What is the story behind dalmatians and fire houses?

Question

Why are they always paired together?

Answer 1

Most dalmatians are deaf so the loud sirens doesn't bother them. I don't know about how it got started.

Answer 2

In the days of horse drawn fire carts, they provided a valuable service. Dalmatians and horses are very compatible, so the dogs were easily trained to run in front of the engines to help clear a path and guide the horses and the firefighters to the fires quickly. They are still chosen by many fire fighters as pets in honor of their heroism in the past.

The dogs were first used in the fire service when most fire companies were volunteer or privately operated. There was some competition for services. Some of the firefighters were actually recruited not only for their strength in fighting fire but for their fighting abilities to protect the company and its equipment. Insurance compaines paid the fire company that put out the fire, so the one that made it to the scene, hooked up to a hydrant and completed the task, got paid. The dogs worked well at this task of protecting not only the horses, but the equipment in the stations and on the fire ground as well.

The end of the era for Dalmatians as coaching dogs for fire departments became about the advent and introduction of motorized cars and fire engines. However, they are still on duty in many fire stations today acting as companions to the firefighters and as watch dogs protection the equipment!

Answer 3

I heard it is because Dalmations are almost always deaf, and therefore don't mind the sirens.

Answer 4

http://www.petcaretips.net/dalmation-fireman.html

Best dog with horses!