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More than a Mascot

CRACKYL Staff

By: CRACKYL Staff

November 15, 2024

At the sound of the alarm, the Dalmatian would alert pedestrians in front of the station that the horses and steamer were coming

By Rodney Slaughter, President/CEO, National Fire Heritage Center

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2021 issue. View the full issue here.

More than any other breed of dog, Dalmatians link firefighters to their heritage and storied traditions. Just as German Shepherds are associated with law enforcement, the Dalmatian is associated with firefighters from North America to England.  Not only has the breed become synonymous with fire service culture of the past, but more importantly, they continue to add value for firefighters today.

A very physical breed, with a strong muscular body that can run great distances without tiring, Dalmatians were better suited than other breeds to work with both horses and the firefighters who handled them. Other breeds of dogs have been used in the fire service; however, since the mid-1700s, Dalmatians had been stable or carriage dogs for aristocrats in Europe, often running in pairs on either side of the carriage and horses. 

Dalmatians are bred to work alongside humans and horses.  Although it’s not been proven scientifically, Dalmatians seem to have an affinity for horses who, in turn, trust the dogs around and under foot and seem to accept their protection and companionship. According to Fire Historian Dave Hubert, “the reason for using Dalmatians in the Fire Service was to calm and protect the horses.”  Horses have dichromatic vision, seeing colors in only two wavelengths, so spotted Dalmatians are easier for horses to distinguish from their surroundings. 

Like horses, dogs are creatures of habit, so the same style of training can be used for both. 

Dalmatians’ History in the Fire Service

Their expertise as carriage dogs made it logical that Dalmatians would run well with fire carriages.  That relationship between firefighters and canines began in the 1850s with the invention of horse-drawn steam fire engines, and lasted long after the last steamer engine was manufactured in 1917.  

Slowly adapting to the new steam engine technology, Fire Department New York (FDNY) began using steamer engines and Dalmatians, which helped keep everything orderly in the mid-1870s. At the sound of the alarm, the Dalmatians would alert pedestrians in front of the station that the horses and steamer were coming. 

The horses pulled the steamer engines toward the scene of the fire with the Dalmatians running alongside the horses and engine-carriage, keeping pace even when sprinting long distances. The Dalmatians would defend the horses from other dogs or animals that could spook or attack them during the run and would stand guard to protect the engine and equipment as the emergency was dealt with. 

With the introduction of internal combustion engines, the role of the Dalmatian diminished and the dogs were relegated to the role of station mascot, often helping keep rats in check around the fire house. 

Today, new roles have emerged for the Dalmatian in the fire service. 

Some Dalmatians have been trained to teach children fire safety, such as stop, drop, and roll, and have proved very valuable in fire safety education programs. In fact, a fire safety education Dalmatian named Molly and her owner, were awarded the 2019 ACE Award in the Exemplary Companion category.

The role of the Dalmatian even extends to the world of mental health. Recent studies indicate that, in comparison to 20 per cent of the general population, 30 per cent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions that can include depression and PTSD.  

Immediately following 9/11, two sheriffs from Rochester, N.Y., gave the FDNY Ladder 20 Company a Dalmatian puppy. Fire Company 20 had lost seven members of their team on the 35th floor of the North Tower on 9/11 and were in need of comfort. 

A Puppy Named Twenty

The Fire Company named their puppy “Twenty,” and she soon became a local celebrity, who was often seen sticking her head out of the fire truck window as the department’s fire engine raced through Manhattan. Twenty was a powerful force for rebuilding morale in the years following 9/11. “I can’t say enough about what she did to help us,” said FDNY Lieutenant Gary Lorio on Facebook after Twenty’s passing in 2016.

Dalmatians also caught Memphis fire director Gina Sweat’s attention when she realized the bigger purpose they could serve. “There are things they could do for the firefighters and the city of Memphis,” she said and soon, Dalmatians became certified as therapy dogs.  

The firefighter mentality is “we are tough and we do not like to talk about things” so Dalmation pups travel to various fire stations after traumatic calls and work with those who were injured on the job and are suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Therapy dogs return repeatedly to visit the paramedics and firefighters to provide them with extra comfort during behind-closed-doors sessions. Pleased with the success of this program, Chief Sweat has hired a team to investigate expanding the therapy dog program.

The National Fire Heritage Center

Our Mission is to collect, preserve, and provide access to the historical records of the fire service and fire protection disciplines.

Our Vision is to become the largest on-line digital network of fire-related history and information.

Our Values are centered on dedication, commitment, and service to the industries, communities, and the people we humbly serve.

References

  • Conway, Fred, (1997), Those Magnificent Old Steam Engines. FBH Publishers, New Albany, Indiana (pg. 214).
  • Hubert, Dave, (2020) History of Dalmatians, personal correspondence
  • Gertler, Jessica, (2019), Dalmatians offer emotional support for Memphis firefighters.
  • Dalmatians offer emotional support for Memphis firefighters
  • Orsinger, Drew & Trevor, (2003), “The Firefighter’s Best Friend: Lives and Legends of Chicago Firehouse Dogs.” 
  • Sharpe, Shannon, (2019), The History of Dalmatians as Fire Dogs.  American Kennel Club (AKC) 
  • Steinmetz, Cheryl, (2005), The Versatile Dalmatian: DCA – 1905-2005 A Centennial Celebration
  • The Dalmatian Club of America

This article originally appeared within the Spring 2021 issue. View the full issue here, or browse all back issues in the CRACKYL Library.

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