two options: the Disney movie (and its many sequels and reboots) in which there are 101 of these dogs or firehouses. Dalmatians and fire stations have been inextricably linked for a long time. But why did these cute pups become known as the fire-fighting dog?

The breed's story starts all the way back in the ancient world. Spotted dogs similar to the Dalmatian were depicted in ancient Egyptian and Greek texts and paintings. Long story short, a new breed of spotted pup, which was documented around 400 BC, worked extremely well with horses. As time went on and the breed developed into the Dalmatian we know and love today, their fondness for horses stuck, and they became the first choice for carriage dogs. Carriage dogs ran under or alongside horse-drawn carriages and protected the equines and people from outside threats.

Firefighters eventually began using horses to pull their fire-fighting equipment. Dalmatians were perfect companions for the firehouse horses because they could bark to warn pedestrians. From then on, the Dalmatian, with its distinctive white coat and black spots, became known as the firehouse dog.

In addition to barking a warning to those in the way of the fire-fighting carriage or truck, Dalmatians were used in the old days because they could keep the horses calm while a fire raged nearby. That was not an insignificant task. And by the time horses were replaced by fire engines, the Dalmatians were already there to stay — their presence in the fire station had become a given for firefighters and the public. One common health issue Dalmatians deal with is deafness, so many think they're used as fire dogs because they don't react to loud sirens, but there is no evidence that this is the case.

Among the things to know about Dalmatians is that they are very intelligent, loyal dogs, which makes them well-suited for the fire-fighting life. "The evolution of Dalmatians as watchdogs and firefighting escorts to mascot and support roles is a natural progression," Alison Merritt, the historian for the Dalmatian Club of Canada, told Reader's Digest. "Dalmatians are very people-oriented and empathetic, making them ideal emotional-support dogs." And emotional support is key in high-stress situations like fires — for victims and firefighters alike. Though less common, there are still Dalmatians working in many firehouses, like Teela and Truckie from the San Francisco Bay area.

Some fire dogs may be kept around for the cuteness factor and emotional support they provide, but pups of many breeds can be trained to partake in high-level fire rescue, police work, and more. According to the Salt Lake City Fire Department (pdf), dogs can assist in investigations about the origins of a fire and with search and rescue efforts. The department shared the stories of several of its working dogs, from Flora, who provides comfort to 911 dispatchers, to Ludacris, a border collie who is part of the search and rescue team.

While there are definitely still some adorable spotted friends who have a home in fire stations around the United States, the Dalmatian isn't the only breed that serves as a firehouse mascot these days. Take Riggs the English bulldog, a mainstay at FDNY Fire Factory Engine 58/Ladder 26. Dogs of all breeds are brought to hang out and be adorable at fire stations. If they're not trained working dogs, they serve mostly as companions for the firefighters and public-facing mascots for the fire stations or trucks.