Why Are Dalmatians Fire Dogs

Fire engines used to be drawn by fast and powerful horses a tempting target for thieves so dalmatians were kept in the firehouse as deterrence to theft. They are a high maintenance dog breed that thrives with active and responsible owners. Aside from needing extra training if the dog has some deafness dalmatians are a high energy breed who prefer running along after fire carriages than sitting with a child as it watches tv.

why are dalmatians fire dogs

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It is during the era of horse drawn fire apparatus that the dalmatian becomes forever tied to the fire service.

Why are dalmatians fire dogs.

Again the spotted dogs not only guarded the firehouse horses they kept them company during their long boring waits between fires.
The horses are gone from the fire stations today but the dalmatians arent.
Back at the station the fire dog would typically bunk in the stable alongside their equine charges.
The dalmatians also stood guard near the wagon to ensure that no one stole the firefighters belongings equipment or horses.

Dalmatians are often considered to make good watchdogs and they may have been useful to fire brigades as guard dogs to protect a firehouse and its equipment.
Especially in crowded areas.
And when they took off for a fire the dog would run alongside the pumper.
Dalmatians were known to have a calming effect on horses so while firefighters battled a blaze the fire dog could stay with the horses ease their stress.

Horses are afraid of fire and the dalmatians presence could distract and comfort the horses as they pulled the wagon closer to a blaze.
These fire house horses were required to spend hours at a time at a fire scene or hours inside the fire house waiting for a call and despite many misbeliefs.
During the 18th century fire carts were horse drawn carriages.
Since dalmatians and horses are very compatible the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the carriages to help clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the fires.

That being said dalmatians are not for first time or inexperienced owners.
The real reason why firehouse dogs are usually dalmatians.
To put it this way a dalmatians most comfortable environment at a fire station involves constant guarding duties coupled with long periods of running excitement and activity.
Dalmatians are perhaps best known for their role as fire fighting apparatus escorts and firehouse mascots.

Many of the dogs were dumped at pounds when they were found to be incompatible with certain families lifestyles and as a result dalmatian rescues were quickly set up to try to find them new homes.
Why are dalmatians fire dogs.
So when the sirens went off and the firefighters were flying down the road to fight the flames there was no time to inform and clear the streets from pedestrians.