The answer is interesting, one you’ll likely recall every time you see the Dalmatian in the  firehouse or are asked the question..

According to the legend, it all began in the days of stagecoaches.  Horse theft was so common back then that many stagecoach drivers strung a hammock between two stalls at night, then slept behind their horses to guard against thieves.  But if the driver owned a Dalmatian, he could sleep in the house or the stagecoach hotel.  Why?  Because it was observed that Dalmatians formed an amazingly tight bond with the horses.

Since every firehouse had a set of fast horses to pull the steam pumper, it became common for each group of firemen to keep a Dalmatian.  The spotted dogs not only guarded the firehouse horses, they kept them company during their long, boring waits between fires.  And when they took off for a fire, the dog would run along side the steam pumper.

The horses are gone from the fire stations today, but the Dalmatians are not.  The tradition has been carried on and it may be as much for the looks and appeal of these beautiful dogs as it is for their nostalgic ties to yesteryear.