Dalmations and firefighters

[kookychant]

Why is there often a dalmation in an American fire station, or riding on the fire engine (I've seen this in 3 films), what's the connection?

[Gee Bee]

I've never spotted that before!!!!!!

[Quizmonkey]

It's true - there's a fire-station themed restaurant chain in the US which has a cute dalmatian as its mascot. There are several theories why - here's one:

These hard-working dogs were trained to escort the fire engine to protect the horses from stray dogs and other animals. The distinctive spots of the dalmatian made it easy for the horses to distinguish from other dogs.

[Clanad]

The Dalmatian's reputation as a firehouse dog appears to be rooted in the popular use of the Dalmatian as a carriage dog, that is, a dog whose role was to run along, beside, and sometimes even under horse-drawn carriages (therefore also known as Spotted Coach-dog). Carriage dogs were useful for clearing the way in front of the carriage, possibly for helping to control the horses when at a full run and undoubtedly because they were attractive and eye-catching. This trait of horse friendliness transferred to the U.S. in stagecoach days.  The dogs could run with the horses, perhaps 20 miles a day.  On arriving at a rest stop, the dogs never left the horses and could be depended upon by the drivers to guard the horses. This was noted by the firemen operating horse drawn fire engines and the dog's place as a firehouse dog has been firmly implanted since... At least in the U.S.

[kookychant]

Wow. Thanks for your informative answers I'm glad I asked.