Why is the Dalmatian the
official mascot of fire fighters?
Dalmatians have been associated with fire departments for many years. They were used to chase rats out of the fire
stations and horse stables and to guided the horse drawn
fire engine to the fire scene. According to a number of sources,
Dalmatians had a "natural calming effect on horses." Once on the scene,
however, the dogs had other duties as well, including protecting the horses
from other animals and safeguarding the fire equipment from vandalism.
Even at night the
spotted Dalmatians were easy for the horses to distinguish from other dogs
that were attracted to the noise of the fire engine.
So it appears that Dalmatians have a variety of admirable traits that have
endeared them to firefighters and secured them a permanent position in
fire-house history.
- Crestview
Professional Fire Fighters Association Local 2680, Crestview,
Florida
